Don't Quit Ventures’ Post

🚀 Empowering Your Start-Up’s Funding Journey with CLC 🚀 In the world of startups, securing funding is not only a milestone - it's the catalyst that brings your vision into reality. At CLC, we're not just observers; we've been in the trenches. We've faced investors, navigated the complexities of equity protection, and forged lasting relationships. Our approach? Tailor-made to ensure your project not only finds its ideal funding path but also thrives upon it. With a success rate where 84% of our clients secure funding, we pride ourselves on preparing your venture for strategic triumph. Our expertise is your advantage; we refine your pitch, perfect your business plan for due diligence, and strategize capital utilization to maximize growth. Imagine harnessing the collective wisdom of serial entrepreneurs who have mastered the art of fundraising. That's what CLC offers. Let’s make your project not just appealing but irresistible to investors. #StartUpFunding #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentReady #CLC #startup

Start-ups have always fascinated me.   I still vividly remember the early days of founding YOC.   Those times were filled with challenges. Not just from the inexperience we had, but because securing funding was a whole different ballgame back then.   It's crazy to think that it took us almost 9 months to find the investors we needed to finance the start of YOC.   Back then, there were barely any VCs, piles of paperwork and the preparation of business plans. To say the least: It was a challenge.   Today it's completely different - everything moves faster, and there's a broader pool of investors willing to take risks and back up innovative ideas. Although Europe is still no Silicon Valley, we have made huge progress in terms of building businesses from scratch.   Even though YOC is far from being a start-up today, I still find myself gravitating towards that world - but now from a different angle.   Together with a close friend of mine, Patrick Noller, I started a company five years ago in which we invest in start-ups, focused on supporting young, ambitious entrepreneurs.   There's nothing more inspiring than seeing someone throw their heart and soul into an idea they believe in.   And that's the world of start-ups. #Investor #Startup #Entrepreneurship #Partners

Boston's startup ecosystem is thriving, driven by a cycle of success that fosters innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and investment. As successes multiply, the city's appeal to visionaries and investors grows, creating a robust ecosystem. 🌟🚀 #StartupSuccess #BostonInnovation #Entrepreneurship #TechHub #InvestInBoston #BusinessCalculator #SalesCalculator #MarginCalculator When it comes to building startups in Boston, success begets success https://lnkd.in/gFmFEEDu

Vinod Khosla, co-founder of the Java-inventor Sun Microsystems, venture capitalist and US-Indian billionaire, says: "A surprising proportion of venture capitalists do more harm to start-ups than good." Why? Because "many find themselves on company boards without ever having built a company themselves." Having personally completed what he calls "the very lonely entrepreneurial journey," Khosla is now committed to helping start-ups build "companies that truly impact the world." Discover more about his journey in our portrait: https://lnkd.in/ewnZj9Ui #entrepreneurship #venturecapital

The reality is harsh: Most companies raising capital today will fail at some stage, be it Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A. Steve Torso estimates that 9 out of 10 startups won’t make it. 📉 As founders, you must believe passionately in what we’re building, but smart investors understand the hard truths behind the numbers. 🔢 #StartupLife #InvestorMindset #Entrepreneurship #RaisingCapital #FoundersJourney

Objection, dear Johannis! While I agree on most of what you said and this aligns very much to what I expect from a valuable business angel, I disagree on the clearcut no with respect to sweat equity. While there are horror stories with respect to advisors taking enormous amounts of equity for the occasional call (we had such an offer when we started frents GmbH more than a decade ago, 8% for an advisory position) as well as stories about business angels taking disproportionate shares for small amounts (have seen quite a few offers where the investment/valuation relation would have killed the startup right away), I do believe in the value of advice even if it does not and can not come with money. We do take a small amount of virtual equity for running our Founder Institute Berlin / Germany program (no secret, 2,5% in the form of a warrant to buy shares) which belongs in small junks to everyone who contributed to the very cohort the founder was in (over 60 individual mentors and directors). From what I have heard in accelerator models, this is the most logical as the relationship does not end when the accelerator ends. It gives the founders a strong and incentivized network of mentors right from the start for a very small (and of course, I am biased, fair) amount of equity and someone to call when unfair players are knocking at the door. We do also recommend to our founders to build a small, but good advisor network from the get-go. With the same intention, having someone on your side to reach out to when in doubt / additional network is needed. With fair shares... There is even a public and free (US) template that details out possible equity / commitment couples available: https://fi.co/fast

There’s beauty in seeing what could be, instead of what is. That’s what CEO Percy Hung does for startups through Choco Up’s revenue-based financing (RBF) approach — to work with business founders to better optimise funds to achieve their growth goals. Why RBF? This visionary approach prioritises flexibility in repayment, especially during leaner months, so startups and their founders can keep going. RBF has been transformative, says Hung, as evidenced by Choco Up’s plethora of clients with success stories that highlight how RBF can lend businesses the crucial support for growth and innovation in the face of challenges along the way. “For us, we leverage on data, and we look forward. We look at the future potential growth of your company,” says Hung, “it’s a bit more forward-looking instead of the traditional way of looking at a business.” He also shares how he reframes his mindset on the daily, to get the most out of life, family, and business. Read his full story here: bit.ly/4eeZNDm Music Credits: Life Song by Kola - Artlist #ThoughtLeadership #Entrepreneurship #Startups #Financing

From Trading to Startups: Toby Kernan's Entrepreneurial Journey Join Toby Kernan, CEO of Wagonex, as he shares his inspiring transition from a high-stress trading career to founding a successful vehicle subscription service. Learn about his unique path, insights on investment, and challenges faced by entrepreneurs in today's market. #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #Wagonex #BusinessLeadership #InvestmentInsights #SaaS #FounderStories #Triathlon #Networking #UKStartups

Up next is Knife Capital's Ayanda Siphosethu Bolani, speaking to the dos and don'ts of getting investment ready. We know that funding is on the doorstep of many of these startups. Here are some nuggets from Ayanda: 💥 know your business inside and out 💥 craft a compelling pitch 💥 ensure you have a capable team around you 💥 make sure your valuation is backed by market research #investment #funding #graduation #startup #entrepreneurship Naspers Limited Catherine Young Cameron Burt

Embrace the Entrepreneurial Spirit Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is akin to setting sail into the unknown. It's about embracing the spirit of adventure, where each challenge is a wave to be ridden. Remember, the most successful startups aren't just businesses; they are the embodiment of dreams and hard work. They start as a flicker of an idea, nurtured by passion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the vision. As you start your venture, let this be a reminder: the path may be unpredictable, but the rewards of pursuing your passion are immeasurable. Keep sailing forward, for the horizon holds endless possibilities. #Entrepreneurship #Startups #Adventure #Business