TN W.O.M.E.N

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner looking to take your venture to the next level? We invite you to attend The Fund Lab: Cracking the Fund Code, a comprehensive fundraising workshop led by Arasi Arul, a renowned serial entrepreneur and angel investor with over 20 years of experience in the startup field. After an overwhelming response to our LinkedIn post, we are ready to answer your questions: How to Raise Funds? How much to raise? When to raise? How much to dilute? And more! You also get a one-on-one AMA with Arasi Arul! This workshop is powered by TN W.O.M.E.N, a women-focused fund that invests in and supports female-led startups. The founding team of TN W.O.M.E.N has an aggregated experience of over 40 years in the entrepreneurship and startup sectors. PS: This event is gender-agnostic Register Now: https://lnkd.in/gBM4e7d8 #startups #Chennai #Fundraising #Founders

When meeting with potential investors, startups should ask thoughtful questions to ensure alignment and make informed decisions. Here are key questions to consider: (Part 3) Portfolio & Track Record Can you share examples of companies in your portfolio that are similar to ours? What is your track record in helping startups grow and exit? How many companies in your portfolio have faced challenges, and how did you help them?

When meeting with potential investors, startups should ask thoughtful questions to ensure alignment and make informed decisions. Here are key questions to consider: (Part 2) Experience & Value-Add What experience do you have in our industry or market? How involved do you typically get with portfolio companies? What specific support do you offer beyond capital (e.g., mentorship, introductions, strategic guidance)? Do you have a network of partners or resources we can leverage?

When meeting with potential investors, startups should ask thoughtful questions to ensure alignment and make informed decisions. Here are key questions to consider: Investment Terms & Expectations What is your typical check size and preferred stage of investment? What type of equity or ownership percentage do you typically seek? Are there any specific terms in your term sheet we should be aware of (e.g., liquidation preferences, board seats)? What is your expected timeline for returns and exit strategy?

Here are key pitfalls that startups should avoid: Part 1 1. Lack of Market Research Pitfall: Building a product without validating market demand. Solution: Conduct thorough research, test the market with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product), and gather feedback. 2. Poor Financial Management Pitfall: Underestimating costs, overestimating revenue, or burning through cash too quickly. Solution: Create detailed financial projections, monitor cash flow, and plan for contingencies. 3. Ignoring Customer Feedback Pitfall: Assuming you know what the customer needs without ongoing validation. Solution: Implement continuous feedback loops and adjust the product based on real user input.

Startups often overlook the importance of customer feedback in the early stages. While it's common to focus on product development or fundraising, many startups fail to consistently engage with their target audience to validate assumptions and refine their offering. Building without understanding customer pain points or ignoring early feedback can lead to wasted resources and misaligned products. Establishing a feedback loop through interviews, surveys, or beta testing can help startups iterate quickly and align with market needs. Another commonly overlooked aspect is financial planning for unexpected setbacks—startups often underestimate how quickly funds can run out and may not plan for contingency budgets.

Second-generation discrimination, often subtle, can hinder startup growth. To combat this: Educate: Raise awareness about unconscious bias. Diversify: Build inclusive teams and leadership. Empower: Create a culture of belonging and support. Let's work towards a more equitable startup ecosystem. #diversityandinclusion #startup #innovation

Second-generation discrimination, often subtle and unintentional, can significantly impact startups. 1. Reduced Funding: Underrepresented founders may face challenges securing funding due to biases in the investment industry.   2. Limited Growth Opportunities: Lack of access to networks and mentors can hinder scaling and market expansion. 3. Increased Burnout: Navigating a discriminatory environment can lead to increased stress and lower job satisfaction.   4. Talent Retention: A culture of discrimination can drive away top talent, hindering innovation and growth.

Words hold power. They can uplift or wound, connect or divide. Let's choose our words carefully, with empathy and respect. #LanguageMatters #Communication #Empathy

Catch our Director Arasi Arul at the Global Startup Summit panel on December 7th, 2024. If you are attending the summit, drop us a comment!