John Burke

Some great new additions to Wing Venture Capital's Founder Docs project today! These are from the one-and-only Christopher Lynch, a veteran serial entrepreneur, currently CEO of AtScale, previously with Vertica, DataRobot, Accomplice VC, Acopia (where we worked together in the 2000's), Arrowpoint (where we first met in the 90's) and many other great ventures. I've worked with Chris in multiple companies across multiple decades. Anyone who knows him knows he tells it like it is (even when it may be hard to say it or hard to hear it!), which I have infinite respect for. In his Founder Docs, Chris talks about: - The dangers of overcapitalizing your startup - What it means to be a "transparent founder" - The power of long-term, authentic relationships in an entrepreneurial career Read Chris's stuff and you will come away wiser!

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💡 Are vertical AI startups the future of industry-specific SaaS? SignalFire's latest blog outlines a compelling case for how AI-enabled vertical SaaS solutions could transform industries, tapping into a $6 trillion market opportunity. By applying seven innovative frameworks, startups can address unique, industry-specific challenges like handling unstructured data, achieving data defensibility, and automating workflows. One standout approach is the “networked SaaS” model, where diverse stakeholders—from end-users to insurers—can connect on a single platform, driving efficiency and deep integration. Curious about these frameworks and examples of companies pioneering this space? Dive into the full article! 📈👇

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📈🏢 Aby Rosen's RFR Holding is facing a staggering $2.5B debt bill as defaults pile up! 💥 🔎 According to a recent Bisnow article, RFR Holding, a prominent NYC real estate firm, is grappling with mounting debt and defaults. The company, led by billionaire Aby Rosen, has a portfolio of high-profile properties, including the iconic Seagram Building and Lever House. 🏢🏦 📊 The firm's debt load has surged to a whopping $2.5B, with $1.1B in loans maturing this year alone. 💸 The pandemic has hit the commercial real estate market hard, causing defaults to skyrocket. RFR Holding is no exception, with defaults on several properties, including the $200M mortgage on the Seagram Building. 📉 🗣️ "The pandemic has created a perfect storm for commercial real estate," said one industry expert. "Companies like RFR Holding are facing unprecedented challenges as they navigate this difficult time." 🌪️ 🔜 So, what's next for RFR Holding? The company is reportedly exploring options to refinance its debt and avoid further defaults. 💡 With the commercial real estate market showing signs of recovery, there's hope that RFR Holding can weather this storm. 🌞 Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story! 📰🔔 #RFRHolding #CommercialRealEstate #Debt #Defaults #NYCRealEstate

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I'm pleased to share that Lightrock has continued to support Thomas Doering and Distribusion Technologies in their $80 million Series C funding round. Distribusion is the leading global B2B ground transportation marketplace, addressing inefficiencies in this €700 billion market. The industry’s progress has been hindered by legacy technology, making multi-modal travel planning and booking difficult and time-consuming. This increases costs for consumers and negatively impacts sustainability as travellers opt for private cars and taxis over less polluting transportation options. Using a single API, Distribusion connects transport carriers like National Express LLC, Amtrak, and Deutsche Bahn with retailers such as Expedia Group, Google Maps, and Alipay. This allows consumers to seamlessly compare and purchase tickets on trusted platforms. There's a high likelihood that Distribusion has facilitated your travel without you knowing it. We led the company's Series B in 2022, and since then Distribusion has grown tenfold, creating the largest global B2B network of ground transport operators. This growth, combined with achieving profitability, has encouraged us to reinvest and continue with this company on this exciting journey. We look forward to continuing our work with this team. Learn more about #Distribusion via the link in the comments. #TravelTech #FutureOfTravel

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The stats of unitaryHACK 2024 are impressive. 🙌 This hackathon supports existing projects by allowing maintainers to assign bounties to open issues. 🚲Quantum technologies need software to enable them, and supporting projects helps avoiding to reinvent the wheel. The landscape of existing tools is quite complex, from measurement based quantum computing composers to standardize api wrappers. 🦕We’re seeing the evolution of some packages evolving from Python to more effective programming languages, such as quantumtoolbox.jl porting there the quantum optics apis developed in QuTiP or rustworkx, porting to the speed of Rust a graph toolkit like networkx used by transpilers like Qiskit. 📊The event involved more than 800 “hackers” (+10% from 2023) responsible for closing 139 open issues (+ 40% YoY) benefitting 49 projects (+48% YoY). 💯%: Projects that got all bounties awarded: AI inspired classification for QCs, autoQASM, bloqade-python, metriq, autoqasm-parser, pennylane, qadence, quantum universal education, quantumtoolbox.jl, qutip tutorials, tangelo, tensorcircuit, torchquantum. 🎯98% of participating projects got open problems solved. ⚙️ The unitaryhack.dev website is full of information, including tags classifying projects by programming languages, topics, etc. 🧮 A leaderboard ranks winning participants: Congrats to king-p3nguin for closing 15 bounties helping 10 different projects. Many thanks to all mantainers, event sponsors and UF members without whom this event would not be possible. Kudos to the UF team directly involved in running uHack: Nate Stemen, Kallie Ferguson, Ben Castanon, Jordan Sullivan, Frances Joy Poblete. As this fourth edition draws to a close, we can’t wait for uHack 2025 to start!

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On the back of the article from The Guardian “Banks, airlines and media outlets hit by global outage linked to Windows PCs,” it got me thinking… What would happen if AI services like ChatGPT, Gemini, etc., went down? Why can’t we use these offline instead of being connected to the Internet? Many organisations are becoming dependent on AI, raising concerns around security and privacy. We would witness significant disruptions across various sectors. Customer service, healthcare, finance, and logistics heavily rely on AI to optimise operations, provide insights, and enhance user experiences. The absence of AI would slow decision-making processes, reduce efficiency, and potentially lead to increased errors. This scenario underscores the critical importance of AI in our modern infrastructure and the need for robust contingency plans to mitigate such risks. https://lnkd.in/e8KFV6QK #AI #Technology #BusinessContinuity #RiskManagement Whitespace

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Great time on the Embracing Erosion podcast w/Devon O'Rourke! We talked about: 🚀 How to scale a company from concept to 9-figure exit 🔄 How to break away from the traditional consulting model and apply product approaches ⏩ Why it’s important to iterate quickly and often with messaging 💸📈What signals are important to pay attention to when investing in startups and much more!

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A few Friday thoughts... After several days in Chicago surrounded by 200+ LPs at the ILPA Members' Conference covering everything from AI to NAV facilities, I'm headed into the weekend energized by what's to come. That may come at a surprise after the week we've had as an industry. The decision from the U.S. Fifth Circuit on the SEC's Private Fund Advisers rules was handed down just moments before we kicked off ILPA’s AGM on Wednesday. All along, ILPA has viewed the PFA as addressing areas that pose risks to both LPs and the industry around transparency, governance and alignment of interest. It was disappointing—albeit not a shock—to see the PFA vacated. But ILPA is choosing to turn our energy to the compelling opportunity before us as an industry. Together, we can chart the path for how we'll work better together, on our own terms. Particularly around transparency. Just days prior to the ruling, we had debuted the next evolution of ILPA reporting templates on fees and expenses and performance for industry feedback. The templates were developed by a broad industry coalition over a three-month period, partly to comply with the PFA quarterly statements rule implementation deadline, but largely because this work needed to be done. We've temporarily paused the comment period. Now we have the benefit of more time to ensure that these minimum reporting standards have cross-industry buy-in to ensure wide support and adoption. Will you join us in this effort, in paving the way forward as an industry? https://lnkd.in/e-6hspU4

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14 SiliconXL / DevAccelerator Powered Startups Launch in Stealth Providence, RI - Tuesday, September 24th The SiliconXL Startup Demo Day brought together a remarkable collection of AI-powered tech startups, demonstrating that the event was about far more than just polished pitch decks—it was a showcase of full-stack software engineering, AI, true innovation and customer-validated market demand. DemoDay Startups - Providence took place during RI Startup Week, with tremendous support from RIHub. Each startup, built from the ground up by technical founders, presented AI-driven solutions designed to solve real-world problems. This event emphasized the importance of market fit, with every startup validating their concept through direct interaction with potential users, showcasing not only their technical prowess but their ability to engage with and fulfill market needs. For many of the entrepreneurs showcased at the SiliconXL Startup Demo Day, this was their first experience building a full-stack application. In fact, virtually none of them had ever launched or scaled a tech startup before. Their journey from novice to technical founder was nothing short of transformative, a direct result of their time learning software engineering and AI under the mentorship of Claude Arnell Milhouse and Clifton Choiniere at DevAccelerator. Through DevAccelerator's intensive training and guidance, these founders have not only acquired the technical skills to develop cutting-edge AI solutions but have also gained the entrepreneurial mindset to launch and grow successful startups. This Demo Day is a testament to the profound impact that mentorship, education, and determination can have on an individual's ability to create something that will disrupt industries and transform their own lives in the process. What set this Demo Day apart was the potential for explosive growth, as SiliconXL is laser-focused on launching a tidal wave of startups across multiple markets in the upcoming months and years. From the buzzing streets of Boston and New York to the previously unknown startup market of Providence, the goal is clear: to create a tsunami of high-growth startup activity.  SiliconXL is also dedicated to ensuring that diverse communities not only have a seat at the table but are also leading the charge, amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized. With this Demo Day, it’s evident that SiliconXL is igniting a movement that will leave a lasting mark on the future of AI-powered innovation. Look for more events powered by DemoDay Startups in the months to come in a city near you (Hint: Boston, NYC and up to 16 more startups out of Providence this year). Let's GEEEEEKING Goooooo!!!! #Startups #TechnicalFounders #SoftwareEngineers #Providence #Boston #NewYork #Roxbury #Dorchester #Brooklyn #Queens #TheBronx #Harlem

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"𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲" 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐬 Our mission is to have Founders realize their vision. Our services include business plan research and preparation, guidance in MVP development, as well as securing early adopters and funding. We have recently been receiving a number of inquiries regarding a form of collateral-based Bridge Funds referred to as "Hard Money". Hard Money collateral-based option due to that these loans can range from six figures to millions of dollars. Properly managed, fast approval is nearly guaranteed and funds can be posted to your account within ten business days. ** When using Investment Property collateral, you may expect a 65% Loan To Value,or LTV, at an interest rate of ten and a half to thirteen percent. ** Similar to banks, there are Lending and Funds Management fees as well as third-party Title Report and Insurance as well as Escrow and Recording costs. I ** Interest-only payments will begin 30 days after closing. Our experience is that fees are deducted from the gross loan amount. However, other options may be considered. Hard Money Bridge loans are typically for 1 to 2 years and may be repaid early, typically without penalty. Although, some private funds may request a "Fixed Yield". This form of Bridge Loan may be worth considering if it allows you to capitalize on near-term opportunities. In any event, all loan details are spelled out before closing. If you wish to learn more about a Hard Money Bridge Loan, please schedule a free consultation, there is no obligation and all loan fees are based on funds posted to your account. Please schedule a Zoom Meeting at a time and day of your convenience by clicking this link: https://lnkd.in/gHXjXwtr We look forward to talking with you! Thank you for your time. https://lnkd.in/g_x55WqP? #innovation #technology #entrepreneur #venturecapital #startup #digitalmarketing #management #vc #venturecapital #startups #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #tech #deeptech #ai #artificialintelligence #future #money #business

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"𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲" 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐬 Our mission is to have Founders realize their vision. Our services include business plan research and preparation, guidance in MVP development, as well as securing early adopters and funding. We have recently been receiving a number of inquiries regarding a form of collateral-based Bridge Funds referred to as "Hard Money". Hard Money collateral-based option due to that these loans can range from six figures to millions of dollars. Properly managed, fast approval is nearly guaranteed and funds can be posted to your account within ten business days. ** When using Investment Property collateral, you may expect a 65% Loan To Value,or LTV, at an interest rate of ten and a half to thirteen percent. ** Similar to banks, there are Lending and Funds Management fees as well as third-party Title Report and Insurance as well as Escrow and Recording costs. I ** Interest-only payments will begin 30 days after closing. Our experience is that fees are deducted from the gross loan amount. However, other options may be considered. Hard Money Bridge loans are typically for 1 to 2 years and may be repaid early, typically without penalty. Although, some private funds may request a "Fixed Yield". This form of Bridge Loan may be worth considering if it allows you to capitalize on near-term opportunities. In any event, all loan details are spelled out before closing. If you wish to learn more about a Hard Money Bridge Loan, please schedule a free consultation, there is no obligation and all loan fees are based on funds posted to your account. Please schedule a Zoom Meeting at a time and day of your convenience by clicking this link: https://lnkd.in/gHXjXwtr We look forward to talking with you! Thank you for your time. https://lnkd.in/g_x55WqP?

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Breaking news 🚀 $2B+ AUM! On May 21, 2024, we launched the Venture Investment Committee at Techosystem, and I am thrilled to announce that I was elected its Head! Thank you to all the members who entrusted me with this role. We collectively manage over $2B+ in assets! Interested in UA tech or want to join us? Don't hesitate to DM me! 🙌 The committee was initiated by the following members 🫶🏻: ⭐️ Investment funds: BRISE Capital, Flyer One Ventures, Geek Ventures, Horizon Capital, SID Venture Partners, Sigma Software Labs, SMOK Ventures, SMRK VC, UVentures, ZAS Ventures; ⭐️ Accelerators and incubators: CfE Accelerator UCU, Mission Possible, Startup Wise Guys, Vacuum Deep Tech Acceleration, YEP Accelerator, Innovation Hub of Zhytomyr Polytechnics; ⭐️ Physical persons: Yaroslav Krempovych, Yaroslav Yakovenko; ⭐️ Other companies: Kooperativ, Molfar. 📌 The Committee's mission is to enhance venture capital investment in Ukraine. Emerging from a dedicated working group, we have developed an investor database, conducted market research, launched an equity crowdfunding platform, and implemented a matching grants tool. We are also focused on raising awareness among venture capital stakeholders by creating programs to train angel investors. Looking forward to driving growth and innovation together!

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DUAL USE That's what I've been up to at Tesseract Ventures for our brave men and women in the #AirForce! READ THIS. WATCH THIS. Maximizing Airbase Efficiency with Real-Time Asset Tracking Military Airbase operations demand precision and responsiveness. Tesseract’s PRISM and ECHO systems bring unparalleled accuracy and efficiency to asset management, allowing seamless equipment tracking, maintenance monitoring, and personnel coordination. Our advanced digital twin technology provides real-time situational awareness across the entire base, ensuring mission-critical resources are always at the ready. Outcomes and Benefits: - Real-Time Tracking: Instantly locate essential equipment to expedite resource deployment and reduce downtime. - Maintenance Monitoring: Ensure operational readiness by tracking equipment conditions and maintenance needs to prevent delays. - Personnel Coordination: Improve personnel management by tracking locations and offering remote access to vital equipment. - Direct Communication: Issue real-time task orders and updates directly to troops for enhanced responsiveness. - Enhanced Situational Awareness: Our digital twin provides comprehensive, on-demand visibility of base operations from any location. Tesseract empowers airbases to achieve unmatched safety, readiness, and operational efficiency. #AirbaseManagement #RealTimeTracking #TesseractVentures #MissionReady #Airforce #Military #USSOCOM #Veterans #SBIR #DigitalTwin #Inventors #AmericanIngenuity Kansas Department of Commerce

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Congrats to Christopher Robson, Kurtis Broda and Kristen Cote at Wyvern on bringing on fantastic new investors Guy Filippelli, Dan Madden and Isaac Carp, CFA at Squadra Ventures. I'm a broken record at this point, but we're in the early innings of the Earth Observation market, and as we're seeing with Wyvern there is more demand for hyperspectral data than supply. As we will see in the coming years, there will be all kinds of problems that can be addressed by understanding our world beyond what our eyes can see. https://lnkd.in/gEzTjYks

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On this week's episode of Lobster Talks, we had the privilege of speaking with Daniel Driscoll, former military officer and co-founder of Elodin (YC W24). Elodin is building the "Unreal Engine for aerospace," a flight software development platform that promises to accelerate innovation and make space exploration more accessible. Key takeaways from our conversation with Dan: -From battlefield to launchpad: Dan's unique journey from serving in Iraq to leading a cutting-edge space tech startup. -The "Unreal Engine" analogy: How Elodin is changing the game for aerospace software development. -Disrupting the status quo: Why agile software practices are essential for the future of space. -Advice for founders: Dan's insights on identifying and solving problems in established industries. This episode is a must-listen! Check out the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/eHp_WWGc #aerospace #softwaredevelopment #startups #innovation #spaceexploration #podcast #lobstertalks

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Defense tech and the dual-use market have seen incredible growth in the past three years, thanks to consistent investment. To strengthen our industrial base and national security, the Department of Defense and Defense Innovation Unit are funding and integrating commercial technology, bridging the gap between private and public sectors. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Office of Strategic Capital have pinpointed 14 critical technology areas vital to U.S. national security. These areas, shown in the graphic below, represent the cutting edge of tech and strategic importance. We believe in the potential of these technologies and the opportunities they offer to founders and investors. From advanced materials and quantum science to AI and hypersonics, each sector promises transformative innovation. Collaboration between the government and private sectors is crucial. Combining the agility of the private sector with public resources will keep the U.S. at the forefront of technology and innovation. Looking ahead, these critical technologies will enhance national security and open new avenues for growth and investment, and I couldn’t be more excited. Stay tuned for more updates!

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AMPLE update : Juniper Ventures Signs up to AMPLE Marketplace AMPLE : B2B Marketplace for Fresh Food. Impact Investment. See http://buff.ly/3W32D7p Steve Thomas - CEO/Co-Founder of AMPLE provides an update on a most recent business partnership: "...Juniper Ventures, which supplies over 23,000 meals daily to students in the London Borough of Newham, has become a keen buyer on the Ample Marketplace. Incorporated in April 2018 from the council’s catering and cleaning service, Juniper aims to operate with the social aspects of the local authority but with the business acumen and autonomy of the limited company that it is. Michael Hales, chief executive of Juniper Ventures and vice-chair-elect of LACA, said: “It is shocking that in the UK we waste 13m tonnes of food every year. As a hospitality business we are determined to do all we are able to help reduce this figure....".   Read the full update. https://buff.ly/3WnGEar REMINDER Ample Marketplace is a new B2B channel for unsold fresh food integrating e-commerce, logistics, and digital marketing. Ample is the UK’s first smart marketplace for wholesale food (with expansion plans for the US, EMEA and APAC). Ample creates value by shortening the supply chain, giving more control to sellers and value for buyers.  AMPLE is a portfolio company of XSS Capital. Join us on this investment journey? DM me for more info. #e-commerce #logistics #Impact Investing

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