Investor Connect Podcast

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing

So how do Venture Capitalists raise funding?

VCs raise funding from limited partners which include family offices, high-net-worth individuals, foundations, pension funds, and other sources.

Institutional investors such as pension funds require a track record so first time VCs focus on family offices and high-net-worth individuals. 

Also, the VC fund may be too small. In most cases, institutional investors do not like to be more than a certain percent of any one fund due to concentration limits - usually no more than  20%.

The VC develops an investment thesis which is a reasoning why their approach to selecting and funding deals will be successful.

They build out their investment prospectus which includes the investment thesis, how it’s unique, the fees the limited partners will pay, and how the profits will be distributed.

The VC then meets with limited partners to pitch the investment thesis, track record, and view of the market.

Limited partners look to fund VCs who have a unique investment thesis and access to deal flow they do not.

 

Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
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Direct download: EG_Mar_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_How_VCs_raise_venture_funding.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:08am CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

You can now start your own VC fund.

Venture capital, angel investing, crowdfunding, and most forms of startup funding are best done through a fund model for when deal flow volume reaches scale.   

A fund structure also provides diversification.

If you have experience finding and screening startups for funding and a track record for successfully investing, then you may want to consider starting your own fund.

As of this writing, there are over 4000 microVC funds in the US alone.  

These are funds with < $100M of raised capital with most in the $25M to $50M range.

Many of these funds are led by those who ran sidecar angel funds, invested their own money into startups and did well, or are experienced VCs who set out to run their own fund.

The funds tend to focus on a very tight niche in which they have access to quality deal flow. 

Most raise funding from family offices as institutions require long track records and large fund sizes so their investment doesn’t take more than 20% of the round. 

You can now take your expertise and run your own fund.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
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Direct download: EG_Mar_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Starting_your_own_VC_fund.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 10:03am CDT

Investor Connect is proud to introduce a brand new Podcast series: Investor Perspectives.

Over the next month, we will be discussing the Impact of the COVID-19 Economy on Startup Funding with experienced investors from the TEN Capital network. In today’s installment, we’re looking to the other side when the economy will reopen.

Today’s episode features insights from: 

Evan Cohen of Healthbox
Rodolfo Dieck of Proeza Ventures
Dan Kerr of Flyover Capital
Kevin King of Texas Halo Fund
Yaniv Sneor of Mid Atlantic Bio Angels
Gary Trauner of Silicon Couloir

We hope you enjoy listening to this informative new series.

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For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
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For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group


In this episode, Hall welcomes Sharon Vosmek, CEO of Astia.

Located in San Francisco, Astia was founded in Silicon Valley in 1999 as a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying and promoting best-in-class, high-growth ventures that include women leaders.

Astia levels the investment playing field by cultivating a trusted global ecosystem of engaged male and female investors and advisors, who offer crucial resources, including capital, networks, and expertise. Unlike most VC’s, investment firms, or accelerators, Astia provides a creative, proven approach that contributes to the success of women leaders and their ventures.

Astia is rigorous about using a global process to source and screen their investments and that process is called the Astia's Expert Sift. Astia's Expert Sift leverages the wisdom of a highly curated expert crowd made up of advisors within Astia’s global 5000+ community to source, screen and evaluate high-growth companies. The process identifies best-in-class, investor-ready opportunities, and then presents them to accredited investors. Over 60% of companies achieve funding or an exit within one year of presenting at Astia. 

Sharon is not only an angel investor but is also a member on many boards. She is well-regarded around the globe for her opinions, research and commentary on the importance of women leaders as integral to innovation and high-performing entrepreneurial companies.

Sharon goes into detail about Astia’s investment thesis and some of the companies within the fund, tells Hall what she is excited about and gives advice to entrepreneurs and investors.

Visit Astia at http://astia.org/.

Sharon can be reached via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/sharonvosmek/, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Vosmek, and via email at sharon@astia.org. 

Direct download: Sharon_Vosmek_of_Astia.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:11am CDT

In this episode, Hall welcomes David Wadler angel investor and CEO of Vendorful, Inc.

Located in New York, Vendorful is a standalone SaaS product delivered via public or private cloud. In addition, it can be integrated into existing procurement software stacks, allowing organizations to drive more return on their existing investment. Vendorful saves time and money while driving increased value for businesses of all types and sizes, from SMB to enterprise.

David was the CEO and co-founder of a company called Twistage, where he turned an idea into a profitable multimillion-dollar business and an exit to a Fortune 1000 company. He is a seasoned software/digital media executive with a decidedly entrepreneurial bent. Over the course of his career, he’s spent time in sales, software development, product management, and even crafting narratives as a writer. 

David tells Hall how he sees the industry evolving, what excites him and gives advice to both entrepreneurs and investors.

Visit Vendorful at www.vendorful.com   

David can be reached via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwadler/, on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/davidwadler and via email at david@vendorful.com

Direct download: David_Wadler_of_Vendorful_Inc.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:00pm CDT

Welcome back to Investor Connect for the second show in our new series Investor Perspectives. This month we will be discussing with investors in our network the following topic: The Impact of the COVID-19 Economy on Startup Funding.

 In this installment, we ask the following investors to give us their views: 

Christian Kameir of Sustany Capital 

Peter Adams of Rockies Venture Club/Rockies Venture Fund

Jake Rosenfeld of Bonsai

Phil Nadel of Forefront Venture Partners

Steve Shapiro of eHealth Ventures

We hope you enjoy listening to this very insightful interview.


Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

In calculating returns the timing of the return is a key factor.

There are two metrics for measuring return. ROI is return on investment without respect to time, and IRR which is Internal Rate of Return, is ROI WITH respect to time. 

If I invest $50K and receive $150K back in three years, then my ROI is 3X. If I receive it back in five years the ROI is still 3X.

For IRR the timing makes a difference on the calculated result. 

If I invest $50K and receive $150K back in three years, then my IRR is 44%. If I receive it back in five years the ROI is 25%.  

The sooner the return comes back the higher the IRR.  

That’s why most angels and VCs quote IRR on their investment results rather than ROI.

Angels and VCs look for a 20%-30% IRR on their investments.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: EG_Mar_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_The_time_element_of_returns.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:56am CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

In angel investing the two basic approaches are generalist and specialist. 

The generalist funds across all sectors but with certain criteria focused on growth rates, team composition, or monetization models such as recurring revenue.

The second is a specialist who narrows the focus to a specific industry vertical or application.

The generalist has many deals to choose from while the specialist has a limited supply.

The generalist must deal with more markets and segments and often focuses on providing value through the business model rather than industry knowledge.

The specialist brings domain knowledge and can provide more value through contacts in the industry and application-specific advice.

The trend in the industry is to move to either a generalist approach in which one places a large number of investments to find a hit, or to move into a specialist role and provide more value to a smaller number of deals.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group


Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

You’ll need to gather your basic company documents for investors to review.

In preparing a due diligence box also called a dataroom, there are basic documents to include:

Income Statement and Balance Sheet

Three to five year financial forecast

Cap Table including shares outstanding

Entity filings (LLC or C-Corp, etc) including Articles of Incorporation

Intellectual Property filings including patents, trademarks, etc.

C-level team resumes

Most early-stage companies don’t have lawsuits, years of tax returns, and other baggage that comes with time. 

There may be other documents you may need to add based on your situation.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group


Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

In diligencing a startup, the team is the most critical factor in the process.  Since the startup has only a nascent product and perhaps some intellectual property, the team is the only thing that you can really dig into.

For diligencing the team, first review the resumes of those who are on the team or planned to join when funding becomes available.

Placeholders of ‘we’ll look for someone later’ is a red flag. The CEO should know who they are planning to bring on.

Next, look for domain knowledge. Who has it and how current is it?

After that, look for complementary skills -- is there someone who has sales skills and will spend their time selling the product?

Is there someone who is going to build the product and will manage either an internal development team or an external one?

Outsourcing the product development with no one actively managing it is a recipe for disaster.

Next, look at how long the team has worked together if at all. Ideally the team has some experience working with each other. The more the better.

Finally, look at completeness. Many successful teams follow the Designer, the Hacker and the Hustler formula. The Designer knows the customer problem and plans the product development, including how it will be monetized and promoted. The Hacker is the developer who builds the product and the Hustler is the one who sells it.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: EG_Feb_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_How_to_diligence_the_team.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 12:12pm CDT

Welcome back to Investor Connect for the first show in our new series Investor Perspectives. This month we will be discussing with investors in our network the following topic: The Impact of the COVID-19 Economy on Startup Funding.

In this installment, we ask the following investors to give us their views: 

Ash Kaluarachchi
Charles Sidman
Brett Noyes
Daniel Ibri
Lydia Kinkade
Nathan McDonald

We hope you enjoy listening to this very insightful interview.


In this episode, Hall welcomes back Vic Pascucci, Managing Partner of Energy Capital Ventures.

Located in Chicago, Energy Capital Ventures is a strategic venture capital firm serving the needs of the power and utility industry. They invest at Series A through C in technologies that provide clean, intelligent, mobile and distributed solutions. 

Vic has over 20 years of experience in venture capital and financial services and has been a part of over $750M in venture capital and M&A transactions. As Managing Partner, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the firm. Prior to Energy Capital Ventures, Vic was a Director/Partner at Munich Re Ventures, a Managing Partner for Lightbank, and prior to that, he built and led USAA’s $330 million corporate venture capital program where he led investments in fintech (insurtech, banking, investment management), consumer internet, enterprise technologies and digital capabilities. 

Vic tells Hall what excites him and gives advice to both entrepreneurs and investors.

Visit Energy Capital Ventures www.energycapitalventures.com.

Vic can be reached via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/victorpascucci/ on Twitter @victorpascucci3 and via email at vic@energycapitalventures.com

Direct download: Vic_Pascucci_of_Energy_Capital_Ventures_-_FOLLOW_UP.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:09pm CDT

In this episode, Hall welcomes Soraya Darabi, General Partner of Trail Mix Ventures (TMV).

TMV is an early-stage venture firm investing in the future of living well. TMV backs start-up companies focused on ideas that will reshape industries or inspire new ones. Fund I and Fund II investments focus on: frontier health organizations, marketplaces and design-driven technologies.

Soraya began her career in journalism at The New York Times, positioning them on large social networks. She has also partnered with startups large and small, establishing award-winning campaigns. Soraya has appeared on magazine covers, mentored for TechStars New York, and is also a podcast host. She graduated with honors from Georgetown University and completed the Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century module at the Harvard Kennedy School. She is currently on the board of the non-profit Yamba Malawi in New York City and is in her 12th year helping the organization connect to global entrepreneurs.

Soraya shares her advice for both investors and entrepreneurs and discusses her fund’s thesis with Hall.

Visit Trail Mix Ventures at www.trailmix.vc.

Soraya can be reached via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/sorayadarabi/, via Twitter at www.twitter.com/sorayadarab, via Instagram @Soraya and via email at soraya@trailmix.vc.

Direct download: Soraya_Darabi_of_Trail_Mix_Ventures.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:54am CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

In raising funding you will hear “no” from investors a lot.  

When I say a lot, I mean it’s more than most entrepreneurs think.

I know one entrepreneur who made 50 investor pitches before he received his first “yes”.   

For some startups they perceive this as a negative and after a while it can wear them down.

Hearing “no” is not necessarily a bad thing.

Instead of hearing “no” and thinking “they don’t like the idea”, consider it as guidance on how to make the business better.

When you hear “no”, ask what they would do to improve it.

Gain their feedback and guidance on how to position the deal, how to present it, how to run the startup.

You’re not bound to use every single suggestion, but you will learn a great deal and your business will certainly be the better for it.

You could consider it free consulting.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: EG_Jan_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Youll_Hear_No_a_Lot.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:05pm CDT

In this episode, Hall welcomes Charlie Banks, Co-Founder & Managing Director of VentureSouth.

VentureSouth based in Greenville, South Carolina, is one of the largest angel investment infrastructures in the US. The firm develops and manages angel investment groups and funds comprised of 300+ accredited investors and has invested $50M+ in over 70 early-stage companies throughout the Southeast.

Charlie calls himself a “serial entrepreneur turned investor”. He has founded, run, and invested in multiple manufacturing, financial services, building science, and real estate companies in South Carolina. He was recently named to the "50 Most Influential People" and "20 under 40" lists in Columbia, SC by two regional business publications.

Charlie says education is key in the startup world for both investors and entrepreneurs and VentureSouth facilitates this by running workshops and other educational programs.

Visit VentureSouth at www.Venturesouth.vc and on Twitter at Twitter.com/VentureSouth_VC.  

Charlie can be reached via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/charliebanks1/  and via email at charlie@venturesouth.vc.

Direct download: Charlie_Banks_of_VentureSouth.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 8:29am CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

So many entrepreneurs think the most important moment in the investor engagement is the pitch.  

In fact, the pitch is the second most important. 

The most important moment is the follow-up after the pitch.

The pitch establishes the relationship and sets the context. It’s a foundation upon which you now must build the case for funding your startup.

The follow-up both in emails and in person should demonstrate how you have a great business and how it’s moving forward.

Investors don’t know how your business is progressing unless you tell them.

The rule of startup fundraising is, “if you don’t tell them -- it didn’t happen”,  at least not in the investor’s mind.

At the end of your pitch ask the investor about the best way to keep them up-to-date on your progress. 

Is it a monthly email? Is it a coffee or is it a phone call?

And whatever method you choose, make sure you keep at it.

It takes seven touches to close a sale -- so it takes seven touches to close an investor.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: EG_Jan_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_The_Importance_of_Followup.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:49am CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

In running a fundraise campaign you’ll need to set up calls and meetings with investors who are busy and may struggle to find time to give you.

Of course you can have a mutual contact make an introduction and depending on the strength of their relationship you’ll get a meeting.

Also, you only have so many mutual contacts and eventually that runs out.

Another way to get a call/meeting is to do some meaningful research in a trend, company, or market and offer to share the results with the prospective investor.

Investors love to be educated about the market and companies and appreciate gaining relevant information that informs their decision process.

In your outreach, show the time and effort you’ve put into researching an area and some of the findings to pique their interest.

Then ask for a call/coffee to review the rest of the findings.

Investors are much more likely to find time for a meeting in which they will gain something rather than just give something. 

 

Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: EG_Jan_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_How_to_Contact_Investors.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:22am CDT

In this episode, Hall welcomes Gary Trauner, Executive Director of Silicon Couloir.

Silicon Couloir, based in Jackson, Wyoming, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to be the hub connecting local entrepreneurs to all resources needed to succeed.

Gary is an accomplished senior-level leader with extensive financial, operational and managerial experience across a wide array of industries. He has over 25 years’ experience in startup, growth, and mature organizations, both public and private. He grew up in New York but has lived in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for the past 30 years.

Gary is excited about the people who are working in startups and growth companies and gives his advice to both groups.


Visit Silicon Couloir at www.Siliconcouloir.com

Gary can be reached via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/garytrauner/  and via email at gary@siliconcouloir.com.

Direct download: Gary_Trauner_of_Silicon_Couloir.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 11:22am CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

So how do VCs make a decision to invest?

Venture Capital investors make investment decisions as a group. As an associate, partner, or otherwise, you must convince the team to move forward with it.  

Even if you could make the decision alone you want buy in and support from the others as you’ll need their support to help make the company successful.

After the initial pitch to a VC investor, the startup meets the rest of the investment team and pitches the entire group.

The team decides together to pursue diligence.

With the diligence results, the team again comes together to make a go/no go decision.

The advocate for the startup makes the case for moving forward with the investment.  

It’s best to arm your advocate with enough information to make your case. 

The startup should also remember that the advocate is taking a reputation risk as well as a financial risk on the startup and that’s never an easy thing to do. 

 

Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: EG_Jan_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_How_Do_VCs_Make_a_Decision.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 8:05am CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

In pitching you can position your startup in more than one way. 

You could pitch for the sector it is in -- such as Edtech.

Many investors focus on a sector.

In this case you talk about the metrics that investors look for in tech companies, such as CAC LTV ratios.

You could also pitch your startup as an impact deal. 

Many investors have impact investing as a part of their investment thesis and could engage with your deal on that level alone. 

In this case you talk about your impact metrics, such as how many students graduated, how many students' scores improved, etc.

You could also position your deal based on the monetization such as recurring revenue.

There are many investors looking for SaaS businesses regardless of the sector.

In this case you talk about your ARR or MRR numbers and growth rate.

In most cases the pitch deck is the same but what you emphasize changes to fit the audience.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: EG_Jan_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Multiple_Position_Points.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:55am CDT

In this episode, Hall is joined by Randy Myer, Managing Director at Carolina Angel Network.

Established in 2016, the Carolina Angel Network (CAN) brings together the UNC-Chapel Hill entrepreneurial community, University alumni network and innovative private companies to support the Carolina entrepreneurial community with an angel investing platform and co-investment fund (the Carolina Growth Fund).

Randy became involved in the startup world in the ‘90s, having started his own company in 1991. He has also been an angel investor for many years. In the 2000s he started teaching at the University of North Carolina, and whilst he still teaches there, his main focus and time are spent with the Carolina Angel Network. Randy is an undergraduate of the University of North Carolina and received his MBA from Harvard University.

He is excited by AI and the healthcare industry, shares information on some of the companies CAN has invested in, and gives advice to both investors and entrepreneurs. 


Visit Carolina Angel Network at www.carolinaangelnetwork.com

Randy can be reached via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/randy-myer-8322a844/  and via email at randy_myer@unc.edu.

Direct download: Randy_Myer_of_Carolina_Angel_Network.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 8:31am CDT

In this episode, Hall welcomes back Maggie Sprenger, Managing Director at Green Cow Venture Capital (GCVC). 

GCVC is an early-stage venture fund based in San Francisco and New York City. They invest at the Seed and Series A stages into dynamic founders that combine unparalleled drive, talent, and diverse perspectives to solve problems around scarcity and inefficiency in global markets. They like companies that are particularly leveraging technologies like AI, ML, and robotics.

Maggie has an extensive track record of more than fifteen years in venture and real estate investment. Fueled by a strong desire to make a positive impact, Maggie has a passion for applying her entrepreneurial and portfolio expertise to drive meaningful innovation. Maggie holds an MBA from Wharton with a double major in Finance and Management.

In this episode, Maggie goes into detail about some of the companies GCVC is investing in and speaks to what surprises her about the greenfield technologies sector. She gives her thoughts on what changes will happen in that space post-COVID-19.

Visit Green Cow Venture Capital (GCVC) at www.Greencow.vc.  

Maggie can be reached via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/maggiesprenger/ or email at maggie@greencow.vc.

Direct download: Maggie_Sprenger_of_Green_Cow_Ventures_-_FOLLOW_UP.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 10:17am CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

So, how do investors decide to commit to a startup investment?

Entrepreneurs look at the opportunity in the deal. Investors look at the risk.

There are two factors that help the investor decide to invest or not.

The first is the worst-case scenario approach. They ask, “What is the worst that can happen?” Most oftentimes, the answer is, “You’ll lose all your money.”  

Sometimes the answer is, “You could be in the deal for the next 10 years with very little return.”

If the investor can live with the worst case scenario then they move forward.

The second is the reputation factor.  

The investor will ask how this will impact their reputation. Many have a standing in the community and in their investor circle and they don’t want to be seen as “the fool.”

If the deal turns out to be a dud or even goes sideways, their reputation takes a ding.

The investor cares about reputation because it impacts how other investors treat them.

In presenting your deal to an investor, consider how the investor will view the deal and its impact on them.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.


Let’s go startup something today.
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For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
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For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
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Direct download: EG_Jan_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_How_Do_Investors_Decide_to_Invest.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:16pm CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

At each stage of funding, investors bring not only funding, but also some level of support. 

From crowdfunding you receive not only the investment (or prepayment, if you are running a rewards campaign), but you are also lining up customers.

From angel investors you receive customer introductions and connections to those who can join your team.

From early-stage venture capital you receive information about the market and connections to partnerships and other resources.

From later-stage venture capital you receive information about potential exit strategies and the connections to those who could potentially purchase your company.

It’s important to draw upon these resources to grow your business. 


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: What_Investors_Can_Do_for_You_at_Each_Stage.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 7:00pm CDT

In this episode, Hall welcomes Dougal Cameron, Director of Golden Section Ventures (GSV). GSV is a seed-stage venture investment group focusing on B2B SaaS companies that are posted revenue and post product, but still early in the revenue cycle.

Dougal is an experienced founder and CEO with a demonstrated history of working in the software, manufacturing, and energy industry. He is skilled in business planning, business development, valuation, financial analysis, turnaround, performance improvement, operations, and entrepreneurship. Dougal is a strong professional and CFA who also graduated with an MBA from Rice University - Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Management and a degree in history and math from Rhodes College. 

In this podcast, Dougal speaks with Hall about how GVC fits into the B2B-SaaS market, the trends he sees, and the challenges investors and entrepreneurs face.

Visit Golden Section Ventures (GSV) at Gstvc.com or Gstdev.com.  

Dougal can be contacted via Twitter at Twitter.com/dougalcameron, on LinkedIn at www.Linkedin.com/in/dougalcameron/ or via email at dougal@gstvc.com.

Direct download: Dougal_Cameron_golden_section_ventures.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 6:52pm CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

In raising funding, start with your own network. Set up calls with angels, family offices, and others who you already know.

Since the relationship is already built, it’s much easier to set up the meeting.

These investors can give feedback on how to improve the business and the pitch.

Practice with your network first before going to other investors who may not give you feedback and certainly won’t be as easy to contact and set up meetings. 

Once you have pitch practice done and the feedback you need, you can focus on the right type of investor for your deal.  

It could be an angel, venture capitalist, family office or other early-stage funding investor type.

Consider the risk and returns your deal offers and approach the investors who match your startup.

Venture capital wants 10X home runs on every deal.

Angels want a 3-5X return in the next 3 to 5 years.

Family offices want a good return but will patiently remain longer.

Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Direct download: EG_Jan_2020_Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Who_Should_You_Pursue_for_Your_Raise.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 4:52pm CDT

Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

There are many sources of capital.  

There are family and friend loans.

There are bank loans.

There are revenue share loans.

There are equity investments in the form of convertible notes and equity ownership.

There are various combinations of the above.

The key is to figure out the end game for the business and ask how you plan to pay the investor back. 

If you plan to keep the business for the next 20 years, then a loan would be best so you can pay off the investors in a timely manner.

If you plan to build a business that you will sell for a nice gain, then equity is a candidate.

Once you know how the startup will finish, you can choose the appropriate source of capital for your needs.

Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group


Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing.

In the Coronavirus lockdown, we’re seeing trends that will establish the next cycle of startup innovation.

We’ll see the government shift to building out the infrastructure and response programs for healthcare and public safety initiatives, such as building up stockpiles of medical supplies and equipment.

This will include initiatives to establish flexible manufacturing and secure supply chain to build equipment on demand such as ventilators.

The government will declare certain industries as strategically important.

Governments will look to establish safety nets through direct and indirect means.  

There will be a move to provide support for gig workers and other small business workers with a basic income during times of pandemic.

Medicare will update HIPAA laws to allow for the use of commonly used communication tools such as Skype and will allow for Medicare billing for telemedicine.

In education, the government will look to allow homeschooling and online learning for K-12 kids. 

Taxes will most likely rise to cover the costs of these changes.


Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
-----
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org

Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group


In this episode, Hall welcomes Jak Knowles, Vice President Venture Investments and Head of Pharma at Leaps by Bayer. 

Leaps by Bayer was “created in 2015 to break boundaries in life sciences investment—in scale, risk, collaboration, and mission.” Since 2015, Leaps by Bayer has invested over $800M in ventures that tackle fundamental breakthroughs and shift core paradigms in their industries.

Jak began his career in the medical field, but shifted to equities research at an investment bank and then on to venture capital. Leaps’ main focus is biotech, with some investments solely on the tech side.

Jak speaks about some of the companies that Leaps by Bayer have invested in, gives advice to investors and entrepreneurs, and speaks about the challenges on both sides.


Visit Leaps by Bayer at
www.leaps.bayer.com/

Jak can be contacted via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/jak-knowles-8b0bb83b/ or via email at jak.knowles@bayer.com.  

Direct download: Jak_Knowles_of_Leaps_by_Bayer.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 1:31pm CDT

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