George S.

Wing Venture Capital's Founder Docs project is a unique collection of startup wisdom, by founders, for founders. The authors of the docs are talented founders themselves, sharing their experience on the topics they are most passionate about. I'd like to highlight the contributions of Edo Liberty, founder / CEO of Pinecone. Edo writes about the special opportunities for the scientist / founder (and he is one of the best of this breed!), as well as some of the risks and challenges they face. I got a lot out of reading Edo's stuff and I suspect you will too! https://lnkd.in/g_wyRMiE

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The myth that entrepreneurship is a solo sport needs a serious reality check. Many founders chase success thinking they can do it all alone, but what they really need is a tribe. A vibrant community can provide the wisdom, connections, and support that no one can muster alone. This insightful article rounds up some of the best communities for startup founders. From The Snowball Club, which dives into unconventional wealth-building, to Indie Hackers, a hub for the online business generation, it’s full of golden nuggets for anyone looking to grow. For founders in the SaaS space, SaaStr is a must-join if you’re serious about scaling. I've seen firsthand how being a part of supportive networks can propel ventures to new heights. At 5 Minute Founders, we believe that every founder deserves a chance to thrive, which is why our newsletter distills the best insights from full business books into easy-to-digest bites. So, are you ready to stop going it alone and start leveraging the power of community? What’s stopping you from finding your tribe? https://lnkd.in/eMY5KDap

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3 days left to apply for SXSW Pitch 2025! Application deadline is Sunday, November 3rd, at 11:59 pm PST and WILL NOT BE EXTENDED. https://lnkd.in/eUtkwSrj 2025 SXSW Pitch Categories AgTech & Food (new for 2025) Enterprise, Smart Data, FinTech & Future of Work Entertainment, Media, Sports & Content Extended Reality, Web3, Voice & Robotics HealthTech, MedTech, BioTech & Accessibility (new for 2025) Innovative World Tech Security, GovTech & Space (new for 2025) Smart Cities, Transportation & Sustainability Student Startups SXSW Pitch Eligibility Criteria The company’s product and/or service must have been launched no earlier than January 1, 2022. Each company may only enter one product or service into SXSW Pitch. A company that enters multiple products or services is not eligible to participate in SXSW Pitch. Startups are encouraged to apply to multiple SXSW competitions — SXSW Pitch, SXSW Innovative Awards, and SXSW EDU Launch (if you are an education-related startup). But because we want to showcase as many different compelling startups as possible at SXSW, know that your startup will only be selected as a finalist in one of these three competitions. Founders of the company applying must retain some portion of ownership. The Company must not have raised over ten (10) Million Dollars in funding from combined funding sources.  Startups should be legally registered and compliant with all relevant regulations and laws in their respective jurisdictions. The product or service must fall into one of the SXSW Pitch categories.

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Create Health Ventures Launches Inaugural $21M Fund for Early-Stage Digital Health Startups  Create Health Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage digital health companies, has closed its debut fund, raising $21 million, surpassing its initial target. Launched in 2024, Create Health Ventures is based in Austin, TX, and Chicago, IL. The firm focuses on technologies that enhance healthcare access, improve patient experiences, and deliver value across payers, providers, and pharmaceutical companies. *Its primary focus includes:   1. Payer-Facing Technologies: Solutions that improve member experiences, enable seamless data and workflow integration, and scale technology across geographies.   2. Clinical Trial Enablement: Tools to help pharmaceutical companies recruit and retain participants for late-stage clinical trials as demand increases. *Founders and Approach:   Create Health Ventures was co-founded by Emma Cartmell and Amit Aysola, healthcare veterans with over 45 years of combined experience. They bring operational expertise, regulatory insight, and an extensive network to portfolio companies. The firm exclusively invests in startups led by healthcare industry founders, leveraging its unique value-added platform for scaling businesses.  *The platform includes: - Business development support   - Access to executive coaches   - Connections to healthcare leaders   - Cross-selling opportunities among portfolio companies  *Key Quotes by GPs:  - Emma Cartmell: “Founders from the healthcare industry understand the challenges and opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Supporting them is the most impactful way we can positively transform healthcare.”   - Amit Aysola: “Payers and pharmaceutical companies are driving demand for connected, scalable solutions, and we are investing in companies to meet these needs.”  *Investments and Impact:  The firm has made five investments so far and partners with foundations, impact investors, and strategic healthcare veterans to mentor portfolio companies.  *Portfolio CEO Feedback:   - Dr. Chip Grant (Watershed Health): “Create Health Ventures has been invaluable in scaling operations and fundraising.”   - Shara Cohen (Carallel): “They are the most collaborative and active investor team I’ve worked with.”   - Neil Batlivala (Pair Team): “They’ve helped us manage growth and reach underserved communities.” If you are experiencing difficulties in raising fresh capital and would require warm introductions to new LPs, contact G+QUANT     ▶ Please use G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks, or send your inquiry directly to [email protected] #VentureCapital #DigitalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #Startups #ClinicalTrials #PatientCare #HealthTech #HealthEquity #CreateHealthVentures

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Attention, climate tech founders! Here is a session about pitch decks for you.

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Founders Institute is tackling how to get ready for the due diligence process once an investor is interested in what you're doing.... Looks like it will be interesting and it specifies "actionable items" in the workshop. I think that's always essential, although only sometimes shared by speakers. See you there. #startup #startupsuccess #technology #investing #investors, #startups, #duediligence

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Startup pitches from the latest TWiST episode Ardalan Mirshani pitches MyLens.ai, a tool that helps educators and consultants create engaging visualizations. Mariano Apodaca pitches Prosperous AI, a tool that simplifies procurement with AI-driven negotiations.

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Beyond Building Tech: Creating Spaces for Meaningful Connection 🌟 As a founder of Relevant | Venture Studio, I understand that innovation isn't just about technology—it's about bringing people together in meaningful ways. Last Saturday, I had the privilege of hosting Soulfecta at Dead Letter No. 9, where we transformed a Brooklyn venue into a multi-faceted experience celebrating connection, culture, and consciousness. What made this special: - Curated immersive spaces for authentic conversations - Bridging generations through music and art - Documentary screening honoring civil rights pioneers - Live performances merging traditional and modern art forms Why this matters: In our increasingly digital world, creating physical spaces for genuine human connection is crucial. Whether I'm building startups or organizing events, the mission remains the same: fostering environments where innovation, creativity, and human connection can thrive. This event is part of a larger vision of bringing people together across cultural and generational boundaries. Just as we're building the future of technology at Relevant, we're also building new frameworks for human connection and understanding. Special thanks to the Dead Letter No. 9 team and all the amazing artists, DJs, and participants who made this possible. #LeadershipVision #CommunityBuilding #Innovation #HumanConnection #NYCTech #StartupLife #EventCuration #FutureOfConnection

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Thank you, Dr. Andre Retterath, for your insighful article on the pivotal role of incubators, accelerators, and company builders/venture studios (IACs) in fostering successful startups—an important and much-debated topic, globally. Among the many insightful points discussed, a sentence that really stands out for me, personally, and I quote verbatim - “It's crucial to acknowledge the pivotal role of Innovation Hub Managers/Program Managers in the success of these initiatives.” Over the past 3.5 years, at Hindsight Ventures, we have hosted 16 cohort-based programs across Africa, and in the process evaluated over 7,000 startups and engaged with 70+ startup enablers and several other entrepreneurship support organisations. We see ourselves as a “pacer” - a new age consulting company that works at the intersection of technology, innovation and entrepreneurship; and engages with a diverse set of stakeholders from the startup / entrepreneurship ecosystem. One of our more important stakeholders are our peers who build and operate incubators, accelerators, venture studios and the likes. As a team that’s been setting up programs globally, over the past decade, we realise that there's a growing need for robust ecosystem support to ensure success of startups, which is missing in parts across several fast-growing startup hubs across Africa, partly due to “talent deficit” - operating incubators and accelerators isn’t easy, and requires multiple practical skill-sets. We believe that for collective growth we can leverage our learnings and our global resources to empower hub managers as well as cultivate more of them within the ecosystem to foster high-quality entrepreneurs. We are proud to launch a 12-week, module-based “Innovation Managers Executive Learning Program” for aspiring and current innovation managers in Africa - serving as a catalyst for local innovation ecosystems. Learn more about the program here: https://lnkd.in/dd3-bxqk Also, the link to the article : https://lnkd.in/dC2syCmT Ajay Ramasubramaniam Fiona Makena Claire Sonia Rose Urassa

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Here’s something I’ve learned: True potential knows no boundaries. Yet, it often feels like early-stage founders & entrepreneurs in major cities and innovation hubs often have a head start, equipped with the best resources, expert advice, and powerful networks. But what about the underdogs in small towns, countries and overlooked cities? Should their location determine their destiny? I believe it shouldn't. Every ambitious founder out there—whether they're drafting plans from a small cafe in a rural town or brainstorming in a makeshift office in a burgeoning city—deserves an equal shot at success. The current ecosystem favors a few, but we’re on a mission to change that narrative. This isn’t just about providing just funding but "immediate access" to people, advice to help them solve problems, and focus on outcomes —it’s about creating a supportive community that bridges the gap between isolated efforts. We're currently in the soft launch phase of our founder community to help early-stage founders, meticulously working with a select group of diverse founders from various parts of the world. I’m thrilled about the potential of our initiative and eagerly look forward to sharing more updates with you all in the coming weeks. We believe in a world where every founder has the "access" and "support" to turn their vision into economic success, and we are committed to making it happen.

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Most planet-focused pitches kind of… suck? I’ve even seen experienced founders struggle to clearly + confidently explain the value they provide. For newer entrepreneurs, it can be even harder (and take longer) to figure out how to get the fundamentals right. (Trust me, I’ve been there myself 😅) Sub-par pitches = • fewer sales • wasted time • missing impact • lost funding opportunities • planetary crises keep getting worse When future-building business fail, we ALL lose. As a business lawyer, coach, consultant, and board chair, I’ve listened to dozens of pitches and advised countless entrepreneurs. And I’ve seen the same mistakes over and over. So… I decided to distill some of my biggest lessons into a 5-day course for people working on climate, sustainability and circular economy related solutions. It’ll help people audit (+ upgrade) their pitch, fast. The course is totaly free… for now 😉 We’ve all got a stake in helping future-building businesses unlock the impact they’re capable of + scale the solutions we need. Here’s where you can help: I need loads of feedback to make sure this is as helpful as possible to the visionary founders who need it most (and reach as many as I can). Do you know someone who’d benefit from auditing + upgrading their pitch? (B2C, B2B, experienced or just starting out) Please feel free to share this or tag them below. Thank you! 🌱 PS - if you take a look and have any advice about how to make this better, please let me know! https://lnkd.in/gNBMF9YQ

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I just hit 10 signups for my first email course… After just 2 days… 😳 Including some folks I’m not connected with 🤯 Nicolas Cole 🚢👻 is right: Educational Email Courses are the future. Can’t wait to get feedback and make this even better! If you’re starting or scaling a business involving climate, sustainability or circular economy solutions, take a look at my crash course in effective pitching below (it’s totally free… for now!).

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In the dynamic world of startups and venture capital, the foundation of success often lies in the authenticity and transparency between founders and investors. This recent TechCrunch article underscores the importance of mutual openness, highlighting how it fosters trust and drives growth. I honestly couldn't agree more. Reflecting on my journey with Insight Partners, I can attest to the transformative power of such candid relationships. When I first engaged with Insight, Deven Parekh's approach was refreshingly direct. Unlike others, Deven answered my questions directly, even if the answers could have been interpreted as negative. Both Deven and Ryan Hinkle valued honesty and telling me the truth more than they cared about worrying about telling me something I might not have wanted to hear. This initial honesty laid the groundwork for a relationship characterized by straightforward communication and balanced feedback. It set a precedent for our partnership from the start that has been emulated by David Spiro and the entire Insight Team deal team (Mark Botros, Adam Domingoes, Madeleine Goldberg, Sam S. Rhee). Over the past three years, this culture of two way transparency and feedback has been instrumental in Nutrient's success. It has enabled us to navigate challenges with clarity and capitalize on opportunities with confidence. In an industry where open dialogue is often undervalued, our experience stands as a testament to the profound impact of genuine investor-founder relationships. As we continue to grow, I am reminded daily of the value of honesty and directness. These are core values we practice at Nutrient every day internally because we believe they not only strengthen partnerships but also drive sustainable success. I am grateful for the unwavering support and the initial candid guidance from Deven, Ryan, David and the entire Insight Partners team. I know with confidence that together, we are not just building an incredible fast growing company but doing it on a foundation grounded in trust, honesty and mutual respect. #saas #startup #venturecapital #transparency #scaleup

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🚀 Join Us at AI Forge Incubator: Meet Solo Founders Seeking Co-Founders! 📅 When: Wednesday, 29th May 📍 Where: The Old Street Gallery, 62 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4DQ 🕒 Time: 5pm-9pm Are you a visionary CTO, CPO, or commercial expert ready to make your mark in the AI start-up space? Here's your golden opportunity! ✨ What's Happening? Our solo founders are in week 5 of a 12-week intensive incubator program. They are actively seeking co-founders to join them as CTOs, CPOs, or in commercial roles. These companies will be pitching to 450+ investors during the week commencing 8th July, with a high probability of securing funding. 🌟 Why You Should Attend: Dive into the world of promising AI start-ups. Contribute your skills immediately by joining an existing business. Be part of the prestigious AI Forge incubator program. Potentially integrate your own business ideas into an evolving proposition. Network with talented individuals and successful entrepreneurs. Gain invaluable insights and advice from seasoned founders and mentors. 🔎 Types of Businesses Seeking Co-Founders: Our 9 solo founders are leading ventures in: EdTech SalesTech LegalTech FemTech MedTech MarTech 🎉 Event Highlights: 💬 Speed Dating Sessions: Quick, focused interactions to maximize connections. 🔍 Pre-Matchmaking: Initial meetings set up to streamline the matchmaking process. 🤝 Networking Opportunities: Explore collaboration possibilities with like-minded entrepreneurs. Don't miss out on this unique chance to partner with innovative AI start-ups and accelerate your career in the tech industry. Register at Seeking AI Co-Founders · Luma - https://lu.ma/f22d1ih9 #AIStartups #CoFounders #TechInnovation #Entrepreneurship #Networking #AIForge

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🚀 5 Key Takeaways from my interview with Founders Factory's henry lane fox on Rio Tinto’s Bold Move Toward Mining Innovation 🌍 1️⃣ $14.4M Investment in a Climate & Deep Tech Accelerator: Rio Tinto, in partnership with Founders Factory, is committing significant capital to early-stage startups that can revolutionize mining with greener, more efficient technologies. 2️⃣ Focus on Decarbonization: The accelerator targets the tough-to-disrupt heavy mining industry, aiming to help reduce mining emissions by 90% by 2050 while increasing production of key metals like copper and lithium to support the energy transition. 3️⃣ Global Reach for Breakthrough Startups: The accelerator is open to startups worldwide, seeking innovators from precision mining to logistics, and offering real-world field trials with Rio Tinto's support. 4️⃣ Cutting-Edge Technologies: Startups like Endolith (biological metal recovery) and Sunchem (sustainable metal extraction) are using AI, biology, and chemistry to disrupt traditional mining processes. 5️⃣ Mining’s Role in Climate Change: With mining responsible for 5-7% of global emissions, Rio Tinto’s efforts to decarbonize the industry are crucial for achieving net-zero goals by 2050. Read the full interview in The Green Techpreneur here and subscribe to keep up to date with the latest climate tech innovation and investor insights: Join our growing network, growing and building together! Reach out for support with your climate tech fundraise! https://lnkd.in/esJn7Qyu #Innovation #MiningTech #ClimateAction #Sustainability #Startups

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Controversial opinion - but in any case, we have to note "THE IMPORTANCE OF INFORMATION SUPERIORITY", as John Cowan writes. Startup Studios, Venture Studios, Asset Studios, but also VCs that want to stay competitive in the future have to take data-driven decisions, based on actual, life data from what humans do in their projects and startups. AI can help, but in the end it's human decisions (still) that make the difference for success or failure. I have been monitoring Max Pog and his grand research, cited in the article, for a while. He already promotes and lives the principles of collaborative startup ecosystem in his online community. We on the other hand are happy to build a platform that facilitates these interactions and the value creation as an operating system for studios and VCs. https://lnkd.in/eQ2uK2U6

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The #VentureStudio community is thriving and when two leaders from different studios get together it is always going to be a great conversation. This podcast is huge as two brilliant Venture Studio leaders Barry O'Reilly from Nobody Studios and Ben Yoskovitz from Highline Beta join to unpack the innovative world of venture studios and uncover the strategies that make startups thrive. In this episode, you will learn: 📈 The fundamentals of creating and scaling a venture studio 🛠️ Strategies for innovating with accelerators, incubators, and venture capital 💡 How to apply Lean Startup principles to build products people actually want 🤝 The importance of collaboration between founders, corporate partners, and investors 🔄 Insights into the specialization and future trends of venture studios Take a listen and learn from two masters.

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The article on exit strategies for startup founders and angel investors challenges the typical narrative around success in entrepreneurship. It's not just about building something great; it’s about knowing how and when to cash in on that success. Planning an exit can be just as critical as the initial idea itself. Imagine you're in the hot seat with a booming startup, and the option to either get acquired by a larger player or go public is on the table. Which path do you choose? Would you play it safe with an acquisition, securing a financial windfall but handing over control? Or would you take the plunge into the public market, potentially reaping even greater rewards while facing the complexities and scrutiny that come with it? These are the tough decisions that can define a founder's journey. I recently read an insightful piece that dives deep into these exit strategies, and honestly, it puts a spotlight on how crucial it is to have a clear roadmap from the get-go. If you're not considering your exit as part of your strategy, are you really setting yourself up for success? I'd love to hear your thoughts on what you would do in this scenario. https://lnkd.in/eVDG3diF

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The I2N Accelerator program applications for 2024 are open TODAY! And not just 1 but 2 are being offered!! 🔥 Having gone through this Accelerater nearly 2 years ago now, this program was a key step in getting our business, Hey Zomi™, to market, waaay earlier than we anticipated. ✅ It was full of everything we needed to support us get our product into customer’s hands and build out our business model for success! 💃🏽 (And success it has been 🚀) ✅ We were given mentoring that held us accountable to our goals and guiding us to make key decisions to move forward. ✅ We were tested in ways we couldn’t have done on our own, helping us validate so many key components to our business. ✅ We were given access to experts across alll areas of business. ✅ We were connected with a community of likeminded people who understood what we were going through. ✅ We gained access to networks and opportunities that supported our growth! I’m so excited to see who is plugging into this amazing Accelerator this year! ✨ #i2n #accelerator #hunterbusiness #startups #entrepreneurship #innovation #newcastle

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