Sean Heilweil

Early stage founders run into this all the time: So much to do and not enough resources. The best advice: 1) pause; 2) think through the what, the why, and the how. That’s how you’ll achieve your goals. In our newest episode, Bryan Karas and guest Catherine Donaldson, startup and Go-To-Market leader, dive into the Go-To-Market landscape and the common challenges that early-stage founders face at different inflection points. Are you at an inflection point? Tune in and you’ll find out. Link in the comments.

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Raising a Series A round in today’s competitive market can be a daunting task. To equip seed-stage founders with the insights and strategies needed for success, TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 will host a crucial session on the Builders Stage titled “What You Need to Raise a Series A Today.” This session will bring together some of the industry’s most experienced investors to share what they and their firms are looking for in their next Series A deals. Attendees of this session will gain unparalleled insights from these industry veterans, learning what investors are currently seeking and how to position their startups for success. From understanding the key metrics and milestones that matter to investors, to crafting a compelling narrative that highlights their startup’s unique value proposition, founders will take away the knowledge and confidence needed to secure their Series A funding. Let’s meet these Series A mavens! #ai #tech #technology #AItech #business

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🚀 AlleyCorp Closes $250M Fund to Fuel Tech Innovation in NYC and Beyond🗽 🌟 Founded by NYC internet entrepreneur Kevin Ryan, AlleyCorp incubates and invests in transformative companies across diverse verticals including Diversified Technology, Healthcare, Robotics, and Impact. 💡💰 🤝 The fund, backed by a select group of LPs, supports AlleyCorp's mission to originate ideas, hire teams, provide initial funding, and maintain integral leadership throughout the company’s lifecycle. 🌱🔍 💼 With about 20–30 new investments and 5–8 incubations per year, AlleyCorp has a track record of nurturing early-stage tech pioneers. 📈🌐 🦄 Notable investments include MongoDB (NASDAQ: MDB), Business Insider, Gilt Groupe, Zola, and Nomad Health, shaping the landscape of tech innovation in NYC. 🌆🌟 🔬 AlleyCorp also announces the incubation of Radical AI, pioneering AI-driven materials design, and Conduce Health, revolutionizing access to personalized healthcare specialists. 💻🏥 ✅ Looking to raise capital for your #fund and increase the international pool of your LP #investors?   🤝 Need warm #LP introductions?   📝 Selling #secondaries to increase liquidity?   🧐 Looking for co-investments?   ▶ G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks: https://lnkd.in/gjC_EuTE #VentureCapital #TechInnovation #NYCTech #StartupInvestment #Incubation #AlleyCorp #ImpactInvesting #HealthTech #AI #Robotics #DiversifiedTechnology #InvestmentStrategy

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Check out the latest issue of my investor-focused newsletter Not From Concentrate!

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Drop In Venture Funding To Black-Founded Startups Greatly Outpaces Market Decline Chris MetinkoGené Teare February 27, 2024 Venture funding to Black-founded U.S. startups last year totaled only $705 million — marking the first time since 2016 that the figure failed to even reach $1 billion, Crunchbase data shows. The decline in capital to Black-founded companies greatly outpaces the overall decline in startup funding. While total venture dollars in the U.S. fell 37% last year, funding to Black-founded startups dropped a staggering 71%, according to Crunchbase data. Last year’s total investment in Black-founded startups in the U.S. marks the lowest amount since such startups raised only $582 million in 2016. The drop in total dollars also meant Black-founded startups received their lowest share in the venture market since at least 2016, per Crunchbase. Black-founded startups received less than 0.5% of the $140.4 billion in venture funding all U.S.-based startups received last year. In 2021, Black-founded startups received 1.4% of all U.S. venture funding. In 2022, it was 1.1%.

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This is a big deal. A new #investment structure for #startups like this is a big #deal. Helping more #founders connect with more #angelinvestors is a great project that can have beneficial ripple effects of increasing #startup investment worldwide. Thanks to the Angel Capital Association for initiating this work to help #entrepreneurs. Pat Gouhin Ronald Weissman John Harbison Tony Shipley Marcia Dawood Silvia Mah PhD, MBA Eli Velasquez Nicole Washington Damien Delgado TCA Venture Group TCA Venture Group Orange County David Friedman Digvijay (Sunny) Singh, Ph.D. Parisa Khosropour Dave de Csepel Pat Hwang StartupCouncil.org

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How to pitch: The company has zero traction —> “We’re early” You only have 2 customers —> “We’re working with design partners” You currently have no revenue but hoping some pipeline finally closes —> “we’re on track to exit this year at $3M ARR” You’re in the natural kill zone of a FAANG —> “We view them as partners rather than competitors” There’s no way the tech can actually work —>“We’re manifesting the future” And of course: One of your developers uses Co-Pilot to write some front end code —> “We’re an AI company”

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California's Carbon Champions in this week's Climate Tech Roundup number 21 #climatetechquartet. Cool stuff happening in our state to fight #CO2. Here are 4 #California early-stage companies working on clever ways to capture or utilize carbon. Check them out: Ebb Carbon HQ: California Founders: Ben Tarbell, Matthew Eisaman, Todd Pelman Ebb Carbon uses #electrochemistry to remove carbon dioxide from the ocean while also reducing ocean acidity. Their innovative approach not only helps combat climate change but also addresses the growing problem of #oceanacidification, benefiting marine ecosystems. Blue Planet Environmental Systems Inc. HQ: California Founder: Brent Constantz Blue Planet Systems is creating carbon-negative #concrete by mineralizing CO2 in building materials. Their process captures CO2 from industrial sources and permanently stores it in synthetic #limestone aggregate, which can then be used in concrete production, effectively turning a carbon problem into a valuable #construction material. Curious about more climate tech startup updates? Stay in the loop, I publish a new episode of my #climatetechquartet every week. Twelve HQ: California Founders: Kendra Kuhl, Etosha (Eee-tah-sha) Cave, and Nicholas Flanders Twelve is transforming CO2 into valuable products and materials. Using their carbon transformation technology, they're able to convert captured carbon dioxide into chemicals, materials, and fuels that are typically made from #petroleum. Heirloom HQ: California Founders: Shashank Samala, Noah McQueen Heirloom Carbon is accelerating the natural process of #carbonmineralization. By enhancing the ability of minerals to absorb CO2 from the air, they're developing a scalable, permanent carbon removal solution. #carboncapture #climatetech #CO2 #carbon #carbonoffset #greenstartups #cleantech #california #Innovation #carbonremoval #netzero #sustainability

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🌟 Exciting news from Global Founders Capital🌟 📢Global Founders Capital, the Berlin-based VC firm closely associated with Rocket Internet SE, is making a strategic pivot. Instead of raising another fund, it will exclusively deploy capital from Rocket Internet's balance sheet. This move reflects their commitment to quality investments over quantity. 👨‍🏫Partner at Global Founders Capital, David Sainteff, explains, "There have been quite a few changes at Global Founders Capital in recent years... [and] it's not a great time to invest as we don't believe there are that many good opportunities that meet the firm's criteria." 🎯Despite the decision not to raise a third fund, Global Founders Capital has a strong track record. Sainteff notes, "Fund I is going to generate returns between 3x and 4x... For the second fund, it's far too early [to say], but we have a few clear winners like PennyLane. 🔎"Global Founders Capital was originally structured as a traditional VC firm with several limited partners participating in funds. With its first fund, it backed then-future unicorns such as Personio, Revolut and SumUp. With its second fund, the firm invested in several companies such as Ankorstore and Seyna. 💰With €300 million at their disposal, Global Founders Capital remains competitive in the early-stage investment landscape. This shift also means the firm will focus solely on early-stage ventures, with the ability for follow-on investments in later rounds. 💡The decision to pivot reverses much of the fund's earlier expansion. Now, with a leaner team of five partners and a renewed focus, Global Founders Capital is positioned to thrive in the ever-changing VC landscape. As Sainteff emphasizes, "We have €300 million to deploy for venture investments on the balance sheet. We don't have any fundraising planned." This ensures they have the flexibility to capitalize on investment opportunities when they arise. 📝The new strategy means Global Founders Capital is now much smaller than it used to be, with only five partners left: Fabricio Pettená, Don Stalter, Cedric Asselman, Sainteff and of course Rocket Internet co-founder and CEO Oliver Samwer. ⚠“It wasn’t the best moment to raise funds with [limited partners],” Sainteff told TechCrunch. “We think it was difficult to have the imperative to deploy capital.” “It’s an easy decision to make when you have €300 million in the bank,” he added. “If other VC firms were in the same boat, they would have made the same decision. We don’t rule out the possibility to raise a fund when the conditions are right and favorable.” ✅ Looking to raise capital for your #fund and increase the international pool of your LP #investors?   🤝 Need warm #LP introductions?   📝 Selling #secondaries to increase liquidity?   🧐 Looking for co-investments?   ▶ G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks: https://lnkd.in/gjC_EuTE #VC #InvestmentStrategy #StartupEcosystem #Entrepreneurship #TechInvesting #StrategicPivot

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Entering the Post-ZIRP, venture-capital-winter years. Thanks TechCrunch for this great summary of the macro economic context of #VC emerging managers.

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🎙️ In a recent podcast episode of 20 Minute VC with guest Trae Stephens from Founders Fund, the hosts explored the topic of competitive deals. Among the many gems, one profound statement resonated particularly deeply in today's bustling startup ecosystem: "There is something deeply troubling with #prices getting out of control that has nothing to do with the price itself - usually what an #inflated price means is that the deal is being competed and the founders believe that they have leverage." 💸 These words reveal a crucial truth: the allure of a #competitive deal can sometimes blind investors to its underlying risks. When prices soar and bidding wars erupt, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters: the intrinsic #value of the investment 💡 Therefore, it's crucial to remember that the most competitive deals aren't necessarily the best ones. In fact, they may be the most perilous. Why? Because in the frenzy of competition, #critical factors such as team alignment and unique value propositions can be overlooked. 💬 According to Trae, the most competitive deals can be the worst ones because they are the ones that create super consensus: everyone rushed to agree on the team and on the thesis; the investment lacks an edge, and everything is going to be expensive in every financing round. Consequently, the expected value of the investment will decrease. Our general partner Gregor Unger agrees: There are opportunities that are obviously good, everyone knows it, and someone wins it. In the past, these opportunities would float around: every investor takes a look, then someone commits to it and wants to lead, and, then, suddenly everyone jumps on board, causing the price to rise. 📈 Of course, there are instances where #competitive #deals are justified. Consider Facebook’s early-stage rounds fueled by its undeniably extraordinary growth rates and massive market. However, succumbing to the allure of competition often leads to compromising investment criteria and foregoing due diligence. In essence, investing in startups is not merely about winning the deal; it's about securing long-term #value and mitigating risks. So, instead of living for the thrill of competition, let's focus on identifying investments with genuine potential and sustainable advantages 🚀 What do you think? Are the most competitive deals the worst? 🤔👇🏽💭 Listen to the full podcast episode here: https://lnkd.in/ezupDQNy #StartupInvesting #VentureCapital #InvestmentStrategy #FoundersFund #20MinuteVC Harry Stebbings

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Must read for founders who are planning to raise funds for their startups.. This E-books cover all the activities a founder need to be prepared for before and after raising funds from Investors. Check out comment section to get access to the same..

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Los Angeles is buzzing with venture capital activity, ready to back the boldest entrepreneurs across industries like tech, fintech, and biotech. If you're aiming to elevate your startup in LA, here's where you might find your perfect investor match. Leading LA Venture Capital Firms: ✅ Mucker Capital - Big on software startups, investing in companies like AuditBoard and Honey. 🚀 ✅ Upfront Ventures - Specializes in ecommerce and healthcare, with investments in GOAT Group and Parachute Home. 🏪 ✅ Baroda Ventures - Eyes on consumer internet and SaaS markets, backing firms like Amplify. 💡 ✅ ScOp Venture Capital - Focus on SaaS, helping companies scale with investments in Cloverleaf. 🌐 ✅ Crosscut Ventures - Largest seed-stage VC in LA, invested in Boosted and Inspire. 🌱 ✅ Anthem Venture Partners - Biotech and fintech enthusiasts, with investments in TrueCar. 🔬💳 ✅ Arena Ventures - Backing consumer and fintech disruptors like CityMall and Aaptiv. 🚀 ✅ Canyon Creek Capital - Supports technology firms showing market traction like HoneyBook. 💻 ✅ Frontier Venture Capital - Investing in media and tech that enhance global well-being, like Syndio. 🌍 ✅ Karlin Ventures - Funds innovative solutions in software and ecommerce like StrikeAd and Wallaby. 🛒 🔗 Discover the full list here: https://lnkd.in/dtxqpiRy Explore opportunities, connect with industry leaders, and start your journey in LA’s thriving startup ecosystem today! 🚀 #VentureCapital #Startups #LosAngeles #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

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From Morningstar Upfront Ventures Provided by PR Newswire May 28, 2024 8:08am Upfront, Maverick Systems, The Studio Home, and Billions Join Equity Angels' First #Proptech CohortUpfront, Maverick Systems, The Studio Home, and Billions Join Equity Angels' First Proptech Cohort PR Newswire BELLEVUE, Wash., May 28, 2024 New accelerator focuses on supporting real estate technology startups with diverse leadership BELLEVUE, Wash., May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Equity Angels, a social impact organization dedicated to fostering fair access to innovation and opportunity, names the 2024 cohort for its first-ever accelerator program. Upfront provides innovative financial solutions for agents and brokers, The Studio Home leverages Web3 visualization for curated home furnishings, Maverick Systems optimizes big data analytics for agent acquisition and retention, and BILLIONS specializes in streamlining operational solutions for high-performing teams. The founders of these startups include some of the most seasoned and unique tech entrepreneurs in real estate today. One such founder is Diana Zaya of Maverick Systems, whose father was raised in a minimalist "mud hut" in Syria, but with hopes of finding a more fulfilling life. After receiving his degree in engineering, he immigrated to the U.S. to start his family. Raised with this dedication to achievement, Diana has established a performance-based system for recruiting and retaining real estate agents. She is positioned to dramatically improve how the industry optimizes big data analytics to enhance brokerage growth strategies. "With such a diverse and seasoned group of founders, we're all learning so much from one another," remarked Equity Angels Founder Kenya Burrell-VanWormer. "We're honored to work with such inspiring founders and look forward to helping grow their businesses through our accelerator program." Upfront Founder Mukund Venkatakrishnan is a recent Harvard graduate who launched his first tech company at 17 and a real estate brokerage by 20. His co-founder Pierre Calzadilla brings extensive real estate expertise, having built and scaled growth teams at Trulia, RealScout and Local Logic. Together, they are leveraging their combined experience to create innovative solutions that financially empower agents and brokers in the real estate industry. The Studio Home Founder Nicole McGuire's passion for modernizing the homebuilding industry stems from her experience working with her family's 80-year-old construction company. She partners with homebuilders to offer curated furniture collections seamlessly integrating with their home designs. Leveraging Web3, she creates aspirational living experiences that buyers can easily envision, personalize and purchase with just a few mouse clicks. ******** We at The Dandy Horse, Inc. have a #proptech solution that increases the cash flow. #VIDAT it. #CO2 avoidance verifying and secured bicycle parking that impacts LEED V 4.1 U.S. Green Building Council #startup

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Prime Coalition has long taken a different tack to climate finance compared to its for-profit brethren. It makes the usual venture-style investments in startups through Azolla Ventures and also helps philanthropists direct their money to climate-related projects that it deems high impact. Trellis Climate follows the latter model with a focus on middle stages, where capital has grown scarce. #climatetech #climateVC #climatefinance

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Something that stuck with me from my chat last week with Kwasi Ohene-Adu, founder and CEO of Groovetime, about how he uses #Dots. “We ask our creators how they like to get paid…They’re not thinking of #Dots, they’re thinking of the different ways we can pay them.” Basically, embedded payouts. Groovetime is a #marketing platform for artists and record labels, a gamified entertainment #app for consumers, and a channel dance #creators use to monetize their intellectual property. It uses Dots to send money to creators when they’re sponsored by artists and labels. Kwasi and I spent a solid half hour talking about why real-time #globalpayments matter to creators, what made him come back to Dots after working with web3, and how the Dots #API helps Groovetime build trust with end users. Read Groovetime’s customer story: https://lnkd.in/gr4tHhrU #dance #fintech #payouts

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The #VentureStudio community is thriving and when two leaders from different studios get together it is always going to be a great conversation. This podcast is huge as two brilliant Venture Studio leaders Barry O'Reilly from Nobody Studios and Ben Yoskovitz from Highline Beta join to unpack the innovative world of venture studios and uncover the strategies that make startups thrive. In this episode, you will learn: 📈 The fundamentals of creating and scaling a venture studio 🛠️ Strategies for innovating with accelerators, incubators, and venture capital 💡 How to apply Lean Startup principles to build products people actually want 🤝 The importance of collaboration between founders, corporate partners, and investors 🔄 Insights into the specialization and future trends of venture studios Take a listen and learn from two masters.

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For founders raising money — here are a few ways to start building your initial list of investors to vet: ➟ Work through Crunchbase to find companies in your space, and look up the investor who funded them at the appropriate round. You can also look at funding announcements for companies in your space and see which investors are involved. ➟ Reach out to angel investors, advisors, mentors, and your extended network to ask which GPs could be a good fit and have keen interest in your space. ➟ Look up lists of the most active investors in your region and try to understand if those investors have a thesis or have previously invested in companies in your industry. Good luck and stay strong! I've seen Unicorns get 100s of No's at the Pre-Seed stage before they got to their first Yes.

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