Wed, 30 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Harold Lavender, Director of Finance & Business Development at ABQid@CNM Ingenuity. ABQid, powered by CNM Ingenuity, is devoted to helping high-growth startups access the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to prosper. ABQid is a curriculum-based, investor-funded accelerator program focused on investor ROI and creating great scalable companies. Their efforts are aimed at supporting entrepreneurs and their programs range from introductory, the "Entrepreneurial Bootcamp" - that introduces customer validation methodologies, to the intermediate with the "Idea Hacks" based upon game-storming methodologies. They co-host these events with community partners and local entrepreneurial mentors. The ABQid Accelerator is based on Lean Startups methods and helps teams refine their ideas over an intensive 3-month process of mentoring ad customer validation that creates nimble companies with demonstrable success at acquiring customers. Harold is a member of the New Mexico Bar and spent 34 years as a trader at the Chicago Board of Trade. After returning to New Mexico in 2010, after being Of Counsel to two NM law firms, he joined ABQid, a Lean Startup Accelerator as Director of Finance and Business Development. (ABQid merged with CNM Ingenuity in 2019.) He also serves on the NM State Investment Council. Harold speaks about the investment thesis of the company and advises both entrepreneurs and investors. He shares with Hall how he sees the industry evolving and some of the challenges companies face. You can visit ABQid@CNM Ingenuity at www.abqid.com/, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abqid/. Harold can be contacted via email at hlavender@cnm.edu, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/haroldlavender/.
Direct download: Harold_Lavender_of_ABQidCNM_Ingenuity.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:49pm CST |
Wed, 30 December 2020
In today’s show, you’ll hear investor perspectives on the COVID-19 impact on the SaaS sector. This is Investor Perspectives, I’m the host of Investor Connect, Hall T Martin, where we connect startups and investors for funding. It’s the time of COVID-19. Software as a Service is currently undergoing tremendous change across the U.S. The lockdown has disrupted many industries such as travel, hospitality, restaurants, and more. We have investors and startup founders describe the impact of COVID-19 on the SaaS market. Our guests are:
I hope you enjoy this episode. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Show_1_--_How_COVID-19_accelerated_the_SaaS_sector.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:41am CST |
Wed, 30 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Your story is a critical part of your fundraise pitch. There are five key elements to a startup story. The first is your theme or purpose. This comes from what inspired your startup. There’s something about the world that you want to change so you started the company to fix it. Next, connect your theme to a universal principle or truth that everyone recognizes. Now, build your story around that theme. In your story, show how your startup’s mission reflects your core principles and values. Along the way, avoid common mistakes such as trying to tell the investor how your product works in minute detail. It’s better to focus on the benefits of what your product does rather than the features. Another mistake is spending time convincing the investor that there is a problem. We all know diabetes, cancer, and other ailments are a problem. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_5_key_Elements_to_a_Startup--Purpose_Story.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Tue, 29 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. There are five key elements to a startup story. Today we’ll talk about the obstacle. The obstacle stands between the hero and the goal. All good stories have a conflict that must be overcome. Obstacles could be competitors, lack of knowledge, regulations, and more. The obstacle creates tension which holds the audience’s attention and helps them experience the story for themselves. For your startup story, show the CEO facing the challenge in bringing the product to the market. Investors will empathize with the plight as they have been there themselves. Show how the CEO overcomes those challenges as the investors look for grit, determination, and persistence. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Five_Key_Elements_to_a_Startup_Story_the_Obstacle.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Mon, 28 December 2020
This is Investor Perspectives. I’m the host of Investor Connect, Hall T Martin, where we connect startups and investors for funding. In today’s show, you’ll hear investor perspectives on healthcare trends, post-COVID-19. COVID-19 has changed the landscape for startups giving us a new normal. During the pandemic, it became clear the need for changes in our healthcare system. Joining us again is Eyal Lifschitz, General Partner and Co-founder at Peregrine Ventures. Peregrine Ventures, Israel's leading venture capital fund, invests in promising early-stage high-tech companies with a strong emphasis on life sciences, digital health, and information technology. Eyal also serves on a number of boards, including CardioValve, Memic Innovative Surgery, Restore Medical, Cordio Medical, and more. You can visit Peregrine Ventures at www.peregrinevc.com. Eyal can be contacted via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/eyal-lifschitz/, and via email at eyal@peregrinevc.com. I hope you enjoy this episode. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Show_7_-_Eyal_Lifschitz_of_Peregrine_Ventures.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 9:19am CST |
Mon, 28 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. There are three stories every startup should be able to tell to investors. The first is your origin story which tells why you started the business to begin with and how you got to where you are today. This story answers the question, “Why are you doing this?” which usually comes from the storyline, “I had a problem. I couldn’t find a solution, so I created my own.” The second story is that of your customer and the problem they have. This story starts with a “day in the life of a customer” and describes what they do, how they work, and what problems they face. The customer has this problem - it costs them this much each year and they are motivated to find a solution. You then drop your product in as the ideal solution. The third story is the “We can make the world a better place”. In this story, you paint a big vision of a bold future where everything is better. It follows the “imagine if we had this problem solved and how much better everyone would be.” You then show how your solution gives everyone that better world. Write out your version for each of these three stories and practice it before talking with an investor. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Three_key_stories_tell_for_your_startup_pitch.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Thu, 24 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Ben Marans, Partner at DECKO. DECKO designs your presentation (s) to ensure investors and/or customers see the most important information upfront and remain engaged. DECKO works with you to tell your company’s story + make your metrics shine to investors and/or customers, captivating them quickly and leaving them excited to move forward with you. From pre-seed companies pitching investors for the first time to Series D+ companies preparing to go public, they’ve done it all and know what works. Ben shares with Hall what excites him now in this space. He discusses what should and should not be included in a pitch deck, and he advises investors and entrepreneurs in the industry. You can visit DECKO at www.getdecko.com/, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/decko-designs/about/. Ben can be contacted via email at ben@getdecko.com, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminmarans/. |
Wed, 23 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. How does due diligence vary between angels and venture capitalists? At a high level, the diligence is the same between angels and VCs. They both look for a good team, a strong market, and a quality product. At a detailed level, the angels who come in earlier than many VCs will look at a deal differently. On the first pass, angels look for product validation and market validation. Does the product work and will someone pay it? On the second pass, angels look for a strong team that can take it all the way and a large market that the company can pursue. VCs on the first pass look for a strong team, initial traction, and a large market. VCs on the second pass look for synergies in the team, KPIs that show growth, and scalability into the market. It’s important to understand who you are pitching and what they look for. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_how_does_diligence_differ_between_angels_and_VCs.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Tue, 22 December 2020
In today’s show, you’ll hear investor perspectives on the COVID-19 impact on the healthcare market. This is Investor Perspectives, I’m the host of Investor Connect, Hall T Martin, where we connect startups and investors for funding. It’s the time of COVID-19. Healthcare is currently undergoing tremendous change across the U.S. The lockdown has put the spotlight on the healthcare system as an essential service. We have investors and startup founders describe the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare market. Our featured guests are:
I hope you enjoy this episode. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Show_6_--_Initial_Impact_of_Covid_on_Healthcare.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:32pm CST |
Tue, 22 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Anne Glover, Chief Executive and Co-founder of Amadeus Capital Partners. Amadeus Capital Partners is a global technology investor. Since 1997, the firm has backed more than 130 companies and raised over $1bn for investment. They invest in consumer services, financial technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medical technology, digital health, and digital media. Anne has been an active venture capitalist for 30 years. A former Chairman of the BVCA and of Invest Europe, Anne is a member of the London Business School’s Private Equity Institute Advisory Board, is a Non-Executive Director of the Court of the Bank of England, and a member of the Investment Committee of Yale Corporation. Anne holds an MA from Clare College, Cambridge, and an MPPM from Yale School of Management. She was awarded a CBE for services to business and is an honorary fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Anne shares with Hall how she sees the industry evolving and some of the challenges companies face. She speaks about the investment thesis of the company and advises both entrepreneurs and investors. You can visit Amadeus Capital Partners at www.amadeuscapital.com, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/amadeus-capital-partners-limited/about/. Anne can be contacted via email at aglover@amadeuscapital.com, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/anglover/.
Direct download: Anne_Glover_of_Amadeus_Capital_Partners.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Tue, 22 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In talking with startups, I find the investor must always probe for the final answer. A single question rarely reveals the full answer. I spoke with a startup recently who said, “We’re raising a million dollars and we have raised half of it already.” On the surface, it sounded like they had $500K invested in the business. So I asked, “That’s great. You have $500K in the bank already from your raise?” to which they responded, “Well not exactly. We have several investors telling us they are interested in investing.” After four more questions, it came out that they had $100K in the bank and around $300K in soft-circled commitments. It’s good progress, but not exactly the half a million we heard at the beginning. Never take the first statement as the final answer. It takes at least 5 questions to get down to the real answer, and as an investor, you want to know the real answer. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: 2019-08-26_--_Five_Questions_to_reach_the_answer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Mon, 21 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Jane Zhang Ph.D., Founder & CEO of Remmie. Remmie Health is a medical technology startup targeting the most common reason for a sick child visit – otitis media (ear infection), with 16 million episodes per year in the U.S. alone. Remmie's first product is an at-home smart otoscope that enables telemedicine and tracking of ENT infections. This patent-pending device empowers parents to monitor ear, nose, and throat (ENT) symptoms, and it can be used safely in the home. It all started when Jane’s son had an ear infection soon after starting child care. After a long year with four infections and an especially stubborn episode that lasted 40 days, Jane decided to do something about it... Remmie is passionate about empowering parents to evaluate these symptoms at home and providing telemedicine doctors with a precise view of their patients’ symptoms to improve diagnostic accuracy. Jane has 15 years of experience in healthcare product R&D and operations including in Becton, Dickinson, and Amgen. She is the Affiliate Assistant Professor with the University of Washington in biomedical diagnostic technologies. Jane has a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Boston University and an MBA from UCLA. Jane shares with Hall the reason behind founding Remmie. She speaks about the growth rate of the medtech sector and some of the challenges it faces. You can visit Remmie at www.remmiehealth.com, via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/remmiehealth/, and via Twitter at www.twitter.com/RemmieHealth. Jane can be contacted via email at jane@remmiehealth.com. |
Mon, 21 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. After an investor expresses interest in funding your deal, the first question to ask is, “What is your diligence process?” While most diligence processes follow the same format of document review and analysis with follow-up questions, each investor has their own start time, timeframe of work, and specific documents they look for. It’s best to ask for their process and then follow along with it. Having a due diligence box with the standard documents helps a great deal. It shows you are prepared and there are usually only minor additions you need to make for each investor. It’s helpful to make contact with the associate or analyst who will be doing the detailed work and have a direct line of communication with them. In some cases, if you build a rapport you may have the option of contacting them directly for progress status and updates. Position your calls as opportunities to answer questions and help the associate find specific pieces of information. If the investor does not have a specific process, then presenting the due diligence box should be enough. For new investors who are not sure what to do, you can offer to walk them through the diligence document by showing them all the relevant information. The investors are busy and can get drawn away by other deals so it’s important to be timely with the follow-up. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Going_through_due_diligence.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Fri, 18 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In raising funding just as in running your business, investors look to see if you own it. Do you own the challenging problems, or do you avoid them? Do you own the core business, or do you delegate it to someone else? Do you abide by the contracts you sign, or do you try and duck out when it goes against you? Investors are looking at how you run your business to see if you own it. So, in the fundraise, do you own the numbers? Do you own the investor relationship? Do you own the results you show them after the fundraise? To raise funding now and succeed in business later, you must own it. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
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Thu, 17 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Bob Morse, Founding Managing Partner at Strattam Capital. Strattam Capital invests in founder-led independent B2B software and technology companies outside of Silicon Valley. They believe in aligning with founders and CEOs before signing, via their 5-Point Plan process to allow execution with purpose, excitement, and efficiency. Headquartered in Austin, TX, with roots in Silicon Valley, they connect companies with the people, process, and scale needed to reach their potential. Bob founded Strattam Capital in 2013 along with Adrian Polak. Previously, Bob was a Partner at Oak Hill Capital Partners, where he led the Technology Vertical and was a member of the Investment Committee. From 1995 to 1999, he worked at GCC Investments, a growth private equity firm based in Boston. Before GCC, he worked at Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. He has served on numerous private and public boards over time and is currently a director of Acendre, Contegix, Rock Solid Technologies, SSB Data, and Trax Group. His former directorships include Doxim, Intermedia, MHC Software, Telecity Group, and ViaWest. Bob is also a member of the Advisory Board of the HMTF Center for Private Equity at McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, and a Board Member at Austin PBS, producer of Austin City Limits. Bob attended Princeton University, graduating summa cum laude with a B.S.E., and Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he earned his M.B.A. and was an Arjay Miller Scholar. Bob discusses with Hall how he sees the industry evolving and some of the challenges companies face. He speaks about the investment thesis of the company and advises both entrepreneurs and investors. You can visit Strattam Capital at www.strattam.com, via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/strattam-capital-llc/, and via Twitter at www.twitter.com/strattamcapital. Bob can be contacted via email at rmorse@strattam.com. |
Thu, 17 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In launching your startup, look for a trigger that indicates when to start a fundraise campaign. Common triggers include:
In short, investors look at sales, team, product, and fundraise as the four core areas for progress. When you achieve a milestone in one or more of these areas, then it’s a trigger to consider launching a fundraise campaign. In approaching an investor you should have a milestone completed AND a milestone to accomplish with the funds to be raised.
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 Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Whats_your_trigger_for_fundraising.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Wed, 16 December 2020
In today’s show, you’ll hear investor perspectives on the COVID-19 impact on the healthcare market. This is Investor Perspectives, I’m the host of Investor Connect, Hall T Martin, where we connect startups and investors for funding. It’s the time of COVID-19. Healthcare is currently undergoing tremendous change across the U.S. The lockdown has put the spotlight on the healthcare system as an essential service. We have investors and startup founders describe the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare market. I hope you enjoy this episode. Our featured guests are:
I hope you enjoy this episode. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Show_5_--_Impact_of_Covid_on_the_Healthcare_Market.mp3
Category: -- posted at: 10:09am CST |
Wed, 16 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In pitching your deal to an investor, it helps to know your investor first. What type of investor are they -- angel, family office, high net worth, or venture capital? What is their investment thesis? Are they swinging for the fences, or do they want to make a series of doubles and triples? In your pitch, emphasize the return that is appropriate for that investor. Have they invested in startups before? What deals have they done? Were they the same or different from your deal? In your pitch, explain how your deal compares to other deals if they have experience. How much do they know about your market or application? In your pitch, spend time describing the market and how your product fits into the landscape. What angle would be best for this investor? Should you focus on the market, the traction, or some other factor? The best way to pitch an investor is to know something about them and adjust your pitch accordingly. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_How_to_pitch_the_deal_to_the_investor.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Tue, 15 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Bryan Hancock, Founder of RealStarter. Founded in 2014, RealStarter is a real estate crowdfunding platform focused on Texas-based projects, but open to investors all over the U.S. Bryan has participated in real estate ventures for over 14 years, including 7 years as a developer of over 50 Austin urban infill projects with Inner 10 Development. Bryan's track record includes owning and operating apartment complexes, real estate coaching companies, and a portfolio of single-family homes. Over the course of Bryan's career, he has generated approximately 30% return on equity to limited partners for projects he has managed on about $25M in sales. Bryan has been a guest speaker at over 20 events nationally including IMN, family office conferences, angel events, and apartment meetups. Bryan obtained his MBA from Texas Christian University in 2005 and a Bachelor Of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin in 2002. In addition to Bryan's real estate endeavors, he is the founder of RealStarter, a Funding as a Service (FaaS) company for real estate sponsors, and is a former member of The Central Texas Angel Network (CTAN). Bryan has also worked in a leadership capacity at many technology companies including IBM, Lockheed Martin, Dell, CACI, and Charles Schwab. Bryan shares with Hall how he started working in this industry and how he sees it evolving. He advises investors and discusses some of the challenges startups face. You can visit RealStarter at www.realstarter.io, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/realstarter/. Bryan can be contacted via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/bryanhancock/, and via email at bryan.hancock@realstarter.io. |
Tue, 15 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In raising funding, the challenge for each round of the raise is different. At the seed round, the challenge is to convince the investor you can sell the product. At this stage, investors look for evidence that you can build and sell the product to customers. Customer interactions are important because it demonstrates to investors you are already in discussions learning about the customer’s needs. It’s helpful to have a list of twenty such customers and highlight your interactions with them and show your plan to build the product and close them. At the Series A round, you must convince the investor you can grow the business. At this stage, investors look for evidence that you have systems in place for growing sales and building products. They look for processes that create a repeatable, predictable outcome. For example, your customer acquisition process shows a consistent conversion rate. At the Series B round, you must convince the investor you can scale the business. At this stage, investors look to see you are now working on programs and processes that take your customer acquisition, sales, and product building to a new level. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_The_Challenge_of_Seed_Series_A_and_Series_B_funding.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Mon, 14 December 2020
Investor Perspectives: Impact of COVID-19 on the Healthcare Market & COVID-19-Proofing Your Business
In today’s show, you’ll hear investor perspectives on the COVID-19 impact on the healthcare market. This is Investor Perspectives, I’m the host of Investor Connect, Hall T Martin, where we connect startups and investors for funding. It’s the time of COVID-19. Healthcare is currently undergoing tremendous change across the U.S. The lockdown has put the spotlight on the healthcare system as an essential service. We have investors and startup founders describe the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare market. Our featured guests are:
I hope you enjoy this episode. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Show_4_--_Impact_of_Covid_on_the_Healthcare_Market.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:39pm CST |
Mon, 14 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Negotiating the valuation of a startup between the CEO and the investors is a major step in funding. An equity terms sheet requires coming to an agreement on the valuation which determines how much ownership is given to the investor. Both startup and investor must now ‘climb the valuation wall.’ Be prepared for the ensuing negotiation and the back and forth. It can be difficult to assign values when there is no product or revenue. One solution to this situation is to delay setting the valuation until you have the right investor AND the right time. Switch to a convertible note -- a debt instrument that converts to equity later. Because it’s in debt form, there’s no valuation. Later when there’s a team in place, a product built, and a revenue stream defined, it will be much easier to negotiate the valuation. Don’t put the valuation negotiation on the first step as it’s high a wall to climb. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Climbing_the_Valuation_Wall.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Fri, 11 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes John B. Strong, an Albuquerque angel investor. John B. Strong is known throughout the technology industry as a passionate leader, entrepreneur, and innovator and admired for his exacting tactical execution to get startup companies up and running. He's currently the Chief Executive Officer at Adaptive Medias, Inc., one of the first companies to offer a mobile video player specifically for mobile devices. Prior to his appointment to the position of CEO of Adaptive Medias, John founded, invested and managed a number of successful technology-based companies, including www.communly.com, a Los Angeles-based social media company; www.combotrip.com, a New Mexico-based travel site; www.trychec.com, a London-based payment platform; www.scoutalarm.com, a high-tech home security company; www.thestorefront.com, the "AirBnB" for retail space; www.boxbee.com, a San Francisco-based on-demand storage company; and www.matterfab.com, a leading industrial metal 3D printing company. John holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Mexico. Mf and is the Co-founder of Inqubus Inc., a startup accelerator based in Irvine, Ca., as well as a Co-founder of Adams Pharmaceuticals in New York City that holds patents on developing treatments for arteriosclerosis. John shares with Hall how he sees the industry evolving and the challenges angels and angel groups face. He also speaks about companies he has invested in that fit his investment thesis and he advises investors and startups. John can be contacted via email at johnbstrong@yahoo.com. |
Fri, 11 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group |
Thu, 10 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes back Matthew Le Merle, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Fifth Era and Keiretsu Capital to discuss early-stage investing and “The Intelligent Investor: Silicon Valley”, a book Matthew and his wife Alison Davis have just authored. Matthew is a manager of Blockchain Coinvestors, the world’s leading blockchain venture fund of funds and Chairman of CAH and Securitize (Europe) and Vice Chairman of SFOX. Blockchain Coinvestors has a strategy of being an investor in the leading Blockchain venture firms including 1Confirmation, 1kx, Blockchain.com Ventures, Blockchain Capital, Castle Island, DGH, Digital Currency Group, Fabric, Future\Perfect, Hashkey, IDEO and Pantera among others. He is a bestselling author and keynote speaker and received a B.A. (Double First) and Master’s from Christ Church, Oxford, and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He lives in San Francisco and London, UK with his wife, Alison Davis. They have five adult children. You can purchase Matthew’s book on Amazon, Apple Books, or Smashwords, as well as other online book companies. Matthew can be contacted at www.fifthera.com and www.blockchaincoinvestors.com. |
Thu, 10 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. I talk with entrepreneurs every day about their fundraise. The most common question from the early-stage startup is, “Am I fundable?” The first question to ask is, “Do you have a growth story?” Are things clicking forward on sales, team, and product development? I believe the prospective customer should be involved at every step and not just the last one in buying the product. The customer should be in there talking about the problem they need solved. They should be guiding the product development at some level. In every investor discussion, you should talk about the customers you are engaging and their interactions with your idea or product - even in the beta phase. You should also have a core team. In the very early stages, someone is building it and someone is selling it. No fair, you’re both building it and no one is selling it. If you can answer those questions with substance, then you are in the game to consider funding. It doesn’t matter where you are on the journey, you just need to show you are making consistent and meaningful progress. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Are_you_fundable_yet.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Wed, 9 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In meeting with a prospective investor, come prepared to discuss the following:
If you’re not ready to raise funding, then use the following: “I’m not raising funding now, but in six months I will launch a fundraise. Here are my results so far. May I keep you informed of our progress?” Also, ask questions of the investor such as: What do they invest in? For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_How_to_prepare_for_an_investor_meeting.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Tue, 8 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Bernard Vogel, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Endeavour Vision. Endeavour Vision is a leading private equity firm exclusively investing in medical technology. This singular focus requires deep sector knowledge and experience, so their team is made up of industry veterans and investment professionals who are experts in the medtech sector. Their specialties include accelerating company growth and product launches with a proven track record of successful exits. They invest in growth-stage companies with world-class technology and products. These innovations address an unmet clinical need and hold the potential to significantly improve and extend the lives of patients around the world. Bernard leads the operational, financial, investor relations, HR, and legal aspects of the firm, and is a board member of several investments, including IntelyCare – a staffing platform for medical personnel. Prior to launching Endeavour in 2000, Bernard worked with McKinsey & Co. Bernard holds an MBA with distinction from INSEAD in Fontainebleau (France), and an MEng in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland. Bernard tells Hall what excites him right now, and he advises both entrepreneurs and investors in the space. He discusses the impact COVID-19 has had on the sector and mentions two startups that fit Endeavour Vision’s investment thesis. You can visit Endeavour Vision at www.endeavourvision.com. Bernard can be contacted via email at bv@endeavourvision.com, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/bernardvogel/. |
Tue, 8 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In startup fundraising, there’s money and then there’s smart money. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Smart_Money.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Mon, 7 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Brandon Knicely, CEO of Xcite. Recently headquartered in Austin, Texas, Xcite is a gamified engagement platform in pro sports and conferences that engages and monetizes online events. They are the only enterprise-class platform empowering both mobile apps and within a browser experience. It is a big data platform with AI for real-time audience intelligence. Xcite is the world leader in interactive audience engagement. Their interactive applications have been used at over 8,000 sporting & live events worldwide, totaling more than 185 million fan impressions. Their team has worked with the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MILB, NCAA, and top gaming companies. They help their clients entertain, engage and monetize their audiences. Brandon is a venture-backed technology executive with 30 years operational experience developing and executing innovative growth strategies. Operating experience includes leading early-stage, mid-cap and two global service companies. Executive management responsibilities have included technology, engineering, marketing, product and corporate development. Twenty years of deal experience; entrepreneur, angel and venture partner in private equity. Brandon shares his background with Hall and advisors investors in the event space. He speaks about the impact COVID-19 has had on the industry, and he goes into depth about Xcite’s position in this landscape. You can visit Xcite at www.xcitelive.com, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/xcite/. Brandon can be contacted via email at bknicely@xcitelive.com, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/beknice/. |
Mon, 7 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In the movie The Godfather, Marlon Brando plays Don Corleon, the leader of the Corleon family. At one point someone asks him why he made a certain decision. The Godfather replied, “Everything is personal.” In fundraising, ‘everything is personal.’ You must build a relationship with the investor. Yes, there’s the pitch followed by questions. Yes, there are the negotiations on valuation. Yes, there’s the diligence that must be done, but in the end, a startup investment is based on a relationship. You must have that to gain the investment. Everything is personal. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_The_Godfathers_Advice_for_Fundraising.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Fri, 4 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Greg Spillane, CEO of Fancy. Fancy is inspiration made shoppable. They are a highly-curated, discovery-based, social marketplace consisting only of verified sellers. Users come to Fancy to discover, share, and shop the best fashion, accessories, skin care, decor and more from emerging brands across the globe. No other platform offers the combination of content, commerce, and community for buyers and sellers. Fancy generates income from transactions conducted on the platform and paid advertising through media solutions. “Fancy what you find, and buy what you fancy!” Greg is a former Division I athlete and holds an MBA from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business. Greg's passion is building high-growth technology companies. His unique combination of hands-on technical experience and a track-record of large-scale business development has enabled him to work with several leading technology companies to design innovative and differentiated products and then effectively commercialize them to large markets. Greg shares with Hall what led him to start working in the social commerce space. He discusses the growth rate and some of the industry's challenges. He also speaks about the plan ahead for Fancy. You can visit Fancy at www.fancy.com and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/fancy.com/. Greg can be contacted via email at greg@fancy.com, via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/spillane, and via Twitter at www.twitter.com/Greg_Spillane. |
Fri, 4 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In closing an investor, you’ll need to provide basic documents about the business to prospective investors for their due diligence. There are several key documents you need for your diligence box or what some call a data room. These include:
It’s best to gather these documents into one place before you launch your fundraise. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_What_investor_docs_are_needed_for_due_diligence.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Thu, 3 December 2020
In today’s show, you’ll hear investor perspectives on the COVID-19 impact on the healthcare market. This is Investor Perspectives, I’m the host of Investor Connect, Hall T Martin, where we connect startups and investors for funding. It’s the time of COVID-19. Healthcare is currently undergoing tremendous change across the U.S. The lockdown has put the spotlight on the healthcare system as an essential service. We have investors and startup founders describe the impact of COVID-19 on the healthcare market. Our guests are:
I hope you enjoy this episode. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group |
Thu, 3 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Pitching a startup with complex technology or product can be challenging. This is especially important for those in the healthcare space explaining a new technology to those outside of healthcare. Try describing your product/solution in 5 words or less. In conclusion, focus on the benefits of your solution and not how it works.
Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_how_to_pitch_a_complex_idea.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Wed, 2 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Larry Uhl, a Vice Chairman of the Pasadena Angels. The Pasadena Angels were founded in 2000 and are one of the longest-running angel investing groups in Southern California. Their mission is to create a unique investment community of successful business and professional leaders helping to identify promising start-up ventures and providing the capital and counsel necessary for success. The Pasadena Angels have invested more than $75 million dollars of early-stage capital in 195 companies in Southern California and their investments range from $100K up to $1.5 M in early-stage and seed funding. Additionally, they partner with a network of venture capital firms and angel investment groups through syndication to help support companies seeking $1M or more in funding. Larry is a Vice Chairman of the Pasadena Angels and the Co-Chairman of the Outreach/Deal Sourcing Committee. He started his career in investment banking and was the Managing Director for Merrill Lynch, responsible for coverage of financial institutions in the Western United States. Larry spent 17 years working on numerous debt, equity, and merger and acquisition transactions. He transitioned to the private client group of Merrill Lynch in 1994 and UBS Financial in 1999. At UBS, he managed accounts aggregating over $500 million until his recent retirement. Larry began investing in startup enterprises in 2014, primarily through the Pasadena Angels. His portfolio of 40 plus companies spans a variety of industries from biotech, fintech and esports to clean technology. He has been the lead investor in over 10 investments resulting in $2M+ in funding. Larry is also an investor in the Cove II Fund, which invests in the burgeoning Southern California technology sector. He recently joined Tech Coast Angels Orange County as a virtual member and invested in their current fund. He has also applied to be an investor in the new Wavemaker 360 fund. In his role with the Outreach/Deal Sourcing Committee, Larry actively engages and builds on the Pasadena Angels’ relationships with angel investors, accelerators, and early-stage VCs. These relationships provide syndication opportunities that can increase the funds raised by Pasadena Angels’ portfolio companies and provide capital and partnerships for follow-on funding. Larry is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School. Larry shares with Hall how he sees the industry evolving and what his biggest challenge has been. He discusses the investment thesis of the group and speaks about some of their portfolio companies. You can visit the Pasadena Angels at www.pasadenaangels.com/, via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/pasadena-angels, and via Twitter at www.twitter.com/pasadenaangels. Larry can be contacted via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/larry-uhl-baa80099/, and via email at leuhl1@gmail.com. |
Wed, 2 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. There’s an old saying: If you tell me, it’s an essay. If you show me, it’s a story. In raising funding you have to show, not just tell. Forecasting alone doesn’t close the round. You must demonstrate progress towards it. Never show up to an investor meeting or call without something new in hand to show your growth story. Always talk about a customer and their engagement with your product or team. Show how the team is making things happen. Show how other investors are interested in committing funds. Show how the product is working and what it is doing for the customer today. In fundraising, it’s show, not tell. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_Its_show_not_tell.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |
Tue, 1 December 2020
In this episode, Hall welcomes Trey Addison, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Nascent Group Holdings (NGH). Nascent Group Holdings is a Columbus, Ohio-based, hybrid, private equity and venture capital firm that invests in the Midwest’s most promising game-changers. Since 2016, NGH has operated with a vision to help people and create opportunities in the energy, technology, real estate and manufacturing markets. NGH invests in and consults early, mid and late-stage companies, with a keen focus on the Rust Belt region. A sound strategy and framework enables NGH to make intelligent investments that generate short and long-term growth. NGH uses internal capital and due to the breadth of its network is capable of raising capital from investors Trey manages the firm’s acquisition strategy, portfolio investment alignment, and investment operations. He has led NGH’s investments in multiple real estate and small-cap companies in Ohio. His real estate and private equity investments have consistently outperformed the typical private equity benchmarks. He has worked in business, government, and government affairs before founding NGH and has served in executive capacities with some of the largest non-profits in the United States. In his role, Trey led government relations and public affairs that delivered legislative and regulatory impact to millions of consumers. Before his private-sector career, Trey worked for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. Trey received his Executive MBA from The Ohio State University Fisher School of Business, an Executive in Energy Certificate from The Ohio State University’s Fisher School of Business, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo. He serves as a Governor Appointee to the Ohio Alzheimer’s and Dementia State Taskforce, as a Presidential and Governor Appointee to the United States of America Selective Service Board, and as an Advisory Board member to several Ohio companies. Trey discusses how COVID-19 has impacted both the commercial and residential real estate sector, the brick and mortar shopping mall's future, and NGH’s investment thesis. You can visit Nascent Group Holdings at www.nascentgroupholdings.com, and via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/nascent-group-holdings-llc./. Trey can be contacted via LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/treyaddison/, and via email at trey@nascentgroupholdings.com. |
Tue, 1 December 2020
Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. I’m often asked how long it will take to raise a round of funding. It will take you one calendar year for every million dollars you are raising, that’s if you are working on it full-time. If you are part-time, then it will take longer. You’ll need approximately two months to prepare for the raise. This includes preparing the company, the investor documents, and the initial investor list. It takes another 2-3 months to engage investors and bring them up to speed on your deal. They’ll want to monitor it for a few months to see the traction in motion. Then it takes a month to close. After you close those investors, you’ll need to find another round of investors and repeat the process. For a million-dollar raise, you’ll need to do this three times on average. Some companies don’t need all their funding in one go as most are based on recurring revenue and have the option of growing incrementally so they can raise funding the same way. For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Direct download: Startup_Funding_Espresso_--_how_long_will_it_take_to_raise_funding.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00am CST |