Category: Fundraising

Sometimes, a simple note can capture the internet’s imagination just as much as a spicy snack. “Mike’s Note: The Flamin Hot Cheetos Story” took off online not because it was an elaborate marketing campaign, but because it was funny, honest, and a little bit relatable to anyone who has ever craved something in the middle…

Getting people to notice a new startup can feel like shouting into the void. With thousands of startups launching every day, earning attention from journalists and building trust with your audience is harder—and more important—than ever. In fact, according to Edelman’s Trust Barometer, 65% of people say trust in a brand is influenced by how…

Not too long ago, ordering food to your door was a hassle—menus got lost in kitchen drawers and you had to read your credit card number over the phone every time. Then along came Mike Evans, a Chicago engineer who simply wanted an easier way to find and order delivery. That ordinary frustration became the…

Think about the last time you had a great experience with a company—maybe someone went the extra mile, or the process was just blissfully smooth. Now think of a bad one, where everything felt like a hassle. Those moments stick with us, and they shape if we buy again, tell friends, or look elsewhere. Measuring…

Building a successful marketplace isn’t just about having a great idea or a sleek platform—it’s also about finding the right investors who understand how marketplaces grow and thrive. The right backers bring much more than money: they open doors, share hard-earned insights, and can be the difference between a platform that fizzles out and one…

When you think about great sales results, marketing might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But imagine this: according to LinkedIn’s 2022 State of Sales report, more than 75% of top-performing salespeople say their teams work closely with marketing. In today’s crowded market, buyers are overwhelmed with choices and information. The way…

Machine learning startups are reshaping industries at an incredible pace. In just the last few years, the number of new companies focused on machine learning has soared — according to Crunchbase, over 5,000 machine learning startups are active globally, collectively raising billions of dollars in venture funding. These startups aren’t just about flashy technology; they’re tackling…

Whether you’re a fund manager or an investor, clear and reliable LP (Limited Partner) reporting isn’t just about fulfilling a requirement—it’s about building real trust and transparency. According to a 2023 survey by Preqin, over 60% of institutional investors say they would reconsider ongoing commitments if reporting lacks transparency or timeliness. Given how much rides…

At some point, every startup founder faces the big question: “How and when will all the hard work pay off?” A liquidity event is usually the answer, marking the moment when shares held on paper become real cash or tradeable assets. While it sounds technical, a liquidity event is a milestone that shapes not only…

When startups raise money from investors, the term “liquidation preference” often appears in term sheets and conversations. At first glance, it might sound like just another piece of legal jargon, but in reality, it can have a huge impact on who gets paid—and how much—if the company gets sold, acquired, or even shuts down. In…