Shows
The Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessNavigating Hiring Challenges: How to Identify and Nurture Talent with Jenny WeedenJenny Weeden discusses the critical importance of process documentation in the early stages of business growth, emphasizing that many founders overlook this step due to the multitude of responsibilities they juggle. This oversight can lead to bottlenecks, inconsistencies, and a single point of failure, ultimately stalling growth and varying quality across customer experiences. Jenny highlights the necessity of starting with simple, one-page process documents to create a foundation for smoother onboarding and consistent operations. She recounts an inflection point at Accelity when the absence of process documentation initially created challenges, but once implemented, it significantly improved the onboarding experience...
2025-12-0427 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessLegal Challenges and Tech Trends: How AI is Transforming Legal Services for StartupsKristina Subbotina discusses her multifaceted journey in the startup ecosystem, transitioning from an ex-Cooley lawyer to the founder and CEO of Lexi, a legal tech company. She shares that moving from advising startups to founding her own business revealed surprising empathy towards founders, as she now understands firsthand the challenges and pressures they face. Her legal background equipped her with a strong foundation in anticipating legal issues, but she had to adapt to the broader leadership role required of a founder, moving from perfectionism to empowerment. Kristina highlights the importance of thinking big to attract top talent and the...
2025-12-0127 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessTurning Crises into Opportunities: Strategic PR Insights for Tech StartupsIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint: Jonathan Narvey, the founder and CEO of MindMeld PR, delves into the nuanced world of tech public relations in this episode. Drawing from his dual experience as a journalist and a PR founder, Jonathan shares the smartest strategies for early-stage startups to approach media coverage. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience and crafting unique narratives that highlight a startup's distinctive qualities. Instead of merely announcing a launch, Jonathan advises startups to pinpoint the aspects of their product or service that are truly groundbreaking and newsworthy. He also shares insights into...
2025-11-2725 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessSEO Insights and Entrepreneurial Wisdom from Jason BerkowitzIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Miriam Altman-Reyes discusses her journey from leading Kinvolved through to its successful exit and now managing a portfolio at Brass Ring Ventures, focusing on the essential communication skills that define great founders. She emphasizes the importance of both internal and external communication, noting that motivating teams and engaging stakeholders are crucial for any startup's growth. Miriam highlights the need for transparent communication, not only in decision-making but also in sharing the impact of the company's mission with customers and investors. She believes that great communication is about over-communicating the 'why' behind decisions...
2025-11-2419 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessBuilding a Memorable Brand: Colin McIntosh’s Guide to Authentic GrowthIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Colin McIntosh delves into the strategic nuances of crowdfunding, sharing the key elements that propelled his brand, Sheets & Giggles, to success. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous preparation and setting clear financial targets to effectively reverse-engineer a successful campaign. Colin highlights the necessity of building a strong email list that converts well, as demonstrated by his $284,000 Indiegogo campaign. Reflecting on his journey, Colin acknowledges that while the foundational strategies remain effective, leveraging modern tools like AI can streamline and enhance the crowdfunding process today. He also stresses the significance of standing out...
2025-10-3035 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Entrepreneur's Guide to Investor Relations and Capital RaisingIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Jason Jacobson discusses the most underrated relationship-building habits that successful entrepreneurs consistently practice to grow their companies, not just their networks. From his perspective, thought leadership and active community participation are vital. Entrepreneurs should focus on hosting events, participating in panels, and becoming mentors to establish themselves as knowledgeable leaders in their industry. Additionally, leveraging the connections of service providers like bankers, attorneys, and accountants can open doors to potential investors. Jacobson emphasizes that seeking advice rather than capital in initial interactions with investors can lay the groundwork for a strong relationship...
2025-10-2725 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Art of Startup Communication with Miriam Altman-ReyesIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Miriam Altman-Reyes discusses her journey from leading Kinvolved through to its successful exit and now managing a portfolio at Brass Ring Ventures, focusing on the essential communication skills that define great founders. She emphasizes the importance of both internal and external communication, noting that motivating teams and engaging stakeholders are crucial for any startup's growth. Miriam highlights the need for transparent communication, not only in decision-making but also in sharing the impact of the company's mission with customers and investors. She believes that great communication is about over-communicating the 'why' behind decisions...
2025-10-1635 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessUnlocking Systematic Excellence in Leadership and Sales with Bill FlynnIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Bill Flynn discusses the misconceptions leaders often have about growing a company, emphasizing that many are trapped in the "hero mentality," where they rely on individual brilliance rather than fostering systematic excellence. He explains that traditional beliefs in sales and leadership, such as the importance of rapport and product knowledge, are often misguided. Instead, understanding neuroscience and the brain's decision-making processes can transform how leaders approach growth. Flynn shares insights from his experience, noting that businesses often plateau or struggle because they focus on symptoms rather than underlying systems. He encourages leaders...
2025-10-1333 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessMastering the AI Tech Stack: Strategies for Startups to Thrive in a Rapidly Evolving LandscapeIn this episode of "The Funding Blueprint,” veteran investor John Frankel provides a comprehensive overview of the rapidly changing landscape of AI technology and its implications for business. Frankel highlights the significance of the evolving AI tech stack, noting that founders and investors should consider the infrastructure, models, and vertical applications as areas of long-term opportunity. He emphasizes the need for continuous adaptation, as the tools and technologies are constantly developing. Frankel points out that smaller companies have a unique advantage in leveraging AI to streamline roles and reshape job functions, allowing them to be more agile and competitive th...
2025-10-0928 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessRethinking Founder Market Fit: The Power of Obsession Over CharismaIn this episode of the Funding Blueprint, Jacob Conger, a principal at Headline and an expert in early-stage infrastructure software investing, delves into the nuances of founder-market fit. Conger emphasizes that true founder-market fit is not about charisma or the so-called "airport test" but about a founder's obsessive insight and unique right to solve a problem. He underscores the importance of evaluating investors not just by check size or prestige but by their alignment in vision, decision-making style, and willingness to engage deeply with the founder's journey. This episode provides founders with a blueprint for identifying investors who will...
2025-10-0630 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessUnveiling the Secrets to Winning Over Investors: Rajas Neve's Guide to Early-Stage SuccessIn this episode of “The Funding Blueprint”, Rajas Neve of Powerhouse Ventures delves into the critical preparatory steps that startups should undertake before embarking on pre-seed or seed fundraising. He emphasizes the importance of clarity and momentum, advising founders to have a clear problem statement, a well-defined target customer profile, and a cohesive team ready for execution. Rajas highlights that successful early-stage founders often excel in storytelling, effectively communicating their vision and the unique insights they bring to the table. This ability to articulate their mission and strategy is vital in capturing investor interest, even when traction is still deve...
2025-10-0223 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessTransform Your Startup Journey: AI, Investor Trends, and Winning StrategiesMolly Dill discusses the rapidly evolving role of AI in the SaaS industry, noting that AI integration has become a standard, which makes differentiation challenging in an increasingly crowded software landscape. She highlights universities as emerging hubs of original innovation, particularly in fields like healthcare and accessibility, where groundbreaking research is being translated into commercial applications. Molly observes a renewed investor interest in consumer packaged goods (CPG), particularly in Wisconsin, where the state's rich manufacturing legacy supports such ventures. Companies like Pretty Litter and Wild Wonder exemplify this trend, demonstrating how CPG startups are capturing attention and capital.
2025-09-2921 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessTransform Chaos into Startup Success: Harnessing CRM and Data-Driven Insights for GrowthIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Jason Katz discusses the core components of a real growth engine, emphasizing that systems like CRM and attribution are just as essential as creative elements. He highlights the importance of having a solid infrastructure that includes product, customer community, and a well-functioning team supported by CRM systems. By leveraging data-driven insights and effectively implementing CRM systems, startups can transform chaotic advertising systems into streamlined growth engines. Katz argues that understanding business workflows and transmitting detailed data to ad platforms can enhance ad performance and customer targeting, proving more pivotal than the creative...
2025-09-2531 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessBuilding a Future-Ready Education Business Amid AI Disruption and Budget CutsIn this episode of the Funding Blueprint, Rita Ferrandino delves into the intricacies of guiding education companies through the challenges of economic uncertainty. When working with these organizations, she emphasizes the importance of identifying their biggest risk factors in the current macroeconomic landscape, which include AI disruption, declining enrollments, and funding challenges. Common blind spots often arise from a lack of understanding of macroeconomic shifts and a tendency towards reactive rather than proactive strategies. To mitigate these risks, Ferrandino advocates for scenario planning and smart cost-cutting measures, which are integral to protecting cash flow and liquidity. Her financial health...
2025-09-2227 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFrom Intentionality to Innovation: Crafting Your Business StrategyIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Antonia Berry discusses the nuanced differences between business development and strategic development, emphasizing that while business development involves broad activities aimed at growing a business, strategic development requires a focused approach with specific goals and action plans. She highlights that being strategic involves understanding current positioning, identifying clear objectives, and crafting tailored strategies to navigate toward these goals. In the context of growing a business, founders should recognize that strategic development demands intentionality and specificity, helping them transform their growth strategy into a sustainable success path. Berry advises that the first step...
2025-09-1831 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFrom Vision to Execution: High Beam vs. Low Beam Strategies for Startup SuccessAmy Winner discusses her extensive experience guiding companies through economic downturns, leadership shakeups, and category pivots. She shares that when the path forward isn't clear, identifying a company's core strengths, or "superpowers," is crucial for helping teams orient themselves and continue moving toward growth. In uncertain times, it's essential for teams to align with high-level business goals and ensure that every member understands their role in achieving these objectives. Amy emphasizes the importance of consistently reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) to maintain strategic focus and prevent identity crises, even in the midst of chaos.
2025-09-1531 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFrom Mockups to Market: Testing Product Ideas with Targeted Advertising (Plus: Scaling Strategies for Startups)In this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Brennan Tobin, founder of Oddduck Marketing Group, shares invaluable insights into acquiring the first 100 customers for a startup. Drawing from his experience in building multiple brands, he emphasizes the importance of validating demand before product development, advocating for the use of basic product mock-ups and targeted advertising to gauge market interest. Tobin stresses that early growth often requires a different approach than scaling, with systems and strategies needing adaptation as a startup evolves. He highlights that what works initially might not be scalable, and founders should be ready to scrap or rebuild...
2025-09-0827 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessLeveraging AI for Transformative Healthcare MarketingIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Janet Carlson delves into the transformative role of AI in healthcare marketing, offering insights from her extensive experience. She explains how AI is revolutionizing day-to-day operations for marketers and strategists by enhancing content creation and maintaining brand consistency, allowing small teams to achieve the impact of much larger ones. One unexpected benefit of using AI, as highlighted by Janet, is the ability to bake a brand's unique voice into automated systems, ensuring that all content aligns perfectly with the brand's identity. However, she also candidly discusses the challenges, such as technical glitches...
2025-09-0226 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessMastering Startup Marketing: How to Prioritize and Avoid Common Pitfalls with Ashley KentIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Ashley Kent, founder and CEO of ClearStart, delves into the challenges faced by startups in their first year of marketing. She highlights that the chaos often stems not from marketing deficiencies but from prioritization issues. Many founders make the mistake of hiring either junior marketers too early or senior marketers who are not adaptable to the dynamic startup environment. Ashley advises that instead of focusing on creating visually appealing marketing materials, startups should concentrate on setting strategic priorities and building marketing systems that genuinely support sales and growth. She emphasizes the importance...
2025-08-2527 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessEntrepreneurial Clarity: Finding Your Purpose with Britt Avery (Plus: Aligning Personal Values and Career)In this insightful podcast episode, Britt Avery, founder of Bloom and Boost, delves into the nuances of strategic planning and its critical role in startup success. He highlights the memorable phrase, “proper planning prevents piss-poor performance,” emphasizing its significance in the context of launching or sustaining a business. Avery explains that proper planning involves having a clear vision, assembling a supportive team, ensuring adequate resources, and establishing robust systems and processes. Too often, founders overlook these critical elements, rushing into action without the necessary preparation, which can lead to scattered efforts and missed opportunities. Through his experiences, Avery provides prac...
2025-08-1828 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessIdentifying and Fixing Hidden Cracks in Your Startup's StructureIn this episode of “The Funding Blueprint,” Brian Moran delves into the often-overlooked vulnerabilities in a startup's structure that can threaten its growth. He identifies both tangible cracks, such as issues in sales and marketing, and intangible ones, including misalignment of values and lack of accountability, as potential threats. Brian explains that these cracks form when there's a lack of open communication and discipline within the company. To prevent them, he advises founders to maintain transparency and engage trusted advisors who can provide objective guidance. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these issues early on to avoid larg...
2025-08-1128 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessSpeed and Branding Secrets: Master Your Startup's Momentum with Hunter Schwartz (Plus: Why TikTok is a DTC Game Changer)Hunter Schwartz discusses the biggest reason most good ideas never make it past the sketchpad stage, emphasizing that many entrepreneurs get bogged down in the minutiae of business structuring and perfectionism. To move from concept to launch with real momentum, Schwartz highlights the importance of speed and clarity, advocating for quick, decisive action over endless planning. His 90-day roadmap, the Low Country Digital Launchpad, helps founders enter the market swiftly to gather essential feedback and identify necessary pivots. Schwartz also delves into the exciting potential of TikTok as a DTC channel, pointing out its unique ability to reach Gen...
2025-08-0429 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Agile Path to Marketing Excellence: How Tech Founders Can Harness Lean Strategies (Plus: Building a Focused Tech Stack)Jean Desvernay highlights agile marketing mastery, delving into the intricacies of translating marketing concepts into frameworks that resonate with technical founders and developers. He emphasizes the importance of constructing a lean and effective marketing roadmap that not only drives growth but also aligns closely with the agile methodologies familiar to those in product development. By integrating marketing strategies from the onset of product development, startups can foster seamless collaboration between growth marketing and product teams. Jean highlights the necessity of embedding analytics tools like PostHog and Google Analytics 4 from day one, allowing startups to tailor their products based on...
2025-07-2827 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessDesigning a Business Around Your Life: Good Theory’s Founders on Intentional Entrepreneurship (Plus: Strategies for Personal Growth)In this special two-part conversation with a dynamic duo who are not only co-founders but also life partners, Johnathan and Lidija Newman delve into the essence of building businesses that reflect their personal values while living life on their own terms. Johnathan shares his journey from a structured military and corporate background to founding Good Theory with his wife, Lidija, after experiencing a pivotal layoff. His story highlights the importance of authenticity, inner work, and prioritizing personal values to achieve success beyond conventional hustle culture. Meanwhile, Lidija brings her unique perspective as a third-culture entrepreneur with an international business...
2025-07-2143 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessMastering Cold Email Outreach: Strategies to Reach C-Suites and Investors (Plus: Leveraging AI for Personalization)Pranam Lipinski discusses capital and client acquisition, diving into messaging strategies that reach C-suites and investors by sharing his expertise on mastering cold email outreach. He emphasizes the importance of making a cold email stand out by asking for advice, a strategy that has helped him secure meetings with Fortune 500 CEOs and even billionaires. Pranam introduces his five-step pitch process (purpose, problem, solution, social proof, and ask) to capture attention and maintain interest. When emailing C-suite executives or VCs, he stresses the need for conciseness while establishing credibility, noting that addressing a recipient's pain points is crucial before presenting...
2025-07-1421 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Power of Brand Storytelling: Differentiating Your Startup in a Competitive Market with Jim DiPiazzaJim DiPiazza discusses the importance of brand story and positioning for startups. When you're building a startup, especially in those early days, it's easy to focus all your energy on the product — the features, the tech, the roadmap. But what often gets overlooked is how you frame all of that to the outside world. Investors, customers, even potential hires — they don't just buy into what you're building, they buy into the story behind it. DiPiazza emphasizes that a clear brand story is essential for engaging these stakeholders by communicating not just what you do, but why you do it. He h...
2025-07-0728 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessWelcome Back to Season 3 of The Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessWelcome to Season 3 of The Funding Blueprint, presented by StartHub! I’m Cece Nihamin, your new host — and this season, we’re diving straight into the tactical strategies that actually built startups. No fluff. Just real insights from founders, VCs, accelerators, and marketing growth experts.If you’re building, scaling, or dreaming of your first big idea, this podcast is for you. Let’s build smarter. Let’s build with more clarity.Follow StartHub on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starthub-academy/Join our engaged community of startup professionals, investors, and other entrepreneurs on Discord: https://discord.com/invite/4MjDJS8wsR
2025-07-0101 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Remote Work Revolution: Building a Diverse Team Across BordersIn this episode of “The Funding Blueprint”, Adam Pisk, co-founder of Bruntwork, discusses the complexities of recruiting and hiring top talent from across the globe. Adam explains how technology has dissolved traditional boundaries, enabling companies to access a vast pool of skilled professionals worldwide. However, he emphasizes that tapping into this global talent pool requires careful navigation of the intricacies involved. He discusses the key legal and tax implications that companies should be aware of when hiring employees in multiple countries, highlighting the importance of structured engagements to ensure compliance with local labor laws. Adam warns of the potential risks...
2024-11-1125 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessStartup Success Formula: Legal Structures, Equity, and Team Building with Adam DerryAdam Derry discusses key considerations for structuring your startup for success, focusing on the legal structures that best align with your entrepreneurial vision. He explains the pros and cons of sole proprietorships, LLCs, and C-corporations, highlighting why C-corporations are often preferred by venture capitalists due to limited liability and double taxation benefits. Additionally, Derry explores the strategic decision of incorporating in Delaware, known for its well-established corporate laws, as opposed to your home state, to enhance your startup's appeal to investors. These insights are essential for founders aiming to align their legal foundation with their business goals, whether they...
2024-11-0727 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFrom Cap Table to Boardroom: Essential Legal Strategies for StartupsIn this enlightening episode of “The Funding Blueprint”, Becky Mancero discusses how founders can maintain a clean and transparent cap table to avoid raising red flags and ensure a smooth due diligence process for priced rounds. She emphasizes the importance of ensuring all stock is duly authorized, fully paid, and properly issued, adhering to securities laws, and using cap table management platforms like Carta or Cake Equity. Mancero highlights the significance of subjecting service provider stock to vesting and negotiating standard terms for convertible securities such as SAFEs and convertible notes. By doing so, startups can present a well-structured owne...
2024-11-0433 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessDecoding Term Sheets: Key Elements and Common Pitfalls in Startup FundingIn this episode of “The Funding Blueprint”, Mike Pestana discusses how the term sheet clearly defines both pre-money and post-money valuations, emphasizing their role as the "DNA of the deal" in determining ownership percentages for founders and investors. He highlights the importance of pro forma cap table modeling, especially with SAFEs and convertible notes, to assess their impact on dilution and deal structure. Mike advises vigilance against unexpected clauses that may restrict future options, stressing the standard practice of a 1X non-participating preferred stock as a typical liquidation preference term, while cautioning against red flags like higher multiples or part...
2024-10-3128 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessLegal Success for Startups: Howard Finkelstein on Navigating Term Sheets, Building Investor Networks, and Pitch Deck EssentialsIn this enlightening episode of “The Funding Blueprint”, Howard J. Finkelstein delves into the complexities of startup legalities, focusing on the flexibility needed in investor documentation and strategic fundraising approaches. He highlights the importance of adaptability when dealing with term sheets, advising startups to be open to individual variations while being mindful of industry standards, especially when planning for future funding rounds. Howard discusses the critical decision of choosing between a one-time closing and a staged approach for fundraising, recommending that startups assess their valuation trajectory and growth potential to determine the best strategy. He emphasizes that maintaining flexibility can...
2024-10-2826 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessUnlocking the FinTech Ecosystem: Kelly Fryer’s Secrets to Startup Success and Strategic CollaborationIn this enlightening episode of “The Funding Blueprint”, Kelly Fryer discusses empowering aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them transform their innovative fintech ideas into viable business plans. She emphasizes the importance of understanding market demands, engaging with potential customers, and assembling a well-rounded team. Kelly highlights various startup support programs, such as accelerators, incubators, and co-working spaces, that provide essential resources, mentorship, and networks to guide early-stage founders. She encourages entrepreneurs to strategically select programs that align with their unique needs, thereby equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate the challenging landscape of fintech innovation successfully. Additionally, she stresses the...
2024-10-2422 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Future of B2B Sales: AI Innovations and Strategic Approaches with Alex LeeIn this episode of “The Funding Blueprint”, Alex Lee, the CEO and co-founder of Truwind, delves into the intricate dynamics of enterprise sales strategies, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of top-down versus bottom-up sales motions. Alex emphasizes the importance of aligning your sales approach with your product's nature and your team's expertise. He highlights how certain products, like security software, often require a top-down approach due to the need for executive buy-in, whereas tools that generate grassroots enthusiasm, such as design or developer tools, may benefit from a bottom-up strategy. A crucial part of the discussion revolves around the...
2024-10-2125 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessPaul Spitz on Building Your Startup’s Legal Backbone: A Deep Dive into LLCs and C-CorpsIn this episode of “The Funding Blueprint” Paul Spitz discusses the world of C Corporations versus LLCs for startups, providing insights into the key advantages and disadvantages of each structure. For tech startups aiming for venture capital and potential IPOs, C-Corps are often the preferred choice due to their well-defined management structures and attractiveness to investors. In contrast, LLCs offer greater flexibility, making them suitable for a variety of business types, from consultants to large non-tech enterprises. Paul emphasizes the importance of foundational legal documents such as Articles of Incorporation, Operating Agreements, and Bylaws, which establish ownership, decision-making processes, and...
2024-10-1737 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessRevolutionizing Retail and Finance: Adam Siegel on Managing Cash Flow for Sustainable Startup GrowthIn this insightful episode of “The Funding Blueprint," Adam Siegel delves into the fundamental differences between cash flow and profit, providing a clear understanding for startup founders. He explains that while profit is the revenue remaining after expenses over a period, cash flow pertains to the timing of when money enters and exits a business. This distinction is crucial for startups, as appearing profitable on paper does not guarantee survival without sufficient cash reserves. Adam offers strategies for effectively projecting and managing cash flow, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a regularly updated financial model to accommodate real-time business realities an...
2024-10-1421 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessBuilding Your Startup's Financial House: Insights from Kyle Benusa on Accounting and FP&AIn this insightful episode of The Funding Blueprint, Kyle Benusa, co-founder and CEO of Ballast Consulting, delves into essential strategies for building strong financial foundations in startups. He emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between finance, accounting, FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis), and tax roles to prevent costly mistakes and ensure sustainable growth. By picturing a startup's financial system as a well-designed house, Kyle explains how data must be accurate, timely, and useful. He highlights Ballast's approach, which focuses on systems, structure, and process, to achieve high-quality financials, especially in resource-constrained environments. The episode also explores how these elements...
2024-10-1029 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe CEO's Guide to Scaling Startups: Insights from Joel Trammell on Managing GrowthIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Joel Trammell explores the significant differences between the mindset required for a startup CEO and the leadership approach needed for a scaled-up enterprise. He emphasizes that as a company grows from a small team to a large organization, the CEO's role transitions from wearing multiple hats to building a strong executive team. Joel highlights that managing a 20-person company is vastly different from running a 200-person enterprise, where strategic delegation and leveraging a knowledgeable board of directors become crucial. He provides valuable insights into the pivotal shifts in leadership required during this...
2024-10-0720 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFemale Founders in Fintech: Overcoming Funding Challenges and Building Robust NetworksIn this episode of the Funding Blueprint, Ashley Everett from RevTech Labs Foundation delves into the unique landscape for female entrepreneurs in fintech. She highlights the tailored accelerator programs offered by RevTech, which are specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of woman-led startups. These programs go beyond typical accelerator benefits by offering customized mentorship and advisory boards. Ashley also shares valuable insights for aspiring female founders in the Southeast, emphasizing the importance of leveraging local ecosystems, building strong networks, and remaining adaptable to market feedback. She encourages women to reframe their perspectives on criticism and failure, and...
2024-09-3023 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessSAFEs vs. Convertible Notes: How to Choose the Right Funding Instrument for Your StartupIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Eric Ferraro discusses the key distinctions between SAFEs (Simple Agreements for Future Equity) and convertible notes, emphasizing when each instrument is more suitable for early-stage startups. He explains that while both instruments allow investors to convert their investment into equity at a future date, SAFEs are simpler and typically do not carry an interest rate or maturity date like convertible notes. Eric also delves into the key differences between preferred stock and common stock, highlighting the unique terms associated with preferred stock, such as liquidation preferences, participation rights, and anti-dilution provisions, which...
2024-09-2344 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessUnderstanding Cash Flow vs. Profit: Dave Olson Explains Crucial Financial Concepts for StartupsIn this enlightening episode of The Funding Blueprint, Dave Olsen discusses some of the most frequent financial blunders founders make in the early stages, and more importantly, how they can be avoided through proactive planning and financial literacy. In this episode, Dave emphasizes the necessity of setting up separate business bank accounts and credit cards to keep finances organized, understanding sales tax implications, and being cautious about accumulating personal debt. He highlights the importance of distinguishing between cash flow and profit, noting that a company can appear profitable on paper while still facing cash shortages. To help founders project...
2024-09-1626 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessEmpowering ESOs: Financial Sustainability and Talent Strategies for Entrepreneur Support Organizations in Emerging MarketsIn this enlightening episode of The Funding Blueprint, Deepak Menon, Chief Program Officer at Village Capital, delves into the pivotal role of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in nurturing early-stage startups, particularly in emerging markets. Deepak discusses the significant hurdles ESOs face in securing sustainable funding for their operations, emphasizing that restricted programmatic funding limits their ability to invest in internal growth, talent development, and effective impact measurement. He further explains how ESOs act as vital bridges between early-stage startups and potential investors, addressing the perceived risks of investing in emerging markets. Through targeted training, mentorship, and support services, ESOs...
2024-09-0928 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessDemystifying Venture Capital: Fund Structures, Investment Strategies, and Performance Metrics with Rafael ValdiviaRafael Valdivia discusses the inner workings of a VC fund, shedding light on how they operate and generate returns for their investors (LPs). He explains that venture capital firms raise money from limited partners and deploy these funds into promising startups, emphasizing that funds are not readily available but are allocated when the right opportunities arise. Rafael also debunks common myths, such as the misconception that VCs function like a revolving line of credit. Instead, he highlights the structured nature of these investments, which involve capital calls from LPs when investment opportunities are identified. Rafael further explores the role...
2024-09-0339 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFrom Acceptance to Execution: Techstars’ Shirley Romig on Maximizing Accelerator OpportunitiesIn this episode of The Funding Blueprint, Shirley Romig, Chief Accelerator Investment Officer at Techstars, discusses her experience on both sides of the table—as a founder and now as an investor with Techstars. She delves into the value proposition of accelerator programs, highlighting how they provide crucial support, mentorship, and networks that can propel early-stage ventures forward. Shirley explains the importance of choosing the right program by considering factors like class size, industry focus, and the quality of mentors. She emphasizes the necessity of a personal connection with the accelerator team and provides guidance on crafting a compelling ap...
2024-08-2623 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessMaster Startup Finances: Outsourcing, Investments, KPIs, & Proactive Financial Management StrategiesJim Miller discusses beyond the core accounting principles, what the hidden gems of startup finance that early-stage founders might be overlooking, including insights on strategies for outsourcing, investments, tax savings, KPIs, and wealth growth. Jim delves into how founders can leverage outsourcing to optimize their operational efficiency and reduce costs, while also emphasizing the importance of strategic investments to secure both business growth and personal financial stability. Additionally, he highlights various tax-saving tactics that can significantly enhance a startup's financial health.
Jim further explains why forecasting is such a crucial tool, even for young...
2024-08-1924 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessBuilding a Strong Startup Foundation: How Alchemist Accelerator Supports Enterprise FoundersIan Bergman, partner at Alchemist Accelerator, delves into the enduring relevance of accelerators in today's startup ecosystem. Despite the rise of alternative funding sources such as crowdfunding and angel investors, Bergman emphasizes that accelerators remain crucial for early-stage startups by offering invaluable resources beyond mere funding. He highlights how accelerators help founders achieve broader objectives, including building a strong team and validating product-market fit. When faced with challenges, Bergman advocates for a balanced approach where accelerators should guide founders on whether to pivot their ideas or persevere with their initial vision, always aiming for sustainable long-term success.
2024-08-1217 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessStrategic Fundraising and Effective Team Building for Startups with Claudia DuranClaudia Duran discusses how prioritizing a strong foundation paves the way for long-term success, even for startups that might seek VC funding down the line. She underscores the necessity of achieving product-market fit, managing cash flow, and understanding unit economics before seeking investments. Claudia emphasizes the critical importance of hiring a skilled CFO early on and assembling a complementary team backed by mentors and advisors. This approach not only avoids common pitfalls but also eases the process of raising capital later, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability. Additionally, Claudia provides actionable insights on strategic fundraising, advising startups to raise capital...
2024-08-0534 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessExploring the European VC Landscape: Key Opportunities and Challenges with Zoe PedenZoe Peden discusses how Ananda Impact Ventures stands apart when it comes to sourcing companies and securing investments by leveraging a multifaceted approach that combines founder networks, targeted research strategies, and the creation of niche communities. She emphasizes the importance of mutual respect, transparency, and effective communication in the founder-VC relationship. Zoe shares that her experience as a former founder profoundly shapes the way she works with entrepreneurs now, enabling her to empathize with their challenges and sacrifices. Ananda's unique method includes focusing on impact themes such as climate, health, and education, while also drawing on the rich technological...
2024-07-2927 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessHow to Choose the Right Accelerator for Your Startup: Insights from Jordyn Willens on Funding, Mentorship, and Sector-Specific SupportJordyn Willens, Program Director at WEVE Acceleration, shares her expertise on selecting the right accelerator for your startup. She emphasizes the importance of aligning an accelerator's offerings with your startup’s stage, unique needs, and industry focus. Jordyn advises founders to thoroughly research and consider factors such as funding, mentor networks, and sector-specific support before making a decision. Additionally, she discusses the nuances of deciding between rapid growth and a more measured approach, highlighting the risks of burnout and instability versus the benefits of building a strong foundation first. Jordyn also delves into the intricacies of hiring talent in th...
2024-07-2216 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessMastering Strategic Partnerships: Building Long-Term Collaborations for Startup GrowthGautam Nadella discusses how strategic partnerships can be game-changers for startups. He offers valuable advice to founders on identifying and nurturing strategic alliances that can accelerate their growth trajectory. By focusing on mutually beneficial collaborations, startups can leverage resources, expertise, and networks that they may not have in-house. Nadella emphasizes the importance of alignment in vision and goals between partners to ensure long-term success and synergy. He also addresses some of the biggest challenges early-stage companies face when it comes to growth strategy, including the difficulty of maintaining focus while exploring new opportunities and the risk of diluting their...
2024-07-1512 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFintech Innovation Unveiled: Strategies for Success in a Competitive Market with Sanchit Dhote from Outward VCWhat if the key to fintech success lies in targeting overlooked opportunities and niche markets? Join us for an insightful journey with Sanchit Dote, a distinguished investor at Outward VC, as we unpack the innovative potential hidden within incumbent financial institutions and the strategic advantages of niche markets. We explore how industry giants like Revolut achieved rapid growth by initially tackling specific high-value problems and how early-stage fintech startups can replicate this success. Sanchit shares his decade-long experience, offering actionable strategies to build resilient and adaptable fintech ventures.
This episode also dives deep into...
2024-07-0827 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Essential Role of Executive Coaching in Startup Scaling (Plus: The Art of Delegation and Leadership Transition)Learn how executive coaches can boost a startup’s chances for success and provide founders with a tangible return on investment.
In this deep dive around executive coaching, Co Ventures’ Maxine Minter discusses the transformative power of executive coaching for startup founders. She highlights the distinction between coaching and advising before covering a range of topics, including the personal growth work that helps founders understand their own mental models and behaviors, the impact of executive coaching on a CEO's ability to transition from product development to company scaling, delegation techniques and avoiding the pitfalls of over-delegation or abdi...
2024-05-2343 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessKey Intangibles for Attracting Early-Stage Investors (Plus: What Poker Players and VCs Have in Common)Learn about 3 key intangibles that could make you and your startup stand out to venture capitalists when seeking funding.
Playfair’s Andrew Sheffield discusses the intricacies of pre-seed funding for startups, including essential intangibles for securing funding, the importance of pace in business development, and the necessity for a strong founder-VC relationship. He discusses the allure of investing in technology-focused companies, the patience required in venture capital, and post-investment strategies for scaling up startups, with specific listener takeaways such as the importance of technological defensibility, the typical 10-year investment horizon for VCs, and the need for startups to...
2024-05-1628 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessCash Runway Management: Cash Flow Strategy for Longevity in EdTech Startups (Plus: Acqui-Hiring Plans and Technology Skepticism in the Classroom)Learn about how to effectively manage cash flow and strategic steps you can take at different stages of your cash runway.
Investor Laura McCoolidge Nguyen discusses the intricate balance of cash management for startups, particularly in the EdTech sector. She delves into the strategies founders should adopt when faced with dwindling cash reserves, outlines a step-by-step game plan for startups at various stages of their cash runway, and touches on the need for considering acqui-hiring plans and minimizing founder salaries. She also discusses the broader challenges and opportunities in the EdTech industry in 2024, skepticism around the effectiveness...
2024-05-0927 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFrom Side Hustle to Startup Founder: Honest Insights on Funding and How to Validate Your Business Ideas (Plus: Actionable Advice for Non-Technical Founders)Explore the pivotal shift in a founder’s journey from working on a side hustle to running a startup full-time – and how to sustain it.
Investor Adrian Petersen delves into the core elements of startup resilience and growth, elaborating on the essential stages of transitioning from a side hustle to a full-scale startup, the art of validating business ideas, and the significant role of venture capital in nurturing this growth. He also dissects often-misunderstood narratives around startup success and shares the investor's perspective on early-stage startups, the value of a partnership approach, and the need for founders to c...
2024-05-0229 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessMaximizing Social Impact and Profit in Your Startup Journey: The Blueprint for Building a Profitable and Purpose-Driven Business (Plus: The Role of ESG Metrics in Funding)Explore strategies for startups to achieve success while making a social impact and learn to balance growth with purpose.
Investor Tasha Seitz discusses the fusion of profitability and social impact in startups, the importance of balancing financial returns with social contributions, the intricacies of impact measurement in startup funding, and the three dimensions of impact assessment. She also explores the essential role of adaptability and foresight for startups, particularly through the lens of market trends and regulatory landscapes. Plus: strategies for attracting talent, the need for flexibility in business models, the significance of entrepreneurial support systems, and...
2024-04-2537 min
PainelBrasilTVEntrevista Especial "COMITÊ DE INOVAÇÃO BRASIL CANADÁ"Entrevista Especial
"COMITÊ DE INOVAÇÃO BRASIL CANADÁ"
Com Raquel Castro Boechat, empreendedora experiente, orienta líderes e startups para expansão internacional, ministra treinamentos em negociação e cultura de negócios internacionais, e atua como mentora de startups globalmente. Sua atuação inclui integração na diretoria do I2A2 e do Canadian Lab, co-chair do Comitê de Inovação na Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce, e co-fundadora do Canada Starthub. Com formação em jornalismo e MBA em Gestão de Negócios, Raquel traz consigo uma vasta experiência em comunicação corporativa e educação...
2024-04-1943 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFrom Micro Schools to Authentic Assessment: How EdTech Startups Are Transforming Learning Paths by Rethinking Education (Plus: The 'Five Ps' for Startup Success)Investor Don Burton explains how to get funded by focusing on impact, innovation, and the 'five Ps' he uses to evaluate investments.
And, learn what problems are the best EdTech companies really trying to solve? Don Burton explains what he’s seeing in the EdTech sector and discusses the significance of a startup's potential to effect change, the passion of its founders, and the innovation behind groundbreaking ideas. He also delves into the 'five Ps' framework used to evaluate investments, the timing of investing in emerging technologies like the metaverse and Web3, the rise of alternative learning pa...
2024-04-1843 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Art of Delegating and Automating: How to Work *On* Your Startup Versus *In* Your Startup to Bring in More Business (Plus: Key Strategies for Early-Stage Startup Funding)Explore key elements of startup funding, including budgeting strategies and effective leadership skills to steer startup growth.
Nina Raab discusses strategies for startup funding and growth, including the challenge of demonstrating value to investors without initial capital, creative solutions for early-stage companies, and the importance of simplifying pitches to communicate effectively with investors. She discusses the need for startups to prove their concepts, the role of grants and specialized VCs in tech startup scaling, and the art of distilling technical details into compelling business narratives. Plus: leveraging university networks for startup success, the importance of investor-targeted communication...
2024-04-1120 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessA Realistic Look at Venture Capital Investment in EdTech and What VCs Look for in EdTech Startups (Plus: Bridging the Skills Gap and Navigating University Resistance to Curriculum Reform)Explore EdTech investment strategies, AI's role in education, and how apprenticeships are shaping the future of learning.
Troy Williams discusses the intricacies and challenges of the EdTech industry, including its long sales cycles, the significant impact of AI on enhancing student engagement, and the tough venture capital scene in education technology, where billion-dollar valuations are rare. He also discusses the importance of adaptability for EdTech startups, the transformative role of AI in student engagement, the realities of venture capital investment in the EdTech sector, the criteria for investing in EdTech startups, the resistance of universities to curriculum...
2024-04-0432 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessFrom Shy to Sky-High: Transforming a Founder’s Personal Brand to Accelerate Startup Growth and Secure Funding (Plus: B2B Content Marketing on TikTok, LinkedIn and More)Explore essential communication skills for startup founders to attract investment and build a strong personal brand.
Jeremy Barr discusses the pivotal role of communication skills in the success of startup founders, including the nuances of nonverbal communication and the significance of aligning personal and professional goals. He delves into the importance of introspection for founders to avoid chasing superficial objectives and the impact of a founder's ability to attract stakeholders like customers, partners, investors, and employees. He discusses mastering the art of nonverbal cues over video calls, a daily improvement strategy for enhancing communication through real-world failures...
2024-03-2827 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessHow to Profit in FinTech by Helping People Become More Financially Resilient (Plus: Engaging with Company Boards for Strategic Growth Decisions)Learn strategies for FinTech success, financial resilience, and tapping into underserved markets for impactful growth.
Tahira Dosani, Managing Partner at Resilience VC, discusses the key components of financial resilience in FinTech startups, including how startups can help their users become more resilient by building long-term wealth. She explains the importance of having the right capital, governance structures, and operational strategies in place for startups to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, as well as the significance of supporting founders with resources like coaching to enhance their leadership and resilience. She discusses the trifecta of financial resilience, the need for...
2024-03-2128 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessHow to Thrive and Drive Social Impact in EdTech: Effective Forecasting, Pricing Strategies for Global Expansion, Measuring “Human Flourishing,” and Strategic Considerations for Acquisitions and GrowthLearn about effective forecasting and understand performance metrics for seemingly intangible things like “human flourishing.”
Lumos Capital Groups’ Nicole Calandra delves into the most significant aspects of building companies that contribute to human capital development. She elaborates on defining success and impact in terms of access, equity, and outcomes, and how businesses can align their models with their missions. She also discusses the importance of evaluating startups by innovation adoption and user value and balancing innovation with tangible benefits, giving examples like VR in education and the considerations around designing for different demographics. She discusses navigating growth and ac...
2024-03-1439 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessMastering Investor Engagement: How to Propel Your Startup with Smart Scaling Techniques and Strategic Use of Capital (Plus: The Advantages of Tailored Funding Rounds)Explore effective methods for engaging with potential investors, intelligent scaling strategies, and key growth goals.
Charles Greszes, investor at AnD Ventures, discusses the intricacies of engaging investors and scaling startups intelligently, including the evaluation of early-stage startups, the importance of a multifaceted founding team, and the significance of having a unique market advantage. He explains the necessity for startups to exhibit grit and adaptability, delves into AnD Ventures' thorough vetting process, the strategic advantages of smaller funding rounds, and the art of deploying capital effectively. Plus: the pitfalls of excessive fundraising, the importance of maintaining valuation control...
2024-03-0731 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccesseMerge America and Crafting a Diverse Tech Ecosystem: Learn from Miami's Inclusive Approach to Startup Success (Plus: The Case for Building Global Alliances for Innovation)Learn how a city can cultivate a robust startup ecosystem, using Miami’s booming tech scene as a blueprint for success.
eMerge America's Melissa Medina discusses the transformation of Miami into a global tech hub, including the creation and evolution of the eMerge conference and the importance of operating within a supportive startup ecosystem. She touches on the genesis of eMerge as a platform that united startups, investors, enterprises, academia, and government, as well as the reasons behind Miami's attractiveness for tech innovation post-COVID. She discusses the significance of audacious goals in growing a large-scale conference, Miami's di...
2024-02-2933 min
Bonjourno Podcast#16 Medienvielfalt: Wo stehen wir 2024?Medienvielfalt ist ein guter Indikator für eine gesunde Demokratie. Je eher ich mich über verschiedene Medien informieren kann, desto besser kann ich mir eine Meinung bilden und an öffentlichen Diskursen teilnehmen: vom Mietenwahnsinn in Berlin, bis zu Klimaprojekten im Saarland. Und natürlich: je breiter wir als Presse aufgestellt sind, desto mehr gute Leute, können gute Arbeit machen. Medienvielfalt ist also wichtig für die Zukunft des Journalismus. Wie steht’s um sie im Jahr 2024? Spoiler: Es kriselt, gerade im Lokalen. Aber es gibt auch Ideen, wie die Medienvielfalt gestärkt werden kann mit Netzwerk, Knowhow und Technolog...
2024-02-2740 minBonjourno Podcast#16 Medienvielfalt: Wo stehen wir 2024?Medienvielfalt ist ein guter Indikator für eine gesunde Demokratie. Je eher ich mich über verschiedene Medien informieren kann, desto besser kann ich mir eine Meinung bilden und an öffentlichen Diskursen teilnehmen: vom Mietenwahnsinn in Berlin, bis zu Klimaprojekten im Saarland. Und natürlich: je breiter wir als Presse aufgestellt sind, desto mehr gute Leute, können gute Arbeit machen. Medienvielfalt ist also wichtig für die Zukunft des Journalismus. Wie steht’s um sie im Jahr 2024? Spoiler: Es kriselt, gerade im Lokalen. Aber es gibt auch Ideen, wie die Medienvielfalt gestärkt werden kann mit Netzwerk, Knowhow und Technolog...
2024-02-2740 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessThe Art of Building a Beloved Brand: How to Craft a Long-Term Startup Vision that Customers Adore (Plus: The Secret to Investing in Brands That Become Household Names)Learn about the importance of customer love, from someone who has invested in startups that have become household names.
Nicole Quinn, a General Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, explains how she’s been able to identify companies like Zola, Calm, Cameo, Lunchclub, and Girlboss, that would one day become household names. She highlights the importance of visionary leadership, a relentless learning and executing mindset, and the art of storytelling. She underscores the need for founders to enchant investors with their grand visions (sometimes their hundred-year visions!) and shares the strategies for building brands that echo through generations. Qu...
2024-02-2228 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessStarting Up in Web3: Essentials for Growth in Blockchain, DeFi, and NFTs (Plus: Tokenization Trends and Where to Find Crypto-Friendly Jurisdictions to Establish Your Business)Discover key strategies for Web3 startups including blockchain, DeFi, and NFT projects — and the best locations for them.
Ivan Maltsev, General Partner at 3x Capital, discusses the intricacies of thriving as a startup in the Web3 space, focusing on DeFi, blockchain, and NFTs. He delves into the unique challenges Web3 startups face, such as finding blockchain-savvy developers and coping with market volatility. He also highlights the need for resilience and a proactive approach during economic downturns, stressing the importance of continuous learning and relationship-building regardless of market conditions.
He discusses the potential of Estonia as a...
2024-02-1528 min
The dojo.live show / Interviews with Visionaries Shaping Travel TechManaging the APPocalyse with Andrej SafundzicHow can organizations improve their app usage, entitlements, and spending?
Andrej Safundzic is the visionary CEO and Co-founder of Lumos, the game-changing access management platform that has transformed the software spend landscape. Under his leadership, Lumos has pioneered innovative solutions for businesses, automating access requests, enforcing least privilege, and streamlining user access reviews. With Lumos, organizations gain invaluable insights into app usage, entitlements, and spending, all in one powerful platform.In addition to his notable accomplishments in the tech industry, Andrej is dedicated to using technology for the public good, striving to make the world a mo...
2024-02-1423 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessSoft Skills, Big Impact: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Cross-Cultural Communication in Tech Entrepreneurship (Plus: Niche Mastery to Find Success in Specialized Markets)Explore the power of niche markets, the benefits of cross-cultural awareness, and why “soft skills” are essential for success.
Anna Gandrabura discusses unlocking the secrets to startup success and how she developed a niche business model with English For IT, revolutionizing language learning for tech professionals. She touches on her entrepreneurial journey that began at 21, the strategic importance of niche markets, and the need for adaptability in business, emphasizing the significance of listening to customer needs and evolving services to suit the tech industry. She discusses cross-cultural communication as a game-changer for professional growth, the impact of Engl...
2024-02-0838 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessBig Celebrity, Big Impact: Emulating Jake Paul's Impact for Startup Disruption (Plus: Timing the Scaling and Investment Phases for Maximum Growth)Explore startup growth strategies involving the impact of working with celebrities and the timing of strategic investments.
Fuel Venture Capital’s Olivia Gaudree explains how certain factors can influence the success and growth of startups, including the potential impact of partnering with celebrities, strategic market timing, and the importance of a strong founder's vision. She delves into how celebrities like Jake Paul can bring not only attention but also credibility to a brand, the delicate dance between seizing funding opportunities and navigating market fluctuations, and how founder resilience and knowledge play a critical role in venture capital in...
2024-02-0239 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessWeb3 Startup Opportunities: Blockchain and Metaverse Projects and the Business Models and Brand Loyalty Behind Them (Plus: The Fundamentals Founders Often Overlook)Get an investor’s perspective on the business fundamentals many founders miss and what’s stopping startups from scaling up.
Startup expert Chris Gonzalez discusses vital business elements for startup success, including giving an inside look at the world of Web3 and metaverse startups. He discusses the important technical and financial elements of blockchain projects, provides insight into innovative metaverse applications with unique business models, and how startups are standing out in the competitive space. Plus: learn about Texas as an emerging startup hub, the importance of brand loyalty and asset ownership on the blockchain, and what othe...
2024-01-2528 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup Success8-Second Funding Trick: How to Make Your Startup Stand Out (Plus: Red Flags to Avoid When Pitching to Investors)Unlock the secrets to startup success and revolutionize your market presence with insights from VC investor Andrew Ackerman.
Andrew illuminates the critical role of specificity and platform-based models in setting a startup apart in today's competitive landscape, as well as the art of distilling a company's essence into an unforgettable eight-second pitch. He also dissects the indispensable traits of co-founders and teams that catch an investor's eye, providing a roadmap to crafting an unbeatable market advantage. Exploring the intricacies of startup evaluation and PropTech investment, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for entrepreneurs and investors a...
2024-01-1834 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessPerfect Your Pitching, Public Speaking, and Networking Skills with Kat Weaver, CEO of Power to Pitch (Plus: How Can You Win 22 Out of 23 Pitches to Investors?)Get best-in-class advice for pitching your startup from Kat Weaver, who won 22 of 23 pitches to fund her first company.
Kat Weaver, the CEO of Power to Pitch, delves into various aspects of startup funding and pitching — including her unique formula for crafting successful pitches, which she has used to help numerous pre-seed and seed-stage founders obtain funding more rapidly. Kat discusses how you can ensure clear and concise communication, creating a rapport with your audience, and giving investors a reason to fund your company. Kat also touches on the significance of networking and public speaking in the en...
2024-01-1136 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessYour Guide to Product Strategy for Startups with Owl Ventures’ Emily Bennett (Plus: How to Pitch Your Long-Term Vision to Investors)Unlock the secrets of developing a successful product strategy from Emily Bennett, principal at Owl Ventures.
Drawing from her extensive experience working at tech giants like Facebook, Spotify, and The New York Times, Emily unpacks the subtle interplay between short-term objectives and long-term vision, and breaks down how validation is key to bagging that coveted funding. She also discusses the need for investors to understand a product without necessarily being experts in the field, the opportunities and challenges in EdTech innovation, the importance of diversity and inclusion in venture capital, and much more. This episode is a...
2024-01-0429 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessAvoiding Common Mistakes in Startup Pitches: How to Capture Investors’ Attention by Standing Out from Your Competition (Plus: Developing Cashflow Projections to Get Funded)Learn what NOT to do when you pitch to investors, in a fun and honest conversation with EdTech investor Calvin Stewart.
Calvin walks through how VCs evaluate pitches from EdTech startups before sharing some of the worst things you can do in a pitch meeting. He also shares tips on how to stand out in a competitive space to get the funding you need, the pitfalls startups face when courting funding, and the ins and outs of cash flow projections. We also touch on the emerging trend of utilizing podcasts to engage with VCs, making this episode...
2023-12-0735 min
20 Minuten HessenEpisode 13 – Annelie Sanden & Dr. Detlef Terzenbach: StartHub Hessen
Das StartHub Hessen, das von der Hessen Trade & Invest GmbH (HTAI) im Auftrag des hessischen Wirtschaftsministeriums umgesetzt wird, ist die zentrale Anlaufstelle für die hessische Start-up Community.
Annelie Sanden und Dr. Detlef Terzenbach erklären in der dreizehnten Folge des Podcasts „20 Minuten Hessen“, was das StartHub Gründerinnen und Gründern bietet und wie die Zusammenarbeit im umfangreichen „Gründer-Ökosystem“ in Hessen funktioniert: „Wir reden von einem Innovations-Ökosystem, wo Förderinstitutionen, Hochschulen und Beratungsorganisationen zusammenkommen. Ähnlich ist es auch in einem Gründer-Ökosystem. Und da gibt es dann einen Netzwerkknoten, als den sich das StartHub Hessen v...
2023-12-0621 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessHow to Find Your Target Customer and Test Your Product: Launching Your New Idea with Megan Patel (Plus: Making Funding More Equitable and Scaling Your Company Culture)Learn how to think through a product launch, from identifying target customers to developing strategic partnerships.
Startup advisor and investor Megan Patel will help you understand some of the innovative ways entrepreneurs are reducing bias in venture capital funding by evaluating — and being evaluated by — their peers. She also walks through the step-by-step process of developing a product so it’s tailored for customers in a way that will inspire them to actually consume it. Plus: when is it time for a startup to scale, and how can a founder ensure that the company culture scales along with it...
2023-11-3031 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessHow to Fix Startup Equity, Keep Your Employees Engaged, and Make Strategic Financial Decisions Early (Plus: The Future of ESOPs, Employee Stock Ownership Plans)Understand why startup equity is broken—and how to keep your employees engaged anyway—with Cake Equity’s Jason Atkins.
We delve deep into the intricate world of startup equity with Jason Atkins, co-founder and president of Cake Equity. Jason explains the problems many startups face with equity distribution and the imbalance between investors and employees. He discusses the Cake Way, a one-size-fits-all solution to equity, regardless of the industry or geographical location. Jason also emphasizes the importance of transparency with your team regarding equity options and valuations, and discusses how to foster an ownership culture that ensure...
2023-11-1625 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessExploring Innovative Payment Models in Fintech Startups with Casey Williams (Plus: Effective Communication and Follow-Up as Keys to Success in Funding)Learn about 2 specific tactics that could make or break your chances of getting funded.
Casey Williams, Chief Operating Officer and Principal at Fenway Summer, discusses the intricacies of navigating financial challenges in the fintech startup space. She shares insights on what investors look for in a strong startup and the importance of communicating effectively, as well as specific tactics for improving your communication skills. Casey also goes behind the scenes at Fenway Summer, explaining how they approach investing, advising, and building fintech companies, thereby challenging traditional norms in the VC space. She also touches upon the emotional...
2023-11-0934 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessWhen Does Your Startup Need an Attorney? How Legal Counsel Can Protect Your Assets with Kristen Corpion, Award-Winning Business Attorney (Plus: How to Afford Legal Help)Learn how to know when your startup needs legal counsel, the benefits they can provide, and how to afford an attorney.
Award-winning business attorney Kristen Corpion provides a comprehensive guide on legal considerations for startups, including the importance of hiring legal counsel at the right time, how to legally safeguard your business assets, and the importance of having written contracts with external contractors. She also highlights strategies for protecting a startup’s future while seeking funding. Plus: learn about the process of vetting legal counsel, how to approach hard conversations in business partnerships, and the implications of ex...
2023-11-0234 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessSolving the Problem of Failed Startups: How John Wensveen and The Levan Center Are Redefining the Entrepreneurial Journey (Plus: 3 Key Elements That Make an Entrepreneur Successful)Gain a better understanding of what the entrepreneurial journey looks like from start to finish with John Wensveen, PhD.
How can a startup founder tell when it’s time to stop planning and start building? And at what point do most startups fail—and why? John explores the answers to these questions and shares the 3 key elements that make an entrepreneur successful. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the unique facilities of the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation, which include a military-grade cybersecurity range, an AI digital cities lab, and a volumetric capture stud...
2023-10-2636 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessTraits That Make or Break Startup Founders: Ego, Confidence, and Curiosity with Vlad Cazacu, Co-Founder and CEO of Flowlie Technologies (Plus: How to Get Constructive Business Feedback)Investor and two-time startup founder Vlad Cazacu shares lessons from his investor that startups should heed.
What traits are essential for a startup founder to display when walking into a meeting with a potential investor? Vlad shares his experience as both a multiple-time founder and an investor to help entrepreneurs understand the significance of intellectual curiosity, conviction, and the right balance of confidence in the success of a startup. He discusses the need for constructive feedback and embracing diverse perspectives for sound decision-making, as well as tips for avoiding some of the biggest mistakes he’s seen st...
2023-10-1933 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessTransform Your Business with a Compelling Narrative: Storytelling Success with Rachel Weissman, Founder and CEO of Potential AI (Plus: Meditation Benefits in Business and in Life)Learn how to refine your storytelling to level up your business with Rachel Weissman, founder and CEO of Potential AI.
How can a compelling narrative transcend product features and offer a profound value proposition for customers? Rachel answers this question by exploring the transformative role storytelling can play in your entrepreneurial journey. She also explores how meditation and emotional intelligence can contribute to business success, offering valuable takeaways on constructing a potent narrative and nurturing your mind for business triumph.
In this episode, you’ll learn about: storytelling in business, entrepreneurship, the power of personal na...
2023-10-1231 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessWhy Content Marketing is "Mandatory" for Startups with Hillel Fuld, Renowned Marketer, Startup Advisor, and Tech Columnist (Plus: How TikTok's Algorithm Is Reshaping Content Consumption)Learn why content marketing is essential for a startup’s success from Hillel Fuld, renowned marketer and startup advisor.
In this episode, Hillel Fuld explains how he implemented a content marketing strategy to propel a mobile advertising company to a nearly billion-dollar acquisition, and will help you understand how you can effectively harness the power of content marketing to help your business succeed. He also discusses how TikTok's algorithm is reshaping content consumption and speculates on the future of X's (Twitter's) fight against hate speech.
Follow The Funding Blueprint, hosted by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough, on...
2023-10-0325 minThe Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessWelcome to The Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup SuccessWelcome to The Funding Blueprint: Unlocking Startup Success, where founders and investors share the specific breakthrough moments that marked the "you're funded!" tipping point in a startup's journey.
This is a show about the intersection of startup success and funding, brought to you by StartHub and hosted by award-winning podcaster Cody Gough.
Join our engaged community of startup professionals, investors, and other entrepreneurs on Discord: https://discord.gg/4MjDJS8wsR
Follow StartHub on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starthub-academy/
2023-09-2101 min
Der ichbindochnichthierumbeliebtzusein.com PodCast - Alles um die Themen Führung, Fliegen, Technik und Alltag. Von und mit Steve Schutzbier...nicht alle Flüge funktionieren immer so, wie man möchte, geschweige denn, wie man geplant hat...! Eine Nachbereitung meines letzten Fluges mit allen Details!225 ...nicht alle Flüge funktionieren immer so, wie man möchte, geschweige denn, wie man geplant hat...! Eine Nachbereitung meines letzten Fluges mit allen Details!Ein guter Pilot macht eine umfangreiche Vorbereitung. Somit kann ihn in der Luft nichts mehr überraschen, auch, aufgrund seines steten Plans B. Hilfreich hierfür ist eine ordentliche Flugvorbereitung, in der man sich bestenfalls schon am Reißbrett Gedanken macht, wo man im Falle eines Falles landen könnte. Oder wo ein geeigneter Ausweichflughafen ist, der idealerweise mit Restsprit oder durch die aktuell geflogene Höhe auch im Gleitflug noch erreichbar ist. Oder welche Höhe fü...
2022-09-1337 min
ToróCastEngmanas e a Saga do Estudante de Engenharia - ToróCast Episódio #8A temática da vez é “Engmanas e a Saga do Estudante de Engenharia”
E pra conversar sobre isso, trazemos nossas 3 convidadas: Maysa, Gabi e Laura.
Maysa é Co-fundadora do Engmanas e acadêmica de Engenharia Elétrica na UEA, participou da 1ª Conferência da Academia STEM onde a área de pesquisa foi sobre Algoritmos Bare Metal para controle de periféricos embarcados. Atualmente trabalha como Desenvolvedora Jr. de Firmware no Laboratório de Sistemas Embarcados (HUB-LSE).
Gabi é Co-fundadora do Engmanas e acadêmica de Engenharia Elétrica da UEA, ganhou o 3° lugar do prêmio Acurácia no II Brazilian Congress of Development com o...
2022-06-2554 min
Girişimcilik SohbetleriGirişimcilik Sohbetleri #42 - 25 Soruda Üniversite Kulüpleri, Ömer Burak Çamurcu
Ömer Bey merhabalar hoş geldiniz. Sizleri biraz tanıyabilir miyiz?
Ömer Bey üniversite hayatınızın dışında da sizleri kariyer alanında yapmış olduğunuz stajlar ve çalışmalarla tanıyoruz. Ancak sizleri tanımayan dinleyicilerimiz için yaptığınız çalışmalardan biraz bahsedebilir misiniz ?
Peki, üniversiteden sonra kariyer yolculuğunuzu nasıl planladınız. Bu kapsamda kendinizi nasıl geliştiriyorsunuz ?
Henüz üniversite döneminde olan genç girişimci adayları kendilerini geliştirmek için neler yapabilirler?
Sizce üniversite kulüpleri, öğrencilerin kişisel gelişimine ne gibi katkılar sunuyor?
Üniversitede kulüp kurmak veya kulüplere katılmak isteyenlere tavsiyele...
2022-05-1739 minToróCastO que é Mej? com Julie Corrêa e Bruna Mancini. - ToróCast Episódio #6A temática da vez é: “o que é Mej? - impacto do empreendedorismo na juventude”
Teremos pela primeira vez 2 convidadas simultaneamente, Julie Corrêa e Bruna Mancini.
A Julie Corrêa é Estudante de Engenharia de Produção na UEA e atual Presidente Executiva da Baré Júnior, Federação de Empresas Juniores do Amazonas. Começou sua jornada no MEJ em 2019 pela Starthub.
A Bruna é graduanda em Engenharia Química pela UEA e começou sua caminhada no Movimento Empresa Júnior em 2019, pela StartHub. Hoje, Ela é Diretora de Desenvolvimento e Expansão, na primeira diretoria 100% feminina da história da Baré Jún...
2022-03-161h 04
RFE TV Rolling Frames Entertainment.Coworking Spaces, iTappit NFC Cards, Startups & Life After 30 | RFE Unplugged S01 E18 | Param Kalra & Ojaswwee Sharma | RFE TV Podcast | AromaMusk | AlistosParam Kalra shares his experience on forming the largest Co-Working Ecosystem and Workspaces for Freelancers, Startups, Small and Medium Business Enterprises in the Tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula), Founding and Launching iTappit - NFC based Smart Business Cards, mentoring new and scaling Startups and addressing Gen-next issues of the young and enterprising to sharing anecdotes for youth and experiences with new ventures on RFE Unplugged in a candid yet experiential conversation with Ojaswwee Sharma
RFE Unplugged is a talk show hosted by Ojaswwee Sharma featuring eminent go-getters, social movers and shakers and stories of inspiration, in an utmost...
2021-10-1256 min
The Praiseworld PodcastHe Aborted HIs Wife's Pregnancy Without Her Consent, Rest In Power Dr Yungi Cho, Interview with StartHub (Unbound)Today's show was a pack of fun, laughter, inspiration and information. From the news about Dr Yungi Cho to the powerful quote by Lecrae. From Olufunke's blog about her experience with a boy who came to her for help and how the Holy Spirit scolded her, to us hosting the vibrant youth from The Starhub, the youth expression of Daystar Christian Center, as they gear up plans towards the UNBOUND FEST 2021 happening this weekend.
We topped it up with the Question of The Day. The husband aborted his wife's pregnancy without her consent. Wait, before you comment...
2021-09-1759 min
The Hosni Mubaraq Show#90: This is, Edmund WalusimbiEdmund Walusimbi (https://www.edmundwalusimbi.com) a Ugandan by nationality and alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative under the East African Regional Leadership Center. He is a national public speaking award winner ranked as the Best Young Motivational Orator for 2019 by The Association of Uganda Public Speakers.
He is the founder of The Secret Initiative (http://thesecretinitiative.com/), a youth program that has reached over 10,000 students with a vision of inspiring them to unravel their unique strength through self-awareness, career discovery and opportunity mapping. He started this program in July 2017 at age of 19 after qualifying for government sponsorship on me...
2021-03-0459 min
Healthcare Hub PodcastEpisode 1 - Breaking Pharma Ft. Jazz PharmaceuticalsWelcome to Episode 1 of the Healthcare Hub!
We begin this episode with our HealthHub News segment, where we explore the global supply chain of Pfizer for the distribution of their COVID-19 vaccine. We then follow with an interesting discussion with Carl Duda, Business Head of Oncology and Hematology at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, where he talks about his progressive roles throughout the company and gives advice to young professionals looking to work in the pharmaceutical space. We finish the episode with our StartHub Spotlight segment, with a discussion on Aspect Biosystems, a biotechnology company based out of Vancouver working on...
2020-11-0548 min
DDCAST - Was ist gut? Design, Kommunikation, ArchitekturDDCAST 12 - David Hess „Das Start Hub für Start-ups“Was ist gut? Design, Architektur, Kommunikation
David Heß entwickelt im Auftrag des Hessischen Wirtschaftsministeriums die Kommunikations-Strategie für das erst vor 4 Monaten gegründete StartHub. Das ambitionierte Ziel der Wirtschaftsentwicklungsgesellschaft des Landes Hessen ist es, mit dem Starthub die zentrale Anlaufstelle für Gründungsinteressierte zu schaffen sowie den Austausch mit relevanten Stakeholdern zu fördern.
Der StartHub Hessen: www.starthub-hessen.de
Förderangebote des Landes über die WI-Bank:https://www.wibank.de/action/wibank/351778/wibproductsearch?state=H4sIAAAAAAAAAD2OPQ-CMBRF_8sbTU1AImBHBxIXZWAThqY8S5PSYj8GQvjvFg0mb7jnDve8Bd4B7QwUDkCAD0xrVLceqA5KEegNb-YJd5yYwHsYgSYEXoyjd0AXyM6nNC-BPiFLikuaQ0dilxblae...
2020-10-1828 min
The GEST PodcastAllen Asiimwe: Revenge PornographyMs. Asiimwe Allen is a gender enthusiast and development program management professional with knowledge and hands-on skills in project conceptualization, development, and implementation.
With over 6 years of practical experience gained in reputable governance and civic participation organizations in Uganda, Allen is a strong human rights, civic participation, and social justice advocate, working to contribute to gender equity and equality, empowerment and governance functioning in the interest of the citizens.
Previously, Allen has worked with organizations like the Uganda Youth Network as a Program Officer managing the leadership program, People’s progressive party as a communications consultant and StartHub Africa as a...
2020-01-1534 min
Amelia Stechweij PodcastSwitch Story #06: Van manager in de uitzendbranche tot het verhuren van kantoren met Thom van WijkIn deze aflevering van The Switch Stories Podcast interview ik Thom van Wijk, eigenaar van ScaleHub. Thom vertelt in een open gesprek over zijn weg naar het ondernemerschap. Vanuit een goed betaalde baan bij Randstad zet hij zijn eerste stappen; hij was daar niet meer gelukkig dus zegde zijn baan op zonder iets anders te hebben. En in het begin had hij ook echt geen idee had wat hij wilde gaan doen. Tot hij in een omgeving terecht kwam van gelijkgestemde ondernemers waar hij zich kon inkopen in StartHub, een kantoorpand waar bureaus/werkplekken aan start-ups werden verhuurd. Hij ging...
2019-12-161h 19
Wachama Podcast ~Personal Development & Social InnovationEp. 22 Jan Hellinga ~DiSC model and gut feeling in sales and entrepreneurshipDear Wachama People!
In this week’s episode you can get to know Jan Hellinga, who is the director of Omeo Groep, mentor and business coach who also guides start-ups at StartHub in Wageningen.
After finishing his studies in Dronten and Wageningen, Jan was working on the field of plant protection for 10 years, then he spent around 10 years in sales and in the last 10 years he is into coaching and mentoring.
This could seem very technical, materialistic and rational however, Jan at the same time is and always been very curio...
2019-07-041h 05
Studio CastComo utilizar uma Startup para expandir seu negócio Você sabe como utilizar uma Startup para expandir seu negócio? Descubra tudo neste vídeo com Juliana Tescaro da StartHub.
2019-05-2842 min