Brent Chandler 🙏

If you're building a fintech startup, you likely know of this investor, but just in case... This week's findfunding.vc spotlight is on Neil Kapur from TTV Capital. He: 🛫 Is based in SF & Atlanta 💲 Has spent time at Google in consumer-facing payments & at two fintech startups  🏔️ Loves alpine mountaineering and has climbed Kilimanjaro, Denali, Rainier, and more!! Amongst founders, Neil and the team at TTV Capital , including Gardiner Garrard, Mark Johnson, Sean Banks, Lizzie Guynn, and Laney Lewis are known for saying “lift, not lean.” They believe that their job as investors is not to create work for founders, but instead ask the right questions and help navigate to the best outcomes. Knowing Neil well personally, he's not only my go-to person for anything related to fintech but I can also highly recommend having him on your cap table - he's the kind of human you want to have in your corner during both good times and bad. Make sure to: ✉️ Pitch him at [email protected] ➡️ Follow TTV Capital on LinkedIn For more, check out our funder spotlight card below along with TTV Capital's profile on findfunding.vc (link in comments).

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✨ Breaking: Halogen Ventures Announces New Fund.- Halogen Ventures Halogen Ventures focuses on early-stage consumer technology startups with at least one woman on the founding team. The fund announced a $10 million investment to support female founders in Alabama. https://halogenvc.com/ Please share to let other #Founders know For the ❤️ of Startups #Fusion42 #Startups #Venturecapital

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That's why it's often very difficult to recognize new leaders – their ideas go beyond the conventional frameworks we're accustomed to. Keep your mind open. Don't let yesterday's templates define your future. #Leadership, #Innovation, #OpenMind, #FutureThinking, #venturethinking,   https://lnkd.in/eASPGsuu

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Why Buying Your First Business is the hardest & Financing The Fear is Being seen as too risky by lenders and investors. The Solution: Prepare a solid business plan with detailed financial projections. Work with a financial advisor to enhance your credibility. Consider alternative financing options like SBA loans or seller financing.

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Wilmington North Carolina USA is #1 Startup Ecosystem in the WORLD for small cities under 300,000 people #2 in North Carolina behind an ecosystem that is 40 years old #22 in the USA no matter what size population #61 in the WORLD and the fastest climb up the rankings by moving up 32 spots  in StartupBlink #WilmingtonNC #startup #entrepreneur #investor #NorthCarolina

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Want to build wealth faster? Skip startups. Buy Boring Old Businesses. Here’s why: 1. They’re already making money. 2. They come with customers, systems, and momentum. 3. They’re undervalued – 2.5x profits is standard. 4. SBA loans or seller financing make them accessible. 5. Easy profit boosters: raise prices or add new products. 6. They’re easier to scale than startups. Startups fail 65% of the time within the first 5 years. But "boring" businesses? They’re built to last. Don’t build from scratch. Buy something proven. If you could buy a "boring" business, what type of business would you buy?

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SBA 7a Loans for Business Startups: Better Options? https://lnkd.in/gW7kNYas Securing funding for a startup can be challenging. The SBA 7(a) loan for startups provides entrepreneurs with a financing option for their capital needs. This article examines the key aspects of SBA 7(a) loans, including requirements, interest rates, and terms. Entrepreneurs can explore this valuable financing option for their business venture. Key Takeaways of SBA 7a Loan For Startups - SBA 7(a) loans offer up to $5 million in funding for startups and small businesses. - Interest rates are usually 1% to 1.75% above the Wall Street Journal Prime rate. - Loan terms range from 7 to 25 years, depending on the use of funds. - The application process typically takes 60 to 90 days from start to finish. - Businesses must be for-profit, U.S.-based, and meet SBA size standards to qualify. Fuel Your Business Growth with the SBA 7(a) Loan Program: Flexible Funding for Small Businesses! The SBA 7(a) Loan Program is a versatile financing solution designed to meet the diverse needs of small business owners. Whether you need working capital, funds for expansion, or resources to refinance debt, this program provides the support to help your business thrive. The SBA 7(a) Loan is tailored to empower small business owners with the flexibility and funding needed to achieve your goals. Schedule Your SBA 7(a) Loan Consultation Now https://lnkd.in/e8duBvFy #SBA7a #SBA #SBALoan #SBALoans #BusinessLoans #Financing #Lending #WorkingCapital #Credit #Funding #SmallBusiness #SmallBusinesses

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💰Contour Venture Partners Raises $42M for Fifth Fund 💼 Introduction: Contour Venture Partners, a New York-based seed investor known for early investments in companies like Datadog and Movable Ink, has raised $42 million for its fifth fund. The firm is targeting $90 million for this flagship fund and has been actively fundraising since May 2023. 💡Key Points: - **Fundraising Progress**: The firm closed on $42 million from 64 backers, aiming for a total of $90 million. It had previously raised $20 million as part of a parallel fund. - **Market Context**: Fundraising has been challenging for venture funds recently, with overall venture fundraising down more than 50% last year compared to 2022’s record-breaking numbers. 📝Investment Strategy: - **Check Sizes and Focus**: Contour writes checks between $500,000 and $1.5 million, primarily leading rounds in seed and early-stage companies. It focuses on sectors like SaaS, digital media, and financial services, with a preference for companies based in New York or the Northeast. - **Track Record**: Despite not having a massive war chest, Contour has a strong investment track record. Notable successes include:  - Datadog: Early investment in 2011, which IPO'd in 2019 with a $7.8 billion valuation.  - OnDeck: Invested in 2006, went public in 2014 with a $1.3 billion valuation.  -Pendo: Active portfolio company, raised over $460 million, valued at $2.6 billion.  - Movable Ink: Content personalization startup, raised nearly $100 million, valued at $1.3 billion. 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦Firm Background: - **Founders and Leadership**: Contour was founded in 2005 by Matt G. and Bob Greene, who continue to lead the firm. - **Capital Raised**: Over its nearly 20-year history, the firm has raised more than $370 million across four flagship funds and three opportunity funds. 🕯Conclusion: Contour Venture Partners continues to make significant strides with its fifth fund, demonstrating resilience and strategic prowess in a challenging fundraising environment reported TechCrunch. ✅ Looking to raise capital for your #VCfund and increase the international pool of your LP #investors?   🤝 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 #ContourVenturePartners #StartupFunding #Datadog #MovableInk #InvestmentStrategy #SeedFunding #TechInvesting

The SBA is unveiling new credit lines of up to $5 million to fund small businesses https://lnkd.in/dHPHt9rg

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The ultimate list for the #startup founder getting it together to raise capital #funding from #Angel Investors, and #Venture Capitalist (VCs). Help other entrepreneurs find the resources they need. Like, and REPOST! 👇

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Don’t start a business — buy a business. It’s easier than you think. Here’s what you need to know about using an @Small Business Administration (SBA) loan to buy a business (and what people won’t tell you about them) An SBA loan provides financial assistance to small businesses. They can be used for a wide variety of reasons: acquiring real estate, short-and long-term working capital, refinancing current business debt, purchasing machinery and equipment — and much more. One of the first things you know is understanding the mindset of SBA loan officers. SBA loans are lucrative. There are a ton of teams trying to originate more SBA loans. SBA loan officers are looking for things like: Loan size Down payment Financial history Transaction structure But there is another factor you know about that’s incredibly important: debt service coverage ratio (DSCR). This essentially is just how much cash flow you have to service the debt. The higher the number, the better. Ideally you’d want at least a 1.5 - 1.75x DSCR. Another tip you should know: If you hear “The SBA doesn’t allow that,” you shouldn’t always believe it. That’s because banks have their own practices for what they will and won’t allow for lending. Instead you can do your own research on SBA.gov to understand the specific requirements for a loan. Then you can compare different lenders. What are your thoughts/questions on SBA loans? Let me know in the comments!

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🚨 Breaking News 🚨 Wells Fargo's partnership with Bilt Rewards, a fintech startup allowing users to pay rent with a credit card without fees, has attracted over 1 million customers, but it's costing the bank millions 💸 🤯 Did you know? Wells Fargo is losing up to $10M each month due to incorrect assumptions about how new clients would use the cards. Cardholders are stacking up reward points without carrying balances forward, and the bank pays fees for each rent transaction 📈 💬 "Following our co-brand card's successful launch in 2022, we have been impressed by the early traction and growth and we are committed to a long-term partnership with Wells Fargo that benefits all parties, most importantly — our customers." - Bilt 💬 📊 Key stats: - 70% of Bilt cardholders are new Wells Fargo customers - Average cardholder age: 31 - Average credit score: 760 🤝 Despite the losses, Wells Fargo plans to continue working with Bilt, aiming for a win-win for both parties. Stay tuned for more updates on this partnership 💼 #WellsFargo #BiltRewards #Fintech #CreditCards #Partnership #FinancialNews

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Stay ahead of rising telecom costs! The FCC’s USF fee has jumped to 34.4% for Q3 2024, directly impacting your bills. Make sure your team is prepared for these increased expenses. Comment below on how this hike affects your budget! 👇👇👇 #tech #technology #businesstips #businessstrategy #CEO #Businessleaders #Businessgrowth #CEO #CFO 

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Michael Seibel, Y Combinator's first Black partner (2013) and first Black president (2016), is number #5 on MyCofoundr.AI's Black Vanguard List (https://lnkd.in/ekAbZ7cG). 🎉 Michael is a trailblazing founder, investor, and board member, who has redefined what excellence and leadership looks like in tech and venture capital. From co-founding Justin.tv (which became Twitch and was acquired by Amazon for $970 million), to leading Socialcam (acquired by Autodesk for $60 million just 15 months after its launch), Michael’s entrepreneurial track record is impeccable. Now serving as Group Partner and Managing Director, Early Stage at YC, Michael has been pivotal in shaping YC’s global reputation and empowering founders from under-networked communities. Since its inception, YC has backed over 5,000 startups with a combined valuation of more than $600 billion, and Michael has personally guided hundreds of these companies to success. He also serves on the boards of companies like Reddit, Inc. and Dropbox, driving innovation and championing diversity at the highest levels. For anyone seeking inspiration and actionable insights, check out this must-watch video where Michael shares “What I’ve Learned After 10 Years at YC”: https://lnkd.in/eCJjeSmZ. For founders, Michael’s decade of insights at YC is invaluable: ➡️ Solve real problems: Focus on underserved markets you understand deeply, turning challenges into opportunities. ➡️ Show traction: Metrics like retention and revenue can open funding doors and overcome systemic biases. ➡️ Tell a clear, compelling story: Clarity and vision in your pitch are essential for standing out. ➡️ Bootstrap early: Prove your concept and resilience before seeking external capital. YC itself actively invests in diverse founders: -- AUM: Over $80 billion -- Average Check Size: $500,000 for a 7% equity stake -- Diversity Investments (as of 2023): 15% female-founded startups (~644), 10% Hispanic/Latino-founded (~424), and 6% Black-founded (~246). -- Focus Areas: Pre-seed and seed-stage startups in software, biotech, education, consumer products, and more -- Success Stories: Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Reddit, Inc., Instacart, DoorDash, Coinbase, Brex, PagerDuty, etc. Michael’s leadership has significantly influenced YC’s commitment to inclusivity, proving that innovation and inclusion go hand in hand. Thank you, Michael, for your exceptional contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and for paving the way for a new generation of founders and investors to thrive. #BlackExcellence #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #YCombinator #Startups

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How does a bank blend tradition with a tech-savvy approach? 🤔 "Data is both the disease and the cure." - Anthony Peculic, Head of BaaS and Cards, Cross River Bank Join Tedd Huff and Nate B. as they chat with Anthony Peculic about the changing landscape of banking. They discuss how Cross River Bank combines the stability of traditional banking with the creativity of a tech company. From dealing with regulations to adapting to new market conditions, this episode is packed with insights! 💡 1️⃣ The impact of macroeconomic changes on products 2️⃣ The shift from banks being just vendors 3️⃣ The role of data in financial solutions Learn how Cross River Bank is investing heavily in technology to enhance their services and stay ahead of the curve. Accrued, a Fintech Confidential series presented by LoanPro #CrossRiverBank #TraditionalBanking #TechCompany #AnthonyPeculic #BaaS #BankingAsAService #MacroeconomicSituations #FinTech #BusinessPerspective #BankingVendors #DataInBanking #TechnologyInBanking #EmbeddedFinance #CardPrograms #BankingRegulation #EntrepreneurialBanking #InnovativeBanking #FinancialTechnology #BankTechnologyInvestments #BankingEngagement #CardSponsorship #BankingTech #BankingProducts #BankRegulation #BankingInnovation #TechDrivenBanking Tedd Huff DD3 Media Fintech Confidential

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How does a bank blend tradition with a tech-savvy approach? 🤔 "Data is both the disease and the cure." - Anthony Peculic, Head of BaaS and Cards, Cross River Bank Join Tedd Huff and Nate B. as they chat with Anthony Peculic about the changing landscape of banking. They discuss how Cross River Bank combines the stability of traditional banking with the creativity of a tech company. From dealing with regulations to adapting to new market conditions, this episode is packed with insights! 💡 1️⃣ The impact of macroeconomic changes on products 2️⃣ The shift from banks being just vendors 3️⃣ The role of data in financial solutions Learn how Cross River Bank is investing heavily in technology to enhance their services and stay ahead of the curve. Accrued, a Fintech Confidential series presented by LoanPro #CrossRiverBank #TraditionalBanking #TechCompany #AnthonyPeculic #BaaS #BankingAsAService #MacroeconomicSituations #FinTech #BusinessPerspective #BankingVendors #DataInBanking #TechnologyInBanking #EmbeddedFinance #CardPrograms #BankingRegulation #EntrepreneurialBanking #InnovativeBanking #FinancialTechnology #BankTechnologyInvestments #BankingEngagement #CardSponsorship #BankingTech #BankingProducts #BankRegulation #BankingInnovation #TechDrivenBanking Tedd Huff DD3 Media Fintech Confidential

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I exercised my right to vote and encourage everyone to do the same. In today’s presidential election, we have a unique opportunity to influence both the political landscape and the future of entrepreneurship. Today's decisions will impact policies that affect startups, innovation, and economic growth. The worst outcome is a future shaped without your voice. Every vote counts; together, we can create an environment where entrepreneurs thrive. Join me in making your voice heard—let’s shape a future that supports innovation and growth! #vote #voting #election #politics #votingmatters #Election2024 #Nov5th #GetOutAndVote

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