Investor Connect Podcast

June 2025
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Mon, 30 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – How a VC Fund May Shut Down Early

How a VC Fund May Shut Down Early

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

Venture Capital funds typically run on ten-year cycles.

There are some conditions in which the VC fund may shut down early.

Here’s a list of reasons:

Key persons -- the Limited Partners invested in a fund that has a certain number of key persons.

If the number falls off, then the fund may suspend activities until a replacement is found.

The fund managers are found to be liable for fraud or gross negligence.

In this case, the fund may shut down and return the funds to the Limited Partners.

In other cases, the fund may replace the managers and continue on.

Limited Partners want to shut down the fund -- the market may have changed, or the investment thesis may no longer be viable.

In this case, the Limited Partners could demand their funds returned.

Alternatively, the Limited Partners could vote to fund a new investment thesis.

The VC fund managers may be found to have a conflict of interest.

The Limited Partners could demand the return of their uninvested capital.

Consider these points in running or investing in a VC 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

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Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 01.how_a_VC_fund_may_shut_down_early__6.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Fri, 27 June 2025

Investor Connect 833: Family Office Roundtable - April 2025 Part 02

On this episode of Investor Connect, we welcomed Mike Green and Nicholas, the co-founders behind Grid Matrix, a cutting-edge infrastructure intelligence company turning city sensors into powerful tools for real-time decision-making. Mike walked us through how Grid Matrix is using AI and computer vision to help large-scale operators—like airports, ports, and municipalities—optimize operations by turning existing infrastructure, such as legacy cameras, into smart, scalable data networks. No new hardware needed. With $550K in 2024 revenue and nine paying customers including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, the company is already proving traction and real-world value.

Mike highlighted how Grid Matrix is tackling a trillion-dollar civil engineering market, offering governments and infrastructure managers the ability to answer questions they couldn't before: curbside management, emissions tracking, pedestrian safety, cargo visibility, and more. Instead of installing costly new systems, their platform plugs into what’s already there—turning passive sensors into active intelligence. Their "crawl, walk, run" model starts with pilot deployments and quickly scales as trust and data value build, and their 100% customer retention rate is a powerful signal of product stickiness and strong fit in a space known for long sales cycles.

Backed by 8VC and with a priced round at a $9.2M pre-money valuation, Grid Matrix has already closed $2.2M and is filling the final $1M of this raise. With government interest in smart infrastructure growing and a pipeline of projects and RFPs accelerating, Grid Matrix is well-positioned for expansion. Learn more about the company and the raise at https://www.gridmatrix.com, and to explore funding opportunities with 10 Capital, visit https://www.tencapital.group.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: FamilyAprPt02.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Fri, 27 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Lifecycle of the VC Fund

Lifecycle of the VC Fund

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

Venture Capital funds typically run on ten-year cycles.

At a high level, the VC fund takes in capital from the Limited Partners and deploys the first half of the funds in years 1 to 3.

The follow-on rounds are deployed in years 4 to 5.

The fund collects returns in years 6 to 10.

There may be early failures, in which case the allocated funds for the follow-on round are still available.

The funds not yet deployed or allocated are called ‘dry powder’.

This is the amount of funds available to deploy for new companies.

Investments made during the latter half of the fund are made in later-stage companies, which can achieve an exit faster.

Some portfolio companies fail to exit during the ten-year window.

The team must decide whether to delay the exit to gain a larger return or sell the company to remove it from the books.

During the latter half of the life cycle, the VC team helps the companies grow and then achieve an exit.

This is where the VC’s network comes in.

A good fit for a VC is a company in which they can help find additional team members as well as follow-on funding.

Consider the life cycle of the VC fund and how it impacts the time spent by the VC team.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 05.lifecycle_of_the_vc_fund.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Thu, 26 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – How To Answer “What’s Your Timeline?”

How To Answer “What’s Your Timeline?”

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

Investors often ask startups raising funding, “What’s your timeline?”

They want to know if the process is so far along that it’s too late for them to join.

They have limited resources and can’t afford to chase a deal that will close before they can complete it.

Investors are also looking for an indication of interest from other investors.

The founder's answer to the question must address these concerns.

Here’s an example response:

We have meetings lined up for the next three weeks.

We’re seeing investors go into diligence.

We have more investors showing interest.

So we hope to wrap up in the next six to eight weeks.

This shows the prospective investor that there’s interest in the deal.

The team has a process for finding investors, pitching them, and closing the investment.

Six to eight weeks is an ideal time for closing, as it gives the investor enough time to run diligence.

More than eight weeks means the investor can procrastinate.

Less than six weeks, and the investor may not have enough time to run their own process.

Show prospective investors that others are interested in the deal and there’s still time to get in.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 04.how_to_answer_whats_your_timeline_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Wed, 25 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – How To Optimize for Efficiency

How To Optimize for Efficiency

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

In startup fundraising, capital efficiency is a key criteria for investors.

They look to see how efficiently the startup uses capital.

This most often shows up in revenue per employee, cash burn rates, and use of funds.

To achieve higher capital efficiency, focus on setting up systems within the business.

Systems always achieve a higher productivity rate.

Design the work to create a flow process.

Some startups design the work to be resource-efficient.

In this case, each resource, such as a team member, is at full capacity.

The better process is to design the system to provide flow efficiency.

That means the system is optimized for the flow of work rather than the use of each team member.

Determine the core work that must be done and design the team to work in an efficient flow.

Consider the flow of operations in your startup and set up the system so the work gets done in the most efficient manner.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 03.how_to_optimize_for_efficiency_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Tue, 24 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Choosing an AI Model for Your Startup

Choosing an AI Model for Your Startup

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

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is becoming a standard part of every startup's business.

It can be used to improve the startup's operations.

And it can also be used to enhance the startup’s product line.

The startup must choose an AI model that fits their needs.

There are large AI models and there are small AI models.

Large models are provided by deep-pocketed companies with a considerable investment of resources into it.

Large models work well for those who don’t want to build their own.

This avoids having to hire a team of people to build out the model.

Small models are developed in-house and work well for those who want to build their own.

Small models give the startup more control over their data and can be tuned to their requirements.

Those in vertical niches find small models ideal for their application.

For business operations, most startups adopt a large model as they look primarily for operational efficiency.

For product lines, some will choose the small model as it fits better their product and customer application.

Consider how you will use small and large AI models in your startup.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 02.choosing_an_ai_model_for_your_startup.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Mon, 23 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – The Burn Multiple

The Burn Multiple

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

The burn rate is a key metric for high-growth startups.

This is the amount of cash being spent over and above the cash revenue taken in.

The Burn Multiple is the amount of cash being burned divided by the net revenue.

This metric indicates how fast the money is being spent compared to the growth rate.

For startups that are in high-growth mode, this metric ranges from 1 to 5X.

The lower the multiple, the more efficient the business.

In diligencing a startup, calculate the Burn Multiple to check the capital efficiency.

Most healthy startups run in the 1x to 2x range.

Anything below 1x is outstanding.

Anything above 2x is in the questionable zone.

Anything above 3x is in the danger zone.

The Burn Multiple by itself doesn’t give the full story.

But it does indicate the capital efficiency of the business or the lack thereof.

Calculate the Burn Multiple for 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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 01.the_burn_multiple.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Fri, 20 June 2025

Investor Connect 832: Family Office Roundtable - April 2025 Part 01

On this episode of Investor Connect, Hall welcomes Lance Tkach, Co-Founder of Printed Technologies. Located in Dallas, Texas, Printed Technologies is leading the charge to revolutionize the home construction industry through the integration of automation, AI, and large-scale 3D printing. With the U.S. facing a shortage of over 7 million affordable homes and traditional construction lagging behind in innovation, Printed Technologies is tackling this crisis by bringing precision manufacturing techniques to the job site—cutting costs, reducing build times, and improving sustainability.

Printed isn’t just building homes; they’re designing and manufacturing the machines that will enable builders across the country to adopt 3D-printed construction at scale. Their homes are fire-, mold-, termite-, and storm-resistant, and their vertical integration with All Metals Fabricating gives them a significant edge in cost control and production capacity. With a pipeline of $2.5 million in early sales activity and proprietary patents secured, Printed Technologies is not just solving a market problem—it’s transforming an industry. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to make home ownership more accessible while creating a scalable, high-growth business built for the future.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: FamilyAprPt01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Fri, 20 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – The Benefit of Investing in Tranches

The Benefit of Investing in Tranches

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

Tranching the investment means breaking it down into tranches or rounds.

Tranche comes from the French word meaning slice.

Investors find it advantageous to break their investment into rounds.

In the angel world, many investors break their allocation to a startup into two rounds.

The first round goes in at the beginning of the investor engagement.

If all goes well, then the investor puts in the second round.

If things don’t go well, then most likely they skip the second round of investment.

This reduces the investor's risk in the deal.

It can also optimize the investor's return.

The startup goes through ups and downs.

During the down cycles, investors with dry powder can find more favorable terms.

It’s a good idea to save some of the allocation for an opportunity that provides better terms for the investor.

As an investor, consider how to tranche your investment into the startup to balance risk and reward.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 05.the_benefit_of_investing_in_tranches_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Thu, 19 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Aviate, Navigate, Communicate

Aviate, Navigate, Communicate

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

In flying an aircraft, there’s a saying regarding priorities: “Aviate, Navigate, Communicate.”

First, fly the plane.

Second, navigate to where you want to go.

Third, communicate with others.

This prioritizes the pilot’s activities.

This applies to founders.

In the startup world, the founder must Operate, Direct, Communicate.

The founder must first and foremost keep the startup running.

Then the founder must maintain the direction to go in.

Finally, the founder must communicate with others.

Fundraising is an important activity, but it rests on the foundation of the startup running well.

Before launching a fundraiser campaign, make sure the operations are in place and can run without the founder for the most part.

Also, make sure the business is on track for the direction in which to go.

This will free up the founder to run the fundraising campaign, which includes communication with others.

Operate, Direct, Communicate

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 04.aviate_navigate_communicate_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Wed, 18 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Sell Your Business Instead of Shutting It Down

Sell Your Business Instead of Shutting It Down

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

Many startups fail to achieve product-market fit or breakout growth.

Founders who decide to move on most often shut down the business.

Instead of shutting it down, consider selling your startup.

If you have a functioning team, then look to competitors who may want an acquihire.

The team itself can be sold to another company as a working business unit with its own technology base already in place.

This provides ongoing employment for the team members.

Review the customer list to see which other businesses may be interested in taking over the customer base.

Look at other data elements to determine potential value.

It’s possible another company will buy out the startup for its data generation value.

Consider the industry the startup is in.

There may be companies that want to enter that industry and are looking for a way in.

Most of these options will not bring an outsized return to the founders and their investors.

However, it does give the founders a win.

In their next startup, they can say they launched a business and sold it for a gain.

This puts the startup into the win column.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 03.sell_your_business_instead_of_shutting_it_down_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Tue, 17 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – State the Purpose Behind the Startup

State the Purpose Behind the Startup

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

In pitching, start with the Why of the business.

Why does this business exist?

It’s important to state up front the purpose.

This is different from the problem to be solved.

The purpose is similar to the problem but different.

It goes to the heart of why the business exists.

It shows the overall purpose of the business and what role it takes.

To find the purpose of the business, look at the problem to be solved and find the process that’s driving it.

For example, a company that makes an app that crowdsources funds for small businesses is solving the problem of growing businesses through funding.

The process behind the app is that fundraising takes time and can be difficult.

The purpose is to accelerate small business growth by speeding up the funding process.

The pitch should start with the purpose, then explain the specific problem to be solved.

Follow up with the solution the company offers.

The purpose connects the startup to a greater cause.

Businesses with a why are stronger and last longer than those that are just making money.

Start the pitch with its purpose.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 02.state_the_purposes_behind_the_business_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Mon, 16 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – The Downside of SAFE Notes

The Downside of SAFE Notes

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

SAFE Notes were designed to simplify the investment process.

By removing many of the terms found in equity agreements, SAFE Notes reduce the complexity of startup fundraising.

SAFE notes are similar to a warrant as they give the holder the right to buy shares in the future.

There are drawbacks to SAFE Notes as follows:

There’s no debt component that can be used for payback.

SAFE notes require the holder to have a C-Corporation.

The SAFE note is listed on the Cap table like an option.

There’s no maturity date on SAFE Notes, so there’s no trigger to convert equity.

There’s no interest rate.

Over time, this can add additional value to the investor.

Many SAFE notes don’t have a valuation cap, which can reduce the value to the holder.

The presence of additional SAFE notes can reduce the return through dilution.

For early-stage funding, SAFE notes are simple to use, but they don’t always convert to equity the way investors thought they would.

Be sure to understand the SAFE note structure before using it for an investment.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 01.The_Downside_of_SAFE_Notes_.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Fri, 13 June 2025

Investor Connect 831: Family Office Roundtable - March 2025 Part 04

In this episode of Investor Connect, we engage with Nathan Monty, co-founder and CEO of Enamel Pure, a company pioneering advancements in dental hygiene through novel laser technology.

Nathan walks us through the development of their innovative product, 'Loon,' which uses a laser for non-contact teeth cleaning, hardening, and whitening, paired with advanced imaging to produce an annual oral health report. He emphasizes the inefficiencies and pain points in traditional dental cleaning methods and explains how Enamel Pure's technology not only improves the patient experience but also significantly enhances diagnostic accuracy with AI-driven analysis from a rich dataset of dental images.

The episode covers the company's business model, partnerships with major distributors like Henry Schein and Benko, and their robust intellectual property portfolio. Nathan also discusses their go-to-market strategy and plans for future AI integrations, aiming to create the most comprehensive dental health database. Finally, he shares insights into their successful FDA clearance and ongoing fundraising efforts to expand production and distribution, providing a comprehensive look at Enamel Pure's promising future in modernizing dental care.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: IC_MarFamily_Parte_04.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Fri, 13 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – How To Raise a First-Time VC Fund

How To Raise a First-Time VC Fund

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

Raising a first-time venture capital fund is hard work.

Here are some key steps in raising a VC fund for the first time.

Build a track record of successful investing by joining an angel network and making small but profitable investments.

Share the deal flow with prospective Limited Partners so they learn your investment thesis.

Show the deal flow on a regular basis so they understand the consistency of your network.

Share your due diligence with those investors so they see the quality of work you do.

Perform market research on an area of interest and share the results with the prospective Limited Partners.

Build an investment thesis for how to invest in the area of interest.

Showcase the investment thesis in your investing so the Limited Partners understand your methodology.

Present a few successful investments to the Limited Partners.

By showing them your market research, investment thesis, and track record, the Limited Partners can better understand the value of your work.

Ask for an initial investment from the Limited Partners to continue the process already underway.

Consider these steps for raising a first-time VC 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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 05.how_to_raise_a_first_time_vc_fund__.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Thu, 12 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Fundraising Hones the Founder's Skills

Fundraising Hones the Founder's Skills

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

Fundraising brings not only capital to the startup, but it also hones the founder’s skills.

Here are the skills the founder will improve:

Relationship building -- the founder learns how to build a relationship.

Networking -- the founder learns how to grow a network and use it to connect with others.

Public speaking -- the founder learns how to read the room, adjust the presentation on the fly, and pitch to an audience.

Financing -- the founder learns how to read financial statements, financial contracts called terms sheets, as well as cap tables.

Board management -- the founder learns how to manage a board and report to those who oversee the business.

Evaluate people - the founder learns how to evaluate people to determine what they bring to the company. This is most often done with investors.

Delegation -- the founder learns how to delegate, which comes down to what to outsource and what must be done by the founder.

Look at how you can build your skills during the fundraising process.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 04.fundraising_hones_the_founders_skills__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Wed, 11 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Negotiating the Valuation

Negotiating the Valuation

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

Negotiating the valuation is a key step in the fundraising process.

Here are some helpful strategies to consider in negotiating the valuation:

Understand the comparable valuations in your space.

These are called comps and give you a starting point for negotiating.

The founder should have a proposed valuation to show investors.

This could be renegotiated later, but it gives a starting point to the discussion.

The key to a successful negotiation is to articulate all the values in the business.

VCs will often throw out a lowball offer.

This, for the most part, is a negotiation tactic.

The VC is testing to see how much the founder believes in their own valuation.

Keep the terms on a pre-money valuation basis.

If you state the valuation in post-money terms, then any additional funding raised will eat into the founders' ownership stake.

Consider the options pool in the negotiation process and how that will be paid for by both the founder and the VC, rather than the founder alone.

Finally, don’t rush the process or be rushed by the VC.

Take your time and consider all the terms.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 03.negotiating_the_valuation__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Tue, 10 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Put the Why Before the How

Put the Why Before the How

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

In pitching, it’s important to start with the why before diving into the how.

The founder often dives straight into how things are going to work.

In a biotech startup, the founder will jump to how their therapeutic interacts on a molecular level.

This often puzzles the investor who is not familiar with the science behind the project.

To solve this problem, first start with the why. Why is this important?

State up front the meaning of it.

For example, start with a challenge such as, “the common cold can't be defended against because it mutates too fast.”

State why the therapy can be effective, such as “our therapy prevents the common cold from mutating.”

Then dive into the details about how the therapy works.

Founders who go straight into the details without stating the challenge to be solved and what benefit the solution brings fail to communicate their value proposition.

State the challenge and solution at a high level in layman’s terms so everyone will understand it.

Consider these steps in your pitch presentation.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 02.put_the_why_before_the_how__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Mon, 9 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – How To Build a Relationship With a VC

How To Build a Relationship With a VC

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

In raising funding, it’s important to make contact and build a relationship with a venture capitalist.

Here are some key steps in building that relationship before you need to raise funding:

Make contact with the VC.

Offer help to the VC in the form of introductions to key people who can help them.

Make referrals to other investors, in particular limited partner candidates.

Share market research and point out areas where value will accrue.

This works particularly well for VCs who want to enter a new market space.

Share what other investors are doing based on your research and experience.

Invite the VC to join panels and other networking activities as they want to build their brand and get their name out there.

Refer quality startups to the VC that actually meet their investment criteria.

Avoid wasting the VCs time as it’s limited and precious.

Make every interaction meaningful.

Follow through on your commitments.

Consider these steps in building a relationship with a VC.

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

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Direct download: 01.how_tobuuld_a_relationship_with_a_VC__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Fri, 6 June 2025

Investor Connect 830: Family Office Roundtable - March 2025 Part 03

In this episode of Investor Connect, we welcome Ken from Synaptically, who introduces a groundbreaking personalized therapy for Alzheimer's disease. He discusses their innovative use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) paired with Electroencephalograms (EEG) to achieve unprecedented results in slowing down disease progression.

With two successful phase two clinical trials and strong validation from scientific experts, the therapy shows significant improvements in cognition, function, and behavior in patients. Ken explains how their technology targets neuroplasticity, creating new brain connections and preserving brain microstructure and gray matter volume, with minimal side effects.

The discussion also touches on Synaptically's strong financials, market strategy, and future prospects, including potential FDA approval and investment opportunities for interested parties.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

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Direct download: IC_MarFamily_Parte03.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Fri, 6 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Use Angels for the Initial Fundraise

Use Angels for the Initial Fundraise

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

In the earliest stages of the fundraise, angels are often a better fit than venture capitalists.

VCs come into the round when there’s strong traction and the business is well-formed.

Angels are go-to-market investors and like to come in early when the valuations are relatively low.

The terms sheet is typically a convertible note or SAFE note, where the valuation is not set.

Most angel investors are follow-on investors and are not going to take the time to set the terms and valuation of the deal.

They just want to be in the deal and will write a $25K or $50K check to do so.

They’ll let a lead investor set the valuation in a later round.

In the early stages, it can be hard to set the valuation since there are still many unknowns.

Valuation is more easily set when the revenue traction is clearly defined.

Start your fundraisers with family and friends.

As you draw the circle wider, go to angel investors.

Bring a solid growth story with some revenue.

Revenue demonstrates product and market validation.

The product works, and people will pay for it.

Delay pursuing VCs till there is more traction.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

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Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 05.use_angels_gor_the_initial_raise__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Thu, 5 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Key Series A Metrics

Key Series A Metrics

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

Series A fundraises focus on growth.

The goal of the fundraising pitch is not to show that you can sell the product to someone, but rather that you can grow the business.

Here are some key metrics to evaluate the startups' growth story:

Revenue -- this can be done on a month-over-month, quarter-over-quarter, or year-over-year basis.

Focus on net revenue.

Revenue model -- this could be subscription, transaction fees, fees for service, or more.

Focus on how much of the revenue is recurring or repeating.
Customer concentration -- this measures how much revenue comes from a handful of customers.

Compare the revenue from the top 3, 5, 10, and 20 customers to see if there’s too much concentration.

Gross margin -- measures the difference between the net revenue and the cost of goods sold.

The healthier the margins, the more resilient the business.

CAC:LTV -- this ratio compares the cost of customer acquisition to the lifetime value of the customer.

For a Series A company, this should be 1:5 or 1:7.

Focus on these key metrics in evaluating a Series A company.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

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Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 04.key_series_a_metrics__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Wed, 4 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Uncapped SAFE Notes

Uncapped SAFE Notes

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

SAFE notes are commonly used in startup fundraises.

They most often come with a valuation cap.

This means the valuation will not rise above that cap no matter what the priced round that follows.

For an investor, an uncapped SAFE note can reduce the return on the investment tremendously.

Some founders offer a discount only on the SAFE note to provide a return.

The investor gets the discount amount as their return based on the next valuation round.

While this may sound attractive, it takes the potential unlimited upside off the table for the investor.

It’s best for the founder to set a valuation cap for the SAFE note and provide the full return potential to the investor.

In setting the valuation cap, use the pre-money valuation one would expect if it were a priced round.

While the valuation cap does not have to be exact, it will give some comfort to the investor.

Some founders spend a great deal of time trying to sell investors on uncapped SAFE notes.

Their time is better spent closing prospective investors and finding new investors.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

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Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 03.uncapped_safe_notes__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Tue, 3 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Fundraising Requires a Process

Fundraising Requires a Process

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

Fundraising is a complex problem that requires ongoing focus and effort over a period of time.

It is not just one check or milestone but rather many.

Fundraising requires a process

Here are some key steps in setting up a fundraiser:

Set up a sales-like funnel for tracking the investors and the process steps.

Consider the steps for each part of the fundraising process, including researching the investor, gaining an introduction, and engaging the investor.

Prepare your investor documents before launching.

This includes the pitch deck, the terms sheet, and the data room.

Build a list of connectors and networkers to engage in the process.

Spend time researching the investors, including talking with their portfolio companies.

Evaluate each investor for their propensity to invest.

Update the investors systematically and consistently.

Always be looking for new investors to bring through the funnel.

Run your fundraisers as a campaign.

This requires a message, an audience, and the engagement of the two.

Dedicate full time to it.

Consider these steps in setting up your fundraising process.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

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Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 02.fundraising_requires_a_process__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST

Mon, 2 June 2025

Startup Funding Espresso – Investor Introductions – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Investor Introductions – the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

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

Investor introductions can be helpful in connecting with new investors.

Here is an example of a good introduction:

I notice this investor funded a company with the same business model, sector, and metrics as mine.

I’m coming to your area next week. Can you make an introduction?

This shows there’s a match between the startup and the investor.

Here is an example of a bad introduction:

I’m in the area this week. Who do you know that I can meet?

This shows there’s no match between the startup and the investor.

Here is an example of an ugly introduction:

Can you introduce me to a brand-name VC?

This shows no match between the startup and the investor, and it demonstrates vanity on the part of the founder.

In making an introduction, include the reason why there’s a match, the purpose of the meeting, and how best to make an introduction.

Offer content for the introduction.

Finally, offer to return the favor.

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

For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group

Please follow, share, and leave a review.

Music courtesy of Bensound.

Direct download: 01.investor_introduce_ctions_--the_good_the_bad_and_the_ugly__.wav.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00am CST