🛸Steven Joseph’s Post

Why is it better to use crypto and join the parallel economy and interface with the goverment only for forced taxes ? #AskGPT #TheBitcoinHatch #CryptoRider #StartupOptimization #DeBloat Using crypto and joining the parallel economy while interfacing with the government primarily for taxes can be considered advantageous for several reasons: 1. **Financial Sovereignty**: Crypto allows individuals to have more control over their finances. By using decentralized currencies, people can protect their assets from inflation and government interference, fostering a sense of financial independence. 2. **Reduced Surveillance**: The parallel economy can operate with less oversight from government entities, which can provide a degree of privacy and protection from intrusive surveillance measures commonly associated with traditional banking systems. 3. **Lower Transaction Costs**: Cryptocurrencies can facilitate cheaper and faster transactions, especially for cross-border payments. This can benefit businesses and individuals who engage in international trade or services. 4. **Accessibility**: Cryptocurrencies can provide access to financial services for individuals who are unbanked or underbanked, allowing them to participate in the economy without relying on traditional financial institutions. 5. **Innovation and Agility**: The parallel economy often fosters innovation, as participants are less constrained by regulatory frameworks. This environment can encourage the development of new technologies and business models that may be stifled in more regulated environments. 6. **Decentralized Control**: By using crypto, individuals and businesses can avoid the centralized control exerted by banks and governments, reducing the risk of censorship and enabling more freedom in economic activities. 7. **Tax Obligations**: By interfacing with the government only for tax purposes, individuals can focus on compliance without becoming overly entangled in government regulations that may limit their entrepreneurial activities. 8. **Resistance to Economic Instability**: Engaging in a parallel economy using crypto can provide a buffer against economic instability, as decentralized currencies are not directly tied to government policies or economic fluctuations. While there are benefits, it’s essential to recognize the risks and legal implications of participating in the parallel economy, including the potential for regulatory scrutiny and the need for proper tax compliance.

UK Startup Funding Slows 2024 Q1: Time to Re-evaluate? While the UK startup scene has seen remarkable growth in recent years, new data suggests a cooling trend in funding. A 19% drop in Q1 2024 raises concerns about the sustainability of this momentum. This prompts important discussions: Is this a natural correction or a cause for concern? Some argue that a slowdown was inevitable after a period of rapid growth, while others worry about the impact on innovation and job creation. What are the underlying causes? Interest rates, global economic uncertainty, and a shift in investor sentiment could all be contributing factors. How can startups adapt? Is now the time for startups to focus on profitability and sustainable growth, rather than solely chasing rapid expansion? What is the role of government and investors? Are there policy changes or support mechanisms that could help bolster the startup ecosystem during this period? #UKStartups #TechFunding #VentureCapital #EconomicOutlook #StartupEcosystem #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #UKTech #BusinessGrowth #Investment #consumergoods #venturecapital

In recent years, landscape for startups has been heralded with promises of support and funding, especially from government initiatives. However, reality on the ground is a different story. Despite loud proclamations of assistance and investment, genuine startups continue to face hurdles in their quest to secure essential funding. Governments around the world have been vocal about their commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Programs and grants are announced with great fanfarebut for many startups, these promises remain just that—promises. Key challenges faced by startups: 1. Complex Application Processes: Process of applying for funding is often complex and cumbersome with lengthy paperwork, stringent eligibility criteria, and bureaucratic red tape. 2. Lack of Transparency: Many startups report a lack of clarity in how decisions are made and which criteria are prioritized. 3. Delayed Disbursements: Even when startups manage to secure funding, delays in disbursement can create cash flow issues. Startups operate in fast-paced environments where timely access to funds is critical for growth and development. Delays can halt progress and, in some cases, lead to the failure of promising ventures. 4. Limited Support: Besides financial support, startups need access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and market access. Startups need holistic support to thrive not only limited to funding. Genuine startups—those driven by innovation and a desire to make a positive impact, often find themselves at a disadvantage. These startups are typically founded by passionate individuals with limited resources, and they face unique challenges. Unlike well-established companies, startups operate with limited resources, making it difficult to meet the demands of complex funding applications. Market Uncertainty: Startups are often exploring uncharted territories with innovative products and services, which inherently involves higher risks and uncertainties. Scaling Challenges: Without adequate funding and support, scaling remains a challenge, limiting the startup's ability to reach its full potential. To truly support startups, we need to move beyond promises and create an ecosystem that genuinely nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship by simplifying Application Process, streamlining it and reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Clear and transparent criteria for funding allocation can build trust and encourage more startups to apply. Timely Disbursements can help startups maintain momentum and drive growth. Providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and market access alongside funding can create a more robust support system for startups. Startups are the lifeblood of innovation and economic growth. We can empower genuine startups to succeed and drive meaningful change. #StartupChallenges #GovernmentFunding #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #SupportStartups #BusinessGrowth #EconomicDevelopment

The decision to shutter NDRC announced this week is both baffling and concerning. As Ireland’s national innovation incubator for the last 20 years, it has been a key support for the emergence of our startup ecosystem. Since taking on the mandate 4 years ago, Patrick Walsh and the Dogpatch Labs team have reinforced the foundations of its core accelerator programme, fostered entrepreneurship nationwide through a network of regional hubs, and built an incredible network of mentors and inbound investors to support the next generation of founders. Given political developments in the US and risks to FDI, Ireland needs thriving indigenous industry now more than ever. Other countries in Europe are responding with bold actions so we urgently need a cohesive and collaborative plan to not be left behind. #innovation #accelerator #ireland #founders #entrepreneurs #startup #investment #venturecapital

It's really important that the development of #startups and #scaleups are at the heart of the economic policy of the next Government. That is why the Startup Coalition has published a manifesto which has identified those policies that #entrepreneurs truly need from the next government. Its Startup Manifesto outlines a four-pronged action plan to ensure new ventures can survive and thrive: 👩🔬 Access to world-class talent 💷 Incentives to start, then access to capital to scale 📈 A clear, simple set of rules and regulations flexible enough to encourage new and innovative startup business models to grow 🏛 Support from Government levers to unlock innovation. Whilst the UK remains a global hub for entrepreneurship, it could and should do better and that needs everyone - entrepreneurs, risk capital, corporates, universities and government - to work together to make this happen. So read the manifesto and, if you like what you see, sign the letter to support it https://lnkd.in/esSZx9yp

The state of startup creation in Europe is less clear compared to the US, where a startup boom is evident. Europe lacks a standardized methodology to track new tech companies, making it difficult to gauge the exact number of startups. Data from Atomico's 2023 State of European Tech report indicates that while Europe had more first-time and repeat founders than the US between 2019 and 2023, the number of new startups has been declining since 2020. Data shows a significant drop in venture-backed startups, from 24.5k in 2018 to 8.7k in 2022, though there was a slight increase to 9,190 in 2023. Factors such as decreased VC funding, rising interest rates, and global disruptions like the war in Ukraine have contributed to this decline. However, there are encouraging signs of growth in emerging tech ecosystems across Europe. #startups #venturecapital #entrepreneurship #techindustry

Canadian Startups That Raised More Than $100 Million! In the rapidly evolving world of startups, securing significant funding is often a key indicator of a company’s potential for success. Canada has emerged as a hotspot for innovative startups, and many have crossed the impressive milestone of raising over $100 million each. This surge in funding reflects the high confidence investors have in the Canadian market—an environment rich with opportunity for cultivating transformative, sustainable enterprises. Supported by robust government initiatives, proactive venture capitalists, and conducive business regulations, these startups are well-positioned to harness the financial resources necessary for scaling up. With funding in hand, they are making remarkable strides in diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, and renewable energy, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of these critical industries. Read About Major Recent Fundraisers : https://lnkd.in/e9yJmycN #CanadianStartups #FundingSuccess #Innovation #VentureCapital #TechStartups #HealthcareInnovation #SustainableBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CanadaBusiness #InvestInCanada #Startuplife

Sifted Top 30 fastest-growing startups in Central Europe - why it's just another useless ranking? Sifted published ranking of the fastest-growing startups in Central Europe in 2024 https://lnkd.in/emEXGjZx But to me, it's just another useless ranking since it glorifies growth at all costs without any information regarding unit economics, cash efficiency, or profitability (we have seen how it ended during the tech bubble between 2020 and 2022). We should focus on and admire startups/companies that can grow while bootstrapping (that's a true accomplishment) or with the support of VC money, but only when such startups are growing at healthy metrics. Therefore, i would like to see rankings that take into consideration not only growth but also capital efficiency or profitability, such as: 👉 startups with the highest Rule of 40 (since it takes into account growth rate AND profit margin) 👉 startups with the lowest Burn Multiple (since it takes into account how much given startup is burning cash to achieve each unit of growth). 👉 startups with the highest EBITDA/EBITDA margin 👉 startups with the highest net profit/net profit margin (since ultimately every company should generate profit) ... and i can go on and on... ___________________________________ Did you like this post? Connect or Follow 🎯 Pawel Maj Want to see all my posts? Ring that 🔔 Image by: Sifted #startups #startup #vc #venturecapital #fundraising

❓ How many #startups have been created in the EU last year? While the U.S. is experiencing a #startup boom, Europe’s picture is more complex. The lack of a unified methodology to track new tech ventures across countries makes it hard to gauge the full extent of entrepreneurial activity. However, there are encouraging signs—despite a recent dip, startup creation is slowly picking up. https://hubs.la/Q02M0gXV0

Opportunities for Startups in Spain! Spain offers a variety of support programs aimed at helping startups grow and succeed. These programs provide essential resources such as funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. For instance, the ENISA Young Entrepreneurs program offers loans up to €75,000, while the NEOTEC initiative provides grants up to €250,000. These initiatives are designed to foster innovation and support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Spain. Read more about how you can leverage these programs to take your startup to the next level: https://lnkd.in/drxRhzMn #InvestmentGoals #BusinessGrowth #SecureFunding #InvestorMatching #BusinessSuccess #InvestmentSolutions #FundingYourFuture #BusinessDevelopment #InvestmentOpportunities #FinancialGrowth #BusinessStrategy #InvestorRelations #MultilingualSupport #GlobalInvestments #Startup #Founder #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #Spain #Entrepreneurship