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Venture Capital News
Saastr
5d
343
Yes, SaaS is Back. But Every CFO I Know Is Still Doing Vendor Reviews. And Still Hoping to Consolidate Vendors.
- 2025 is proving to be a good year for SaaS, with growth reaccelerating and companies investing in B2B AI.
- However, despite the positive trends, many CFOs and COOs are still focused on vendor consolidation as a top priority.
- Even fast-growing startups and lean tech companies are actively seeking to reduce the number of vendors they work with.
- While some companies, like Gong and HubSpot, have seen benefits from vendor consolidation, others may be facing challenges due to being replaced by existing vendors or lacking sufficient product capabilities.
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Saastr
5d
236
Before Jeff Lawson Co-Founded $16 Billion Twilio, He Was CTO of StubHub. But He Didn’t Make Much Because, “I Never Really Committed”
- Jeff Lawson, founding CEO of Twilio, was the CTO of StubHub before joining Twilio.
- However, he didn't receive as much equity as the other CTO because he wasn't fully committed.
- This experience taught him the importance of committing 100% to achieve success.
- Today, Twilio is a $16 billion cloud giant, and Jeff Lawson serves as CEO emeritus.
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14 Likes
Medium
5d
326
Mission 20000 Propreneurs: Shaping the Future of Global Entrepreneurship
- The Mission 20000 Propreneurs initiative aims to shape the future of global entrepreneurship.
- It focuses on business transformation, mentorship, sustainability, and financial access.
- The program offers future-ready business education, hands-on learning, and expert mentorship.
- Its goal is to establish over 5,000 green businesses, create 500,000 jobs in sustainable industries, reduce CO2 emissions, and provide clean energy solutions.
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19 Likes
Medium
5d
204
Image Credit: Medium
How AI is Reshaping Venture Capital Decision-Making — Powered by AAK Tele-Science
- AI is reshaping venture capital decision-making, offering data-driven insights.
- AAK Tele-Science is using AI-powered analytics to transform how VCs make decisions.
- AI-driven models help identify high-potential startups before they scale.
- AAK provides real-time data on fund utilization, operational efficiency, and performance indicators.
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12 Likes
Medium
5d
335
Modernizing The Social Safety Net
- In light of proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and the social safety net, Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) are crucial in supporting social needs among vulnerable populations.
- The burden of budget cuts may lead hospitals and health systems to deal with financial repercussions, impacting the care provided to patients.
- Millions of Americans already face unmet social needs such as food insecurity, homelessness, and lack of timely medical care.
- The collaboration between MCOs, healthcare providers, public health leaders, entrepreneurs, and community-based organizations is vital to strengthen the safety net.
- Current welfare and benefit programs have not been effectively addressing social needs, with a large population still facing issues like food insecurity.
- Challenges in utilizing benefits effectively include barriers among patients, recipients, and stakeholders in diverse benefit programs.
- The case of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) highlights the potential impact of government benefit programs but also underscores current inefficiencies in participation rates.
- Efforts to address social determinants of health could be enhanced through better data sharing between government benefit programs, payers, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations.
- Improving health literacy, ensuring awareness of support options, and enhancing the human element in interventions are crucial for the success of social needs programs.
- Investing in collaboration, data sharing, and improved interventions for social determinants of health can lead to significant cost savings, improved care efficiency, and reduced inequities.
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Medium
5d
147
Image Credit: Medium
Increasing Lethality: How to Move the Needle
- Perspectives on the idea of a defence end user differ among individuals with different military backgrounds.
- Personnel and material are forward-deployed to support projection of fighting power in NATO conflicts.
- Limited first-hand combat experience among the general population and investors leads to a narrow view of defence technologies.
- Investing in technologies that increase deployment speed, sustainability, resilience, and decision-making in Western forces can maximize lethality and reduce the number of battlefields.
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Eu-Startups
5d
130
A glimpse into the Exhibition Hall of the EU-Startups Summit 2025 in Malta
- The EU-Startups Summit 2025 in Malta will bring together 2,300 founders, investors, and media for networking and learning over two days.
- Over 70 innovative companies and organizations across various sectors will be showcased at the exhibition hall.
- Attendees can expect insights from over 100 speakers, including unicorn founders, CEOs, investors, policy-makers, and even an astronaut.
- Confirmed exhibitors include companies like Agilibo, Airwallex, Alixlabs, Axcels, and more, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
- From AI-driven marketing platforms to cloud infrastructure tools, a range of innovative products and services will be on display.
- Exhibitors like Digital Ape Marketing, DynamicWhale, and EIT Campus will present creative digital solutions and educational opportunities.
- Startups offering unique products, such as renewable energy solutions, 3D printing technology, and hygienic hand dryers, will be featured.
- The event will also include sponsors like Malta Enterprise, Scytale, Airwallex, and Eurocrowd, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
- With a diverse range of exhibitors and sponsors, the EU-Startups Summit 2025 promises to be a hub of cutting-edge technology and entrepreneurial spirit.
- This gathering in Malta will provide a platform for startups to showcase their innovations, connect with potential partners, and contribute to the European startup ecosystem.
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Siliconangle
5d
33
Image Credit: Siliconangle
Straiker launches with $21 million in funding to secure enterprise AI applications
- Straiker, an artificial intelligence-native security company, has raised $21 million in funding.
- The company aims to secure enterprise AI applications by addressing critical security and safety risks.
- Straiker's solutions include automated assessment, runtime safety, and security guardrails for continuous analysis and blocking.
- Two AI-native models, Ascend AI and Defend AI, have been introduced to provide in-depth attack simulation and protection for AI applications and agents.
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1 Like
Medium
5d
376
SAFEs vs. Priced Rounds: Picking the Right Fundraising Path
- Fundraising can be done through either priced equity rounds or SAFE agreements.
- Priced equity rounds lock in the valuation upfront, providing clarity but requiring extensive documentation.
- SAFE agreements, popular in the Indian tech ecosystem, offer flexibility but may lead to term fragmentation and dilution challenges.
- The choice between priced rounds and SAFEs depends on the timeline, legal structure, and investor preferences.
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22 Likes
Medium
5d
85
Image Credit: Medium
Boards, Authenticity, & “Customer Mode”: Quick Tips for Enterprise Founders & VCs
- In early-stage companies, the best founders continuously learn, execute, and rigorously manage their teams.
- Founders should prioritize customer mode over founder mode, placing the customer at the core of their strategy.
- Understanding customer context in the industry is crucial to success in enterprise.
- Authenticity is key in the imperfect software industry; focus on creating value and great customer experiences.
- Successful board meetings require good preparation, honesty, punctuality, clear communication, and engagement from various team members.
- Boards should focus discussions on core areas where feedback and support are needed.
- Feedback management during board meetings is important; sensitive conversations can be better handled in one-on-one discussions.
- Including self-evaluation slides in board meetings can lead to constructive feedback and self-improvement.
- Self-awareness is valuable in knowing when to provide advice and when to refer to others for help.
- Fundraising entails building character, demonstrating trustworthiness, and establishing relationships with investors over time.
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5 Likes
Saastr
5d
384
Dear SaaStr: How Do I Get My First 10 Customers?
- To get your first 10 customers, start by leveraging your network and reaching out to anyone who might be interested in your product.
- Focus on solving a real problem in a unique way and be clear about who your target audience is.
- Be proactive in seeking out potential customers by knocking on doors, sending cold emails, making cold calls, and attending events.
- Offer free trials or discounts to lower the barrier to entry and learn from early customers to improve your product.
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23 Likes
Medium
5d
45
Image Credit: Medium
Why I Broke Up With My Tesla
- The author, a former admirer of Elon Musk, sold their Tesla Model 3 due to ethical concerns regarding the company's values and the CEO's actions.
- The decision to sell the Tesla was driven by a sense of shame in driving it and a perception of supporting actions that conflicted with personal values.
- The article touches upon the importance of supporting technologies that aim to solve global challenges and contribute to economic complexity.
- It discusses the role of deep tech industries in fostering innovation, creating new jobs, and ultimately enhancing economic resilience.
- While acknowledging the positive aspects of Tesla's contributions to the electric car industry, the author critiques Elon Musk's leadership and brand impact.
- Issues raised include Musk's failures to deliver on promises, lack of innovation, questionable public appearances, and controversial political actions.
- The author expresses concerns about Musk's involvement in political matters, alleging abuse of power and negative impacts on democracy.
- The decision to sell the Tesla was amplified by a sense of protest against Musk's actions and a desire to distance from supporting what is perceived as eroding democratic values.
- Despite recognizing that their individual actions may have minimal impact on Musk's wealth, the author emphasizes the importance of personal conscience in making such decisions.
- In conclusion, the author's choice to part ways with their Tesla symbolizes a personal stance against perceived unethical conduct and a statement supporting democratic values over individual success.
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2 Likes
Medium
5d
225
Image Credit: Medium
From Private Equity to CVC: Steven N. Kaplan, One of the Galaxy’s Top Experts, Shares His Research
- Steven N. Kaplan views venture capital, private equity, and corporate venturing as a spectrum focusing on innovation, optimizing existing businesses, and strategic investments.
- Kaplan's journey into the startup world began when he took over teaching entrepreneurial finance and launched a business plan competition, leading to the Ed Kaplan New Venture Challenge.
- Half of venture investments lose money, highlighting the importance of a strong business model over just a great founder.
- Kaplan's OUTSIDE/IMPACTS framework helps evaluate startups based on their business potential and management team.
- Private equity firms focus on acquiring and improving existing companies, while venture capital invests in building new businesses.
- Corporate venture capital bridges the gap between startups and buyouts, offering industry expertise and strategic insights.
- Effective startup CEO traits identified by Kaplan include execution, strategic thinking, and the ability to get the job done.
- Kaplan stresses the significance of strong corporate governance to prevent business failures like FTX and WeWork.
- Founders should choose board members who challenge them for accountability and strategic growth.
- Understanding venture capital deal structures is crucial for founders seeking early-stage fundraising.
- Kaplan advises founders to be strategic in choosing investors who offer more than just capital, such as support, networking, and long-term guidance.
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13 Likes
Siliconangle
5d
82
Image Credit: Siliconangle
Mercury raises $300 million on $3.5 billion valuation to expand fintech offerings
- Financial technology firm Mercury Financial raises $300 million on $3.5 billion valuation.
- Mercury provides banking services tailored for startups and tech-focused businesses.
- The company integrates financial tools and offers venture debt financing.
- Mercury's Series C round led by Sequoia Capital, plans to drive innovation, explore acquisitions, and expand headcount.
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4 Likes
Siliconangle
5d
271
Image Credit: Siliconangle
Mercury raises $300M on $3.5B valuation to expand fintech offerings
- Mercury, a financial technology firm, has raised $300 million in new funding on a $3.5 billion valuation.
- The company plans to use the funds to explore acquisitions and expand its fintech offerings.
- Mercury offers tailored banking services to startups and tech-focused businesses, including business accounts, debit cards, and financial tools.
- The company has processed $156 billion in transactions and serves 200,000 companies.
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