Barry O'Reilly

🔥 Attention: Visionaries & Builders in MENAP region 🔥 🚀 This call is for all Aspiring VCs and Angel Investors in the MENAP region! Are you ready to level up your Venture Game? Join us for this value packed, invite only, 2-part Masterclass - Venture Investing for Angels - where we’ll dive deep into the essential principles of venture investing. Gain insights that can save time, money, and risk as you navigate this exciting space! Masterclass Details: 📅 Dates: December 13th & 14th @ 4pm (KSA/Egypt), 5pm (UAE), 6pm (Pak) & 9pm (SG time) 📍 Platform: Zoom 🎙 Host: Angel School 🤝 Partner: YouPitchLive Register Now ➡ https://lnkd.in/gsR38CB7 Jed N. who is the founder of Angel School is a self-taught angel investor with 2x unicorns in his portfolio and millions invested, He’ll share his top strategies: 1️⃣ First Principles of Angel Investing 2️⃣ Venture Math Essentials – Fundraising, Dilution & Valuations 3️⃣ Startup Evaluation Frameworks – Making confident, data-driven decisions Don’t miss out on building your strong foundation in venture investing. See you there! Register Here ✅️ https://lnkd.in/gsR38CB7 #startups #angelinvestors #venturecapital #vc #angels

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"Platform" in VCs often feels undefined, and different at every firm. But one thing is clear: firms with dedicated platform teams are seeing higher investment returns. What is 'Platform' in VC? Think of it as a support engine for portfolio companies. Platform teams accelerate growth by providing: 1) Strategy & Growth 2) Talent Partner 3) Marketing & Brand Partner 4) Business Development & Partnerships Lead 5) Community Manager 6) Operations & Scaling Partner 7) Fundraising & Capital Advisor Platform in Venture Studios vs. VC Funds: The big difference? Timeframe. Venture Studio Platform: Involved from concept to exit, guiding startups from the very first spark of an idea. VC Platform: Steps in after the startup is funded, focusing on scaling and growth but not the initial concept phase. Both play critical roles—but understanding these distinctions helps founders and investors make the most of their platform relationships.

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𝗥𝗔𝗚𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝘁. There is a big obsession amongst the Gen AI crowd in valley today around implementing RAGs. However, enterprises are now realizing that this still does not solve their hallucination problem. One reason why enterprises are not happy with vendors, including incumbents like Microsoft, is that 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗔𝗚𝘀 provide context but do not do a good job of grounding, even though they claim to. Until accuracy and reliability are solved, enterprises won't take Gen AI products from pilot to production. Knowledge 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗔𝗚𝘀 are able to bring the determinism and grounding needed from enterprise data to make the answers deterministic. Watch this Upekkha startup, CogniSwitch Inc. demo on how graph-based RAG provides accuracy and reliability and explainability that enterprises need. https://lnkd.in/gjrCWn7N cc Vivek Khandelwal Dilip Ittyera

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Calling all #mentors and wannabe mentors! Join me for a chat that won’t be fireside because I don’t have a fireplace! 🤪 🌟 Ready to dive into the exciting world of mentoring early-stage startups? Join us for a session where we’ll explore the ins and outs of making a real impact as a mentor. Whether you're already a startup mentor or just considering it, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical tips to elevate your mentoring game. 🗣️ We’ll discuss the best ways to connect with startup teams, share success stories, and even tackle some of the challenges mentors face. This is your chance to learn from seasoned SBC mentors, discover new strategies, and contribute your own experiences. 🤝 Online or in person, we've got you covered: ⭐️In-person Session with Trevor Townsend , CEO Startupbootcamp Australia on Thursday 30th of May 4:00 - 6:00 PM AEST ⭐️Online Session with me! Jacqui Bloom Growth & Investment Director Startupbootcamp Australia on Wednesday, 22nd of May 4:00 - 5:00 PM AEST 🎟️Secure your spot here: https://lnkd.in/gKCTeVcM

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A No Fluff Business Podcast My first in person podcast in Singapore W/ Sina Meraji of Learning Loop - Sina shares advice and insights on many different topics DM me to get early access to 1-2 clips from this episode w/ Sina CC: buildspace Ask: For context: I am participating in BuildSpace and looking for feedback on what I have created with Business Podcast by Roohi thus far: Here are the questions below- feel free to answer whichever ones you are comfortable with 1.what’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when trying to learn about startups and venture capital? 2. how do you currently find reliable information about the startup world? 3. what do you wish existed to help you better understand the startup and vc space? Feel free to DM me or reply to this post with your answers

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June 16 2024 – 5 Notable Articles To Read Article: OpenAI’s Japanese Rival Gets $1B Valuation From Silicon Valley Investors Takeaway: New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Lux Capital, and Khosla Ventures are jointly spearheading a new funding round for Sakana AI, a Tokyo-based developer of large-language models. Established last year by former members of Google's DeepMind, Sakana aims to secure approximately $100M in this latest round of financing. Source: The Information Link: https://lnkd.in/dg7ZnFrJ Article: Pharma Investing Is All About Service Now. The Patent Cliff Era Is Ending. Takeaway: Advanced therapies and personalized medicines are rapidly emerging at the forefront of healthcare. Also referred to as precision medicine, this field enables healthcare providers to prescribe specific treatments tailored to each patient based on their unique genetic makeup and other factors. Source: Barron's Link: https://lnkd.in/d7j5Z9dQ Article: Pakistan rice exports hit record following Indian sales ban Takeaway: Pakistan is exporting record amounts of rice to global markets, capitalizing on trade restrictions implemented by India last year. Rice exports surged to $3.6B over the period, compared to $2B from July to May 2022-23. Source: Financial Times Link: https://lnkd.in/dGGyJGzx Article: Saudi regulator proposes new funds rules on debt Takeaway: The draft aims to enable public fund managers to invest in a broader array of debt instrument issuers by lifting certain restrictions imposed by current regulations. Source: Funds Europe Link: https://lnkd.in/dru_7bnM Article: Edmond de Rothschild launches Saudi infra debt fund Takeaway: Rothschild has partnered with SNB Capital, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's largest investment bank, to establish an infrastructure debt fund platform. Source: Funds Europe Link: https://lnkd.in/dR6Zi5kw #news #business #research

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100x multiples on AI businesses gives you an idea of where the VC money is flowing and that the slot machines appear to be back in full operation, but only for AI. 100XEV means on a pre-revenue basis a company with a somewhat coherent AI story can take their 409a and multiply it out by 100X. The only thing taking money at that valuation will ensure is you go flying through the windshield in 24 months. Run as fast and as hard as you can from it. Theoretically this means a company with $1m EV showing it is doubling can raise at $100M.

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My top 3 takeaways from Open AI DevDay Singapore: 1. There is still a large gap between what developers know is possible and what businesspeople know is possible with LLMs. 2. To OpenAI solution engineers, using an LLM to manipulate the UI is an old trick; to everybody else, it’s mind blowing. 3. Everybody wants to incorporate voice modality, but few are prepared for it. The winners in the coming months will be apps built voice-first, with traditional web apps that laid the groundwork for voice peaking months later.

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I'm super fascinated as an investor in all things AI - and Agentic Voice AI is one of the spaces that delivers on a vision that's at least 15+ years in the making (remember Cooltown Sridhar Solur Andrew Bolwell Peter Vesterbacka?). This latest piece from Bessemer Venture Partners is absolutely worth a read if you're interested in this space. The most interesting part for me is their thesis and the metrics they use to get to conviction: 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗜 Voice AI applications are most valuable when they are deeply embedded in industry-specific workflows. This approach enables them to use tailored language and interact with the unique conversations of each sector, allowing for seamless integration with third-party systems. Applications combining voice with other interaction modes (e.g., text or visual) also stand out for handling complex, multi-step processes, thus enhancing reliability and defensibility in real-world settings. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 For high-quality voice AI, metrics are crucial in balancing growth, retention, and product quality. Key performance indicators include: - 𝗖𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲: Tracks the percentage of customers lost over time, especially important where agents may fail to deliver reliable service. - 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Measures how often the voice agent can fully resolve an issue without human intervention. - 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲: Reflects user sentiment regarding their experience with the agent. - 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: Higher rates can signal unresolved issues, impacting user trust. - 𝗖𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Shows if customers are increasing their usage, a strong signal of value and engagement. https://lnkd.in/eqqZsYx9

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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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I couldn't agree more with this video from Y Combinator. Platforms built to be agnostic of large language models (LLMs) have a huge advantage. At ARUSTO, we follow this approach, allowing us to choose the best and most cost-effective LLMs for specific content creation tasks. As LLMs improve, we can offer enhanced functionalities and premium features to our customers. The key is to focus on solving critical problems, with LLMs being just one part of many proprietary innovations being built by our team.

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In an era where innovation outpaces regulation, how can entrepreneurs embed social responsibility into the DNA of their startups? 🌐💡 Recent conversations and insightful pieces, particularly one by Lyel Resner and Dr. Wilneida Negrón, have sparked a profound consideration in my thinking: the imperative for responsible innovation in tech ventures. They posit a tantalizing question - what if the tech giants of tomorrow were built on the foundations of public interest and social responsibility today? Diving into this thought experiment reveals more than just an ethical proposition; it opens up a paradigm where businesses can be both profitable and purposeful. Embedding social responsibility from the outset could guide ventures to prioritize long-term societal well-being over short-term gains. Imagine a future where companies are not just evaluated by their financial performance but also by their contribution to solving societal issues. The notion is ambitious but certainly not unattainable. This approach challenges us as entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators to rethink our roles in shaping the future of technology. It's a call to action to pioneer a new wave of responsible businesses that are equipped to address, rather than exacerbate, global challenges. Let’s discuss: How can we as part of the startup ecosystem integrate these principles into our work from day zero? Your thoughts could light up paths not yet traveled. 🚀🌍

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Most Angel investors are followers. This is not a value judgement. Actually, it's a good thing for founders. Followers are attractive because they pair a reasonable check size with a lower sensitivity to valuation, and higher appetite for risk (because they are following others). You can normally recognize a follower by how they talk about their deals. If they emphasize who else is part of a deal, or name drop a prominent lead investor, they're usually a follower. Tip: When you have a lead Angel, use their name/endorsement/due diligence as your #1 selling point to follower Angels. From my post on different types of Angels on www.founderinresidence.co #angels #founders #fundraising

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第3弾は、Y CombinatorのWebサイトで「Healthcare」で分類されている、メンタルヘルス×モニタリング（1社）、企業の医療費削減（1社）、在宅介護支援（1社）、カップル向けAI恋愛アプリ（1社）について、スタートアップについてそれぞれまとめました。ぜひnoteをご覧ください。 ブログ記事はこちら（Here is the blog post）↓ https://lnkd.in/gT-RcVVJ *Although the articles are in Japanese, please feel free to contact me in English if you are interested in the content. I would like to introduce companies from the Y Combinator Winter 2024 Batch. Part 3 summarizes each of the startups categorized under "Healthcare": One in Mental health x monitoring, One in Reducing corporate healthcare costs, one in Home care support, and one in AI relationship app for couples.

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While some VCs may scoff at this strategy, it's actually an interesting one for emerging Southeast Asia where most of VC investing has been likened to "small- to mid-cap PE investing" (s/o to Dmitry Levit). Big opportunity for VCs that bring operator and PE chops. https://lnkd.in/g7N9tYfT

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Please find my blog based on deep dive to a question from my book https://lnkd.in/gQsTaAG5 Get your copy here The 'Benefit' Blueprint for Startup Success https://a.co/d/dmt20A4

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This is such an instructive interview. Servicetitan and lessons for vertical SaaS cos. https://lnkd.in/ghBXGrk7

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The business benefits of passionate missionary vs bean counting mercenary culture and leadership Last night our co-founder and CTO Shuangling Yin was coding until 5am to impress and go above and beyond for a customer that is implementing InspectMind AI (YC W24). The customer call went very well and adoption of our solution is now speeding up within their organization. It was well worth it! There is no number of beans the bean counters at Autodesk can throw at their team to make them work until 5am instead of 5pm. This is what happens when people actually care about their work and deeply and passionately care about making the customer successful. This culture, passion, mission, purpose, vision, leadership is the reason we are going to #dethroneAutodesk. (In their early days Brex used to say they want to beat American Express. In fact they made their wifi password beatamex. But I like dethrone better, sounds like Game of Thrones, more fun.)

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When Joseph C. sent me the topic of the podcast—The Power of Storytelling—my first reaction was: "Hmm, I’m not too sure about that." To me, storytelling on its own is never convincing without data. However, the best storytellers have the ability to convey complex knowledge and vast data points with clarity and simplicity. In innovation, data isn’t just about saying, "X number of people are doing this, so we should follow suit," or "X number of people are facing this issue, so we should fix it." While these approaches are valid, they are the more straightforward solutions. Innovation goes far beyond just solving the obvious. It’s about understanding contextual data—the infrastructure and technologies that lay the groundwork for future breakthroughs. For example, access to the internet and the rise of personal laptops enabled platforms like #YouTube, which rely on low bandwidth for speed and streaming, to flourish. Similarly, the availability of cheaper smartphones and improvements in cellular networks from 3G to 4G/5G allowed mobile streaming to explode, fueling the rise of streaming apps. These developments—enabled and driven by infrastructure and technological progress—are data points that shape human behavior and point to where future trends are heading. Sometimes, the most impactful innovations don't address the most urgent problems. Take #ChatGPT, for example: while we were fine before its existence, it represents a leap forward. LLMs have been around since the 1960s, but it was the advancements in computing power and technological literacy that enabled further development and eventual widespread adoption in the increasingly automated world. These innovations open up new possibilities, even if the need wasn't immediately apparent. And while data speaks loudly, the fear of stepping into uncharted territory often holds people back. Yet, history shows us that in a constantly evolving world, the biggest risk isn’t the possibility of failure—it’s the risk of not innovating. #My2Cents #Innovation #PowerOfData #PowerofStorytelling #ShapingTheFuture Aye | Your Partner in Retail AI

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