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Meet Venture Crafters, a micro venture capital (micro VC) firm where ex-founders are looking to redefine early-stage investing in South and Southeast Asia. In this candid conversation with founding partners Abhinav Krishna, Ayush Bharti, and Ivy Huq Russell, we get an inside look at how their experiences as entrepreneurs shape their unique "founders first" investment approach, everything Micro VC, how VC makes investment decisions, raising money, and building successful companies. This interview is particularly valuable for: Early-stage founders looking to understand what investors care about beyond the pitch deck Entrepreneurs in South and Southeast Asia seeking insights into raising capital at the earliest stages Anyone interested in the idea of micro VC and how the micro VC model is evolving to fill critical gaps in startup funding The partners share refreshingly honest perspectives on everything from Venture Crafters thesis to common founder mistakes to their hands-on investment philosophy to what separates successful companies from the ones that fail. You'll learn how VCs generally make investment decisions, the most underrated founder traits, what makes a great pitch, what VCs look for in startups, why the future belongs to AI-native companies with lean teams, why they're not afraid to get calls when things aren't going well, and how they're democratizing access to angel investing. What makes this conversation special is the distinct position of Venture Crafters partners. They're not just investors writing checks, but former founders who've been in the trenches themselves. Their insights provide a deep understanding of both sides of the table, offering a unique lens on building successful startups in emerging markets. Please enjoy our conversation with Abhinav Krishna, Ayush Bharti, and Ivy Huq Russell.

The Venture Mindset by Ilya Strebulaev (From Stanford MBA) Some people say venture capital is a gamble since venture capitalists invest in uncertainties—early-stage companies that may or may not bring a return on investment. However, venture capitalists don't see themselves as gamblers. They have what Ilya calls a VC mental model, consolidating the following principles that dictate how they make decisions: 1/ Home runs matter, strikeouts don't: VCs don't care about how much they would lose if they fail; they only care about what happens if they succeed. On average, you get home runs only one out of 20 times. Strikeouts seem more common. That one out of 20 times covers all the losses. Additionally, it sounds counterintuitive, but it's a fact that in Silicon Valley, the most successful VC firms tend to have a higher rate of failure. 2/ Getting outside the Four Walls: In the fast-paced and innovation-driven world of VCs, you rarely meet them in their shiny offices. They meet founders in coffee shops, fairs, etc. They simply look at the apps on the Apple store that have increased dramatically in rankings. Then they find the founders, meet them, and decide whether they would invest in them. The WhatsApp founders from Mountain View were found in that way. The Sequoia Partners just decided to walk across Mountain View, knock on doors, and try to find the founders of WhatsApp! 3/ The prepared mind: "Chance favors only the prepared mind," Louis Pasteur, a 19th-century French scientist, once said. What this really means is that to discover something, being lucky is not enough. It's important to be lucky and see the luck that's in front of your eyes (that many others don't see with theirs). In Silicon Valley, there's a myth that VCs are geniuses. They fall in love with the founders just from a romantically-written letter on a napkin. And boom, they give the founders money. But the reality is that VCs are really prepared. They know right away the patterns that they see. They know how to evaluate the entrepreneur so they can make very, very fast decisions. 4/ Say "No" 100 times: For each deal they make, VCs tend to say "no" to more than 100 opportunities. The best VCs tend to say "no" even more often. "No" is indeed in their blood. How do they say "no"? They use two mechanisms: Fast lane: 100 to 10, and Slow lane: 10 to 1. The fast lane is more critical. They ask the simplest and most fundamental question: "Why should I NOT invest in this deal?". This might also be important in personal life. Whenever you have to make a decision, the first question to ask is "Do I have enough choices?" The way we ask this question helps us reach a decision way different than when you ask yourself "Why should I do it?" "Why should I NOT do it?" and "Why should I do it?" sound similar, but actually, they are different. A lot of psychological research shows that just adding this "not" changes the decision-making process.

Founder-Turned-VC Investor Raised $150 Million for Her New Fund💰 Masha Bucher, ex-entrepreneur and founder of Day One Ventures, has raised $150M for her new VC fund. Founded in 2018, Day One Ventures focuses on early-stage startups, offering initial investments ranging from $1M to $2M. Notable companies in the firm’s portfolio include Worldcoin, legal services company DoNotPay Inc., and AI assistant You.com. 📝Diverse Investments and Real-World Impact Day One Ventures supports startups across various industries, with Bucher particularly drawn to founders tackling real-world challenges. “From profound wealth disparities to the urgent threat of climate change and the growing sense of social isolation, tech founders will be our lifeline toward a more abundant, diverse, and sustainable future,” Bucher stated regarding the new fund. 🏆The firm’s track record is impressive, with six of its investments achieving billion-dollar valuations and 22 companies either being sold or going public. This success highlights Day One's knack for identifying high-potential startups. 🎯PR Expertise and Strategic Growth Before transitioning to VC, Bucher founded a PR firm that managed communications for numerous tech companies. She has leveraged her PR expertise to coach startups on media strategies. “If you look at any business problem you want to solve and any business goal you want to solve, 90% of the business problems are communications problems,” Bucher explained on Bloomberg Television. “I think this is something we train founders on and something that we help them to do.” 📈Growth of Day One Ventures The new fund is Day One’s third and largest to date. Fund I, closed in 2019, was nearly $20 million, while the second fund in 2020 totaled $52.5 million. This latest fundraising effort saw contributions from US and European institutional LPs, as well as 14 of Bucher’s own portfolio company founders.💰 “When you are building a firm with value add and staying close to founders, you can attract a lot of capital from your own network,” Bucher said. Notably, she made a concerted effort to include female investors, securing backing from 9 female LPs. Significant in the male-dominated VC industry, where female founders received just 2% of the total capital invested in US startups in 2023, according to PitchBook.🤷♀️ 🤝New Investments and Future Focus Day One has already made 5 investments from its Fund III: Cradle, an AI startup focused on human longevity; Rainmaker, a Los Angeles-based company working on cloud-seeding technology; Affiniti; Astroforge; and Layer N.  🚀🌍 ✅ Looking to raise capital for your #VCfund and increase the international pool of your LPs?   🤝 Need warm #LP introductions?   📝 Selling #secondaries to increase liquidity?   🧐 Looking for co-investments (Series A/Series B)?   ▶ G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks: https://lnkd.in/gjC_EuTE #VentureCapital #TechInvesting #FemaleFounders #StartupFunding #Innovation

Benjamin Sun has invested in some of the best startups of the last 10 years, including Coupang, Jet, Chief, Noom, and others. That track record has made him a multi Midas List awardee and turned Primary Venture Partners into a genuine force in New York's venture ecosystem with its first fund reportedly surpassing 11x in returns. I learned a lot from our conversation -- three particular highlights I'm going to hang on to: 1. "Wait for great." That's a mantra Ben keeps in mind, forcing himself to adhere to a high bar and be super selective when it comes to backing startups. Over the last 12 years, he's only invested in 40 companies -- quite reserved for a seed investor. Of those, *8* have gone on to become unicorns. 2. "Your margin is my opportunity." That's a quote from Jeff Bezos. It's also how Ben thinks about venture management fees. While other firms may take a profit from their fees, Primary invests its fees into building a large platform team designed to assist its portfolio. 3. “If they’re passing a plate of cookies around, take one.” Ben got that advice from an investor during the dot-com boom. It prepared him for the hype cycle of 2021/22. When prices were sky high in venture, Primary used the opportunity to sell some secondary stakes and lock in profits. To learn more about Ben and Primary's successful investing approach, jump in:

In a world where the rush for venture capital often overshadows the essence of true innovation, we ask: What truly matters in the journey of a startup? Daniel Sexton's insightful article on the perils and pitfalls reminds us that chasing venture capital is powerful and that aligning one's startup vision with core values and meaningful objectives is essential. In a landscape saturated with 'Junk Startups,' driven by the allure of becoming the next unicorn, it's easy to lose sight of what constitutes success. Why chase ephemeral gains, when the real treasure lies in creating lasting impact? At Hone Ventures, we believe in investing not just capital, but faith, support, and guidance in startups that dare to dream differently. Startups that prioritize innovation, societal value, and sustainability over fleeting valuation spikes. Venture capital should not be an end, but a means to an end – a tool to amplify visions that are poised to make a difference in the world. It's about finding the right partners who share your vision, understand your journey, and are committed to walking alongside you, not ahead of you. Let's cultivate a startup ecosystem that thrives on authenticity, purpose, and innovation. Where success is not measured by funding rounds or market caps, but by the positive change we bring to society, the environment, and the economy. Because ultimately, what matters is not how much capital we raise but the legacy we leave behind. #VentureCapital #Innovation #Startups #Entrepreneurship #SustainableInvesting #HoneVentures Here’s How Not To Raise Venture Capital http://dlvr.it/T5H7Zy

🌟 Unlock Potential of Your Startup with House of Bull Ventures! 🌟 How we can transform your journey as a startup or investor? With years of experience in connecting innovative startups with visionary investors, we are dedicated to turning groundbreaking ideas into successful ventures. Are you a startup looking to accelerate your growth? Or an investor seeking high-potential opportunities? At House of Bull Ventures, we specialize in bridging the gap between emerging businesses and private investors. Here’s how we can help: For Startups: Empower Growth **1. Strategic Funding Solutions: We understand that every startup is unique. Whether you're just beginning or ready to scale, we offer tailored funding solutions designed to meet your specific needs and goals. **2. Curated Investor Connections: Our extensive network includes a diverse group of angel investors, venture capitalists, and industry experts. We connect you with investors who are genuinely interested in your sector and excited about your vision. **3. Pitch Preparation and Support: Crafting a compelling pitch is crucial. Our team provides expert guidance on creating a powerful pitch deck and preparing for investor meetings, ensuring you make a strong impression. **4. Ongoing Mentorship: Securing funding is just the beginning. We offer continued support and mentorship, helping you navigate growth challenges and achieve long-term success. For Investors: Discover High-Potential Opportunities **1. Exclusive Access: Our platform provides investors with access to a carefully curated selection of startups poised for growth. We focus on opportunities that align with your investment strategy and offer substantial potential returns. **2. Comprehensive Due Diligence: Making informed investment decisions requires thorough analysis. We offer detailed due diligence reports, market insights, and financial assessments to help you make well-informed choices. **3. Strategic Matchmaking: We ensure that the startups we present align with your investment interests and goals. Our aim is to foster strategic partnerships that provide both financial returns and strategic value. **4. Ongoing Engagement: Our commitment to investors extends beyond the initial investment. We provide regular updates on the progress of your investments and opportunities for continued involvement. Why House of Bull Ventures? **1. Decades of Experience: With extensive experience in venture capital and angel investing, we bring deep industry knowledge and expertise to every engagement. Our track record speaks for itself. **2. Tailored Approach: We believe in a personalized approach. By understanding your unique needs and objectives, we create connections and solutions that are perfectly aligned with your goals. **3. Passion for Innovation: We are passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and fostering innovation. Our mission is to contribute to the growth of transformative ideas and technologies.

Is your startup having trouble getting funded? It may be because your business doesn’t fit the portfolio model of VC firms. As this article notes, from the point of view of a venture capitalist, failed investments don’t matter, but every investment you make needs to have the potential to be a home run. #venturecapital #startups #founders

🌟The Creator Economy is thriving, thanks to visionary venture capital firms and their founders, who are at the forefront of innovation and investment. Here's a closer look at the top VC firms and the brilliant minds behind them, driving growth in the Creator Economy: - Charles River Ventures: Founded by Dave A. Salvant, Rick Burnes, and Songe Laron, CRV has been a key player in tech with significant investments in Zendesk, Twitter, and Ring. - Seedcamp: Reshma Sohoni and Carlos Eduardo Espinal MBE started Seedcamp, Europe's startup fund, backing Hopin, Wise, and Revolut. - Union Square Ventures: Fred Wilson and Brad Burnham's firm focuses on internet technology, with notable investments in Coinbase and Cloudflare. QED Investors: With founders Caribou Honig, Frank Rotman, and Nigel Morris, QED specializes in fintech across the globe. - Forerunner Ventures: Kirsten Green's Forerunner Ventures zeroes in on consumer needs, backing companies like Studio and A-Frame. - Creandum: Creandum, led by Staffan Helgesson, supports European tech founders in various sectors, including the Creator Economy. - Kalaari Capital: Vani Kola and Rajesh Raju founded Kalaari Capital, an early-stage tech VC in India, investing across multiple industries. - Notion Capital: Stephen Chandler's Notion VC invests in SaaS and cloud companies, supporting the growth of innovative platforms. - Chicago Ventures: Stuart Larkins launched Chicago Ventures, focusing on overlooked founding teams in diverse sectors. - Connect Ventures: Founded by Pietro Bezza and Sitar Teli, Connect Ventures invests in tech companies from seed to series A stages. For entrepreneurs in the Creator Economy seeking inspiration, resources, or investment, these VC firms and their founders represent a wealth of opportunities. 🔗 Full article with the rest of the companies on the list here: https://lnkd.in/g3nHjYxU #VentureCapital #CreatorEconomy #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StartupFunding

"Demystifying Venture Capital: Key Insights for Founders Let's uncover some crucial insights from Kavedon that founders often overlook! As a founder navigating the startup ecosystem, understanding the nuances of venture capital can be a game-changer. Here are a few things that founders frequently misunderstand about VC: 1. It's Not Just About the Money: While securing funding is undoubtedly essential, venture capital is about more than just capital injection. VCs bring strategic guidance, industry expertise, and valuable networks. Founders should view VCs as partners in their journey, not just investors. 2. Relationship Building is Key: Building strong relationships with investors is crucial for long-term success. It's not just about pitching your idea; it's about cultivating trust, rapport, and alignment of interests. Founders who invest time in nurturing these relationships are more likely to secure funding and support down the line. 3. VC Funding Comes with Strings Attached: While VC funding can provide a significant boost to your startup, it also comes with certain expectations and obligations. Founders need to understand the terms of the investment, including equity stakes, governance rights, and exit preferences. It's essential to balance securing funding and controlling your startup's destiny. 4. It's a Marathon, Not a Sprint: Building a successful startup takes time, patience, and resilience. Founders often underestimate the challenges and setbacks they'll encounter along the way. It's crucial to have a long-term vision, realistic expectations, and the tenacity to weather the inevitable storms of entrepreneurship. 5. Not All Money is Created Equal: Not all VCs and funding are created equal. Founders should carefully evaluate potential investors based on their track record, domain expertise, and alignment with their vision. Choosing the right investors can make all the difference in your startup's success. Understanding the ins and outs of venture capital is essential for founders looking to navigate the fundraising process effectively. By dispelling common misconceptions and adopting a strategic approach to VC engagement, founders can maximise their chances of success and build thriving businesses. #VentureCapitalInsights #FounderAdvice #StartupJourney"

🕚Here’s a flashback to an exciting and audacious VC fund launch from earlier this year. 💸 In Q2 2024 California, USA based Crosslink Capital closed its tenth flagship venture capital fund, Crosslink Ventures X with $350M of capital commitments. 💡 Partnering with ambitious early-stage founders building category-defining companies. The VC invests from #preseed through to #SeriesA, with initial investments of $1M-$9M. 🌍 #NorthAmerica 📈 Founded in 1989, Crosslink manages over $4.6 billion in assets and has backed start-ups including BetterUp, Chime, Novo, AKUA, Darkhive, Hungryroot, among others. 💭 “Our seasoned team stands ready to guide founders through unpredictable market conditions and strives to capitalize on moments of prosperity with precision and confidence.” - David Silverman, General Partner at Crossline 🗞️Crosslink https://lnkd.in/eaaahNgd 👏 For the #AudaciousInvestors unleashing innovation and empowering tomorrow🚀 Michael I Phil I Gabby I Matt I Eric I I David I Maureen I Sofia I Thomas I Anduena I Alexis I Caitlin I Anisha I Team Crosslink Capital … #venturecapital #vc #funds #startups #entrepreneurs #funding #tech #usa #entrepreneurship #technology #innovation #California #menlopark