Mark Straub

This guide outlines the funding journey from Pre-Seed to Series C and beyond: - Pre-Seed: Focus on concept, team, and initial validation. - Seed: Prove market fit and scalability. - Series A: Demonstrate revenue growth and user base. - Series B: Scale operations with solid financials. - Series C+: Prepare for major expansion and exit strategies. Insight: Each funding stage builds on the previous one. Early rounds focus on validation and product-market fit, while later stages emphasize scaling and financial stability. The goal is to show continuous growth and potential to attract investors. Subscribe to ‘Siliconnector’ Telegram channel for insights and news from Tech world and Silicon Valley: https://t.me/siliconnector

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Tech of today was at some point of time considered as DeepTech. This evolution happens gradually, powered by visionary innovators and supportive investors who pave the way forward. Today, India stands in a unique position—not only to drive groundbreaking innovation and attract top talent but to do so at a significantly lower cost than in other markets. At Aeravti Ventures, we are continuously inspired by the innovation potential of the Indian founders and are thrilled to be at the forefront of it. Below is the link of the The Economic Times article in collaboration with Ankit K. of Capital-A https://lnkd.in/gPhJ3pyk

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🚀 SaaS Startups and Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR): The Secret to Long-Term Growth🚀 - SaaS startups have transformed how businesses operate, and Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) is the backbone of their success. - Here’s why MRR matters and how SaaS founders can leverage it for sustained growth: 1️⃣ MRR: The Lifeline of SaaS Startups: - Predictable and stable income allows SaaS companies to: Plan for future growth confidently. - Attract investors by showcasing steady revenue streams. Prioritize building an MRR-focused business model for financial resilience. 2️⃣ Why Customer Retention is King: - Acquiring new customers is 5x more expensive than retaining existing ones. - Retention increases Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and reduces churn. - Build strong customer relationships by: Offering exceptional support. - Continuously improving your product based on user feedback. 3️⃣ Upselling and Cross-Selling: Boost MRR: - Identify opportunities to upsell premium features or cross-sell complementary services. - Loyal customers are more likely to invest in additional offerings—maximize this potential! 4️⃣ Focus on Product-Led Growth (PLG): - A seamless product experience drives organic growth. - Invest in user-friendly interfaces, self-service options, and compelling free trials to attract and retain customers. 5️⃣ Data-Driven Decision-Making: - Track metrics like churn rate, net revenue retention, and average revenue per user (ARPU) to make informed decisions. - Use these insights to refine your strategy and ensure consistent growth. ✨ For Founders: - The road to SaaS success is built on retention, innovation, and customer value. - Prioritize MRR as a key metric, listen to your users, and focus on creating long-term value for sustainable growth. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If this post resonates with you, Share ♻ & follow Shilpi Kumari for insights on investment, startup fundraising, founder grooming and startup updates. 👉🏻 P.S. Let others know your thoughts in the comment section!!! #SaaS #startups #MRR #customerretention #growthstrategy #startupmentor #ingrainscapital #founders #investors

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**Exploding Myths: Not All Money Is Good Money for Startups** In the heady rush to secure funding, it's a narrative seldom challenged—that all investments are a boon. However, the right partnership with investors goes far beyond mere capital. In our recent analysis, the stark contrasts between strategic fit and merely financial injections come to light. A venture capital investor isn't just a bank but should be a partner that aligns with your startup's vision, growth trajectory, and ethos. They bring not just money but invaluable experience, networks, and guidance. As founders navigate these waters, remember that choosing an investor is as critical as they choose you. Compatibility in visions can mean the difference between scaling effectively or misaligned priorities leading to friction down the line. #StartupFunding #InvestorFit #StrategicInvesting #VentureCapitalInsights #venturebacked

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Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) is on the rise globally, with India hosting over 150 CVCs. This trend reflects corporations' recognition of the innovation startups bring and their desire to stay competitive. By investing in startups, corporations gain access to innovation, value-adding technologies, and financial incentives. CVCs play strategic roles by investing in startups within their industries, offering benefits like industry networks and expertise, while also providing general support such as access to experienced professionals and relaxed return expectations. The significance of corporates investing in the startup ecosystem is continually growing globally, with many Southeast Asian corporations turning their attention to South Asia, particularly India. Read More Here: https://bit.ly/4a8vsTJ #Restaurants #Hospitality #Technology #Business #Innovation #AI #investing #venturecapital Branded Hospitality Ventures Noah Stern

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Abyro Capital Floats $25 Mn Fund To Back India Startups. Abyro Capital said that it will back startups across sectors such as AI, SaaS, healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, delivery, among others. India and US-focussed venture capital (VC) firm Abyro Capital has launched its maiden $25 Mn (about INR 210 Cr) fund to back early stage technology startups in the two countries. In a statement, the VC firm said that it will look to back 12 to 15 startups, over the course of next four years, across sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI), SaaS, healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain, delivery, among others. Abyro Capital said that the fund will be driven by operators and entrepreneurs, and will also offer operational expertise and access to global networks to its portfolio startups. #startupfunding #capital #AIfunding #saas #healthcare #vcfirms #equityfunding #loanconsultants #legaladvisorinindia

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The abolition of #angeltax has opened many doors for #FDI, as well as domestic money. With the removal of difficult tax regulations, domestic and foreign #investors now have more freedom to support Indian #startups. As a result, more private, individual and family office money is expected to flow into the #startup ecosystem in the coming days. This will unleash Indian startups to conquer the world and will be a powerful factor in translating research into #commercialisation. I spoke to Shereen Bhan of Young Turks on various intricacies of budget and its impact on our ecosystem. Watch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gsDzuH8b

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✨ Chet Kapoor ✨ is quite the Silicon Valley legend. Three-time founder and currently the CEO of DataStax his wisdom for founders is incredibly spot-on ✅ and timeless ⏰ ! In this most recent and probably best-ever episode of The Enterprise GTM podcast, Chet discusses what it takes to build enduring tech companies. Some 🎤 soundbites 🎤 from our conversation: 👩‍🏫 The quality of people influences the outcome of your startup the most. 🔥 You do not need smart people who sit around and pontificate. ☄ Momentum is everything. Never underestimate it. 🌟 Having complete clarity of thought at any given time is very important--who are you doing this for, and how will it change their lives? 🌈 One of the best ways to create a large company is to create a parade or join one. ☝ Know who you are. There's a high likelihood that the company will become more like who you are rather than who you want to be. 🛑 Don't make the mistake of hiring sales execs too soon. Be extra cautious about partnerships. 📣 Tune in to hear about what he has to say about AI startups getting started today, the future of the data layer, the evolving importance of data roles (data science, data engineering), and so much more! #devtool #founder #startup #data #ai https://lnkd.in/gW-58nvE

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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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"Health is an investment, not an expense." — Anonymous Just a few days ago, our teams at DeVC and PeerCapital brought together an incredible group of entrepreneurs and enablers to explore the real investments and expenses in healthcare. On stage, we had the dynamic trio of Mayank Banerjee , Dilip Kumar and Tarun Bhambra, who combined their wit and wisdom to delve into: - The consumerization of healthcare, preventive vs. curative approaches, accessibility and affordability challenges, offline vs. online dynamics, and how founders can bridge skill gaps. - The evolving role of AI and tech in healthcare, and how founders are strategically allocating resources to build cutting-edge solutions. - Collaborating with doctors, aligning incentives across systems and how ambitious change starts with robust foundational systems (think CAC's and LTV's). The conversations were raw, experiential, and refreshingly honest. If it weren’t for the ticking clock and the rainy day, we might still be chatting! It was inspiring to engage with so many passionate builders committed to reshaping India's #healthcare future. Let’s keep the dialogue alive. We invite more of your participation and views. Together, we are investing in the future of health. #healthtech #investing #founders

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CredFlow founder Kunal Aggarwal achieved a major milestone by securing $3.7 million in pre-Series B funding from Inflexor Ventures. This strategic investment brings CredFlow’s total funding to over $13 million, following $9.2 million raised in earlier rounds. Read about how CredFlow is revolutionizing SME's finances: https://lnkd.in/ebv7N7m3 #CredFlow #Funding #Investment #EntrepreneurshipStudio

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🚀 Insights from Venture Collision Conf Today! 🚀 Privileged to learn from industry leaders at today's event: Paddy Cosgrave, CEO of Web Summit, Rashmi Gopinath from B Capital and Shailesh Lakhani from Peak XV Partners. Here are some key takeaways: - Rise in Bootstrapping startups: More bootstrapping startups this year than ever, emphasizing a trend towards building with limited external funding. - Secondary Market Activity: The secondary market is more active this year, reflecting dynamic investment strategies compared to last year. - Engineering Talent: Strong engineering talent is crucial for building successful teams. Talent hotspots include the Bay Area, Beijing/China, and India. - Capital Dynamics: The excess capital raised in 2021 and 2022 has intensified competition in certain sectors, diluting opportunities and leading to an unsustainable environment. A return to stability will take time. Grateful to everyone who shared valuable insights today! #Venture #collision2024 #Startups #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #TechTrends

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Join us! With great power (capital, position, trust) comes great responsibility. Following the launch of Ortella Global Capital - OG Capital, India's only fund that co-builds companies, we are humbled by the overwhelming support and enthusiasm for our mission to empower the next generation of groundbreaking startups. As we embark on this exciting journey, we are reminded of the profound impact we can make through responsible and strategic investing and co-building. At Ortella Global Capital - OG Capital, India's only fund that co-builds companies, we firmly believe that with great power comes great responsibility. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards for our investors, our co-builders, our founders and every individual whose lives we touch. As stewards of capital, we understand the importance of harnessing our resources for the greater good, not just for financial gain (yet focused on delivering 50%+ CAGR). As we grow, we are eager to expand our team with exceptional individuals who share our vision. We look forward to potentially working together to create the next hundred unicorns. Who is it for: a. If you had started a company ever and successfully exited, Reach out to us b. If you are a current founder who is passionate about building but for some reason, your business is not working out, Reach out to us c. If you had started out a few times before but for some or other reason it did not work out, Reach out to us And by the way, all our team members are ex-founders :) Additionally: - It does not matter whether you are 15 years old or 60, Reach out to us - It does not matter whether you are in Ahmedabad or Agartala, Reach out to us - It does not matter whether you are from IIT/IIM or a college drop out, Reach out to us --- because we have seen that success does not have a tag, you just need it to click once. And that's it! Please fill out the form in the comments :)

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Sow Seeds of Financial Abundance At ODIGITAL Startup Drivers, we know that investing in early-stage, high-growth, technology-driven startups is a proven way of sowing seeds of future financial abundance and wealth. This is an asset class that delivers great returns on investment (ROI) for stakeholders and has consistently outperformed hyperinflation and local currency weaknesses in global markets. We have partnered with Tekedia Capital to give you the opportunity to co-invest a minimum of $250 in their early-stage, technology startup investment deals. We have an ongoing investment round that will close on November 10, with a rigorously selected group of 15 of the world's best investment deals. And you have the opportunity to get your equity in any of these ventures and position yourself for future profitable exits. These ventures operate in varied sectors and markets such as B2B Commerce for African fashion, B2B Export for Africa, AI operating systems for chemical manufacturing, construction, property management, hardware design, insurance infrastructure with carriers license, supply chain management, medical billing as well as AI Infrastructure for non Nvidia Chips and Quantum Chip design, Diversified global investing for Indians, global payments for travellers in China and South East Asia and Stablecoin based remittance. If you want to join us to sow seeds that will deliver a future of financial abundance and wealth for you and your generations, then hurry and connect with us via any of the options below to get started. * Send me a direct message * Email - [email protected] * Click - https://lnkd.in/dHd8K9ZN - to join our WhatsApp group. Share and repost for the benefit of your network. And follow me for more posts like this.

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🌍 We are happy to support Wayra who is introducing CVC Office Hours: A New Way for Startups to Access Strategic Guidance 🌍 24 CVCs from around the world have joined forces to define the most pressing areas they want to explore startup technologies for their enterprises' strategic interests. They are offering their time in 121 office hours to startups whose applications showcase strategic collaboration opportunities in their industry. We want to see our startups getting in front of them, which is why we recommend it. Whether you’re looking for fundraising guidance, exploring strategic pivots, or diving into market insights, we recommend applying to the Office Hours and getting connected with experienced CVCs ready to support your journey. 𝗪𝗲'𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁: • Are in the Late Seed to Series B stage • Have post-MVP traction and an active user or client base    𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗔𝗜 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀, 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘀: • Safe AI: Security, transparency, and ethical AI practices • Model Lifecycle and Operational Scalability: Efficient deployment and management of AI models • AI Applications: Solutions for productivity, automation, and sustainability across industries​ 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀? 🔍 Direct Access to Experts: Get actionable advice from CVCs who understand scaling challenges. 💡 Variety of Topics: Discuss funding, market trends, and strategic shifts for growth. 🌐 Global Connections, Real Impact: Gain insights from a global network to navigate local and international markets. Office Hours is more than a chance to meet investors; it’s an opportunity to gain the strategic insights you need to thrive in a competitive market. 👉 Ready to explore new opportunities? Apply by November 20th and take your startup on the strategic capital journey! See the link in comments Kyle Tsai Bruno Moraes Jake Christoforou

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Venture capital firm Peak XV Partners ( formerly Sequoia Capital India and SEA) has emerged as the top investor India’s startup ecosystem. The firm made investments in a whopping 47 potential unicorns ( start-ups founded after the year 2000 with a valuation of US$1bn) this year, according to ASK Private Wealth Hurun India Future Unicorn Index 2024, which highlights India's fastest-growing start-ups. Accel came in at the second position while Tiger Global which made very few investments in the past couple of years came in third. Trifecta and Blume Ventures also made it to the top 5 list. #startups #investments #india #funding

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Co-Build a VC fund in Public: Day 4 (and funding announcement) We not only co-build but invest too :) Today, at Ortella Global Capital - OG Capital, India's only fund that co-builds companies, we take our first leap into the future with Medial as our inaugural portfolio company announcement. This is not just an investment—it is a partnership with a vision to solve one of the most pressing challenges in the professional world. The tech and startup ecosystem are fragmented, forcing users to switch between countless platforms for news, networking, career opportunities, and meaningful insights. Medial changes the game, bringing it all together in one seamless, intuitive space. What drew us to Medial was the team. From our first meeting with Niket Raj Dwivedi, Aishwarya Raj Pandey, Prateek Kaien, and Harsh Dwivedi we saw a rare combination of audacity and discipline. Their commitment to profitability and monetisation from day one along with their relentless focus on user engagement, made it clear they were not just building a company—they were creating a movement. In just a few months, Medial has surpassed critical milestones: collaborating with top global partners, rapid growth, and extraordinary user metrics. But beyond the metrics, they are building a sustainable business with a clear-eyed vision and sharp execution that inspires us. This team is not just chasing trends—they are creating a legacy! This is why we exist as a fund: to back founders who dream boldly and deliver consistently. Founders like these remind us why we started OG Capital—to build alongside those who dare to reimagine what is possible. Thank you Prateek Agarwal (Pre-seed investor) for everything :) P.S.: Here is a snapshot of the moment when my co-founder, Rajvardhan Mohite and I, with pens in hand and excitement in our hearts, sealed the deal with Niket and the team. The start of something extraordinary, captured in ink and ambition. Docusign is too old school for us :P

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When you find a practical use of AI in an area that has strong tailwinds in the India growth story, you know this is a venture that has a high potential not just for value creation but for job creation in the country. Delighted to back TraqCheck founders Jaibir Nihal Singh, Armaan Mehta and @rishabh jain as they make it easier for over 200 corporations to embrace the new way of work. Traqcheck's Ai-enabled background checks of employees is way, way faster and far more reliable than traditional methods of background verification. Pankaj Bansal (पंकज बंसल)Karann Mittal Danish Dogra Aman Khan Yukta Kelkar Atreyi D.

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𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐂𝐬 #FamilyOffices and investment connoisseurs, the time is ripe to embark on a journey into the #unlisted space and startup ecosystem that promises unparalleled growth, returns, and innovation. As the Indian #startup landscape continues to soar, partnering with venture capital (VC) firms has emerged as a strategic opportunity that you cannot afford to overlook. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐮𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: - India's startup ecosystem has given birth to 108 unicorns, 100+ soonicorns, and over 60K startups, attracting a staggering 9.5K+ investors (as of 2022). - Indian family offices and UHNIs have emerged as the top source for domestic capital in the VC ecosystem, contributing nearly 60% of the domestic capital raised in 2022. - According to J.P. Morgan, family offices allocate a substantial 46% of their total portfolio to alternative investments, including venture capital. 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬: VC firms have consistently delivered impressive returns for their limited partners (LPs). Notably in some VC firms, 90% of funds were initially allocated to public markets, with only 10% invested in the unlisted segment, including venture capital and angel funds. Over time, this allocation has shifted to a 60:40 split, with 40% now dedicated to unlisted equity investments. For instance, an early-stage fund recently closed its largest India-dedicated fund with around 40% of the capital coming from Indian LPs. Another fund, saw a remarkable 50% of its capital inflow from Indian family offices. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐕𝐂 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬: 1. Unparalleled Deal Flow: VC firms possess extensive networks and industry expertise, providing unparalleled access to a curated pipeline of high-potential startups across diverse sectors. 2. Co-Investment Opportunities: As an LP in a VC fund, family offices gain exclusive co-investment rights, enabling them to participate in promising deals alongside experienced investment teams. 3. Sector Expertise: VC firms often specialize in specific sectors, offering family offices access to deep domain knowledge, industry dynamics, and emerging trends. 4. Engaging the Next Generation: Investing in this new asset class opens up conversations and engaging discussions with the younger generation of the family office, bringing a fresh outlook to building the next wave of wealth creation. Let's connect on and collectively shape the future of #entrepreneurship and innovation in India. Sakshi Vora Jenny Mehta #FamilyOffice #VentureCapital #StartupEcosystem #AlternativeInvestments #InnovationLeaders

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