Peter Barba

Autonomous Vehicle (AV) funding is surging, according to PitchBook with Q2 2024 seeing $2.9 billion invested in AV startups - the highest since Q3 2021. While self-driving cars grab headlines, innovative startups are finding unique applications beyond passenger vehicles. Key developments: - Supply chain optimization: Outrider is revolutionizing yard operations with autonomous electric vehicles, addressing a $60 billion market. - Specialized transport: Pyka's autonomous planes for cargo and Gatik's local distribution trucks are gaining traction. - Safety & efficiency: Evitado Technologies automates airside operations, mitigating airport collision risks. Of course, more established companies such as Lyft & Uber are working on AV rideshare integration via partnerships with Waymo, BYD, Zoox, and others. The AV sector is focusing on gradual integration and specific use cases. While concerns about job displacement exist, proponents argue that automation could shift human capital to higher-value roles. What those roles are remains to be seen. As the AV landscape evolves, it's clear that the future of transportation extends far beyond just self-driving cars on city streets. Check out the full article by Nadine Manske here: https://lnkd.in/g3HJXZHc? And access the PitchBook Mobility Tech Report here: https://lnkd.in/g4_xP5pr #VentureCapital #AutonomousDriving #FrontierTech #FutureMobility

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#MobilityMonday: Angering many and impeding public transit funding, NYC congestion pricing scheme axed at the last minute Almost exactly a year ago, I wrote about NYC getting federal approval for the congestion pricing plan (see https://bit.ly/3Xi9xqu). Eleven months later, New York State Executive Chamber Governor Kathy Hochul unexpectedly announced the indefinite suspension of the Congestion Relief Zone (CRZ), which was planned to go into on June 30. Suddenly, the title of the first American city to implement congestion pricing remains up for grabs. Proponents of the CRZ hailed its potential for tackling air pollution and carbon emissions, relieving traffic, and providing a significant revenue stream for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the city’s undercapitalized and beleaguered public transit system. The MTA had already earmarked $15B from expected CRZ funds and now has left dozens of rail and bus projects across all five boroughs without any financial backing (see https://lnkd.in/dmZaUvmh). With over 700k vehicles entering the Manhattan Central Business District each day, the economic ramifications of the CRZ — and, now, the lack thereof — are massive (see https://lnkd.in/dNf5v5dp). Despite championing the scheme herself, Hochul now argues that the plan would harm the city’s post-pandemic economic recovery and unfairly burden low-income residents. However, critics have argued that the decision was political in nature: “an election year ploy to help Democrats in suburban districts where congestion pricing is notably unpopular” (see https://bit.ly/45fSN5h). At a time when Hochul is polling at her lowest favorability rating since taking office in 2021, it’s hard not to wonder the extent to which this decision was politically motivated. Admittedly, the same polling indicates that a majority of NYC-area residents oppose the CRZ (see https://bit.ly/4b4ygC4). Though Hochul isn’t up for election until 2026, national politics is still top-of-mind, as no less than 7 NY seats in the 2024 House elections are considered “competitive races” (see https://bit.ly/3KyCs25). Now, the city’s underfunded public transit woes are set to continue. One analysis by the Regional Plan Association notes that 56% of outer-borough NYC residents rely on public transportation to get into Manhattan for work — 14x more than the 4% who drive. Despite Hochul’s assertions, only 2% of those classified as working poor would potentially pay the congestion charge (see https://bit.ly/4aR9u8l). All this symbolizes a more troubling trend: how net-positive mobility schemes are being hijacked for political purposes. The EV transition, micromobility incentives, curb space reallocation, and yes, congestion pricing, will each produce winners and losers in the market. But in the end, most would agree that the long-term environmental, societal, and economic benefits are worth it. #congestionpricing #NYC #NewYork #Hochul #MTA #publictransit

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Kudos to aifleet on its $16.6M raise to fund growth in tech-enabled trucking. Its investors include Heron Rock Volvo Group Venture Capital, Obvious Ventures, Ibex Investors, Compound, Winthrop Square Capital and Cooley LLP. Aifleet is doing something different. Most other startups in this field are focused on pure technology. They have 204 drivers and power units. Will they be able to make it work with a combination of trucking and technology? https://lnkd.in/ePytPHx7

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Did you know that YC founders get a secret weapon… and it’s not what you think. “Bookface” is YC’s internal social network. It was needed because YC had funded larger batches and the hardest part of a community is knowing who is in it and who you can trust and ask for help. On the platform, founders share real methods and advice that would break if it were shared widely It’s secret knowledge shared with a trust-first community - answering 80% of the questions a founder can have about building and selling a product, be it to clients, candidates or investors. Before the platform, if you had a B2B startup, you had to reach out cold to potential customers. Now there are over 1000 YC companies you can sell your service to and all of their contact information is in Bookface. As a result, YC alumni companies are often over 50% of your new sales during YC. It’s superpowers like this that make YC deals so attractive compared to the norm. You are investing in a founder with a 10x network already!

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🔥[BIG NEWS]🔥 The 1st team we ever backed from this fund has just ANNOUNCED their SERIES A! 🍾 Anaphite got $13.7M in fresh equity funding to scale dry-coating EV battery technology baby 🎉👨‍🔬 What a tremendous effort from the founders Alexander Hewitt and Samuel Burrow and CEO Joe Stevenson 💪 Despite my little angel fund size, I couldn't be prouder to be doubling down ─this company can go on change the entire battery industry. And help us all un-fuck the planet as they do so 🌍 After being named a WIRED Trailblazer for 2024, it's time they now celebrate the real award: closing the first letter on the funding alphabet! What a milestone. Again, what an effort for these guys. Depending on which dataset you use, only 10-40% of seed funded startups ever get to raise an A round. And with over £10m in fresh funding in the bank and plenty of grants coming in, these folks can really go steamroll ahead and change battery manufacturing GLOBALLY. Forever. From tech and team perspective, it's great to see where they got to since our first meeting in Bristol before the seed round. Commercially, the company now is on the verge of announcing some major partnerships... But I guess you'll have to follow them to find out more on these 🤫📈 With the round closed, the company will now scale up their facilities to ship TONNES of their patented composite cathode material. As the A round lead investor mentioned: "Their technology is genuinely market-leading, and will help the world transition to an eco-mobility future. The team has already made breakthroughs in lithium-ion battery production, and their technology will be applicable to a wide range of new battery technologies, including sodium-ion and solid state." But wait. There's more: Anaphite’s proprietary technology will not only help spread the adoption of clean electrification, starting from EVs. It will also help Western battery companies and automakers onshore their battery development in the decades ahead. Why I got so excited when I backed them and I'm now even more so? Because battery tech costs remain a major hurdle for large-scale EV adoption, typically accounting for up to 30% of the total vehicle cost. And with Anaphite unique use of graphene chemistry and their proprietary replacement of wet-coating processes used in battery manufacturing they can save about 30% of the energy usage and 15% of factory floor space. This approach can MASSIVELY reduces the cost AND environmental impact of making a lithium-ion battery. Better batteries, with better range/specs AND cheaper = wider, cleaner adoption. Yes. Like a win-win-win kind of deal. What's not to love? ❤️ It's all on you guys: congrats! #deeptech #venturecapital

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🚀Super excited to announce Day Zero Ventures Investment in Zeno🚀 We're thrilled to back Zeno, a company set to revolutionize two-wheel transportation in emerging markets with their innovative electric motorcycle ecosystem. Why we're excited: Massive Untapped Market: • 600M petrol motorcycles globally, growing to 2B by 2040 • 60-80% are 100-200cc commuter motorcycles • No good electric options exist for this segment yet Perfect Product-Market Fit: • African bike taxi (boda boda) drivers cover enough miles annually to circle the globe • Switching to electric can reduce fuel costs by 50-75% Comprehensive Ecosystem Approach: • 100-200cc equivalent electric motorbike • Flexible multimodal charging: swapping, fast charging, home charging • Innovative battery-as-a-service subscription model Exceptional Team: • Michael Spencer (CEO): Ex-Tesla leadership, 15 years in East Africa • Rob Newberry (VP Software): Former Apple & Nest senior engineer • Swaroop Bhushan (VP Engineering): Powertrain expert from Lucid and Harley's LiveWire • Plus ex-engineers from Gogoro, Ola Electric, and Ather Zeno's vision goes beyond transportation. They aim to transform customers' relationship with energy, potentially powering homes, businesses, and supporting the grid in emerging markets. We're excited to partner with Zeno on this journey to electrify the world's fastest-growing vehicle segment. As emerging markets continue to develop and urbanize, Zeno is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of sustainable transportation infrastructure. Read why we invested in Zeno in the 1st comment! Alok Bishoyi Rahul Rajvanshi #CleanTech #ImpactInvesting #ElectricVehicles #EmergingMarkets

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Fun session with Silas Mähner 🔍🌎 Hopefully non controversial takes on how we think about adaptation and resilience Third Sphere. Also weighed in on thinking about engagement with Big Oil. Absolutely not possible to generalize here. TLDR on one end of the spectrum is Norway, generating substantial GDP from oil, but leading the way across multiple climate efforts, like EVs and heatpumps. On the other end are some state actors that have worked to undermine organizations like COP and sew broader chaos, very, very likely as a way to shift resources away from energy transition (likely very, very hard to spend on defense and green transition at the same time in the US and EU, for example).

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"From Shutdown to Sell-off: Navigating Your Startup Towards a Strategic M&A" In the challenging journey of a startup, not every founder can secure the next round of funding. If you find yourself at this crossroad, considering a shutdown, it might be time to pivot your strategy towards exploring a merger or acquisition (M&A) at a discount. This route can provide an alternative exit strategy that preserves the value you've created. Here are some actionable steps to guide you towards a successful M&A deal: 1. Evaluate Your Assets: Clearly identify what makes your startup attractive. Whether it's cutting-edge technology, a loyal customer base, or niche expertise, these assets are your bargaining chips. 2. Scout for Suitable Buyers: Look for companies that stand to gain from acquiring your assets. Potential buyers may include competitors, enterprises in related fields, or companies seeking to diversify their interests. 3. Leverage Your Networks: Tap into your professional networks, attend relevant industry events, and use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential buyers and experienced M&A advisors. 4. Engage M&A Experts: It's beneficial to bring an advisor or investment banker on board who knows the ins and outs of your industry and has a track record with M&A transactions. They can significantly streamline the process. 5. Organize Your Financials: Ensure that your financial statements and records are comprehensive and transparent. This not only boosts your credibility but also expedites the due diligence process. 6. Stay Flexible in Negotiations: Given the circumstances, achieving a top-dollar valuation might be tough. Be prepared for negotiations and realistic about the deal value. 7. Maintain Open Communication: Honesty about why you're selling and the urgency of the situation can foster trust and lead to more favorable negotiations. Considering an M&A might seem daunting, but it can be a strategic choice that secures the future of your business's legacy and rewards your efforts. With the right approach, you can transition from a potential shutdown to a successful sell-off, creating a win-win scenario for you and the acquirer. feel free to reach out , My partners and I would love to help you.

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Silicon Valley built venture capital. But New York's new guard is reinventing it. Just reviewed TechCrunch's Top New York VCs Under 30 List. The paradigm is shifting from the traditional Sand Hill Road model to something more diverse and dynamic, marked by: +Founders-turned-investors have hands-on startup experience +A deeper focus on overlooked markets and underserved founders +Cross-pollination between tech and NYC's legacy industries +An emphasis on sustainable growth over growth-at-all-costs As this generation steps into decision-making roles, they’re bringing a fresh take on community-driven investing, alternative funding structures, and an emphasis on long-term value creation. Congratulations to all the honorees. Young talent is reshaping VC but remember – great investors come at every age. (Fun fact: the average GP is 43!) Want to meet the next wave of NYC's venture talent? Follow along as TechCrunch updates their Under 30 list: https://bit.ly/4hiw4ef Thoughts on the approach of younger VCs? Would love to hear your perspective. #VentureCapital #StartupNYC #Innovation #TechNews" Data Sources: TechCrunch and SaaStr PS 🔔 Unlock a better way to raise capital with: 💸https://fundingstack.com/ for VCs and investors

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What’s the motivation to be an advisor? Being one, I repost with a view from the other side. Equity? You know better, how long and odd the chance of a payoff are. Way to feel important and spend time? Not. Most of us have been there, done that. And want to devote our time to worthy and important causes. Businesses that ameliorate the suffering of humans. Businesses that increase people’s quality and standard of living. Businesses with meaning. Now that is interesting. Good advisors are those that are animated by your cause. And will jump in the fray, armed with their sharp business experience to further it. To watch you grow and succeed. Remember, we did the same in our careers. Now we get to do it without the attendant competition and bureaucracy. Heed thee well, Noah’s advice here.

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The autonomous trucking industry has faced significant challenges in recent years. In 2023, Embark was acquired by Applied Intuition for $71M, a mere fraction of its $4.5B valuation when going public via SPAC in 2021. Waymo Via, the commercial trucking unit of Google's autonomous vehicle division, shifted its focus from trucking to ride-hailing. TuSimple, once a leader in US autonomous trucking, wound down its US operations to concentrate on China and Japan. Despite this backdrop, Harpoon portfolio company Kodiak has continued to make waves in autonomy for trucking and defense, reflecting its resiliency as a leader in the space, and setting the stage for widespread industry adoption in the coming years. The US trucking industry, a massive $940B market, faces critical challenges that Kodiak aims to address: a severe driver shortage expected to double in the next decade, increasing freight demands driven by e-commerce, and stringent government regulations on driver working hours that impact delivery efficiency and truck utilization. Kodiak's market leading approach tackles these industry challenges with its modular system, the Kodiak Driver, which seamlessly retrofits any driving platform with autonomous capabilities. The company has achieved significant milestones to-date, including disengage-free commercial deliveries, 24/7 operations, delivery of over 4,500 loads, and partnerships with some of the world’s top logistics companies. Kodiak leverages a world-class team from leading self-driving programs, positioning itself uniquely in the market. Its incremental deployment strategy and partnerships with existing fleets for rapid technology scaling demonstrate a pragmatic and efficient path for growth. With the increasing demand for freight and the urgent need to address the driver shortage, Kodiak is poised to transform the trucking industry as it progresses towards fully autonomous capabilities.

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Survey results: Would you invest in an emerging VC's fund 1 who's already wealthy but no VC experience or someone who is fiscally stable and experienced in the VC industry but is a fund 1 rookie? 90% Rookie with experience 41 people surveyed. I thought it would be the reverse because the wealthy person already has capital and can just go hire people with experience and build the firm around that talent. Very interesting 🤔

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We gathered dozens of operators from the MGMT Boston Operators Club and local founders alongside the 186 Ventures team this October to discuss the evolution of our dear software markets, the status of some predictions for 2024 (all looking good!), and what’s on deck for next year. General Partner Giuseppe Stuto led us through the following predictions for 2025 to share with you all.. ↕ We will see more vertical AI applications manifest themselves within the Enterprise in a similar ways that SaaS moved from horizontal to vertical use cases 🔔 We will see services business models more common and software budget purchasing models less common - SaaS may even be given away for cheap/free as a “way in” ⚖ Capital efficiency, on a relative basis, will almost be required to create enduring & compounding defensible enterprise value. Details like procurement cycle lengths and creativity with non-dilutive financing, like leveraging revenue based financing tools for example, will all matter 💡 Specific to AI, premiums will be placed on applications that can actually get “reasoning” right. All purpose LLMs still have a ways to go and there are multiple approaches with the “jury still out” on how to get context and reasoning right. Infrastructure solutions that use general purpose or customizable knowledge graphs to help application developers get to 100% (enterprise acceptable accuracy) will emerge OR savvy application developers will fill the gaps themselves. We will likely see both, depending upon the specific case! Thank you Giuseppe, Julian, and Sophie for a great discussion and evening!

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How VC Assess Startups? It's often difficult for founders to know how they are being assessed when pitching to investors One of the most exciting (and perhaps frustrating) things in VC is that everyone's opinion of a 10/10 opportunity looks different Here is the scorecard most of the VC uses to assess a start-up before making an investment. #startupfunding #venturecapitalist #startupfounders

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🚀This Warehouse Robotics System Startup Raises $335 Million in Series E Round at $2 Billion Valuation 🚀 Let me take an honor in introducing the company Exotec, a pioneer in warehouse robotics, has secured $335 million in its Series E funding round, elevating its valuation to a remarkable $2 billion. 🤝 Success Highlights: 1️⃣ Founding and Mission: - Founded in 2015: Exotec aims to revolutionize warehouse logistics with advanced robotic systems, enhancing efficiency and scalability. 2️⃣ Innovative Technology: - Skypod System: The proprietary technology of Exotec enables high-speed inventory picking and storage, transforming traditional warehousing. 3️⃣ Global Reach: - Operating in Multiple Regions: Exotec serves a diverse range of clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. 4️⃣ Client Base: - Trusted by Major Retailers: Partnering with industry leaders such as Uniqlo, Carrefour, and Decathlon to optimize their logistics operations. 5️⃣ Sustainability Impact: - Energy Efficient: Exotec's solutions reduce energy consumption and operational costs, contributing to sustainable business practices. 6️⃣ Strategic Growth: - Expanding Footprint: Establishing new offices and manufacturing facilities to meet the growing demand for warehouse automation. 7️⃣ Investment Confidence: - Series E Investors: Led by Goldman Sachs, the round reflects strong confidence in Exotec's potential to lead the warehouse robotics market. 👉🏻 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Reaching the $2 billion valuation milestone: Establishes Exotec as a leader in the warehouse robotics sector. 2️⃣ The $335 million Series E round: Demonstrates robust investor confidence in Exotec’s innovative technology and market strategy. 3️⃣ Exotec’s commitment to continuous innovation and global expansion: Underscores its dedication to transforming warehouse logistics. 👉🏻 Lessons for Startup Founders: 🔷 Embrace Innovation: Exotec's success illustrates the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to address industry challenges. 🔷 Scalable Solutions: Developing scalable and efficient solutions can significantly impact market growth and client acquisition. 🔷 Strategic Funding: Securing strategic investments is crucial for expanding operations and enhancing technological capabilities. 🔷 Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with industry leaders can accelerate growth and establish market credibility. 💬 Point of Thought: - Exotec’s journey from startup to industry leader showcases the power of innovative solutions, strategic growth, and robust partnerships. - For startup founders, Exotec's story is an inspiring example of how technology and strategy can drive success in a competitive market. Let’s continue to innovate and transform our ventures! 🚀💡 PC: Do let me know your thoughts in the comment section below 👇🙏 #startupsuccess #warehouserobotics #techinnovation #funding #robotics #startupjourney #exotec #linkedin

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Who Will Win the Race for Next-Generation Battery Technologies? The race to dominate next-generation battery technologies is intensifying, driven by venture capital, governments, startups, and established players, all vying to control key innovations and raw materials. https://lnkd.in/gTnUfFz4 Innovative battery technologies are a key focus area for us at Ventioneers #Venture #Capital #Startups #Battery #Ventioneers

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How to invest in YC startups 💸 Before: Chase unicorns alone - Get the scraps Now: Back funds with unique access and dealflow Why go it alone when you can invest smarter?

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In addition to building our own VC practice at AAF Management Ltd., we’ve invested in 37 VCs since 2017. Here is what, I believe, it takes to build a multi-vintage, early-stage, venture franchise: 𝟭- 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀: hyper-focused GPs build longevity and consistency in their businesses. If you pitch LPs saying you will invest in early stage consumer but end up doing late stage consumer that’s a massive red flag. Stay germane to your mandate and strategy. 𝟮- 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: the market is crowded with venture firms, articulate your differentiated value proposition to LPs and founders. Don’t try to be everything to everyone. Focus on 1-2 value propositions to your stakeholders and execute them with excellence and defensibility. 𝟯- 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆-𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴: we tell stories everyday. Raising capital for a fund and building your venture firm requires that same story-telling skillset. Tell consistent narratives to the market to help build your own brand as well as your firm’s brand. 𝟰- 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁-𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲: if you possess subject-matter expertise in a certain vertical, domain or industry, you already own a defensible moat. Accentuate that to your advantage when building your firm, raising capital from LPs and winning deals from founders. 𝟱- 𝗠𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: early stage venture is a highly collaborate asset class. Keep your ego at the door, you will never be able to do everything it takes to build a firm alone. Leverage LPs, partners and founders for deal flow sourcing, diligence and overall industry best practices. 𝟲- 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁-𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁-𝗙𝗶𝘁: in quintessential startup vernacular, ideally find your product-market-fit by the time you launch your second fund. You need product-market-fit before you scale your AUM, grow your team and carry more fiduciary responsibility. 𝟳- 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: early stage VC investing is a marathon. Patience will reward you personally, professionally and financially. Build mental, physical and psychological stamina to endure the inherent ebbs and flows of your entrepreneurial journey. 𝟴- 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺: early stage VC investing is the archetypal long-term financial asset. Think in 10 year increments for your firm’s grand vision, think in 4 years for a given fund’s investment period and think in quarters when reporting material updates on your portfolio to your LPs. 𝟵- 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻: if instant gratification, short feedback loops and a constant need for reaffirmation is what you are looking for in a career then early stage VC investing will not fulfill you. Have fun building, and as Naval Ravikant once said: "𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙥𝙩𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣." Finally, and most importantly, be authentic and true to yourself. #firmbuilding #entrepreneurs #VC

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