Nassir Criss

Does the incoming administration adjust the landscape for VC in the South? Three trends for family offices and VC investors to consider: https://lnkd.in/dVhVvuND

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Summary: Keith Rabois, managing director of Khosla Ventures, is on a mission to turn Miami into the next Silicon Valley and has been actively promoting the city as a tech hub. Despite some challenges and opposition, Rabois remains optimistic about Miami's potential and the growth of its tech ecosystem. Key takeaways: Keith Rabois is determined to make Miami the next Silicon Valley and has seen progress with a growing number of seed investments in the city. Khosla Ventures, where Rabois works, has made multiple investments in Miami, including one into a startup aiming to "reinvent education." Rabois continues to split his time between Miami and San Francisco, but believes that Miami offers a better quality of life and potential for building a thriving tech community. Counter arguments: Some big name investors, such as Andreessen Horowitz, have pulled out of Miami, suggesting that the city does not offer the same opportunities as other established tech hubs. Miami still has a relatively small share of total U.S. seed investments (2.6%-3.5%) which may indicate a lack of resources and opportunities compared to other cities. #venturecapital

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Led by Anduril, defense tech funding sets a new record this year | TechCrunch https://buff.ly/4129kts Anduril, a leader in defense technology, has driven defense tech funding to an unprecedented high this year. Investments in this sector have surged, reflecting a growing interest in advanced military solutions and cutting-edge innovations. This milestone underscores the increasing importance of tech-driven defense initiatives in modern security strategies. As global tensions rise, there's a notable shift towards integrating AI, robotics, and autonomous systems into defense operations. The record-breaking funding highlights the critical role technology plays in national and international security landscapes. #DefenseTech #InnovationInSecurity

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Summary: Harlem Capital, a venture capital firm focused on backing diverse founders, is raising its largest fund to date of $150 million. This would be its third fund and is a testament to the industry's continued support for diverse communities. Key takeaways: Harlem Capital was founded in 2015 with the goal of supporting diverse founders. The firm has $174 million in assets under management and has made investments in over 80 companies. The successful raising of the $150 million fund would be a show of success for both Harlem Capital and the industry's continued focus on diversity and inclusion. #venturecapital #vc #venture #diversity #dei

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I really enjoyed recording this episode of The Digital Industrial Podcast with Ty Findley. We talked about common misconceptions for deep tech, the "Why Now" for the category, and differences between investor diligence for deep tech and traditional tech. https://lnkd.in/eKtwjauu

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On May 2, 2024 REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund convened people from around the world for Supply Chain & Industrial Transformation: The Next Generation 2024 at the JP Morgan Chase Palo Alto Technology Center in Palo Alto, CA. In this showcase presentation, Moin I. of Shipday describes how "Shipday has built a simple to deploy and easy to use software platform that enables organizations of all sizes to manage every activity that is related to local deliveries. It is especially ideal for small restaurants, grocery stores, and other retail merchants since they do not need any technology or software expertise to get set up on the platform - they can be up and running in minutes." Shipday is a startup in our portfolio at REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund. Our Thesis: REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund invests in early stage startups refashioning legacy industries through Data & AI, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing, & Next Generation Supply Chains; Defensible through economic moats. More in the video below, and even more in Why We Invested: Shipday (Link: https://lnkd.in/eHKQgGnn.) #SCITSV2024 #SCITSV2024Showcase

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Summary: Crosscut Ventures, a venture capital firm in Los Angeles, is launching a $100 million fund focused on hardware-centric technologies, particularly in the areas of energy and power, space and underwater exploration, and advanced manufacturing. This shift in focus is driven by the emergence of talented entrepreneurs from companies like SpaceX and a recognition of the potential impact that hardware startups can have in solving big problems like climate change. Key takeaways: Crosscut Ventures is shifting its focus from solely investing in software startups to also including hardware startups, particularly those addressing frontier tech. The firm sees a growing number of talented entrepreneurs coming from companies like SpaceX and recognizes the potential impact of hardware startups in solving big problems like climate change. With the launch of the new hardware-centric fund, Crosscut is also bringing on a new partner with expertise in growth and project finance to help bridge the funding gap for hardware startups. Counter arguments: Some may argue that investing in hardware startups is riskier and more capital-intensive compared to software startups, making it a less attractive option for investors. Others may question the broad range of verticals that Crosscut Ventures is targeting with its new fund and the potential lack of specialization in any one area. #venturecapital #spacetech #vc

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Summary: Tech valuations, deals, and IPOs are down, making it difficult to invest in late-stage companies, according to executives at Bank of America. Key takeaways: Valuations, deals, and IPOs in the tech industry have decreased, making it challenging to invest in late-stage companies. Executives from Bank of America, including Rodrigo Ortiz-Gomez and Monique "Mo" Renta, have expressed their perspective on the current state of the market. The decrease in tech valuations and IPOs may affect the company's investment strategy and potential returns. Counter arguments: Some may argue that this temporary dip in the market is a natural part of the industry's cycle and may not have a long-term impact. Others may argue that the decrease in deals and IPOs could potentially lead to more opportunities for smaller investors to enter the market. #venturecapital #vc #venture #startups

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✨ Breaking: BFM Fund Announces New Fund.- BFM Fund A seed-stage fund focusing on founders who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color, promoting diversity in venture capital. https://www.bfm.fund Please share to let other #Founders know For the ❤️ of Startups #Fusion42 #Startups#Venturecapital

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Buckley Ventures Set to Raise $250M for Fund IV Buckley Ventures, a bi-coastal investment firm based in San Francisco and New York City, is gearing up to raise $250 million for its fourth fund, according to a recent regulatory filing with the SEC. While fundraising is yet to commence, this new effort underscores the firm’s continued commitment to investing in transformative early-stage companies in the internet, software, and frontier technology sectors. + Firm Overview and Focus: Buckley Ventures is known for its concentrated investment strategy, with over $1 billion in AUM across multiple funds. The firm leverages a vast network of entrepreneurs, executives, engineers, academics, and industry experts to support its portfolio companies with problem-solving and growth initiatives. The firm has a storied history of backing innovative companies. Its portfolio includes notable successes like Rippling, Figma, Applied Intuition, Vercel, Solugen, Boom, and more, spanning a diverse array of industries and technologies. + Leadership: Led by Josh Buckley, an entrepreneur and early-stage investor who brings significant operational and investment expertise to the firm. His entrepreneurial background includes roles as: - Co-founder and CEO of Mino Games (2011-2019). - CEO of Product Hunt (2020-2021). - Chairman of Clearbit (2014-2020). Buckley also holds board positions at several leading companies, including Placer, NexHealth, Fuse, and ClassDojo. LinkedIn lists Jonathan Choi as another team member contributing to the firm's ongoing success. + Portfolio Strategy: Buckley Ventures aims to build long-term partnerships with founders by offering not just financial capital, but also strategic support through its extensive network. This approach has helped the firm identify and scale promising companies across frontier technology and software, including notable emerging fields such as #robotics, space technology, and next-gen #SaaS platforms. + Looking Ahead: Buckley Ventures' Fund IV reflects the firm’s ambition to maintain its leadership in early-stage technology investing. With its track record of successful investments and strong founder relationships, the upcoming $250M fund is poised to expand the firm’s influence and support a new generation of transformative companies. If you are experiencing difficulties in raising fresh capital and would require warm introductions to new LPs, contact G+QUANT     ▶ Please use G+QUANT's link for inquiries and fund decks, or send your inquiry directly to [email protected] #VentureCapital #TechInvesting #EarlyStageStartups #BuckleyVentures #FrontierTech #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #StartupFunding

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We recently led a $9.5M seed round in Zeno, our very first energy transition company in Africa. Michael Spencer and the team are now officially out of stealth sprinting towards their first products - a swappable battery compatible with an electric motorbike of their own design. Their opening market is Kenya, where 3M+ boda boda taxi drivers are eager to find ways to shave costs down. With Zeno's battery subscription model, they'll make 50% in savings compared to owning a petrol counterpart! Going electric will soon become the obvious choice. Kenya is just the start. Over the next quarter century, Africa will be home to the largest share of young people in the world, and is set to double its population to 2.5 billion. Talk about a growth market. Zeno has a particularly special place in our hearts because Harsh Dubey, who hustled his way into Lowercarbon Capital right out of college and became an institution around here, built up so much conviction in this company that he's moved abroad to work on this rocketship full-time. That should tell you something. Congrats again to the team, read more here for the deep dive. #tech #climatetech #energy #mobility #battery #electric #africa #emergingmarkets

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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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Summary: A settlement agreement has been reached between Venture capital firm Fearless Fund and the American Alliance for Equal Rights, resulting in the shutting down of Fearless Fund's Strivers Grant program. The program was initially developed to provide funding for small businesses owned by Black women, but faced a lawsuit for alleged discrimination against non-Black founders. Key takeaways: The Fearless Fund's program has been shut down due to a lawsuit from AAER claiming it discriminated against non-Black founders. The fear of legal repercussions has resulted in the Fearless Fund losing partnerships and shifting focus away from initiatives benefiting minorities. Despite the settlement, Fearless Fund remains committed to helping under-resourced entrepreneurs. Counter arguments: Some argue that using the Civil Rights Act of 1866, intended to help the formerly enslaved, against a program benefitting Black entrepreneurs is ironic and counterproductive. The shutting down of the program is a blow to the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement, as companies continue to struggle with addressing disparities in funding and opportunities for minority groups.

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Summary: J2 Ventures, a firm led by U.S. military veterans, has raised a $150 million second fund to invest in startups whose products serve both civilians and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm focuses on companies with technologies that benefit the health and well-being of military personnel. Key takeaways: J2's latest fund is more than double their debut fund, despite the struggles of many other emerging VC firms to raise second funds. The firm does not position itself as a defense tech investor and instead focuses on technologies that support the health and well-being of military personnel, historically adopted by the Department of Defense before civilians. J2's investments include healthcare, cybersecurity, and advanced computing startups, and its limited partners include JPMorgan and New Mexico State Investment Council. Counter arguments: Some may argue that J2's focus on companies serving both civilians and the Department of Defense could create conflicts of interest, as the two groups may have different priorities and needs. Some may view J2's investments in healthcare as too narrow of a focus, limiting potential growth opportunities in other industries.

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The NAACP has just launched a $200 million Fund of Funds to back fund managers and startups focused on issues that impact people of color. Conceptualized in partnership with Kapor Center & Kapor Capital. #Legacy: As the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization (founded in 1909), the NAACP continues its mission to advance racial justice with major initiatives. NAACP Capital will target a portfolio of over 20 diverse funds, with a specific focus on #fintech, #healthtech, #edtech, and #climatetech. Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, highlights the potential: “Investment is the backbone of impact, and impact investing will shape socioeconomics for generations to come. It's time to invest in fund managers who share a forward-looking vision that invests in innovation and technology, ensuring the economy works for everybody, not just a select few." ➡️ And the need is obvious: Black founders raised less than 1% of VC capital last year. [Crunchbase] Jay Lundy, Managing Director, leads this bold venture: "Our investment strategy will target the intersection of generational impact and tech innovation and we believe that this holistic approach will allow us to drive both impact at scale and generate top returns on investment." 🌟 Very excited to see this. An issue I care deeply about. Congratulations to all involved. 🌟 https://lnkd.in/e9ybTuV9 #VentureCapital #VC #KeepAdvancing #ImpactInvesting #EmergingManager #FundofFunds

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Summary: Acrew Capital, a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, has raised $700 million in funds for investments in data, security, healthcare, and fintech companies. This brings their total assets under management to $1.7 billion. Despite challenging fundraising conditions in the industry, Acrew has achieved success through its notable portfolio and experienced team. Key takeaways: Acrew Capital raised $700 million in funds for investments in data, security, healthcare, and fintech companies. The firm has achieved success through its notable portfolio and experienced team, with multiple exits and investments in high-valued private companies. Despite tough conditions in the venture capital industry, Acrew's fundraising totals for this year are expected to surpass previous years. Counter arguments: While Acrew Capital has seen success in the industry, it is unclear how much of the $700 million raised will go towards early-stage investments versus discovery strategy investments. The current fundraising totals for U.S. VC firms still pale in comparison to previous years, indicating challenges in the industry as a whole. #venturecapital #vc #fundraising

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リアルテックホールディングスはUntroDに名称変更します。 この社名変更に込めた意味は、未踏の資本主義の実現です。 従来の資本主義では投資対象とならなかった、だが価値があると我々が信じる（情緒的に価値があると皆さんが感じてはいる）領域にまで資金を呼び込む、その呼び水としての開拓者という決意の表明でもあります。 理想の実現に歩みを止めず、進み続けたいと思います。 Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd. has relaunched as "UntroD," a company pioneering uncharted territories in capitalism. As of June 3, 2024, Real Tech Holdings Co., Ltd. has changed its name to "UntroD Capital Japan Co., Ltd.". We are also pleased to announce that we have redesigned our website to embody our company mission. UntroD, which means "未踏 untrodden," will continue to be the first to step into uncharted territories of capitalism, where there is a societal need but no established mechanism for capital flow, such as the deep tech domain. By investing and proving economic viability, UntroD will continue to create a flow of capital and human resources. https://untrod.inc/

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Big things on the horizon, we are motivated and blessed to be at the dawn of a new age for the internet. Read more about our journey below or listen to the podcast: https://lnkd.in/eJeNhvVa

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The Seraphim Space Accelerator Investor Showcase platform is live! ⚡ 📺 Don’t miss the opportunity to view pitches from the Mission 14 cohort companies, access direct introductions to their teams, explore the new Insights Service, and learn more about applications for Mission 15. → Register here: https://lnkd.in/enXc27Py 💧 Acquora: Tackling the $1 trillion water management market with sustainable solutions for global access. 🌱 Artemis Earth: Scaling biodiversity monitoring with satellites to support ESG goals and sustainable decisions. 📡 Constellation Technologies & Operations: Revolutionising telecom with a satellite broadband constellation for affordable, sustainable internet. 🤖 ROVIAL Space: Advancing orbital assembly and repair with AI-driven robotics. 🌍 FlyPix.AI: Providing Earth insights through satellite and drone imagery via an AI-powered SaaS platform. 🛰️ Planetary Systems AI: Using AI, digital twins, and machine learning to optimise decision-making in planetary operations. 🌐 SARsatX: Delivering customisable, near-real-time Earth observation insights through an integrated SAR-optical satellite network. 🔧 FORG3D: Transforming metal manufacturing with 3D printed forgings for Earth and space applications. 🔋 SPACELIS (NATO DIANA): Innovating ultra-light flexible solar cells for sustainable energy in space exploration. 📶 Tiami Networks: Creating secure, 5G-enabled systems with ISAC capabilities for critical data and communications. Huge thank you to our Accelerator partners for their continuous support throughout the program: European Space Agency - ESA, UK Space Agency, Dentons, Airbus, JSAT INTERNATIONAL, INC., Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, Leidos, NEC Corporation, Department for Business and Trade Rob Desborough, Alexander Holt, Ellie Gyaurova, Alessandro Braglia, Aida Khalil #SeraphimSpace #SSA #SpaceEconomy #SpaceTech #SSAM14 #InvestInSpace #InvestorShowcase

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