Charles Mansfield III

Summary: The article discusses Palantir's role in the growing defense tech startup sector and its efforts to become a driving force in the industry. The company's CTO, Shyam Sankar, is determined to help Palantir create a defense tech ecosystem and maximize its impact beyond its government contracts. Key takeaways: Sankar has initiated the First Breakfast program to provide guidance and tools to defense tech startups, aiming to secure a head start in the industry and identify potential "next Palantirs." Palantir has spawned a whole ecosystem in its wake, as evidenced by the success of former employees who have gone on to start their own successful defense tech companies. Sankar is driven by an existential fear of America's war-readiness and believes that more innovative and adaptable solutions are needed to ensure national security in the future. Counter arguments: Some may argue that Palantir's efforts to support and influence the defense tech industry could raise concerns about its potential for monopolizing the market. Critics may point out that Palantir's controversial partnerships with government agencies, especially ICE, raise ethical concerns and contradict its stated mission to protect Western values.

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Summary: New York-based startup GovWell is helping local governments streamline and automate tasks, such as building permits and code inspections, through its workflow system. It has raised $4.5 million in funding and aims to become the go-to provider for smaller and medium-sized government agencies. Key takeaways: Founders Troy LeCaire and Ben Cohen were inspired to create GovWell after seeing the stark difference in technology between Cohen's experience working at Uber and faxing building permits for his contractor father. The company's platform allows for customization without the need for expensive bespoke software, making it accessible for smaller government agencies. Despite competition in the government software market, LeCaire sees the potential for growth due to the massive scale of government expenditures and the importance of efficient and effective government services. Counter arguments: Some may argue that the government sector is not a lucrative market for software companies due to strict regulations and lower budgets compared to private companies. The competition in the government software market may pose a challenge for GovWell to become the top provider, as there are established players such as OpenGov with significant funding and acquisition by Cox Enterprises. #venturecapital #fundraising #startups

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What role do you think public-private partnerships should play in fostering a resilient startup ecosystem? Our latest report spotlights how strategic state-backed VC can leverage significant private investment -> we drove $1.1 BILLION to be exact. I continue to be incredibly bullish on the intersection of public and private capital driving innovation. #venturecapital #kauffmanfellows #innovationecosystem

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Summary: The article discusses the challenges of state-level compliance faced by startups and the consequences of not following state rules and regulations. Key takeaways: Startups often struggle with state-level compliance due to complex fees, taxes, and business registration requirements. Many startups do not prioritize state-level compliance as they focus on customer-facing solutions and early-stage budgets. Failure to comply with state rules and regulations can result in fines, audits, and potential issues during mergers and acquisitions. Counter arguments: Some argue that states make it difficult for startups to comply by requiring different information in various formats. Not all states have clear guidelines on when a startup needs to register, leading to confusion for business owners. #venturecapital #vc #venture

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Lexington Books managed to release my book Disagreeing despite the Data before the election. It argues the belief segregation underway in the US may be irreversible. Today's battles over climate change, disease mitigation, and election results run deep -- they're cognitive, not just strategic. Here's the gist of it. 20th-century revolutions in the philosophy of mind, meaning, and matter uncover three surprising requirements for widespread factual agreement. Critical thinking and community building have the potential to reverse two of them -- the growing refusal to test assumptions and individual isolation. Factual agreement between groups is impossible without the third one, though -- shared projects or other meaningful interaction. And a large part of American society has insulated itself from the rest. Without shared projects, communities gradually lose the ability to tell whether they agree or not regardless of the words they use. Belief segregation with similar roots has led several developing countries to the brink of failure. We'd better watch out. The attached flyer gives a discount code that makes the book -- priced in this initial run for academic libraries -- a little more affordable. Please feel free to forward it and, if you're connected to any libraries or book stores, pass it on!

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NYC will be an even wetter place in the future because of heavier rainfall and sea level rise. The Mayor asked New Yorkers to devise a pathway to meet our climate future by asking important questions, which were discussed at today’s seminar to share working group recommendations: * How do we make the conversation and outcomes about adapting to the reality of increasing rainfall and flooding in NYC as inclusive as possible? *How can we address existing and impending social, environmental and financial risks to city infrastructure from climate change and flooding? *Is it time to give back some land and housing to create room for increased flooding? What would equitable buyouts look? These recommendations come from New Yorkers, for New Yorkers:

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⚡ Massachusetts is paving the way for breakthrough technologies in the climate and energy sector! A quick pitchbook search reveals that in 2024, Massachusetts based companies raised almost 30% of all VC dollars in climatetech/cleantech in the US, outperforming any other US state. The Commonwealth aims to invest $1.3B to cement Massachusetts’ position as the leading climate innovation lab for the world. The administration is right to stress that - next to addressing our greatest global challenge – this will catalyze $16.3B of economic benefits and create 6670 jobs: https://lnkd.in/eB3Vx72K The initiative lists ‘ecosystem builders’ as a key part of Massachusetts’ secret sauce, and I couldn’t agree more. There are so many organizations dedicated to convening and strengthening this ecosystem, collaboratively and across disciplines. Many supported the initiative, which is part of the Mass Leads Act, through this coordinated effort: https://lnkd.in/ePeHduib I'm also impressed by MIT's dedication to this cause, most recently emphasized by the launch of its climate project, an ambitious plan to research, develop, deploy, and scale up solutions to help change the planet’s climate trajectory: https://lnkd.in/eABAJqic 👀 I’m curious how much of the investments in Massachusetts based companies could be categorized as deeptech, as I suspect it’s a high percentage compared to other regions! 

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We took the pulse of emerging fund managers about what it's been like for them during these post-ZERP, venture-capital-winter years. #venturecapital #veteranventures

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"One exciting model I’ve been discussing with some of these investors would combine traditional VC incentives (fund that one unicorn > scale > acquisition > get rich) with a commitment to resource tech’s open, nonprofit critical infrastructure with a percent of their fund. Not as investment, but as a contribution to maintaining the bedrock on which a healthy tech ecosystem can exist (and maybe get them and their limited partners a tax break). Such support could—and I believe should—be supplemented by state capital. The amount of money needed is simply too vast if we’re going to do this properly." https://lnkd.in/epryfUCU

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Lots happening in the PE <> AI space, especially as it relates to enterprise search. I've previously covered how the biggest players, like Blackstone and KKR, are trying to use generative AI to let employees easily pick out bits of info from reams of data. Here's a brand new startup that wants to get in on the action. I spoke with cofounders Danny Goldman and Shivaal Roy about Mako AI, which officially launched today out of stealth, for Business Insider: https://lnkd.in/gWp-F3ch

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📣 Calling all NY-based talent resources for climate tech (schools, certificate programs, fellowship programs, job boards, etc.) 📣 Segal Ventures LP, SOSV / IndieBio, Vita Vera Ventures, Streetlife Ventures, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation are working together to create an easy-to-use, shared resource for climate founders in New York state. We hear all the time from founders that they can’t find all resources in one place, and have to do a ton of research to figure out the basics. As we build the guide, we want to get your help to make sure that we're not missing any great resources. Here are some of the talent resources we are adding: NYU Wasserman Center for Career Development NYU Tandon Career Hub NYU SPS Energy, Climate Justice, and Sustainability Lab Climate Justice and Health Lab at NYU Cornell Engineering Career Fair Team Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech Cornell Tech Columbia University Center for Career Education Columbia Climate School Fordham Career Center The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art Hofstra University Fred DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Morrisville Center for Career Development at Manhattan College NYC Data Science Academy Flatiron School General Assembly App Academy Hack Reactor Fullstack Academy Codesmith BrainStation The Grace Hopper Program at Fullstack Academy Noble Desktop Factor Fellowship See any that we are missing? Please tag them in the comments. 🙏 A collaboration with Beatriz Franco, Brita Rosenheim, Daria Siegel, Nse-Abasi Esema, Sonam Velani, Stefan Dienstag, Sabriya Stukes, PhD, Jory Segal, and more.

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One Way Ventures, a Boston-based venture capital firm that only backs companies with at least one immigrant founder, is now raising a $60 million third fund. The planned third fund is roughly the same size of its $57.5 million predecessor, which closed in 2021. #Boston #tech #news #massachusetts #venturecapital #venturefund #startups #fundingalert #immigration #fundingnews

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#Elections are stressful, but what gives us at J2 Ventures hope is the observation that both U.S. political parties value the future of technology. Geoff Orazem and I dug into the database for the AAAS tracking federal government spending on R&D to produce the chart below. Since 1953 (we chose an arbitrary date) to 2022 (where the data set ended) American government R&D grew on an annual basis of 4.3% with a CAGR of 3.7%. This is the money that fuels the future and it carries contractual obligations to allocate to #veterans, #nativeamericans, #women, #peopleofcolor and many other groups that because of it, are given in a voice in the transformative technology that shapes our world. J2 is a fundamentally apolitical organization- we are on the side of America and its allies - but the data would suggest that whether your party wins or loses every four years, in the long run, both parties agree the future is something worth investing in. United States Department of Defense DoD SBIR/STTR Program Office Republican National Committee Democratic National Committee

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Massachusetts in 2024 is home to the most climate tech startups per capita in the country. They thrive at institutions like MIT and Greentown Labs, turning big ideas into tangible solutions. But we struggle to keep them here. States from coast to coast are wooing away entrepreneurs and employers. These places facilitate demonstration programs, connect companies to trained workers, and provide access to real estate for manufacturing. The Mass Leads Act rebalances these incentives, directing capital investments and tax benefits that keep these innovators in Boston for the long term and encourages others to join them. #climatetech #climateVC #venturecapital

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🗽🌳 Exciting News for NYC Tech Community! 🚀 Join us for an invigorating Venture Walk & Talk, proudly part of NY Tech Week! Scheduled for June 4th from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the scenic Maine Monument in Central Park, this unique event is hosted by Founders Committee Ventures. 🌟 Why Join Us? Imagine a relaxed stroll through the beautiful pathways of Central Park, where you can disconnect from the digital world and engage with NYC’s finest founders, angel investors, and venture capitalists. This is more than just a walk; it’s an opportunity to forge meaningful connections, share innovative ideas, and enjoy the great outdoors—all within the heart of Manhattan. ✨ Event Highlights: - Network with industry leaders and peers - Brainstorm new ideas in a refreshing setting - Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Central Park Whether you’re looking to collaborate on new projects, explore potential investments, or simply enjoy a break from the office routine, the Venture Walk & Talk is the perfect occasion. 👉 Registration is open but spots are limited and approval is required. Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of something special during #TechWeek. Lace up your walking shoes, grab a coffee, and let’s make strides together in the tech ecosystem! 🔗 https://lu.ma/wj9o67iy See you there for a breath of fresh innovation! #NYTechWeek #TechNetworking #StartupLife #VentureCapital

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The #AIHorizons Conference opened with a panel featuring Governor Josh Shapiro, Farnam Jahanian, Google's Cris Turner, and Laurie Segall. They discussed Pittsburgh's evolving role as a leader in AI innovation, providing an updated snapshot of how AI is transforming sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and education. Pittsburgh’s AI ecosystem, driven by world-class institutions like CMU and Pitt, has already positioned the city as a critical player in the AI revolution. Pittsburgh’s legacy as an industrial powerhouse is now being repurposed for AI and robotics, creating new opportunities for growth and employment. The panel emphasized that Pittsburgh already has the right talent, resources, and infrastructure to lead in AI development and deployment. The conversation shifted to the broader economic impact of AI. It was noted that AI is expected to generate $15 trillion in economic output over the next decade. However, the panelists were clear that the rate of adoption is not without challenges, especially regarding workforce readiness. Discussions touched on how Pennsylvania, especially Pittsburgh, is preparing its workforce for the changes AI will bring by investing in K-12 education and upskilling initiatives. Governor Shapiro spoke about his administration’s efforts to ensure that workers don’t need to leave their communities to find opportunities in AI. "If you have big dreams and capabilities, you shouldn’t have to leave the zip code you love to pursue them," he noted. One of the key takeaways from the discussion was that Pittsburgh’s investments in AI, robotics, and technology are part of a broader strategy to ensure long-term economic resilience. With AI seen as a pillar of Pennsylvania’s future economy, the panel underscored that Pittsburgh’s AI initiatives are not just about technology—they’re about creating sustainable opportunities for residents, fostering collaboration across sectors, and leading innovation globally.

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Data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) illustrates the current "readiness" of #ClimateTechs + their potential impact on carbon reduction. As shown, many techs are at an early stage of being able to have a material impact. Concerningly, some tech funds recently returned capital back to investors recently + closed their funds - citing inability to fund capital intensive techs, found in areas like ClimateTech. This in part may be contributing to the $2 trillion shortfall in ClimateTech, that Deloitte estimates. What this may mean for the future? - The migration of LPs to global, super VC funds within ClimateTech, given the large capital pools needed to fund tech development - Greater specialization from smaller funds, energizing more niche elements of the ClimateTech market - but also altering their / LP's risk profile - A greater role to be played by debt financing in funding growth entities at an earlier stage - impacting cashflow dynamics Will be an interesting space to watch moving forward. We at The Proptech Connection are constantly working with all parts of the Proptech ecosystem. From the leading LPs, funds, techs and adopters in market, providing an independent view. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help. #InvestorTrends #Strategy #Global Ivo van Breukelen Stuart Daun Kiki C. Ethan Ward

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