Katie Kirsch

Founders: want to join a curated beach retreat in mid-July? A friend in the NYC ecosystem (who is a good person with a sense for curation, and not the first person that comes to mind when you think of this) is hosting a beach retreat for 50+ seed and series A founders in mid-July in the New York area. -Everything fully paid for - travel, lodging, food, beverage, etc. -Think pickle ball, tennis, cold plunges, kayaking, fully catered, and quality DJ’s. -Special guest speakers who are serial entrepreneurs. If you are a Seed or A stage founder, and want to attend, send me an email at [email protected] with: -Exact title: “Seed/Series A Beach Retreat” -Your full name if not obvious -Name of your company/blurb -Where you are based (NYC not required if you are willing to fly out) -Your LinkedIn -What someone might say about you if they were referring you for an event to compel the host to invite you. (Could be something memorable, some bulletpoints of interest, what a great testimonial would be like for you.) If you ignore any of the directions, I will not refer you. Thanks :)

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Everybody needs a place to put their love. - Karina Dresses tagline, circa 2012 In 2012 I made my first investment in a #femalefounder who also happened to be 50+. At the time I had no idea how unusual these founder traits were. I just knew the founder was passionate, authentic, experienced, perfectly aligned with both the product and the market. Most importantly there was a strong emotional bond between the product and the customers who bought it. 🤷🏾‍♂️- it just seemed like the smart thing to do. Not a lot of my investor buddies agreed at the time- probably not so surprising. Fast forward 10+ years and the value of my investment is ~20x & the amount of free cash flow distributed to equity holders is substantial & still increasing YOY. My takeaways: ✅Invest in authenticity, passion and intimacy (customer)- no matter what the founder profile looks like relative to others. ✅Follow your gut. ✅Not every deal is venture scale worthy. But there’s a potential investor for every deal. ✅Be the best version of you, not a lame version of someone else. Works for both investors & founders. :) Congratulations to Karina and the team at Karina Dresses! Proud as punch to be on this journey with you all🚀

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It’s NY Tech week and my new favorite thing is teaching underrepresented founders how to talk back to investors. So many of them ask me for help fundraising, and I get it. I may not always think of myself as an expert, since I’m lucky enough to surround myself with people who are much more experienced at it than I am. But we did do it successfully once, raising more than $3M along the way with little more than a deck, a dream, and an incredible founding team. Of course, we’re all aware that this success puts us in the teeny tiny cohort of startups who raise without a traditional-looking founding team. So what’s the common theme in my advice to non-traditional founders at the early stage? Push back. It’s easy to get intimidated by investors. They’re smart, aggressive, and ask really hard questions. It can be hard to remember that YOU are the expert on your market. They are generalists. Even if they have strong opinions on your market, it’s OK to tell them when you think they’re wrong. In fact, if you have the conviction and confidence (plus evidence to back it up), disagreeing with your prospective investors can even be seen as an advantage. When a VC asks you a question at the pre-seed stage about your path to $100M in ARR, it’s OK to say “dude, we’re a pre-seed company. I know what our path is to get to a million, and we will have a lot to figure out after that.” Now, this only works if you have a track record that can support your confidence. Or if you don’t know the answer, but you DO know HOW you’re going to figure it out, talk about the path from experimentation to scalability. It’s better than making up a bunch of stuff that you’ll probably throw out eventually, and VCs will respect your focus and defense of your precious little time. Plus, they can usually tell if your confidence is lacking in your answer, anyway. This investor market is a tricky one, but never forget that they (investors) need you (founders) just as much as you need them. And hey, if you’re an up and coming female or underrepresented founder, and you need some help (or just a pep talk) I’d love to help. Happy Tech Week everyone!!

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Calling all #Founders: Venture Capital Association of Alberta (VCAA)’s Deal Flow Calls represent a great opportunity for #PreSeed to #SeriesA companies to gain exposure to some of the countries most active Venture Capital #investors. If your company is raising equity capital, I strongly encourage you to check out the link below!

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We’re halfway through the Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator! Some highlights: Building a social impact company is hard. You have to build a business and make social change at the same time. 🌟 Having a community of like-minded visionaries, founders, and operators makes it possible. The unwavering commitment in our cohort to create social impact is truly inspiring. Shoutout to all the incredible entrepreneurs in the Techstars WFD family! 🙌 Announcing Mapt (Techstars '24)'s lead mentor team: Arielle McKenzie, CEO and Co-founder of Grasshopper Kids Arielle brings a tactical skillset and a deep understanding of building trust with families-- helping us with early customer acquisition. Lynn Luong, Co-Founder & CEO of The 2.0 Collection (Techstars S23) Lynn is a versatile product thinker with expertise in branding, design, and engineering-- helping us create a seamless user-friendly platform. Karl Rectanus, Co-Founder & CEO of LearnPlatform (acquired by Instructure in 2023) I learn something new from Karl every conversation. His experience in building social impact companies, investing, M&A, and AI safety is unparalleled. Dave Cass Managing Director, Techstars Workforce Development Dave has to be include here. Dave doubles as the MD at TSWFD and a lead mentor for all our companies. He shows up with consistent leadership, knowledge, and a calm-mind for all of us. Their guidance is invaluable as we refine our product and enter a new phase of growth at Mapt. We’re incredibly grateful. 📤 Over the 7 weeks, I'll share weekly updates on Mapt's wins, challenges, and traction. Signup for our company updates: https://lnkd.in/gPwBhrV2 Watch out for demo day on September 12th! 📅 #Techstars #Startups #SocialImpact #EdTech #CollegeAdmissions #Mentorship #Growth

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In my 10+ year career, I’ve reviewed, designed, and built 100’s (maybe 1,000’s?!) of decks From companies like AT&T all the way to pre-seed startups I have a solid understanding of what looks and sounds good 💥 For a limited time, I’m offering a free pitch deck audit 💥 Send me your deck and I’ll give you unfiltered, actionable feedback If you’re thinking - Does this flow? Do we have too many slides? Does this sound confusing? 🔽 Send me a DM to get started!

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Thanks Chinenye. I couldn't agree with you more. However while we work on this, we also have to be mindful of the fact that bias isn't just the problem in this data rather a combination of poor economy and bias. Of all these regions mentioned, Africa is the least performing market. therefore Davidson, naturally you would expect investors to do less there. They are not charity organisations but a venture set up for outsized returns.Therefore the major issue we should be discussing is, which sectors are receiving this funding in Africa? Are the investments coming to sectors that will lift the other sectors up fundamentally or to sectors that will window dress the issues? or Worst still the ones that will reap-off on the people and distort rather than disrupt the system. (eg Nigeria POS fintech and the real banking system. a discussion for another day). Until strong investments are made in the technology sectors powering manufacturing strong job growth in Africa be it REAL B2B eCommerce not repeating what is already being done, or B2C eCommerce that is truly efficient and cost effective. Equally important is the improvement in the purchasing power of the consumers via credit card system. in as much as Sub-Sahara Africa lacks good credit system that captures the average citizens and residents, B2C will continue to struggle. in as much as our logistics investments are predominantly in the last mile delivery rather than efficient crosborder logistics, both B2B abd B2C eCommerce will struggle to scale efficiently and profitability. So, it's time for the investors to do away with the low hanging fruits and start tackling the real issues that will empower and propel Africa economies. That's where the main bias lies.

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💰 Women-Led VC Funds: Navigating 2024 Fundraising Landscape 💰 According to Venture Capital Journal, despite a strong start, women-led VC funds are feeling the impact of the industry-wide fundraising slowdown. As of November 30, 2024, women-led VC funds have raised $2.54 billion, which represents a 25% decrease from 2023's total of $3.43 billion. In comparison, global venture fundraising is down 13% YoY. While the numbers reflect challenges, there's still potential for growth: • Several funds typically file updates in December • These late submissions could help narrow the gap Let's continue supporting diversity in VC and monitor these trends as we approach year-end. #VentureCapital #WomenInVC #FundingTrends2024 La Creme de la STEM ™ - female founders support system Noshin Ahmed Lori Rodriguez Emilie Vallauri Craig Zapatka

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Some thoughts after spending some time with a handful of builders and investors in NYC this past week! 1. New York City is quietly fostering one of the most vibrant and underrated consumer founder communities in the country. This ecosystem is bursting with innovative energy, driven by founders who are deeply embedded in culture and consumer behavior. For those who haven’t tapped in yet, I strongly recommend paying attention—it’s a hotbed of potential that’s primed for growth. 2. Understanding and valuing consumer products demands more than just financial acumen; it requires a deep understanding of culture, trends, and human behavior. Many investors are stepping away, not because the space isn’t viable, but because they lack the nuanced taste and cultural insight necessary to identify and nurture truly impactful consumer products. This gap presents a massive opportunity for those who “get it” to dominate the market with culturally relevant investments. 3. In today’s world, a product or service that lacks a strong community component is missing the mark. Community isn’t just an add-on; it’s the foundation upon which modern consumer brands are built. Doubling down on building and nurturing a community around your product can create a powerful network effect, driving organic growth and fostering long-term loyalty. 4. The next wave of consumer social platforms won’t look like the traditional social networks we’ve become accustomed to. Instead, we’ll see social experiences seamlessly integrated into other aspects of daily life, such as fashion, education, and real-world interactions. This evolution will redefine how we connect, share, and engage, creating new opportunities for innovation at the intersection of technology and everyday life. 5. Simplicity wins — In a world overflowing with options and information, simplicity is the ultimate competitive advantage. Products and services that cut through the noise with straightforward, intuitive designs and clear value propositions will stand out. Complexity might seem impressive, but simplicity is what drives adoption and sustained success in the consumer market.

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NYC bars and restaurants are struggling and one of the reasons is legal cannab*s, according to this new report. Bars and restaurants should be able to sell weed, especially at events. These small business owners are relying on the OCM to expedite the events license so they can stop being harmed by legal cannab*s and start being apart of the market. https://lnkd.in/eSbFmtA6

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A new era of deep tech has emerged. First time funds will raise “unheard of” amounts of capital to fuel next gen deep tech startups - producing outsized, superior returns for LP’s compared to the rest. Prudent investors will act on this data and shift investment strategy as LP’s or risk being left behind savvy wealth managers and CIO’s / FO’s who saw this trend begin 4 years ago.

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First day of NY #TechWeek has been a blast. I’m also so excited that Next Big Thing was included in the NY Guide for Climate Tech Founders, created by NYCEDC, Vita Vera Ventures, Streetlife Ventures, Segal Ventures LP, and SOSV / IndieBio, and launched at this morning’s breakfast for climate tech founders. We collectively (and urgently) need to move faster on climate issues. The guide was created to help climate tech founders navigate NY’s rich ecosystem and find the support they need to build and grow their companies faster and more successfully for people, the planet, and business. If you’re in NY and trying to solve for the climate crisis, please grab this guide and share it widely!

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NY friends! Please come see me at Tech Day on my panel discussing the future of the NY tech ecosystem and what I hope to bring to it!

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NY Climate Tech Founders! 1) YES PLEASE save the date to join us at #techweek (6/3!), and 2) YES PLEASE share your top NY resources to complete our NY INSIDER GUIDE, in collab with NYCEDC!

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Prime Coalition has long taken a different tack to climate finance compared to its for-profit brethren. It makes the usual venture-style investments in startups through Azolla Ventures and also helps philanthropists direct their money to climate-related projects that it deems high impact. Trellis Climate follows the latter model with a focus on middle stages, where capital has grown scarce. #climatetech #climateVC #climatefinance

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Startup founders, let's talk about resilience. 🚀 Watching Celine Dion's triumphant return to the stage at the Paris Olympics, I found myself getting quite emotional. Celine's voice, once silenced by health issues, now soars again. Her journey reminds me of the countless founders whose dreams were on the brink of collapse, yet who found the strength to push forward. Her comeback reminds us: 🪨 Setbacks aren't failures; they're stepping stones. 📢 Your voice and vision matters. Don't let it be silenced. 🐦‍🔥 The world is waiting for your comeback story. One of Celine's songs is "The show must go on." In startup land, that means pivoting, persevering, and sometimes, completely reinventing yourself. What stage are you preparing to take? Share below, and let's celebrate the resilience that defines true entrepreneurs. Your stories inspire me every day. 💪 #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #NeverGiveUp

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It was wonderful to be in conversation with Madison Mills of Yahoo Finance at their annual Invest conference earlier this week. We covered everything from the venture outlook for 2025, impact of elections on women's health investing and innovation, and more. Full clip and summary below 👇 https://lnkd.in/gS67sc2Y

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I’m excited to publicly share something that has been in the works for a few months at the 9point8 Collective. We’ve launched our Virtual Studio! This is a program for early-stage companies that provides the coaching, development and venture-building tools they need to find traction and scale. The program is modeled off of the venture-building processes found inside #VentureStudios, which have delivered 2X IRR and exit 45% faster than traditional #VC-backed #startups over the last 10 years. Some of the secret sauce to this is that studios have found a way to validate strategies early on, de-risk execution, preserve and extend limited runway, and create efficient business models very fast. We at 9point8 are seasoned studio builders and are on a mission to bring this value to founding teams as they navigate their startup journeys. What we’ve done with the Virtual Studio is distill these key processes and techniques, add in our own expertise and best practices, and package them into a program which meets start-ups where they are. We are now opening up our Summer 2024 Cohort, slated to begin in July. Space is limited, so I’m sharing the opportunity with my network before we fill the cohort. Here are the details: -It’s a 3-month program which takes the founder through the key phases of venture-building and de-risking (refining target market, product-market fit, economics and financials, planning, and fundraising). -Founders can expect to achieve greater focus, improved operations and increased marketability to customers and investors. -The end results include collaboratively-drafted operational plans, commercial / investment pitch decks, and elevated management practices within the founding team. These draft off frameworks from 9point8's proprietary venture-building process: Targets Over Everything. -It’s built for founders facing (or approaching) a critical inflection point, where fresh perspectives and strategic management levers are critical. These might include fundraising preparation, new product launch, market expansion, and post-MVP scaling efforts. Why did we build this program? Because building a new company is really hard. 90(!) percent of startups fail, and even moderate risk reduction can create a huge lift to survival rate and eventual returns. The studio model is proven to drive greater venture success; our virtual program is extending that success to more and more teams. The program is highly collaborative and hands-on, so we only take on a few companies at a time. This is a great opportunity for founders who are looking to level-up their abilities when it comes to unlocking traction, growth, and an express lane to superior returns. If interested, please reach out immediately as we expect the program to be fully enrolled very soon! Blair Merlino Evan Allen Neal Ghosh

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✍ What is Founders, Funders, & Fractionals? NY TECH WEEK by a16z allowed me to experiment into a concept that I am excited to announce I will be growing. Next NYC Event: September 2024! My motivation for Founders, Funders, & Fractionals was brought on by my recent move into the space. There are tons of amazing fractional groups already in existence, yet I did not see one that brought the whole ecosystem together. High-ROI Education & networking are needed for every member of the startup community, and that is what Founders, Funders, & Fractionals aims to do. 💫 Mission: Founders, Funders, & Fractionals is dedicated to enhancing the startup ecosystem by promoting the strategic use of fractional talent and creating high-ROI experiences through education and networking. 💫 Vision: To pioneer a future where fractional talent integration is seamless and strategic, fostering a thriving startup community through education, expertise exchange, and high-ROI networking. 1️⃣ Education: Educate founders, investors, and fractionals on the nuances of the fractional talent model, from roles to engagement structuring. 2️⃣ Expertise: Offer a platform for fractionals to demonstrate their skills, allowing founders and investors to learn from experts in all functions and explore potential work engagements. 3️⃣ Networking: Design high-ROI networking events that cater to different interests and goals, promoting genuine and productive interactions. 💡 To keep up to date on IRL events and Fractional stories, sign up here: https://lnkd.in/evPWbadx ________________________________________________________ I’m Ashley. I help early-stage founders in FinTech, Health & Wellness, and Travel to create focus and clarity in their business through product management techniques, so they can achieve market fit and reap its benefits. Founders, Funders, & Fractionals is dedicated to enhancing the startup ecosystem by promoting the strategic use of fractional talent and creating high-ROI experiences through education and networking.

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