Frank Kelcz

Ever wonder what its like to run a Private Equity fund? Now you have the chance to follow along with successful investment managers by participating with Fund Launch Partners. Join me and Lincoln Archibald and next week for the Third Thursday @ Three to hear about direct investment opportunities with General Partnerships in the one of the fastest growing portfolio investment sectors. Pick up a free ticket here: https://lnkd.in/dd2yzxDd #HolyGrailofInvesting #GPOpportunities #FundLaunch #Alternatives

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🚀 Today's E2E Tech 100 panel with Chris Blackhurst from The Independent was eye-opening! We discussed the vast impact of AI across industries, from finance to gaming and beyond. Hayley Roberts passionately stressed AI's accessibility and debunked stereotypes in tech—empowering change is what truly matters, regardless of gender. 💡 We delved into real-world challenges like fundraising and AI ethics, sparked by cases like Cambridge Analytica. Franklin Asante painted a vivid picture of AI's reach in finance, pharmaceuticals, and beyond, showing its incredible versatility. 🎓 Education emerged as a key theme—how do we prepare for AI's future influence? The debate on workforce dynamics was intense, highlighting both efficiency gains and ethical dilemmas. 🌍 Dhaval Patel reminded us of tech's power for good—continuous learning and innovation drive progress. Gavin Dein shared how tools like Chat GPT streamline work, while Peter Yeung pondered AI's evolution and its impact on future generations. The future is AI-powered, and discussions like these pave the way for a balanced, informed approach. Let's harness technology responsibly for a brighter tomorrow! A BIG thank you to our partners Coutts, Universal Partners, Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd, Virtuoso Legal - Intellectual Property Specialists, Go Live Data- Intellectual Property Specialists Champions UK plc Experian 🌟 #AI #TechInnovation #EthicsInTech #E2E #Future #Business

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Cambridge Future Tech builds companies. But what makes us different? We get involved from the pre-incorporation stage and join the team as co-founders. We start with the tech. ⚡⚡ Our research team perform extensive due diligence on product, tech and market fit. Then, we build the company around the tech. We help to build : 🚀 The team. 🚀 The vision. 🚀 The narrative. We’re hands-on. We support with: 🚀 Legal and governance. 🚀 Operational process and structure. 🚀 Financial and business models. We prepare the venture: 🚀 For pitching and fundraising. 🚀 For commercial engagements. 🚀 To bring the product to market. Then, we connect them with our international network of investors and VC. 🔗 We’re with them every step from incorporation through pre-seed, seed and beyond. #cambridgefuturetech #venturebuilder #deeptech

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Survival of the Fittest in a Shifting Funding Landscape Founders are adopting a low-key approach, focusing their energy on internal growth. Armed with capital secured in 2021, many are strategically revitalising their businesses. But the big question remains: What will the dealmaking landscape look like in 2024? "Overall, capital infusion will be concentrated on a narrower spectrum of companies than in all. The private capital raising landscape is anticipated to be robust, showcasing significant improvement from 2022. However, the capital infusion will be concentrated on a narrower spectrum of companies compared to the prolific scene of 2021." Read More: https://lnkd.in/d3536qvA In the meantime, share your thoughts! Are you a founder facing a funding crunch? How are you adapting your strategy? #StartupFunding #Founders #Growth #DealMaking #SibaPanda

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"Funding Collapse sends investment in start-ups to six year low" The Times today covering the shocking stats that VenturePath uncovered, with our partner Beauhurst. Great quotes from supporters Michael Moore CEO, BVCA and Julian David CEO, techUK. * UK VC funding at Series A is -44% from last year, and worsening * Q3 24 is down a staggering 57% from Q2, itself down from Q1 * 9 in 10 seed funded startups cannot access Series A VC funding, the next 'rung on the funding ladder' * Just 32 future scaleup companies across the whole of the UK were able to access their first VC funding round in Q3...a 6 year low * Half a billion less capital is going in to UK scaleups at Series A, than just 2 years ago! As the UK scaleup funding gap widens, we are losing ground against other countries, at both startup stage (a position the UK worked hard to achieve, since 2011), and for scaleup support. OECD data: 13th in the world for scaleup support, and that's before Series A funding access dried up. I get that its confusing. Another report (BBB, Nations & Regions) released this week spoke of positive trends in private investment, stating "The data for Q2 2024 shows that investment value has continued to grow". Great, I love to see optimistic data. But under analysis that bundles venture with private equity (later stage), where a few megadeals skew the numbers. Otherwise the exact opposite is true. Our independent research here, for the UK ScaleUp Investment Mission, is laser beam focussed on Series A. The funding round where companies move from the c.1m startups launched each year, through the 2,179 that access seed funding, into the rarefied category of being recognised as future scaleups, attracting Series A funding (£2-10m). The UK venture landscape is currently funding just 248 pa of these companies, and declining. We've been sharing this urgent call for support with the new Government since the day after the election. I've personally met with several Ministers, and spoke to all the relevant Government departments. I will shamelessly repeat loudly what is at stake. UK scaleup funding at Series A has nearly halved in a year, and continues to decline steeply, more than halving in the last quarter. VenturePath developed The UK ScaleUp Investment Mission to convene the scaleup support ecosystem and £7bn of funders to help address this problem, to improve nationwide access to VC investment, and create more venture-backed successes. We have clear support, clear recommendations to reverse this decline in UK scaleup investment, and have made a clear ask of Government for participation in this, to ensure immediate action is taken to create the conditions for success for UK scaleups, ensuring the focus on growth isn't undermined by lack of capital, or equitable access to it. Government decision makers, we'd love your interest, to progress to action. HM Treasury: Rt Hon Rachel Reeves Spencer Livermore James Murray & CC Poppy Gustafsson (welcome to the debate).

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In Amelia Hill's second article on the challenges facing #femtech founders, she outlines some of the other barriers which are just as much of a brake on growth as lack of investment... 😲 Of the 35 femtech companies that responded to censHERship's online survey, 75% had been refused a bank account; 60% had had an account closed, 50% faced “excessive scrutiny”, 32% experienced delays in processing and 21% were charged higher fees. 🛑 But even if you clear these hurdles, your online ads are likely to be blocked or banned. 🐣 As an eg from our portfolio, Béa Fertility is banned from using the word "vagina" in the description for their medical-grade fertility device on Amazon. (Of course, no such prudishness exists around male sex toys or products for erectile dysfunction!) 😇 There are no easy fixes, but we can all advocate for these businesses and buy their products. Some of us with spare cash to invest can choose to support them through angel investment. Read the full story here 👇 https://lnkd.in/e_xRFfUC Amber Vodegel John Souter Angela Cretu Faye Walsh Drouillard Deborah Gruenberger Rosalind Singleton Sally Kemkers #femalefounders #angelinvestors

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📊 Investing in Innovation: With the UK gearing up for the July 2024 general election, the investment landscape is evolving rapidly. In today’s discussion, Edward from West Hill Capital and I delve into the types of companies ready for investment beyond just tech. We explore the importance of innovation and unique selling points in attracting equity funding. If you’re looking to raise investment or need support within your business, book time with me: https://lnkd.in/e8Wf2TTa #StartupInvesting #Innovation #UKPolitics #Entrepreneurship

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Calm/Storm is all about community. We are firm believers in network effects, but we don’t just “use” our network - we try to enrich, inspire and enable within it. Thats why, from time to time, we invite founders, investors, partners and friends for dinner. The only thing a guest needs to bring is another guest who doesn’t belong to our network yet. It’s as simple as that. Never underestimate the power of community! Interested? Just reach out. #NetworkEffects #Community #Vienna #CalmStorm #Founders #VentureCapital

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🚀 Join Us at AI Forge Incubator: Meet Solo Founders Seeking Co-Founders! 📅 When: Wednesday, 29th May 📍 Where: The Old Street Gallery, 62 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4DQ 🕒 Time: 5pm-9pm Are you a visionary CTO, CPO, or commercial expert ready to make your mark in the AI start-up space? Here's your golden opportunity! ✨ What's Happening? Our solo founders are in week 5 of a 12-week intensive incubator program. They are actively seeking co-founders to join them as CTOs, CPOs, or in commercial roles. These companies will be pitching to 450+ investors during the week commencing 8th July, with a high probability of securing funding. 🌟 Why You Should Attend: Dive into the world of promising AI start-ups. Contribute your skills immediately by joining an existing business. Be part of the prestigious AI Forge incubator program. Potentially integrate your own business ideas into an evolving proposition. Network with talented individuals and successful entrepreneurs. Gain invaluable insights and advice from seasoned founders and mentors. 🔎 Types of Businesses Seeking Co-Founders: Our 9 solo founders are leading ventures in: EdTech SalesTech LegalTech FemTech MedTech MarTech 🎉 Event Highlights: 💬 Speed Dating Sessions: Quick, focused interactions to maximize connections. 🔍 Pre-Matchmaking: Initial meetings set up to streamline the matchmaking process. 🤝 Networking Opportunities: Explore collaboration possibilities with like-minded entrepreneurs. Don't miss out on this unique chance to partner with innovative AI start-ups and accelerate your career in the tech industry. Register at Seeking AI Co-Founders · Luma - https://lu.ma/f22d1ih9 #AIStartups #CoFounders #TechInnovation #Entrepreneurship #Networking #AIForge

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How do the best entrepreneurs see a future you can’t? Alexa von Tobel, Founder and Managing Partner of Inspired Capital, shares her fascinating journey and insights into venture capital in the latest episode of The Full Ratchet. Alexa, a serial entrepreneur and the visionary behind LearnVest, is now at the helm of Inspired Capital, a $900M AUM venture firm. In our conversation, Alexa reveals what makes a great founder, why some markets are ripe for innovation, and how AI is transforming industries. She also dives into the importance of EQ, strategic thinking, and the future of FinTech. This episode is packed with valuable lessons for investors and entrepreneurs alike. Don’t miss out on hearing from one of the most influential voices in venture capital today. Listen to Episode 441 of The Full Ratchet now! Link to the full episode is in the comment section below.

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My shout-out for this week is a different one. Not a startup, but a book. The Fundraising Field Guide was written by Carlos Eduardo Espinal MBE. Here is why I think it is a kick-ass book helping founders decipher fundraising. 👉 Is designed specifically for early-stage, high-growth tech startup founders. 👉 Is a guide that explains fundraising through practical advice. 👉 Lays a good foundation on all things fundraising-related. 👉 Adds both the soft and hard challenges encountered. So, here is my thank you note to Carlos! For launching an updated version of this guide. Get the book here 👉 https://buff.ly/4byUywn #venturecapital #startupfunding #fundraising #europe

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Great conversation yesterday at Preqin with Preqin's Cameron Joyce, CFA, CAIA, Blue Owl Capital's Cara Griffiths, Bain Capital's Tom Sargeant on the future of fundraising for private markets. Where will AUM come from going forward? What are the challenges that funds will face in fundraising? What strategies will be most popular going forward? It was fascinating to hear the perspectives of some of the industry's biggest platforms in Blue Owl Capital and Bain Capital from Cara and Tom, respectively, as to where fundraising is headed given their purview on the market and from Cameron on his data-driven insights from market research and plenty of numbers crunching on what it will take for private markets to grow to $30T AUM by 2030.

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🌱 Looking to Connect with Leading VCs and Early-Stage Investors? 🌱 At Virtualnonexecs, we don;t only work with PE firms - we are also proud to be working with some of the UK’s most active early-stage investors to help them find the top board advisors and chairs who can drive impact. If you're a non-executive or chair looking to connect with the heart of the startup ecosystem, take note of the names below. Here are 10 of the UK's most active early-stage investors and the incredible numbers that back them: 1. Octopus Ventures - Backed 100+ startups, with a portfolio value of over £1.3 billion. 2. Seedcamp - Over 400 startups funded, including unicorns like Revolut and TransferWise 3. LocalGlobe - Invested in 300+ startups across deep tech and fintech. 4. Playfair - Early backer of companies like Stripe and Anduril. 5. Passion Capital - Early investor in Monzo Bank, managing £100M+ in assets. 6. Ascension - Over 100 startups backed with a focus on social impact and fintech. 7. Frontline Ventures - Backed 80+ startups across Europe with a key focus on B2B. 8. MMC Ventures - £500M+ under management, supporting 60+ innovative growth companies. 9. Balderton Capital - Invested in 220+ startups with notable exits like THG. 10. Entrepreneur First - 500+ startups built, including companies now worth over $10 billion collectively. ✅ To join Virtualnonexecs: https://lnkd.in/eXBj687 ✅ If you are a VC or company looking to hire: https://lnkd.in/d3na7CEC #NonExecutiveDirectors #Chairs #VentureCapital #Startups #Virtualnonexecs #BoardRoles #Leadership #BusinessGrowth

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Mikel Ventures 26-Week Wrap-Up for October 2024 This week Mikal Ventures is pleased to bring you our half-yearly breakdown of the global venture capital market with an emphasis on the Mikal verticals. Over the 26-week period ending October 28, just under 16,500 new companies were added. The market grew to 211,248 companies included in the Health Tech, Med Tech, AI Tech, Fin Tech, and Ed Tech verticals. The non-US market again saw the largest percentage of new companies added--the group is trending at an impressive 21% annual growth rate, with all of the non-US verticals projecting double digit growth.  The total projected 52-week deal count has slowed a bit from last quarter and now is estimated at about 14% in US and 20% in non-US verticals. AI continues to dominate. AI Tech again saw the largest projected annual percentage of growth in new companies, weighing in at a notable 31% and 37% in the US and non-US markets, respectively. A global annualized growth rate topping an estimated 34% shows a striking indication of just how active this vertical remains. Worldwide, the 52-week indicated transactions in AI Tech were impressive as well, coming in at about 29%, with the lion’s share resulting from non-US deals (32%). Mikal Ventures publishes these stats on a rolling 4-week, quarterly and annual basis to provide a perspective on how the verticals and new startups move through time. We hope you find them informative and thought-provoking. VC Investors are always adjusting their "Play Book" with a variety of options for investing. Mikal Ventures is one of those alternatives, offering curated solutions to real world problems. Reach out if you have questions on how we can be of assistance and bookmark https://mikalventures.com/ for additional insights and information.

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Selecting the right investors is crucial for entrepreneurs, particularly in the healthtech sector. Entrepreneurs should seek investors who understand and share their vision, ensuring alignment and productive collaboration. Angel networks bring together investors with diverse expertise, including those with specific knowledge in healthtech, providing valuable insights and support. They offer collaborative funding opportunities. For instance, a healthtech startup might find several investors with domain expertise willing to contribute smaller amounts. Their endorsement can attract additional investors, making it easier to raise the required funds. Additionally, investors with strong networks and connections in the healthtech sector can open doors to potential customers, partners, and additional funding sources, which can be instrumental in the growth and success of the startup. #Healthtech #StartupFunding #AngelInvestors #InvestorRelations #HealthcareInnovation #Entrepreneurship #GrowthStrategies #Networking #BusinessGrowth #Innovation

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There's no doubt that sentiment in the market is improving and it feels easier to raise funding than it did a year. At least this side of the pond. But a new report from @wilson sonsini highlighting US/UK venture financing trends and deal terms for first half of this year doesn't show such a great picture with valuations pretty much on hold to their end 2023 levels. Some thawing in capital markets might open up IPO exit opportunities and ungunge the machine. Full report https://buff.ly/4e38UWM

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As a Partner at Antler, one of the most active early-stage investors in the world, I’m thrilled to announce our latest round of investments—£840k across seven exciting new British startups! The eleventh UK residency brought together over 2,400 applicants from across the globe, with 78 founders making the cut. This group reflects incredible diversity, representing 24 nationalities and 18% female founders. After a rigorous selection process that included over 200 hours of due diligence per company, we’re backing just under 1% of applicants, confident in the impact they’ll have. Here are the seven ventures joining the Antler family: 🔎 Vente AI: Changing the recruitment game by automating how agencies discover roles and optimize their candidate pipelines. 💡Distillery: Unlocking rapid insights for businesses, providing crucial product and marketing data 25x faster than traditional methods. (Vasil Yakov, Edward Louth) 🏦 Banqora: Uses AI to automate document processing and streamline post-trade operations, saving financial institutions significant time and money. 🏠 AskVinny: Simplifying property management with AI, making tenant-landlord interactions effortless and improving service delivery. 🪲 Omma: Supporting sustainable farming with AI-driven insect incubation, reducing the need for pesticides in large-scale horticulture. 🧑‍🏭️ Tradestack: Helping trades businesses quote quicker and win more jobs with an AI-backed productivity tool. 🏨 Inntelo AI: Transforming hotel operations with AI that automates guest services, making every stay smoother and more personalized. With some of them already speaking to follow-on investors and closing investment rounds, I’m personally excited about what lies ahead for them all. If you’d like to connect with any of the founders or learn more, drop me a message! 🚀 🦄 #VentureCapital #Investments #Founders #TechStartups

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Insightful article….worth a read.

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