Parke Benjamin

Venture Capital Fundraising Deck Template: Carta and Kauffman Fellows present a comprehensive venture capital fundraising deck template to guide General Partners (GPs) in attracting limited partners (LPs). Here’s what to include: 1) Background: Highlight the unique qualifications and track record of your team. LPs are investing in the people as much as the strategy. 2) Differentiators: Showcase what makes your fund stand out—whether it’s your access to networks, industry expertise, or proprietary methodologies. 3) Investment Thesis: Present your vision for the market, future trends, and how your fund will capitalize on these opportunities. 4) Track Record: Include metrics like IRR, multiples, and past successful investments to demonstrate your fund’s potential for generating returns. 5) Terms: Outline the economic terms, including fund size, management fee, carried interest, and target raise. ----- Follow All Chance Hub Hub to learn from more innovative insights

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“Investors don’t expect founders to be finance gurus. But they do expect you to know your numbers.” This insight from Jeff Erickson during this week’s Midday Connect session couldn’t be more critical. If you’re fundraising, mastering your financial metrics is non-negotiable. ✅ 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 Understand key metrics like ARR, CAC, LTV, and MRR. Confidence in these numbers builds trust. ✅ 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 Tools like Forecastr can simplify this process, ensuring your model is accurate and professional. ✅ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐬 Use tools or templates to present metrics easily in investor updates and pitch meetings. Jeff shared, “Your confidence grows when you know your numbers. And confidence is contagious—it can make all the difference in investor meetings.” What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to understanding your metrics? Let’s discuss below! Watch the full session here: https://lnkd.in/g_ff2-Zr #WhatWeLearned #MiddayConnect #Forecastr #FundraisingPlaybook #StartupFunding #Fundraising

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📝 Fundraising Playbook for 2024: The fundraising landscape has shifted. Here's what's working now: Key metrics investors are scrutinizing: Burn multiple (revenue growth/cash burn) Gross margins Customer acquisition costs Net dollar retention Growth must be strong (but that is assumed if you are raising from venture capital) Preparation essentials: Have 18-24 months runway before starting the process Build relationships early - start warm intros 3 months before raising Know your unit economics cold Understand how you differentiate from competitors What fundraising trends are you seeing? #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship

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Florida, USA based Connexa Capital recently final closed its debut VC fund 💸 $20M Connexa Capital Fund I, L.P with backing from their strategic network of founders, executives, and business leaders. 💡 The VC invests in early-stage technology companies with strong business fundamentals and sustainable growth strategies across various sectors including #edtech #adtech,#fintech, #protech, #ai, #health, among others. They typically invest between $250K to $1M in start-ups, from #seedstage to #SeriesB, and plans to make follow-on investments. 🌍 #UnitedStates primarily companies operating in regions such as #NewYork, #Miami, and #Chicago 📈 Founded in 2022, Connexa's PortCos include FirmPilot, Proxima, Kickfin, Rynse, Terra Kaffe, Actuate, Material Bank®, among others. 💭 “Our process is designed to identify early-stage companies with clear signs of customer traction, compelling unit economics, and capital-efficient business models. As former operators ourselves, we obsess over the sustainability of a start-up's growth strategy and put a premium on profitability and cash flow potential.” - Jonathan Beda, Connexa Managing Partner 🗞️Refresh Miami https://lnkd.in/ehXKhJVw. 👏 For the #AudaciousInvestors unleashing innovation and empowering tomorrow🚀 Jonathan I Pauline I Taha I Sahand I Philip I Team Connexa … #venturecapital #vc #funds #startups #entrepreneurs #funding #tech #usa #entrepreneurship #technology #innovation #Florida #venture #fund

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💡 Reverse Pitch: Meet Colorado's VCs 💡 Looking to land funding for your startup? Come hear from the VCs investing locally! In this session, investors will share what their firms are looking for and how to get in touch. You'll leave with key insights on targeting the right VCs for your startup. https://lnkd.in/gfQdQfF2 #DENStartupWeek #ColoradoStartups #VCInvesting #Entrepreneurship #ReversePitch

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If you are a climate tech company and would like to learn more about the fundraise process and how to navigatec this tough market, let's schedule a time to talk! Comment on this thread or send an email to [email protected] and we will DM you back to schedule a quick meetup.

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Navigating VC funding? A clean financial statement could be your best pitch. 📊 Kristian Marquez, CFA highlights critical financial missteps that can derail B2B SaaS companies seeking venture capital. He identifies common pitfalls such as using inappropriate chart of accounts, mishandling journal entries, and neglecting accounts receivable summaries. He stresses the critical role of solid accounting practices, especially in terms of rev rec and prepaid expenses, because of their substantial influence on the company's financial integrity, the company's valuation and investment prospects. 🎙Check out the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/gTEHQW4N

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A valuation is more than just a number—it’s the foundation of your growth story, your negotiation tool, and your narrative to the world. Yet, many business owners misstep by undervaluing intangibles, over-relying on past performance, or failing to align valuations with their strategic goals. Howard Block, a valuation expert with 30+ years of experience, breaks down the art and science of getting it right. Swipe through for actionable insights, then read more here - https://lnkd.in/dV56P-su #BusinessValuation #StrategicGrowth #CorporateFinance #MergersAndAcquisitions #GrowYourBusiness #Partnerships

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Forbes interviewed Gunderson Dettmer partner Laura Stoffel in its article, "Mastering Cap Table Management: A Startup's Guide To Success." A clean cap table is crucial for startups to build investor trust, secure funding, and avoid legal and financial complications through meticulous records, management tools, and transparency. Emphasizing its key role in building a relationship between founder and investors, Laura said, “A clean and accurate cap table ensures that investors have a clear understanding of the ownership structure, which builds trust and facilitates investment decisions.” Read here. https://bit.ly/4bpRguU #Forbes #CapTable #Startup #Success

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“VCs are in the business of deploying capital, and time is not their friend.” – Mark Wald. ⚡ Clear metrics and sound fundamentals are needed to attract venture capital today because VCs are pitched many investment opportunities and need to make quick decisions. 📈 VCs pick KPIs they understand, such as gross margin, churn, CAC, user counts, etc. Proving lifetime value #LTV is difficult for early-stage companies and their founders just ramping up. So, it becomes critical for companies to build data and accounting systems that clearly tell their KPI story. ▶ In the webinar series Abstracts by Abstract, Mark Wald and Patricio Utz share their insights on #startup accounting, #KPIs that matter, and the state of #VC in 2024. 🚀 Abstract has partnered with SPRCHRGR, to develop its own tech-forward accounting and finance story and combined it with its #AI business model. They truly align with our mantra to “work smarter, not harder.” We can help your start-up or scale-up better communicate its value to investors as well. Learn more about #KPIDashboards at https://lnkd.in/eK5EZzDP 💡 Check out the full webinar here: https://lnkd.in/e88uMG_J

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Crack the Fundraising Code: The Power of Consistent Updates Tired of hitting fundraising roadblocks? You’re not alone. But there's a secret weapon that only a tiny fraction of founders use: consistent, transparent updates. Want to join the elite 5%? Let’s dive in. Investors crave proof of progress. They want to see a clear trajectory, not just promises. By sending regular updates, you’re giving them a front-row seat to your startup's journey. It's like reality TV for investors, but with real money on the line. Here's the blueprint: Keep it concise: Start with a TLDR – a quick pulse check on your company's health. 30 secs snapshot-one paragraph. Be specific: Clearly outline what you need. Whether it's introductions, calls, or feedback, be direct. Show your numbers: Don't hide your KPIs. Visuals like charts and graphs make data digestible. Be transparent: Share both your wins and challenges. Honesty builds trust. Look ahead: Outline your next steps and goals. This shows you're in control. Why it works: Builds trust and credibility: Consistent communication demonstrates reliability and transparency. Keeps you top of mind: Regular updates ensure your startup stays fresh in investors' minds. Attracts potential investors: Your progress can pique the interest of new investors. Generates valuable feedback: Investors can provide insights and recommendations. Demonstrates focus and execution: Showing consistent progress proves your ability to deliver. Remember, this isn't just about sharing data. It's about showcasing your leadership, your strategic thinking, and your ability to execute. Ready to level up your fundraising game? Start sending those updates today. #Startup #Founders #Fundraising #Unicorn #Investors #innovation #management #HumanResources #technology #creativity #Future #futurism #SaaSyFoundersFest #SFF

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Focused on creating sustainable growth? In the early stages of planning your exit strategy? Both efforts require staying attuned to the ongoing shifts in the market. 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗽: Last month recorded 167 SaaS M&A deals, closely matching the 2024 YTD monthly average of 164. SEG Principal Austin Hammer breaks down SaaS data and public market performance and gives context to create clear and digestible content for anyone in the SaaS market. Subscribe to our email list to receive these in-depth monthly insights. https://lnkd.in/gGwPteFM #MergersAndAcquisitions #SaaSUpdate #MarketInsights 

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If you enjoyed our first blog on the metrics that matter for Verticalized SaaS then don't miss on the Part II of the series where my colleagues Devraj Hom Roy and Matt Schaar discuss the strategic and operational choices to improve these operational indicators. https://lnkd.in/g5QkCrcH

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Break into venture capital with The VC Fellowship! 🚀 In this conversation, Sumer shares how the program opened doors to valuable VC connections and insider knowledge for him. Even if VC isn’t your goal, Sumer insists it's worth the dive. Watch the full review to see if this program aligns with your goals. FYI we are accepting applications for The VC Fellowship 3, apply from the links in the comments. #thevcfellowship #vcfellows #ventureinvesting #venturefunding

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Why do 70-90% of M&A deals fail? The old way of seller-led M&A prioritizes closing the deal over creating long-term value. The aftermath? Misaligned integrations, missed opportunities, and burned-out teams. But there’s a smarter way. Enter Buyer-Led M&A™: a framework designed to empower buyers to lead with clarity and control. This approach is built on Five Pillars that create a roadmap for success by tackling common M&A challenges head-on: 1. Never M&A on Impulse: Align deals with strategy, culture, and goals. 2. Unified Processes, Tools, and Data: Centralize workflows into one source of truth. 3. Synchronized Diligence and Integration: Connect diligence to integration for seamless execution. 4. Built for Scalability: Handle multiple acquisitions without losing momentum. 5. Win-Win Approach: Foster success for buyers, sellers, and teams. It’s time to flip the script and turn deals into lasting growth. Ready to lead? Read the full blog here: https://hubs.ly/Q03000dF0 #MergersAndAcquisitions #StrategicGrowth #CorporateDevelopment #DealSuccess

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Quick Observations: 🔍 Investors More Cautious Investors are taking more time to deploy capital. 💰 Dry Powder Still in Play Despite the slower pace, there’s a significant amount of dry powder in investment vehicles, waiting for the right opportunities. 🚀 Rising Competition With more businesses vying for capital, the competition has never been fiercer. 📈 Silver Lining Opportunity to sharpen your metrics and strengthen your value proposition—better positioning your business when the time comes.

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Founders - here is how VCs assess your startup. 👇 John Hu, a former VC at Norwest Venture Partners shared how they rate companies. Understanding this will help you optimize your pitch deck, drive better conversations, and position your company more effectively. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱: ✅ 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺: What is the founding team's background? How does it align with the problem you're solving? How well does the team work together? Who are the key hires you need to scale? How are you filling gaps within the team? ✅ 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗶𝘇𝗲: How large is this market? How fast is the market growing? Is it an existing or new market? How will you capture your share? ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: How competitive is this market? Who are the main competitors? How are they performing? What are the barriers to entry? Have any competitors raised significant funding recently? ✅ 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: How will you beat the competition? What’s your competitive angle? What is your unique value proposition? What makes your product or solution fundamentally better or different from others? ✅ 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘀: How strong are your metrics? How strong of a growth indication do they give? How is your revenue trending? What does your churn rate look like? Can you share metrics that prove market demand? ✅ 𝗘𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹: Who do you see as potential acquirers, and why would they be interested in your company KAARIA you can help assess Team(Berkus & Scorecard), Market Size & Competitors with PitchBook Data, Financial Metrics & potetial (VC, DFC, VP Multiples) ✅ 👉 Get started on your fundraising journey with KAARIA 🚀 Begin now! 🚀 Get a Free Startup Valuation: https://kaaria.ai #valuations #startups #fundraising #founders #Startup #innovation #entrepreneurship #kaaria #sustainability #kaariastartupvaluation #investing #networking #venturecapital #kaariagetfunded #exits ____________________ Thanks, credit & Kudos to Hugo Rauch for the Post! ____________________

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PitchBook's Venture Capital Midyear Update predicts that VC fundraising will rise, and that interest rates will lead to an increase in VC deal activity with nontraditional VC investor participation. https://hubs.la/Q02J8VXm0 #venturecapital

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