Mike Gelb

Just want to give a shoutout to OpenVC. It's been a great resource, I've used it off and on for a few months, and today decided to get the yearly pass. It allows you to search VCs and submit your deck, with tracking and analytics. So you can see every slide a VC looks at on your deck, and when they back out. Helps for deck fine-tuning. It also allows VC's to tell you why they passed if they did. I've also gotten some followup meetings on ZOOM. It's just a great resource that doesn't cost thousands of dollars a month like most others. Also, had some tech support issues as well (my fault) and they were handled within half an hour. Thanks Stephane Nasser for such a great tool for entrepreneuers.

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"~80% of Floodgate's returns were from companies that had some type of significant pivot", including Twitch that was over a 80x from a company that original was called Justin.TV founded by Justin Kan as a way to stream his life. Mike Maples, Jr joined me on a special podcast to do a deep dive on the observations that led to his release of his book Pattern Breakers (avaialble everywhere as of this week so check it out!). Venture is a power law industry, and the best companies often have founders that see into the future and build things that may seem silly at first. Instead of backing incrementalist companies, Mike talks about the core thesis around Pattern Breakers, including "Founder Future" fit and the need for investors to understand inflection points and unique insights in companies they look at. Full interview in the comments:

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So many amazing pre-revenue startups we work with struggle to raise capital because investors are looking for traction... But there are so many ways to show traction when you're pre-revenue. Here are 9 quick ones. From waitlists to social proof, there are tons of scrappy moves to make your startup look good to investors. Swipe through to explore the full list. ⬇️

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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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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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💼🚀Invest in Newsmax Today!🌟 Now’s your chance to invest in Newsmax Media, Inc.! The SEC requires investors to be Accredited Investors, and you can qualify with one of the following: 1️⃣ Income of $200,000+ in previous two years ($300,000 for joint income)   2️⃣ Have a net worth of over $1 million Invest now to be part of this fast-growing news network! 📈 Get qualified and join the future of news today! 👇 https://lnkd.in/eiKFAGH5 #Newsmax #GoingPublic #InvestmentOpportunity #IPO #NewsIndustry #BusinessUpdate #FinancialGrowth #InvestInNewsmax #PublicListing #InvestorNews This is a paid advertisement for Newsmax’s Regulation D Offering. Additional information on the company and risk factors related to the offering can be found in the offering circular.

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I built Frame.io to a $1.3B exit but before that i was a complete outsider. No network, no mentor, no help. If you’re a founder looking for guidance from folks inside the arena, Intro is a super cool platform that I just joined. So what can we cover together? ✔️ Raising VC capital vs. bootstrapping ✔️ Cultivating a founder's mindset through challenges and growth ✔️ Perfecting product details ✔️ Scaling operations efficiently ✔️ Recruiting and managing top talent Honored to be alongside world-class Experts like Chris DeWolfe (co-founder of MySpace (sold for $675M) & Jam City (2B+Rev)), Scott Birnbaum (Founder @ Red Sea Ventures. Investor: Allbirds, Sweetgreen, & Nest), Geraldine Martin-Coppola (former President at Goop.com & Board Member at Spanx) & Ben Pruess (former President of adidas Originals, Under Armour & Tommy Hilfiger). Disclaimer - only sign up if you are willing to do hard things. Comment “interested” and secure your spot now: intro.co/emerywells

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🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT on Zero Limits Podcast! 🚀 EP 3 is live and it's packed with strategies for any scrappy underdog startup to outsmart the goliaths. https://lnkd.in/g4j-gCc5 “Think big, start small, and scale fast”. It’s a simple formula with endless complexities of execution for any startup founder wanting to disrupt an entire industry. Join me and Melinda Wittstock, Founder and CEO Podopolo and Associate Partner at Zero Limits Capital,  as we share how to disrupt whole industries by tapping into hidden markets and pioneering profitable niches. 🔗Listen and subscribe here or wherever you get your podcasts. 🔑Key Takeaways   🏗️ David vs. Goliath Strategies: Ever wondered how to stand tall when competing with the big guns in your industry? We've cracked the code on why giants might leave certain strategies untouched and how you, as a nimble disruptor, can swoop in to seize those opportunities. 🎯 Measuring for Mastery: Unearth the secret sauce behind monitoring and measuring key performance indicators that can skyrocket your business growth. The mantra is simple – if you can't measure it, you can't improve it. 📈 Tailor, Transform, Triumph: Discover how a shift in targeting and understanding your market size can lead to a whopping 1000% value gain. M&A maestro, investment banker and entrepreneur Steve Little shares a real-life case where identifying underserved markets and pivoting to a SaaS model brought about a revolution for a small banking software firm.   ➡️ If you're itching to unlock the potential of your venture and leave the competition in the dust, this episode is your blueprint for explosive growth. Listen now and catapult your business beyond limits! #ZeroLimitsPodcast #BusinessGrowthSecrets #EntrepreneurshipUnleashed #MarketDisruption #BusinessGrowthStrategies #ZeroLimitsVentures   Plus, a couple of important tips: - 🔑 **Know Your Market Size**: Misjudging your market can be fatal for startups. Understanding market dynamics is crucial to sustainability and scalability. - 🔑 **Educate with Intent**: Need to introduce a groundbreaking product or service? Aim for less consumer education and more pre-existing pain points with clearer market demand. - 🔑 **Adaptability is King**: As your business evolves, so should your strategies. Focus on profitability and traction at the right phase to ensure you're not just surviving, but thriving. 🔊 Tune in now to Zero Limits Business Growth Secrets #podcast for the full lowdown and transform these value growth insights into action and watch your business soar! https://lnkd.in/gr9KFGrh  #ZeroLimitsPodcast #BusinessGrowth #StartupStrategy #Entrepreneurship

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When we asked CPG founders who they wanted at Founderland... Their answer was clear: People who can help them grow their business & achieve their goals. Specifically: - The top retailers - The most founder-friendly investors, and - Other founders they can learn from and share with This conversation that I'm hosting at Founderland is a perfect representation of this group, plus one BIG bonus. We're also including Joel Toledano and ChargeUp.ai which is one of my favorite tech companies that is supporting consumer brands today. They automate the retail deduction and chargeback process for brands, saving them an insane amount of time and money. Such a cool co. Excited to teach, share and connect...and get some deals done, while of course having lots of fun. Joel Toledano Jen Zeszut Kim Coffin Deb Conklin

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Want to stand out in a VC screening call? Ask thoughtful questions. Why it matters: 1. Shows you've done your research 2. Demonstrates genuine interest 3. Helps you understand if they're a good fit Go beyond "What's your check size?" Get specific to that fund and even the person you’re talking to. Remember, it's not just about us evaluating you - you're evaluating us too. What's the best question you've asked (or been asked) in a VC meeting?

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I enjoyed going on Nick Telson-Sillett’s podcast, Pitch Deck by Forward Pursuit. Nick is a serial founder and investor (founded and exited DesignMyNight) so knows both sides of the table which always makes for an enriching chat. Some things we discussed: - The perceived power dynamic between VCs and founders can hinder productive conversations. - A compelling product demo can significantly influence investor interest. - Founders must focus on solving real customer problems to succeed. - Hiring standards are crucial for building a successful startup team. - Behavioural roadblocks can prevent the adoption of new solutions. - Validation from potential customers is key for pre-revenue startups. - The early-stage funding landscape has become more efficient and selective. - Pace of execution is a critical factor in attracting investment.

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Success in VC meetings isn't just about the call itself. It's about what you do before and after. Here's how to stand out: Before the Call: Send a reminder 24 hours in advance - Include your deck and any prep materials - Ensures your info is fresh in their mind Research the VC and prepare thoughtful questions - Show you've done your homework - Demonstrates genuine interest in their firm During the Call: Ask about their process and next steps - Shows you're serious and organized - Helps you plan your follow-up After the Call: Send a follow-up email within 24 hours - Recap key points discussed - Confirm next steps - Thank them for their time If applicable, send any additional info promised during the call Remember, only about 1% of founders nail the follow-up. Be in that 1%. These small actions can significantly boost your chances of securing that crucial second meeting. What's your go-to follow-up strategy after a VC call?

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To celebrate Cal.com, Inc.'s newest launch on @ProductHunt today, I sat with Peer Richelsen to discuss how building Platform and Atoms is a full-circle moment + more 🚀 In this ep, we covered:  ✊🏻 Open vs. Closed and why OSS will win 💡 The importance of IP in a post-AI world 🔥 How premium products can be built using OSS 🤑 How to approach enterprise sales as a 1x founder 🙏🏼 The impact of Y Combinator on Peer as a founder PS: I'm a tiny investor in Cal.com and a big believer in Peer and the team! If you are into OSS, support the launch here: https://lnkd.in/e_CaE_KQ Links to the ep 👇🏼 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eBUv5E9q 🔗 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/epngcvFU ❤️ Sponsor Corner ❤️ Big shoutout to acquire.com for making this episode happen! Acquire is the best online marketplace (I can vouch for this) to buy/sell startups, and I know many founders who have sold their businesses there. If you're looking to wind down your business and cash in some of your founder chips, check them out - https://lnkd.in/gM5VZBFC Andrew Gazdecki and the team are always on the hunt to find ways to help more founders through Acquire 🫡 Lastly, if you are a listener and have been enjoying the episodes, please take a minute to drop your rating on the podcast: https://lnkd.in/eaaw-tJk I appreciate you for giving your attention and time 🙏🏼

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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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