Alumni Ventures’ Post

Pete Blackshaw in 1999. I think he knows what he doing. PlanetFeedback Receives $6 Million in Venture Financing Flatiron Partners, Lycos Ventures, Blue Chip Venture Company, Allen & Co. fund consumer feedback startup led by former P&G; interactive marketing leader CINCINNATI, OH (December 2, 1999) - PlanetFeedback, a new web service designed to help consumers easily and effectively communicate with companies, today announced $6 million in first round venture capital financing from four leading institutional investors. Scheduled to launch later this month, PlanetFeedback will provide a suite of online feedback utilities designed to increase the direct influence that consumers have on the quality of products and services they buy. These utilities include a dynamic letter generator and personalized online filing space to store and track business correspondence. New York-based Flatiron Partners will lead the round for the net-startup located in Cincinnati's emerging "Digital Rhine" district. Cincinnati-based Blue Chip Venture Company, Pittsburgh-based Lycos Ventures, and New York-based Allen & Company Inc. will also participate. "Our investors are contributing not only financing, but also important perspective in key areas that will strengthen our business," said Pete Blackshaw, founder and CEO of PlanetFeedback. "Flatiron brings a vision of pervasive computing; Blue Chip, a vision of the consumer; Lycos, a vision of distribution and co-branding on the Web; and Allen & Co., a vision of the future of media." Consumer Empowerment on the Web PlanetFeedback was founded by CEO Pete Blackshaw, an internet pioneer who helped lead marketing giant Procter & Gamble into the digital age. Blackshaw's efforts - which included leadership of the industry-shaping advertisers' summit that P&G hosted in 1998 - helped earn P&G recognition as Advertising Age magazine's "Interactive Marketer of the Year" in early 1999. Before joining P&G in 1995, Blackshaw emerged as a net visionary while earning his MBA at Harvard, and before that, as a legislative assistant in the California legislature. At HBS, he wrote the school's first "Student Online Guide" and edited the student newspaper's online section. In 1993, he initiated the nation's first-ever "interactive" legislative hearing, an experience that opened his eyes to the power of technology to expand the "volume and impact" of consumer feedback.

Marketing Agency Ventures: Venture Capital vs. Bootstrapping – What’s Your Path? When launching a marketing agency, the decision to seek venture capital or bootstrap can make all the difference. Each route has its own unique set of advantages and challenges. Let’s dive into the exciting world of agency growth strategies and see what could be the perfect fit for you! Venture Capital🌟 Pros: - Fast-Track Growth: VC funding can supercharge your growth, enabling you to scale quickly and seize opportunities without the usual constraints. - Expert Guidance: Investors bring more than money—they offer strategic advice, industry connections, and a wealth of experience to guide your agency’s journey. - Risk Sharing: With VC backing, the financial risks are shared. This can provide a safety net, allowing you to experiment and innovate without bearing the entire burden. Cons: - Equity Dilution: Bringing in venture capital means giving away a slice of your company. You’ll have less control over decisions and ownership. - Pressure to Perform: VCs expect returns on their investment, which can put immense pressure on meeting high growth targets and deadlines. - Complex Negotiations: Securing VC funding involves intricate negotiations and rigorous due diligence, which can be time-consuming and demanding. Bootstrapping 💪 Pros: - Full Control: Retain full ownership and control over your agency. Make decisions that align with your vision without external pressures. - Focused Growth: Grow at your own pace, making strategic investments that are right for your business rather than chasing high returns. - Creative Freedom: With financial constraints, you’ll often find innovative solutions and build a lean, efficient operation. Cons: - Slower Growth: Without external funding, scaling your agency may take longer, and you’ll need to be more conservative with your resources. - Resource Limitations: Bootstrapping often means limited access to advanced tools, talent, and opportunities that could accelerate growth. - Personal Financial Risk: You’re putting your own money on the line, which can be stressful and potentially risky if things don’t go as planned. Conclusion: Both paths offer distinct advantages and challenges. Venture capital can catapult your agency into rapid growth with expert backing but at the cost of equity and intense pressure. Bootstrapping, however, allows for ultimate control and creative freedom, though it may mean slower progress and personal financial strain. So, what’s your game plan? Are you ready to chase rapid expansion with VC backing, or do you prefer building your empire on your terms? 💬 Drop your thoughts below or connect with me to explore how we can navigate these exciting waters together! 🌟🚀 #MarketingAgency #VentureCapital #Bootstrapping #StartupLife #GrowthStrategy #InvestorReady #Entrepreneurship #business #VC #CEO

Building on the success of Rocket Studio with Simon Kirby and Pivotal with Dominic Joseph we decided to merge with Impact Counsel, led by the awesomely talented John D., Erim Jones and Robert Fok earlier this year. We’ve combined our significant and complimentary skills, experience and passion for growing amazing businesses to create a new breed of VC - Creative Capital Ventures Group (CCV). Fund 1 is focused on Sports, Media & Entertainment. Joining us on this exciting journey is media titan Tom Rogers (ex CEO Tivo & CNBC). We have also assembled a mighty team of Venture Partners bringing their expertise into our team, with the legendary Harvey Goldsmith leading our Immersive Entertainment category, and Cam Blackwood (Platinum award winning record producer) and his team at Rezonate heading up Music Rights acquisition. Creative Capital Ventures is designed to disrupt traditional VC models and accelerate the growth of innovative start-ups. We’ve already secured €18 million in commitments and are raising €35 million in total to fuel the next generation of game-changing businesses. What makes CCV different? •⁠ ⁠Founder-Led Expertise: Our team comprises serial entrepreneurs and operators who have built, scaled, and exited successful companies. We know what it takes to drive rapid growth. •⁠ ⁠Speed Scaler: Through our unique venture studio model, we’re not just funding companies—we’re actively accelerating their growth, shrinking the timeline from seed to exit. •⁠ ⁠Industry Focus: CCV focuses on high-growth sectors like Sports, Media, Entertainment, and Lifestyle, with a unique emphasis on IP acquisition to drive returns in stable asset classes. If you're interested in learning more about how CCV is reshaping the venture capital landscape, let’s connect!  More updates to follow! #VentureCapital #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #Startups #ScalingFast #CreativeCapitalVentures https://lnkd.in/eiuWVtvT

Are VC Investments Fueling the Creator Economy? Who Are the Top Players in VC Investments? What Makes Ludlow Ventures Stand Out? What Drives Creators to Succeed? Has Atelier Ventures Found the Key to Creator Economy Success? What's Driving VC Investments in the Creator Economy? What Makes Chapter One Ventures Stand Out? What Sets Night Ventures Apart? What Makes Andreessen Horowitz Stand Out? Entrepreneurs are taking notice of the creator economy. Businesses providing everything from subscription infrastructure to credit cards for creators have begun popping up quickly, and traditional venture funds have taken note. Recently, attention on the creator economy has focused largely on large influencers like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae on TikTok; however, there is enormous potential in tools for smaller creators with less established followings. https://lnkd.in/efjKpyxK

🚀 €18M to Power the Next Wave of Startups 💡 Creative Capital Ventures Group (CCV) has launched a €18 million fund to back startups in tech, digital media, and consumer products, with plans to grow it to €50 million by Q1 2025. 🌟John D. CCV partner, shares, “This fund is about scaling innovation and fostering long-term success in high-growth industries like sports tech and immersive media.” 🎶 Rich Britton highlights IP’s potential, stating, “Music rights and immersive experiences are key to the future of creative industries.” ❓ A question for the team at Creative Capital Ventures Group : How should funds evolve to balance risk and reward in disruptive markets? John D. Rich Britton Kayee Cheung Moses Rashid Simon Kirby #fund Credit goes to Stefano De Marzo for this amazing article ❤️

Are VC Investments Fueling the Creator Economy? Who Are the Top Players in VC Investments? What Makes Ludlow Ventures Stand Out? What Drives Creators to Succeed? Has Atelier Ventures Found the Key to Creator Economy Success? What's Driving VC Investments in the Creator Economy? What Makes Chapter One Ventures Stand Out? What Sets Night Ventures Apart? What Makes Andreessen Horowitz Stand Out? Entrepreneurs are taking notice of the creator economy. Businesses providing everything from subscription infrastructure to credit cards for creators have begun popping up quickly, and traditional venture funds have taken note. Recently, attention on the creator economy has focused largely on large influencers like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae on TikTok; however, there is enormous potential in tools for smaller creators with less established followings. https://lnkd.in/eywV8A8a

Are VC Investments Fueling the Creator Economy? Who Are the Top Players in VC Investments? What Makes Ludlow Ventures Stand Out? What Drives Creators to Succeed? Has Atelier Ventures Found the Key to Creator Economy Success? What's Driving VC Investments in the Creator Economy? What Makes Chapter One Ventures Stand Out? What Sets Night Ventures Apart? What Makes Andreessen Horowitz Stand Out? Entrepreneurs are taking notice of the creator economy. Businesses providing everything from subscription infrastructure to credit cards for creators have begun popping up quickly, and traditional venture funds have taken note. Recently, attention on the creator economy has focused largely on large influencers like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae on TikTok; however, there is enormous potential in tools for smaller creators with less established followings. https://lnkd.in/eCzdH-nv

Are VC Investments Fueling the Creator Economy? Who Are the Top Players in VC Investments? What Makes Ludlow Ventures Stand Out? What Drives Creators to Succeed? Has Atelier Ventures Found the Key to Creator Economy Success? What's Driving VC Investments in the Creator Economy? What Makes Chapter One Ventures Stand Out? What Sets Night Ventures Apart? What Makes Andreessen Horowitz Stand Out? Entrepreneurs are taking notice of the creator economy. Businesses providing everything from subscription infrastructure to credit cards for creators have begun popping up quickly, and traditional venture funds have taken note. Recently, attention on the creator economy has focused largely on large influencers like Charli D'Amelio and Addison Rae on TikTok; however, there is enormous potential in tools for smaller creators with less established followings. https://lnkd.in/evirCYmZ

Introducing cocreatd: venture studio investing in next generation marketing companies💸 cocreatd is a a new venture studio, designed to back big ideas in the marketing industry and bring them to life. Founded by Oliver Yonchev, a former business partner of Steven Bartlett – cocreatd is Yonchev’s first venture since exiting Flight Group, alongside co-founders James Lawson Baker, Paul Stevens, and Simon Whitaker. 👇 Read more below 👇 #StartupsMagazine #Startups #Entrepreneur #Investing

In the fast-paced world of venture capitalism, where risk and reward dance on the edge of innovation, one key principle stands out among the rest: embracing the unconventional. #unconventional #startups https://lnkd.in/gNGc7W24