Edward Ward

We need more lists like this... The tech world is full of lists about high growth startups, 99% of which are ranked by either how much VC funding they've received, or how much money they make. That's cool and everything. But the vast majority of these businesses didn't start up just to make money. They're in business to change the world for the better. So what about a list that focuses on the extent to which startups are actually doing that? Well, props to Norrsken VC. They define ’impact tech’ companies as those focused on any of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals — such as economic growth, healthcare and social justice. And their annual Impact/100 list names the top 100 startups contributing the most impact to those goals. Two other awesome things about the list: 1. It's not ranked. Only by A-Z. No number 1, no top 10, no winners and losers. (Well, unless you're not on the list I guess. Better try harder, eh). Just 100 impactful startups. 2. The design and UX of the site. Very cool. Love it 😎 Thanks to Luke Richardson for the heads-up on this, and congrats again on that site design - it's epic. Check it out in the comments (algo and all that) 👇

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🚨 Funding Alert: It's the last day of October, and 2024 is slipping away faster than you think... You know it, I know it – the funding world moves at LIGHTNING speed ⚡️ Timing is everything, and opportunities vanish in the blink of an eye. If you're aiming to land a funding deal before year's end, we've got your back! 💪 At Magdalena Reith, we're offering a special Q4 deal: Book a pitch deck package before November 15th and get a FREE one-pager 🎁 Your strategic conversation starter that turns "Maybe later" into "Let's talk!" Looking to finish Q4 strong and slingshot your startup into 2025? Here's what you get in our Q4 Power Package: 🎯 Expert guidance  🎁 FREE one-pager  💼 Professional pitch deck  ⏰ Priority completion (optional) Reach out via DM or drop a comment below to learn more and lock in your package before November 15th! #StartupFunding #PitchDecks #Startups

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Crunchbase has released June’s largest startup funding rounds. AI, biotech, and healthcare were some of the top sectors. But what about travel startups? I searched for them myself. Here are June’s five largest travel rounds: • TravelPerk ($135 million): Business travel booking platform • Cognigy ($100 million Series C): AI customer service agents for airlines • Fetcherr ($90 million Series B): AI-powered airfare pricing • Canary Technologies ($50 million Series C): Software to automate hotel operations • Nium ($50 million Series E): Travel payments for businesses What do these rounds mean for the travel industry? Below are my key takeaways: • Many travelers are frustrated with long waits to reach customer service. AI agents will help people quickly do tasks like requesting wheelchairs and upgrading seats. • Creating flight prices is a complex process that airlines want to automate. AI will enable airlines to have fares based on real-time market conditions. • Even though remote work is here to stay, people still enjoy meeting each other in person. Many companies are sending their employees to industry events for this reason. • Many travel businesses can’t operate without a strong payment infrastructure. For example, a cross-border payment between a Canadian travel agent and a South African hotel. What do you think of this data? Share your insights in the comments. #startups #vc #travel #traveltech ———————————————————— Enjoyed this post? I ghostwrite LinkedIn posts for travel tech founders and CEOs looking to scale their personal brands and attract customers. DM me “Travel” and I’ll create one personalized LinkedIn post for free.

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Interesting read with your morning coffee ☕ On Friday, Character.AI announced a deal for Google to use its technology and hire many of its researchers and executives, including its co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas. Google negotiated a licensing fee worth $2 billion for the startup’s technology to help buy out early investors. The two companies considered an outright acquisition, but concluded that was unlikely to get past regulators, according to a person familiar with the matter. Microsoft cast the mold for this deal type in March when it hired nearly all the employees from AI developer Inflection to start a new consumer AI division and paid around $650 million to license its technology... Thoughts? #ai #licensing #investing #startups #venturecapital

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When you’ve spent weeks reaching out to 200+ VCs and angel investors, and the very few who reply say: “We love your idea, but we invest in later-stage rounds” But you’re just a chill guy who’s embracing the cruel beauty of early-stage entrepreneurship #Entrepreneurship #EarlyStageFunding #startup #venturecapital #AngelInvestors #SeedFunding #ChillGuy

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🚀 Intuition Ventures Raises a $16M Fund I🚀 🔍 "Are you tired of hearing about yet another enterprise AI funding round? Look no further!" says Hugo Amsellem, a seasoned investor and former employee of The Family. "Intuition Ventures is shaking up the investment landscape by focusing exclusively on consumer tech." 💥 👥 Meet the Visionaries: Hugo Amsellem: "We want to move beyond the traditional investment model and bet on the future of consumer tech," Amsellem shares. Etienne Boutan: "Our diverse backgrounds fuel Intuition's innovative approach to investing," says Boutan, co-founder of Intuition and former professional basketball player. 💼 The Fund: "With an initial fund of €15 million ($16 million), Intuition is paving the way for consumer startups in Europe and the U.S.," says Amsellem. Led by Amsellem and Boutan, the firm has already made strategic investments and continues to expand its portfolio. They also recruited Axel Toupane (NBA champion), Eliott Kessas (co-founder of Daring) and Erika Batista (general partner at On Deck Runway Fund) as venture partners. 💡“Hugo and I were amongst some of the most active early-stage investors in consumer startups in Europe and with the addition of Axel, Eliott and Erika as venture partners we wanted to make sure we could expand our coverage in the U.S. at the heart of consumer tech in San Francisco and culture in Los Angeles,” Boutan said.🦸‍♂️ 🌟 Investment Thesis: "Intuition recognizes the untapped potential in consumer tech," explains Boutan. "While other funds shy away from the perceived risks, Intuition sees opportunity." That’s why Intuition wants to help the next wave of consumer companies. The VC firm plans to invest anything between €100,000 and €500,000 at the pre-seed or seed stage. It will invest in more than 40 companies with its initial fund. 🌐 Building Community: "Intuition is more than just a VC firm—it's a movement," says Amsellem. "By hosting a series of events in collaboration with top-tier VC firms, Intuition is fostering collaboration and driving industry growth." 🔮 The Future of Consumer Tech: "Innovation never stops, and neither does Intuition," asserts Amsellem. "With a keen eye on emerging trends and advancements in AI, Intuition is poised to shape the next wave of consumer products and cultural phenomena." 🚀 Join the Revolution: "Ready to be part of something extraordinary?" invites Boutan. "Intuition Ventures invites you to join us on our journey to redefine consumer tech. Let's transform culture together!" Congratulations to Intuition VC on raising Fund I👏👏👏 ✅ 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   #IntuitionVentures #ConsumerTech #StartupInvesting #VentureCapital #TechRevolution #Events

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Compare this to founders and startups from developing Asia. The avg pre-seed round would be around €100K and Founder's salary would be around €10K PA. Startups with lower burn will be invincible as Innovation and tech tools aren't geo-restricted anymore. #Startups #VentureCapital #Investment #Innovation #Funding

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When celebrities invest cash into startups they often get lower valuations in exchange for promotion. And I believe that is exactly what happened with Ronaldo’s latest investment in wearable technology company WHOOP. The Portuguese soccer icon just invested and became an official global ambassador for Whoop, the wearable technology company. “Whoop has had a transformative impact on my life both on and off the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement. “I wear Whoop while training, sleeping, and recovering. It’s been one of the most important tools helping me elevate my game and monitor my health.” The financial details of the investment have not been disclosed, but according to Whoop, the deal represents one of Ronaldo’s “most significant investments to date.” Although it could definitely be true that Ronaldo invested cash, I don’t believe he paid the full price for it (but this is just an assumption). Often when celebrities invest, they get discounted valuations or do a part equity deal in exchange for promoting the company. Ronaldo for example has 629 million followers on Instagram and is the most followed person on the platform. One post about a company and the website will probably blow up (which is exactly what Ronaldo did this morning btw announcing his partnership with Whoop). Besides getting a financial injection, most often the startups receiving the celebrity investment also gain a lot of social exposure, which they normally have to pay millions of dollars for. So it makes sense to do a part equity deal or offer a lower valuation. What do you think? 

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How to raise funds in 2024 ... Our Story and the roller coaster ride I’m about to share our rollercoaster ride—complete with twists, turns, and a few loop-de-loops—to help other brave souls out there in the startup jungle. Setting the Scene: The Real Deal on Expectations 1. Know the Market Imagine the fundraising landscape as a giant, shifting sand dune. Back in 2021, it was a golden beach where multipliers soared high. Fast forward to 2024, and it’s more like a rugged coastline—multipliers have dropped to a more modest 7x to 10x unless you’re the unicorn of the moment. Understand this shift or risk getting stuck in the quicksand of unmet expectations. 2. Time: The Ultimate Investment Raising funds is like preparing for a marathon where every mile feels like a sprint. Here’s our rough timeline: Month 1: Craft your investor presentation. It’s like baking a soufflé—timing and finesse are everything. Months 2-8: Hit the ground running with at least 40 VC meetings. Think of it as a high-stakes game of speed dating—only the stakes are higher, and there’s a lot more paperwork. Months 8-11: Dive into due diligence. This part is akin to a deep sea dive: exciting but full of hidden challenges. It can take 1-3 months before the cash is safely in your coffers. 3. Focus: Your New Full-Time Job Fundraising is your new 24/7 job. Be prepared for other parts of your business to feel a bit neglected. It’s like juggling flaming torches—exciting but requiring intense concentration. Navigating the Fundraising Maze in 2024 ( Actual Journey) .... Continued in comments

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Hidden Trap Of Convertible Note and Liquidation Preference Multiples. Young entrepreneurs often get screwed by their angel investors on convertible notes and I know I can’t convince you not to do it so I’d like to offer one simple bit of advice to help you avoid getting screwed. 🤐 When you do a convertible note with a cap that converts into the next round of funding, one of the unintended consequences is that if you’re successful and raise at a larger price than your cap the early angels often get “multiple liquidation preferences” on their dollars in. Here’s how it works: 💡 - Let's say an angel invests $500,000 with a $5 million cap. That means they'll own at least 9% of your company if the conversion price exceeds the cap. If you raise funds at a lower price, their ownership goes up. - Now, with a regular 1x liquidation preference, they'd be entitled to $500,000 if you sell the company for less than $5 million. If you sell for more, they'd rather take their ownership percentage instead of that liquidation preference, which acts like a safety net. - Fast forward, You work your tail off for 18 months, securing a series of notes, and guess what? You're lucky enough to land $5M at $25M pre-money valuation. At this point, that early angel investor owns around 16.67% and probably still holds a 1x liquidation preference. - Now here's where the trickery starts: When the initial note converts, instead of snagging a $500,000 liquidation preference, they'd cash in a mind-boggling $2.5 million liquidation preference—a whopping 5x increase! If a VC pulled this move in an early-stage deal, their reputation would suffer, making it hard for them to work with other VCs or entrepreneurs. In VC financings, this term is clear, but on convertible notes, it happens subtly, catching entrepreneurs off guard – a silent and painful setback. So here’s what every entrepreneur should add immediately to any convertible note 😎 "If this note converts at a price higher than the cap that you have been given you agree that in the conversion of the note into equity you agree to allow your stock to be converted such that you will receive no more than a 1x non-participating liquidation preference plus any agreed interest." Papering this when it converts is super easy if the angel has already consented to it and they are not being cheated at all. They get their full investment as a 1x liquidation preference. And please don’t let any angel try to convince you they deserve more for the early risk. The early risk is why they get a cheaper price. 😁 You can also checked “liquidation preference overhang” by José Ancer article to read more about it. (Link in comments) 👉 Check out my free newsletter for more insights: https://lnkd.in/dKZQKHg2 . #startups #funding #VC #investors #founder #entrepreneurs #founders #entrepreneurship #startup #fundraising #termsheet #fund #venturecapital #angelinvestors #angelinvesting

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Ever feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders as founder? As a founder, having a strong support system is crucial. This could be your family, friends or even your stakeholders, like your board of advisors. They’re there not just to help your startup grow, but also to ensure you’re at your best, ready to steer the business forward. Listen to one of the mentors from our Portfolio Professional community Gareth Hawkins, share the importance of supporting founders with their mental health. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking, “How are you feeling?” #Founders #Startup #MentalHealth

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What is the hardest part about fundraising? Getting VC meetings? No, it's not what you might think... Here's the real deal: Fundraising is an emotional rollercoaster that usually ends up beating down your confidence completely... For all founders out there, venturing out on your first fundraise, here is what you'll be going through: The Calm Before the Storm: You're getting VC attention, feeling optimistic. But cool your jets! This isn't the time for daydreaming about that sweet VC cash. Keep on meeting more VCs, don't trust based on early interest. The Pitch Marathon: You're on fire, selling your dream! But then... The First "No": Ouch! That initial rejection stings. The Heartbreaker: Your favorite VC rejects you. The one that gave you the confidence to start fundraising from the start. Is this the end? The Final Stretch: You're beaten down and exhausted when that term sheet finally lands. Maybe from a VC you didn't even know before. Don't cave now! This is when you need to dig deep and find that initial founder confidence again to negotiate. Every founder goes through this wild ride. The key? Don't let it break you. Stay true to your vision, and know that if you follow the playbook you will get there. So, buckle up, embrace the madness, and get ready for one hell of a story to tell when you make it to the other side. What's been your craziest moment on this fundraising rollercoaster? Let's swap war stories in the comments! 🎭🚀

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Real NFTs are not just about Pepe the Frog, apes, or dogs; We are entering a new wave of the #CreatorEconomy, which includes tokenizing content, music, digital collectibles, memberships, ticketing, and more for a new generation of buyers, such as NBA Top Shot. Now you are able to fast track your NFT market launch at fractional Time and cost with #Morpheuslabs and leave the heavy lifting of tech implementation to us, so you can focus on go-to-market strategies and other important business aspects. 💡 AI-Powered Smart Contracts development & Customisable templates 💡 Drag & Drop Customisation of UI and Workflow 💡 Automated Security & Vulnerability Checks 💡 End-to-End Implementation Video 👉 https://lnkd.in/gPyPf_yG Sign up here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gW67mJD4 Bridging #Web2 <> #Web3 #AI #LowCode #SimplifyWeb3

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Every (pre) seed stage tech founder talks to VCs about 'traction'. Here's the hierarchy of traction: Revenue / Annualised Recurring Revenue (ARR) --> Contracted ARR --> Paid Proof of Concepts --> Unpaid Proof of Concepts --> Trials --> Master Service Agreements --> Letters of Intent --> Pipeline value If you are pitching to VCs, focus their time and attention as far up the hierarchy as you possibly, credibly can. And don't even bother telling us about your awards. It doesn't move the needle at all. #founders #startups #vcfunding

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Such a useful perspective for social entrepreneurs who are trying to raise capital. Unfortunately trying to conform and contort into VC style valuations and growth targets undermines credibility in your startup. You need a big and compelling vision, yes. But you also need a realistic plan that acknowledges assumptions and includes milestones for how you'll steadily progress towards that vision e.g. how you'll capture your first 1,000 paying customers, or onboard your first 2-3 major partners etc. If achieving all your milestones depends on an unrealistic raise at an unrealistic valuation, your ask is going to appear both risky and naive. Impact investors know growth is more slow and steady for social enterprises, and those who don't will likely not be a good partner for you anyway!

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Crowdfunding Success Stories Oculus VR: Raised $2.4 million on Kickstarter before being acquired by Facebook for $2 billion, proving that crowdfunding can be a launchpad for high-growth companies. Allbirds: Initially crowdfunded to launch their eco-friendly wool shoes and went on to become a globally recognized sustainable brand. Exploding Kittens: This card game raised $8.7 million through crowdfunding, showing that with the right storytelling and rewards, even niche products can attract significant support. what do you think should we do crowdfunding for White Sands ?

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#TISeed #ImpactBillionsRevenueTrillions #SanjayBhargavaMentoredFund Sanjay Bhargava is on the scaled up disruption path again. I have known him for more than 13 years of more than 20 years, since he and his better half Anita came back post the PayPal buyout in 2002 by eBay. For me the couple has the flavour of Don Quixote, wanting the Muskian Mars-shots on Earth ! They have involved themselves in IAC ( India Against Corruption), Anita has been involved in Clean Up Delhi campaigns, been shadow Municipal Councillor to see how Indian Bureaucracy stymies much progressive movement but then both worked on setting up International Innovation Corps (now headquartered in University of Chicago), to help top bureaucracy get talent from top US & Indian universities to envision & implement big transformations. They were involved in setting up Bharosa Club along with their son and his partner, to encourage direct selling and transparent data analysis of mutual funds. Now Sanjay is going solo. He wants young teams anywhere to attempt impact disruptions of planetary scale, and willing to put 100,000 USD of his own, help raise the other 400,000 USD and mentor through governments and his networks, these pilots. And he desires to see teams from anywhere in the world, working on all sides of the Economic & Social Pyramid, across geographies to build a Balanced Sustainable, Healthy and Prosperous planet, inspired by the Gita, he doesn't care if he succeeds but he is going to do his bit. And the prosperity index for him includes good health of both it's peoples and nature. He believes the world can live better lives with lesser consumption. These are the top professionals, who have seen the West & East and want the enterprise pathways out of the ideological & geopolitical impasses. And what are the ideas that will get this support? There are many trillion dollar impact ideas possible from any domain. These examples are just pointers. Poverty Eradication Not Just Alleviation: Reimagining responsible credit, welfare, and UBI Target: 1B+ users, $10+ ARPU Global Youth Platform: Serving the 18-45 demographic Focus: Community and global prosperity Target: 1B+ users, $10+ ARPU Sustainable Employment: Bridging global labor market inefficiencies Solving worker surplus/shortage mismatches Focus on scalable, ethical solutions Smart Villages: Innovative rural development Climate change mitigation Replicable, customizable solutions Investment Focus Focus on trillion-dollar impact potential Deep involvement until Series A AI-powered solutions for global scale Sanjay's Track Record : PayPal pioneer (Employee #7 at X.com) Former Country Head, Starlink India Led Citibank's growth from 1% to 36% market share in Thailand Scaled Citibank India to process 5% of national GDP with just 6 branches Endorsed by industry titans: Elon Musk Founder & CEO, Tesla, SpaceX Reid Hoffman Co-founder, LinkedIn David Sacks First COO, PayPal

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Remove the detailed roadmaps from your pitch decks. No VC will invest the time to go through all the milestones in your history and those in the future, with all the bullets providing details about each milestone. Far too early. VCs are not warm enough when they read your pitch deck. Put your detailed roadmaps into your data room and let VCs digest them after they had 1-2 meetings with you and ask for further material. If you think a roadmap could help to increase a VCs appetite, then only provide 3-5 high-level milestones on a slide that could be read and understood in max 10 seconds. Check my FundraisingCOUP program if you want to become a Top 1% fundraiser & get in touch with me if you're building a disruptive Future of Work & Learning startup and looking for Pre-Seed or Seed funding.

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Sharing more mess-ups and the lessons around them, as Liz G. the CEO of soona points out is a great service to fellow founders and builders. We learn so much from each other when we share how many shots we took to get to the win versus strictly or only sharing the win. #founderlife #alwayslearning

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