Amanda Herson’s Post

They say ideas are a dime a dozen, but execution is a rarity, would you agree? In order to set ourselves up for long term success we first have to know where we are going. With so many options to consider it is important to find one that aligns with your company's core values that can also propel you against existing threats. In today's business environment companies no longer have the luxury of sitting on existing cash reserves while their business strategy and principles that guide the business stay concrete. Now startups coupled with VC's have helped level the playing field by infusing startups with cash in industries that have an appetite for disruption. Whether you're an existing firm trying to stave off the competition or an up-and-coming welter weight vying for the big stage it's important to understand what lens the players around you are looking through as it will dictate your strategy moving forward! Stay tuned for more info on unique and modern strategies in the coming months! I will be sharing examples of how Netflix, Airbnb, Spotify all changed the industries they were in and how some of the companies that they replaced could have remained relevant if they would have developed their company's business strategies to see around certain inflection points in consumer trends and demands coupled with changes in user technology.

Everyone loves talking about innovation—new ideas, disruptive technologies, game-changing strategies. But here’s the thing: most businesses don’t fail because of a lack of ideas—they fail because of poor execution. We celebrate visionaries like they’re magicians, but is the real magic in operational excellence? How many startups with "world-changing" products have fizzled because they couldn’t follow through? Think about it: Apple didn't invent the MP3 player; they perfected it. Facebook wasn’t the first social network; they just executed better. Maybe it’s time we stop chasing innovation for the sake of novelty and start giving more recognition to the teams and systems that consistently deliver. What do you think—are we addicted to innovation hype? And is the obsession with “what’s next” costing us the success of what’s already here?

On the surface, UNICORN TEAM is a book about how to find people who care about your idea and see how their purpose and values align to it - and work together to make it so. But what it really reveals is that GREAT IDEAS are everything and eliminating MEDIOCRE IDEAS are what we need most so that people who want to make it succeed (including the founder) rally for it to live and thrive. It’s a book about our human desires of creation, belonging and gathering come together to create the next wave of innovation, beyond the era of automation and AI. To build the next generation wave of brands that matter. I can’t wait to share it so badly! Why does the pub date have to be so far away? 02.25.25 ✨ I have a great marketing plan for it though. I’m having so much fun collaborating with my own Unicorn Team (staff, partners, friends, mentors). Enter the era of creationship. 🦄 #UnicornTeam

Swiss fintech tiun. raises $2.5 million to modernise media monetization Swiss #fintech startup tiun is revolutionizing the way online media is monetized, securing $2.5 million in pre-seed funding to drive its mission. Founded in 2023 by Nikolaos Christoforakos, Christian Heiduschke, and Sandro F. Zweig, tiun focuses on simplifying access to online media for younger audiences by removing the friction of traditional subscriptions. This funding round was led by Swiss VC firm Founderful, with additional backing from Blue Wire Capital, a16z scout Maximilian Lehmann, and other angel investors. tiun's innovative platform enables users to connect their digital wallets to media platforms, allowing them to "pay as they go" without creating accounts or sharing personal details repeatedly. The founders, with expertise spanning fintech product development, go-to-market strategies, and scalable SaaS solutions, have built an infrastructure that transforms how users engage with and pay for digital media. Their approach is already gaining traction, with over 50 media titles across Central Europe onboarded. In a challenging time for the media industry, tiun's solution bridges the gap between user convenience and effective monetization. By capping user costs at 20% of a typical monthly subscription fee and using activity-based session tracking, the platform ensures a balance between affordability and sustainable revenue for providers. This approach not only enhances user engagement but also empowers media companies with actionable insights to refine their offerings. The article on Finextra in the first comment.

A Million Dollar Mistake: learn from the experience of others I've been reflecting on the rollercoaster of innovation and the thin line between a breakthrough and a lesson learned. As we bid farewell to Goodwin, pioneering a mobile augmented reality platform, it's time to dissect where things took a turn. Goodwin represented a beacon of ingenuity, promising to revolutionize offline advertising activities with AR. The venture magnetized more than $700,000 from well-known and reputable companies like Altair.VC and OKSgroup, and our team was celebrated among Russia's top 25 startup teams. However, amidst the wins, we also encountered our share of lessons. One could say we made the "$1 million error" — prioritizing trendy tech over accessible and community-supported solutions. To future innovators, remember: tech is merely a tool. Choose one not for its glamour, but for its suitability to solve real problems. Our focus should always be on delivering value at every touch point. The digital age might change how we execute our strategies, but the core principles of marketing remain steadfast. Whether you're a startup or an industry giant, remember that your product's journey from creation to customer's hands is what truly builds your brand. The marketing toolkit may evolve with every tech advancement, but our focus remains unshakable—creating tangible connections between products and people. Ironically, another stumble was over-zealous perfectionism. By avoiding showing users an 'incomplete' solution and catering to every customer whim without analysis, we lost our way. Instead: 1. Analyze available expertise and ready-made resources before choosing a technology. 2. Tackle issues before the product ideation solidifies. 3. Sell the vision early and adapt through genuine user feedback, not just request lists. Although Goodwin’s journey concludes, its spirit lives on in these shared learnings that may just fuel the next big thing in AR – or your venture. "Onward" isn't just progress — it's reflection turned into action. #AR #Innovation #StartupLessons #TechnologyTrends #CustomerCentricity

Uncover the movers and shakers in the Media and Entertainment industry. These top investors are defining the future of media with innovative funding and strategic insights. Dive into the world of media transformation with these trailblazers. ✅ Advance Venture Partners - Leading transformation across media, privacy, and life sciences, shaping tech ecosystems with strategic investments. ✅ Torch Capital - Ignites media, e-commerce, and fintech sectors with investments that enhance digital consumer landscapes. ✅ KB Partners - Focuses on media, sports, and wellness, pushing the envelope in VR/AR and consumer electronics. ✅ Galaxy Ventures - Specializes in digital media and e-commerce, revolutionizing content engagement and storytelling. ✅ Female Founders Fund - Empowers female entrepreneurs in media, promoting diversity and innovative perspectives in entertainment. ✅ Incubate Fund - Fuels media and advertising innovation, supporting startups that redefine media interaction. ✅ Courtside Ventures- Concentrates on sports and gaming, enhancing media consumption and fan engagement through technology. ✅ Causeway Media Partners - Invests in media and sports, enriching the sports viewing experience with strategic investments. ✅ BITKRAFT Ventures - Leads in esports and interactive media, backing companies that are redefining gaming and virtual experiences. ✅ Big Bloom Investment - Supports media startups focused on innovative content distribution and creation strategies. 🔍 Suggestions on How to Choose the Right Investor? - Strategic Alignment: Match your goals with the investor's mission. - Network Access: Connect with investors who can open doors. - Financial Backing: Ensure they have the capability to support your growth. 📈 Engage with Media Investors - Research Thoroughly: Identify investors who are active in your niche. - Perfect Your Pitch: Clearly articulate your unique value proposition. - Utilize Networking: Attend industry events and engage online to connect with potential investors. - Be Prepared: Have a clear plan and know your project's value inside out. 🚀 Are you ready to propel your media project with the right investment? Engage with these industry leaders to turn your media innovation into reality! 👉 Want more insights? Read the full article for detailed analysis and guidance on connecting with top media investors: https://lnkd.in/daqZyXn8 #Investors #Entertainment #Startups #Innovation #Media

The Power of Risk-Taking and Experimentation: Lessons from Masayoshi Son What separates trailblazers from the rest? A willingness to take calculated risks and experiment boldly. Masayoshi Son, the founder of SoftBank Group Corp. , exemplifies this. In 2000, he invested $20 million in a little-known e-commerce startup—Alibaba Group . It was a huge gamble, but he believed in Jack Ma’s vision. That $20 million became over $100 billion, marking one of the most successful investments in history. But not all risks pay off. Son also invested in WeWork , a decision he openly reflects on as a learning experience. Despite the setbacks, his ability to embrace experimentation and take risks reshaped industries, from AI to e-commerce. For #productCommunities, the lesson is clear: innovation thrives on calculated risks. Test new ideas. Experiment with bold solutions. Failure isn’t the end—it’s a stepping stone to growth. What bold step will you take today?

I'm currently listening to an episode of The Diary Of A CEO with Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google. He talks about the impact of innovation and risk-taking in building differentiating products that users obsess over, citing Elon Musk as one of the most interesting entrepreneurs of our time due to his ability to take calculated risks. For anyone who saw this post and thought "hmmm, how can I take better risks?", you should also watch the episode. It’s a deep dive into how some of the world’s biggest companies are either succeeding or stumbling, all because of how they approach risk and innovation. https://lnkd.in/ecpPi-rc

Uncover the movers and shakers in the Media and Entertainment industry. These top investors are defining the future of media with innovative funding and strategic insights. Dive into the world of media transformation with these trailblazers. ✅ Advance Venture Partners - Leading transformation across media, privacy, and life sciences, shaping tech ecosystems with strategic investments. ✅ Torch Capital - Ignites media, e-commerce, and fintech sectors with investments that enhance digital consumer landscapes. ✅ KB Partners - Focuses on media, sports, and wellness, pushing the envelope in VR/AR and consumer electronics. ✅ Galaxy Ventures - Specializes in digital media and e-commerce, revolutionizing content engagement and storytelling. ✅ Female Founders Fund - Empowers female entrepreneurs in media, promoting diversity and innovative perspectives in entertainment. ✅ Incubate Fund - Fuels media and advertising innovation, supporting startups that redefine media interaction. ✅ Courtside Ventures- Concentrates on sports and gaming, enhancing media consumption and fan engagement through technology. ✅ Causeway Media Partners - Invests in media and sports, enriching the sports viewing experience with strategic investments. ✅ BITKRAFT Ventures - Leads in esports and interactive media, backing companies that are redefining gaming and virtual experiences. ✅ Big Bloom Investment - Supports media startups focused on innovative content distribution and creation strategies. 🔍 Suggestions on How to Choose the Right Investor? - Strategic Alignment: Match your goals with the investor's mission. - Network Access: Connect with investors who can open doors. - Financial Backing: Ensure they have the capability to support your growth. 📈 Engage with Media Investors - Research Thoroughly: Identify investors who are active in your niche. - Perfect Your Pitch: Clearly articulate your unique value proposition. - Utilize Networking: Attend industry events and engage online to connect with potential investors. - Be Prepared: Have a clear plan and know your project's value inside out. 🚀 Are you ready to propel your media project with the right investment? Engage with these industry leaders to turn your media innovation into reality! 👉 Want more insights? Read the full article for detailed analysis and guidance on connecting with top media investors: https://lnkd.in/daqZyXn8 #Investors #Entertainment #Startups #Innovation #Media #ventures

🔶Diamonds in the [Tech] Rough: My first failure: In 2016, we embarked on a bold journey with the launch of HYPE, fueled by a vision to bridge the gap between sports tech startups and industry giants. My co-founder, armed with invaluable insights from Adidas, and I leveraged our deep networks to champion the cause of emerging innovators. The first failure: We initiated a program dedicated to identifying and nurturing startups that represented the real “diamonds” of innovation. Despite our enthusiasm and industry connections, none of the startups managed to secure a deal or even a pilot test with the brands during that period. The feedback was… Full story: https://lnkd.in/di-hDNrm #AI #SportsTech #Sportsbiz #News #Media #Sports HYPE Sports Innovation