Fundraising: Demystified! True Stories Direct From Founders

Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101  ----------------------------------------------------- Alexandria Procter takes center stage on this episode of Fundraising Demystified to share how she transformed a local student housing problem into DigsConnect, now Africa's leading accommodation platform. From her early days tackling University of Cape Town's housing crisis to scaling across 400 cities, she opens up about building a tech company that's reshaping student living across the continent. For founders eyeing growth in developing markets, Alexandria delivers actionable insights on three key fronts: securing significant funding while operating from Africa (including details of their groundbreaking seed round), scaling effectively across diverse African markets, and building solid operational foundations with limited resources. She tops it off with fresh perspectives from her new role backing the next generation of African startups. Here's what you'll find in this episode: 00:00 Trailer 00:55 Introduction to Alexandria Procter and DigsConnect's origin story 07:32 Building the first MVP and initial market validation 11:20 Navigating South Africa's startup ecosystem challenges 13:15 Breaking records: Inside their successful seed round 18:31 Scaling across 400 African cities 23:21 Building and retaining top talent on a budget 24:27 Infrastructure challenges and innovative solutions 27:44 The shift from founder to investor 33:22 The Power of Story Telling 40:01 Future of African tech and advice for emerging market founders 48:12 Rapid-fire lessons ABOUT ALEXANDRIA PROCTER Alexandria Procter is the founder of DigsConnect, Africa's largest student housing marketplace, which she launched at age 24 while studying at the University of Cape Town. From building the initial MVP using Python and JavaScript, she's grown the platform to connect over 150,000 landlords and tenants across 400 cities worldwide, listing more than 1.3 million beds and generating tens of millions in lease value. Beyond entrepreneurship, she's made significant impacts in various spheres - from being appointed by President Ramaphosa as the youngest director of the National Youth Development Agency, where she successfully led the One Million for Democracy initiative, to founding House of Pharos, an SDG-aligned venture capital fund. Her achievements include becoming a published author with her national bestseller "Upstart" (2024), and establishing The Aviation Club, where she writes about tech, startups, and development economics. Connect with Alexandria on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandriaprocter/?originalSubdomain=za Website: https://www.alexandriaprocter.com/ X: https://x.com/alexprocter101 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC01GpaeWH2ab3UQKcQAi5LA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexandriaprocter__/ ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101  —------------------------------------------------ In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, Jason Kirby sits down with Patrice King-Brickman, the founder and CEO of Inspire Access, to discuss how philanthropic capital can empower underrepresented founders and foster diverse entrepreneurship. Patrice shares her journey from running a family business to founding Inspire Access, a platform that channels donor-advised funds (DAFs) into for-profit ventures with a social mission. She delves into the unique challenges and opportunities for founders from underrepresented backgrounds and explains how her organization is revolutionizing capital allocation for these groups. Patrice unpacks the mechanics of donor-advised funds, the need for inclusive funding options, and how mission-driven capital can fuel diverse innovation and drive significant change. She also provides insights on portfolio construction, managing impact-driven funds, and building an inclusive investment ecosystem. Here’s what you’ll find in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Patrice King-Brickman and Inspire Access 01:31 Overview of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and their potential in venture funding 04:08 Leveraging DAFs to support for-profit companies with social missions 15:18 Unpacking the unconscious biases in traditional venture funding 20:32 How Inspire Access screens for resilient founders and impactful businesses 27:00 Addressing the disparities in capital flow for diverse founders 30:15 The potential for positive impact with new investment models 36:22 Steps for founders to connect with Inspire Access for funding 41:47 Future trends in impact investing and wealth transfer ABOUT PATRICE KING-BRICKMAN Patrice King-Brickman is the Founder and CEO of Inspire Access, a platform dedicated to closing the investment gap for women and people of color by connecting underrepresented founders with philanthropic capital. Through Inspire Access and her venture fund, Inspire Capital LLC, Patrice has pioneered new pathways for mission-driven founders to secure funding. Patrice’s philanthropic efforts focus on poverty, homelessness, the arts, and education, with current board roles at Halcyon, Wolf Trap, and Ascend at the Aspen Institute. She has previously served on boards for the Children’s National Hospital Foundation and the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, among others. Connect with Patrice on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-brickman-2b46637b/ Website: inspireaccess.org ABOUT JASON KIRBY Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101  ---------------------------------- In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, Jason Kirby talks with Dori Yona, founder of Simple Closure, about the tough but crucial process of shutting down a startup. Dori shares his journey from building companies to facing the challenges that inspired Simple Closure, a service that helps founders close their businesses smoothly. Dori opens up about the emotional and logistical hurdles founders face when shutting down, stressing the importance of having a clear plan to protect relationships and ease the transition. He provides practical advice for founders on preparing for closure and using the experience as a stepping stone to their next venture. Happy watching! Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Trailer 01:07 Introduction to Dori Yona and Simple Closure 02:27 Dori’s entrepreneurial journey and founding Simple Closure 04:00 The challenges founders face when considering a shutdown 07:12 The financial and logistical complexities of winding down 09:31 Why founders need a plan B (and how to create one) 19:38 How Dori’s experience inspired Simple Closure’s unique approach 28:13 How Simple Closure assists with legal and tax requirements 37:45 Common mistakes founders make when shutting down 42:25 The emotional journey of letting go and moving on 45:14 Advice for founders to maintain investor relationships during closure ABOUT DORI YONA Dori Yona is an experienced founder and CEO with a decade of experience in the entrepreneurial world. After successfully building and exiting multiple companies, Dori encountered the hidden complexities of closing down a business, an experience that inspired him to launch Simple Closure. Simple Closure offers founders a streamlined solution to wind down their companies, ensuring they can protect their reputation, maintain investor relationships, and transition smoothly to their next ventures. Dori is passionate about supporting founders through difficult times and providing them with the tools they need to move forward confidently. Connect with Dori on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dori-yona-b8369877/ X : https://x.com/doriyona Website: https://simpleclosure.com/ Email: dori@simpleclosure.com ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here:https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips -https://join.thunder.vc ---------------------- In this eye-opening episode of Fundraising Demystified, host Jason Kirby sits down with Mark Peter Davis, Managing Partner at Interplay Ventures, about the realities of venture capital and smart fundraising strategies for founders. Mark challenges the "VC or bust" mentality, offering founders a fresh perspective on building sustainable businesses. He shares practical advice from his book "The Fundraising Rules" and reveals what Interplay looks for in potential investments. Don't miss Mark's parting words of wisdom – a powerful reminder that while fundraising is a crucial skill, it's ultimately about building a great company that can stand on its own merits. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Trailer 01:10 Introduction to Mark Peter Davis and Interplay Ventures 06:30 The mission and structure of Interplay's startup ecosystem 09:03 Notable successes and exits from Interplay's portfolio 13:35 What Interplay looks for in potential investments 14:40 Insights from Mark's book "The Fundraising Rules" 22:38 Why most companies shouldn't raise venture capital 25:59 Differences between raising capital as a founder vs. a GP 28:23 Interplay's investment criteria and portfolio construction 30:50 How founders can get Interplay's attention and the investment process 35:34 Interplay's unique approach to due diligence 40:35 Mark's parting advice for founders raising venture capital ABOUT MARK PETER DAVIS ⁠Mark Peter Davis⁠ ("MPD") is a veteran venture capitalist, serial entrepreneur, and author with a track record of success across multiple facets of the startup ecosystem. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Interplay Ventures, a unique venture capital and incubation firm that has invested in unicorns like ⁠Coinbase⁠ and ⁠Warby Parker⁠. MPD co-founded several startups, including ⁠Kohort⁠ and Zotspot, and has invested in over 40 companies. His book, "The Fundraising Rules," is a go-to guide for entrepreneurs navigating the capital-raising process. Mark is also the founder of influential networking groups like the NY Venture Community and Columbia Venture Community. Mark is active on social media, sharing insights from his extensive experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship. His unique perspective, shaped by both successes and challenges, makes him a valuable voice in the startup community. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital?  Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc Raising capital?  Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips: https://blog.thunder.vc/funding-101 We're thrilled to have Nick Telson-Sillett in the hot seat taking us through his remarkable journey, from bootstrapping Design My Night to a £30+ million exit, to raising venture capital for his SaaS venture, Trumpet, and building Sequel, an investment fund for professional athletes. His unique perspective offers a practical guide on when to bootstrap, when to seek VC funding, and how to execute an exit strategy effectively. This episode is a must-listen for founders at any stage, offering a blend of strategic advice and real-life stories for building and scaling successful startups. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 - Trailer / Introduction 05:34 - The story behind Design My Night and bootstrapping to a £30+ million exit 18:15 - Raising venture capital for Trumpet 19:15 - Strategies for creating traction without a product 26:45 - Current seed funding landscape 30:07 - Introduction to Sequel, a unique investment platform for professional athletes 36:03 - Angel investing and what Nick looks for in founders 38:10 - The importance of non-ego founders and realistic growth projections ABOUT NICK TELSON-SILLETT Nick Telson-Sillett is a seasoned entrepreneur with success in both bootstrapped and VC-backed startups. He co-founded Design My Night, which he bootstrapped to a £30+ million exit, and is currently leading Trumpet, a venture-backed B2B SaaS company. Nick is also involved with Sequel, an innovative platform connecting professional athletes with startup investment opportunities. With his diverse experience, Nick offers a unique and valuable perspective on the startup ecosystem. He's active on LinkedIn, regularly sharing insights and lessons from his entrepreneurial journey. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

Get your free list of AI-matched VCs: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-invest...  Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://join.thunder.vc/ In this episode of Fundraising Demystified, Jason Kirby, a seasoned entrepreneur who has raised over $145 million and completed four exits, breaks down the strategic steps required for a successful 12-month fundraising process.  Whether you’re a first-time founder or an experienced entrepreneur, Jason offers actionable advice on how to build relationships with investors, craft a winning pitch, and navigate the often lengthy due diligence process. Jason's insights cover everything from building relationships before you need the money, to sustaining growth, and closing the deal. His practical tips on managing investor relations, leveraging networks, and preparing a solid growth trajectory are invaluable for anyone looking to secure equity capital for their startup. Here’s what you can expect in this episode: 00:00 Introduction  00:55 Why fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint 02:49 The importance of building investor relationships before you need them 04:41 Identifying the right experts and investors for your startup 05:49 How to nurture relationships and maintain momentum through updates 07:05 Preparing your pitch deck and ensuring continuous growth 08:09 Why 6 months of consistent growth is crucial before starting your fundraise 09:53 How to get warm intros and create a hyper-targeted investor pool 11:40 Mapping out your calls and securing in-person meetings with investors 14:39 The "magic number" of 30 meetings with investors and why it works 15:18 Final steps: Negotiating term sheets and completing due diligence If you're aiming to raise equity capital for your startup, this episode is packed with the advice you need to execute a successful fundraising process. This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

Join us as we sit down with Edrizio De La Cruz, founder of Arcus (formerly Regalii), a fintech company that revolutionized bill payments in Latin America. Get your free list of AI-matched VCs: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: https://join.thunder.vc/ Edrizio shares his journey from Air Force mechanic to Wall Street, and ultimately to successful tech entrepreneur. He offers candid insights into founding, funding, and selling a startup.A real underdog to man-on-top story. Edrizio emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and maintaining conviction in your vision, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Drawing from his experience, Edrizio provides great advice for founders at various stages of their journey, making this episode a must-listen for any tech entrepreneurs out there. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Introduction 02:54 Edrizio's background and the genesis of Arcus 06:28 The Y Combinator experience and early funding challenges 11:34 Pivoting the business model and subsequent growth 16:22 Navigating the Series A fundraising process 24:54 The decision to sell to Mastercard 29:17 Behind-the-scenes of the acquisition process 31:19 Edrizio's post-acquisition journey and new ventures 32:30 The Founder School and supporting diverse tech founders 37:36 Common mistakes early-stage founders make 39:37 Edrizio's unique approach to pitch deck ABOUT EDRIZIO DE LA CRUZ Edrizio De La Cruz is a Dominican-born entrepreneur and fintech innovator. After immigrating to the US at age 12, he served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic before transitioning to Wall Street and then pursuing his MBA at Wharton. Edrizio founded Regalii (later rebranded as Arcus) to address inefficiencies in cross-border money transfers and bill payments in Latin America. Under Edrizio's leadership, Arcus raised over $25 million in funding and was ultimately acquired by Mastercard. His journey from immigrant to successful tech founder has been documented in his book, "The Underdog Founder." Currently, Edrizio runs The Founder School, a 12-week program dedicated to helping diverse tech professionals launch successful startups. Drawing from his experience in founding, scaling, and selling a tech company, he's passionate about creating opportunities for underrepresented founders in the tech ecosystem. ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

In this special solo episode, Jason Kirby, serial entrepreneur and Managing Director of Thunder.VC, shares his invaluable insights on how to make a lasting impression during your first investor call. With four successful exits and over $135 million in transactions under his belt, Jason reveals the secrets that can make or break your fundraising efforts. Jason walks through the critical steps founders should take before, during, and after that crucial first investor meeting. He emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation, setting the right tone, and focusing on relationship-building rather than immediate fundraising. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Introduction 00:45 How to Nail Your First Investor Meeting 01:53 Doing your homework before the call 04:31 Setting the agenda and tone for the meeting 09:24 Balancing talking and listening during the call 10:24 The importance of booking the next meeting 12:45 Quick highlights and key takeaways. This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

In this episode, we're joined by Ari Newman, co-founder and managing partner of Massive VC. Ari is a successful exited founder, former partner at Techstars, and experienced board member. His unique hybrid investment model at Massive VC combines committed capital with deal-by-deal flexibility, offering investors unprecedented access and information for seed-plus to growth-stage investments. Our conversation with Ari covers the potential pitfalls of SAFE agreements and the importance of proper company structure, his journey from founder to investor, and the dynamics of board relationships. Ari shares valuable insights on the crucial role of trust and communication between founders and investors, drawing from his extensive experience on both sides of the table. Here's what you're in for: 00:49 The impact of SAFEs on founders and potential pitfalls 05:55 Stacking SAFEs and the challenges it creates for fundraising 12:01 The importance of proper company structure and governance 19:35 Ari's experience investing in Chainalysis during the early days of blockchain 22:06 Comparing fundraising as a founder vs. as a VC 29:54 The importance of trust and communication in board relationships This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT ARI NEWMAN Ari Newman is the co-founder and managing director at Massive VC and Partner at The Fund Rockies. Ari brings a wealth of experience as a 2x founder with 15 years on the operating side, and has been in venture capital since 2012. He's also a mentor, advisor, and board member, having previously served as a partner at Techstars. Ari brings his background both as an entrepreneur and investor to help founders navigate the challenges of building and scaling technology companies. Connect with Ari on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arinewman/ Email: ari@massive.vc Website: https://www.massive.vc/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

Ali Ansari, founder, CEO, and the brains behind Micro One, shares his experience transitioning from an agency to a tech company and raising pre-seed funding. Join the conversation as Ali dishes on the hurdles of dodging the "staffing agency" label and convincing investors that Micro One is the real deal.  Ali emphasizes the importance of building momentum in a capital raise, engaging with investors, dealing with rejection like a pro, and even spicing things up with public exposure and leveraging social media. Ali spills the deets on productizing, fundraising, and everything in between. Trust us, you don't want to miss this episode! HERE ARE SOME KEY POINTS IN THIS EPISODE 00:35 - Ali and the beginning of Micro1 Tech 04:13 - The "Rolling Pre-seed" 13:46 - The Forseable Path to $100 Annual Revenue 15:49 - A Reason to Build in Public 26:52 - Building Momentum Organically 36:43 - Getting Help from other Founders Where to Find Ali Connect with Ali on Twitter and LinkedIn for some tech talk: 👉 Ali Ansari's Twitter: https://twitter.com/aliniikk/ 👉 Ali Ansari's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ansari-7b240a18b/ You may also explore the wonders of Micro1 on their website and social media accounts: Get 240 Hours of Free Engineering Here https://www.micro1.ai/partners/fundraising-demystified  🚀 Micro1 Website: https://www.micro1.ai/  🔗 Micro1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/micro1/  🐦 Micro1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/micro1_ai  📸 Micro1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micro1.ai/ Hosted by Jason Kirby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for market and industry news and tips when it comes to raising capital and growing your business - https://join.thunder.vc Seeking to raise capital? Get your list of target VCs by creating a free profile here - https://web.thunder.vc  Looking to raise debt? Explore tailored debt options for free by completing a profile at https://debt.thunder.vc Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support, and we're excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders.

We are excited to announce the release of the latest episode of Fundraising Demystified! In this episode, Jason Kirby talks to Jeff Beck, CEO and co-founder of Answers Now. Jeff, a licensed clinical social worker, shares his experience of raising an oversubscribed Series A of $11 million for his platform that enables support for autism. Here are the main topics discussed in the episode: - Jeff's fundraising journey for his healthcare startup - Tips and tricks for fundraising, including building relationships with VCs as a first-time founder and diligencing potential investors - Insights into the fundraising landscape and how to succeed - The complexity of Jeff's business and how they have been able to successfully improve outcomes without the need for in-person visits - The lessons learned from the convertible note structure - The challenges of balancing fundraising with running a business - Tips for founders seeking to raise funds Here are some key takeaways from the episode: - It's important to have a clear idea of how much you want to raise and what you want to use it for - Focus on telling a strong, compelling story to attract investors - Pay attention to body language when meeting with investors - Understand the motives behind investor decisions and be prepared for the unexpected - Focus on building strong teams, being transparent with customers, and prioritizing mental health Links mentioned: AnswersNow website: https://getanswersnow.com Write to Jeff at jeff@getanswersnow.com Hosted by Jason Kirby - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/ Thunder website - https://thunder.vc Email Jason at jason@thunder.vc Don't forget to hit subscribe for more episodes!!

In this episode, we welcome Noah Friedman, a distinguished venture capitalist and general partner at Top Shelf Ventures. Noah shares his fascinating career transition from acting to becoming a successful VC and entrepreneur in the alcohol industry. Noah provides valuable insights into his experiences founding Top Shelf Ventures, a fund specializing in the alcohol sector, and co-founding Uncharted, an innovative media and events business that facilitates connections between leading founders and investors. He offers expert advice on the challenges of fundraising for a new fund, strategies for cultivating relationships with Limited Partners, and the key criteria he considers when evaluating potential investments in alcohol brands. It's a spirited conversation you won't want to miss! Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Intro 07:49 Building relationships with mentors 11:56 The founding story of Uncharted 20:16 Challenges of raising a first-time fund 31:42 Investment criteria for alcohol brands 35:42 Valuation approaches for alcohol startups 37:18 Exit valuations in the alcohol industry 39:11 Advice for emerging fund managers 42:34 Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT NOAH FRIEDMAN Noah Friedman is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Top Shelf Ventures, a venture and private equity fund that targets the biggest opportunities in the multi-trillion-dollar alcohol and vices industries. He is also the Co-Founder of Uncharted with Michael Loeb, a community of world-class founders and investors anchored by a monthly dinner series and an annual summit. Noah is a goal and growth-oriented, obsessively entrepreneurial individual passionate about creating, scaling, and growing great businesses. Noah’s experience and passions lie at the intersection of technology, media, CPG, and communication, with a background in acting and production that has been a fundamental building block for how he approaches business, communication, and people. Connect with Noah on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahsf/ X: https://x.com/noahsfriedman?lang=en ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

In this episode, we're joined by Prateek Joshi, founder and former CEO of Plutoshift (acquired), machine learning author, and now Venture Capitalist at Moxxie Ventures. Pratik shares his journey from growing up in India to becoming a successful tech entrepreneur and investor in Silicon Valley. Pratik talks about his experiences writing 13 technical books on AI and machine learning, building and exiting a venture-backed startup, and transitioning to the world of venture capital. He offers valuable insights on fundraising, product development, and what he looks for as an investor in early-stage startups. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Intro 03:17 Writing 13 books on AI and machine learning 06:16 Founding Plutoshift and raising venture capital 14:59 Metrics and milestones for Series A funding 22:27 Transitioning from founder to VC 32:58 Advice for AI founders on product development and fundraising 37:38 How startups can differentiate in a crowded AI market 39:50 Key lessons learned as an entrepreneur and investor 44:30 Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT PRATEEK JOSHI Prateek Joshi is a Venture Capitalist at Moxxie Ventures, focusing on seed-stage investments in AI, robotics, climate tech, and healthcare. He is the former founder and CEO of Plutoshift, an AI company for physical infrastructure that raised over $16 million in venture funding before being acquired. Pratik is also the author of 13 technical books on artificial intelligence and machine learning. With a background in software engineering and AI from his time at NVIDIA, Pratik brings a unique blend of technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience to his role as an investor. He is passionate about helping early-stage founders navigate the challenges of building and scaling technology startups. Connect with Prateek on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prateek-joshi-91047b19/ Website: https://www.prateekj.com/ X: https://x.com/prateekvjoshi Email: prateek@moxie.vc ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

In this episode, I'm excited to welcome the DeepTech entrepreneur, Michael Markesbery, the co-founder and CEO of OROS Labs- a material technology company that provides thermal solutions. He shares his journey from solving a personal problem to building a deep tech material science company that has raised over $50 million. OROS Lab has raised funding through a Kickstarter campaign, seed rounds, and a recent Series B round led by Airbus Ventures. Michael offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, having transitioned from a direct-to-consumer apparel brand to a material science company serving consumer, commercial, and government sectors. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur in the DeepTech space, Michael's practical advice and real-world experiences offer valuable lessons on building and scaling a hardware-based startup. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Intro 00:19 Michael's Journey from Apparel to Material Science 01:30 Discovering the Insulation Problem 03:36 Breakthrough with Aerogel 05:26 Commercializing the Technology 07:42 Fundraising and Early Challenges 17:26 Market strategy contract manufacturing vs. In-house production 25:51 Entering government contracts and assembling teams 21:58 Applications of SolarCore foam and market positioning 28:41 Series B funding insights and choosing investors 31:14 Engaging with prospective investors 35:45 Tips for deep tech founders 41:45 Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT MICHAEL MARKESBERY Michael Markesbery is the co-founder and CEO of Oros Labs, a pioneering material science company that has revolutionized insulation technology. His journey began as a college student when a backpacking trip in the Swiss Alps inspired him to solve the problem of bulky cold-weather gear. In 2014, Michael was awarded the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship, which proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. He has successfully navigated OROS Labs (A material technology company focused on creating the most scientifically advanced thermal solutions on the planet) through multiple funding rounds, raising over $50 million in venture capital to date. The company's innovative approach has also caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Defense, resulting in a multi-million dollar contract. In 2019, Michael spearheaded Oros Labs' growth and relocated its headquarters to Portland, Oregon. He secured partnerships with innovative entities such as Ad Astra, Elon Musk and Josh Dahn's school, underscoring his dedication to STEM education. Michael epitomizes the new wave of entrepreneurs propelling sustainable, high-performance material advancements. Connect with Michael Markesbery on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-markesbery-32169088/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmarkesbery/?hl=en Website: https://oroslabs.com/ Email: michael@solarcore.tech ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

Join us as we sit down with David Rodnitzky, the founder and former CEO of 3Q Digital. He built his company from the ground up, sold it, then in a rare move, bought it back, only to sell it again.  David breaks down the challenges and opportunities he encountered during multiple rounds of fundraising and acquisitions, offering real insights in agency growth and M&A transactions. For entrepreneurs eyeing the exit, David's story is a wake-up call. He emphasizes that building and selling a service-based business is far from straightforward, and there's more to consider than just the financial windfall. Drawing from his experience, David provides invaluable advice for founders contemplating a sale, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the professional services space looking to scale or sell their business. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Intro 02:33 The founding and growth of 3Q Digital 08:31 First sale and the challenges of earn-outs 15:51 Buying back the company and subsequent sale 21:38 What makes a marketing agency attractive for acquisition 25:34 Common deal structures in agency acquisitions 33:14 Factors that can derail a deal 39:08 Advice for founders considering selling their business 42:12 David's book: "Selling Your Marketing Agency" 48:45 Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT DAVID RODNITZKY David Rodnitzky is a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing expert with over two decades of experience in the digital marketing industry. His journey began in 2000 at Rentals.com, where he pioneered the shift toward search engine marketing (SEM), setting a precedent for success in the field. As the founder of 3Q Digital, David built the agency from the ground up, leading it through exceptional growth and multiple successful transactions. His expertise has been recognized by Google, naming 3Q Digital a top agency partner, and his insights have been featured in prestigious publications. David's contributions to the industry earned him the University of Iowa's 2021 Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year award. David also wrote a book called "Selling Your Marketing Agency" which aims to level the playing field for agency owners looking to sell their businesses by sharing insights from his own experiences with multiple transactions. The book provides valuable guidance for professional services business owners on navigating the complexities of selling their companies Currently, David runs a consulting firm dedicated to helping marketing agency founders grow their businesses and navigate the complexities of selling. Drawing from his experience in agency growth and M&A transactions, he's passionate about creating equal opportunities for founders in the agency sale process. Connect with David on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrodnitzky/ Website: https://davidrodnitzky.com/ David's book "Selling Your Marketing Agency" provides valuable guidance for professional services business owners on navigating the complexities of selling their companies and is now available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Your-Marketing-Agency-Important/dp/B0CGHNMFL2 ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

In this episode, we're joined by Aakash Shah, founder and CEO of Wyndly, a healthcare startup revolutionizing allergy treatment. Akash shares his journey from personal allergy sufferer to innovative healthcare entrepreneur, and reveals how he navigated the challenging waters of fundraising without relying solely on traditional venture capital. Aakash talks about creative capital strategies, demonstrating how startups can thrive by thinking outside the VC box. From leveraging customer relationships to learning finance lessons from restaurant owners, Akash's approach offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs in any industry. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Intro 02:33 From personal struggle to startup solution 07:58 Y Combinator experience and its impact on fundraising 17:42 Creative capital strategies: Beyond traditional VC funding 33:16 Lessons from other industries 36:42 Understanding and optimizing cash conversion cycles 40:13 The importance of founder networks and peer support 46:09 Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT AAKASH SHAH Aakash Shah is the co-founder and CEO of Wyndly, a healthcare startup dedicated to fixing allergies forever. With a background in software and growth product, Aakash leveraged his personal experience with severe allergies to create an innovative, accessible solution for allergy sufferers. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 2016 with a dual major in Computer Science and Cognitive Science, Aakash joined small technology companies, knowing that technology would continue to change the world. Now, as a Wyndly patient and founder, he's dedicated himself to fixing people's allergies with personalized treatment and phenomenal care. His journey from Y Combinator to exploring alternative funding strategies offers a fresh perspective on startup growth and capital acquisition in the healthcare sector. Aakash's approach combines his tech background with a deep understanding of healthcare needs, creating a unique blend of innovation and practicality in the allergy treatment space. Connect with Aakash Shah on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mraakashshah/ X : https://x.com/aakashdotio Website: https://www.wyndly.com/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

We're privileged to have Dan Reich join us in this episode - a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with an impressive track record of successful exits. From his humble beginnings selling bouncy balls in high school, he's gone on to found and exit companies in diverse sectors including technology and beauty. In our conversation, Dan talks about the intricacies of startups, fundraising strategies, and the art of pivoting. He shares candid reflections on his experiences with ventures like Spinback, Tula Skincare, and Troops.ai, each representing different industries and fundraising approaches. Whether you're a first-time founder or a veteran entrepreneur, Dan's story and insights offer valuable lessons for navigating the complex world of startups and venture capital. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 Intro 05:19 Choosing the right business partners 08:38 The power of the internet and social media 12:58 Pivoting from beauty to tech 31:17 Building on top of Slack and the acquisition by Salesforce 37:07 Post-Acquisition experience and building new ventures 43:03 Lessons on fundraising and capital allocation 53:40 Angel investing and giving back to the startup ecosystem 58:14 Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT DAN REICH Dan Reich is a serial entrepreneur and investor with a track record of building and exiting successful companies across tech and beauty industries. His notable ventures include TULA Skincare (acquired by Procter & Gamble), Troops.ai (acquired by Salesforce), and Spinback (acquired by Buddy Media, later Salesforce). Dan's entrepreneurial journey, which began in his teens, has earned him recognition as one of the "coolest people in New York tech" by Business Insider. Beyond his business acumen, Dan is an active angel investor, advisor, and philanthropist. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has contributed to publications like Forbes and Harvard Business Review. When not building companies, Dan can be found at New York Giants games, on the golf course, or volunteering for rescue operations at Mount Snow, Vermont. His life philosophy is simple: "I am, and will forever be, a student." Connect with Dan Reich on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danreich/ X : https://x.com/DanReich Website: https://danreich.com/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

In this episode, we're thrilled to talk with a true tech veteran, Chris Gladwin, a serial entrepreneur and currently the CEO and co-founder of Ocient. Chris shares his journey through multiple successful ventures, including Cleversafe (acquired by IBM for over $1.4 billion) and MusicNow. He provides valuable insights into raising capital, navigating market cycles, and building resilient tech companies. Chris offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, having raised hundreds of millions of dollars across various market conditions. He discusses the challenges of fundraising during different economic climates and shares strategies for success. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, Chris's practical advice and real-world stories will surely resonate. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 - Intro 07:54 - Strategies for raising capital vs. selling companies 11:03 - Navigating fundraising in different market cycles 23:43 - Understanding valuation models and market trends 30:17 - Avoiding overvaluation and excessive burn rates 37:38 - The benefits of being bought rather than selling 39:35 - How Circuit City acquired Music Now 48:35 - Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT CHRIS GLADWIN Chris Gladwin is a seasoned entrepreneur with multiple successful exits under his belt. He is currently the CEO and co-founder of OCIENT, a software company providing solutions for the world's largest data analyzing systems. In 2004, Chris founded Cleversafe, which became the largest and most strategic object storage vendor in the world. Under his leadership, Cleversafe had over 1,000 patents granted or filed. After raising over $100M, Chris led the company to a $1.4B exit in 2015 when IBM acquired the company. Before Cleversafe, Chris founded MusicNow and Cruise Technologies startups and led Zenith Data Systems' product strategy. He started his career at Martin Marietta as a database developer and holds an engineering degree from MIT. Chris's experience spans various sectors, including data storage, digital music, and enterprise software, making him a valuable voice in the tech startup ecosystem. Connect with Chris Gladwin on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-gladwin-7ba42b/ Website: https://ocient.com/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

In this episode, we're sitting down with Alex Pattis, general partner at Riverside Ventures and author of the newsletter "Last Money In". Alex shares his journey from sales director to launching a syndicate that has completed over 300 deals and deployed $75 million in capital. Alex provides valuable insights into how syndicates operate, their advantages for both founders and investors, and the common pitfalls to avoid. He also discusses the current trends in the syndicate market and offers advice for founders considering working with syndicates. Here's what you're in for: 00: 00 - Intro 04:53 - Demystifying syndicates: Understanding LPs and SPVs 07:54 - The value of syndicates for founders 14:11 - The importance of transparency in the syndicate process 18:37 - Current trends in the syndicate market 32:36 - Common mistakes in the syndicate market 38:01 - Strategic fundraising with Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) 47:19 - Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT ALEX PATTIS Alex Pattis is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a diverse background in both operations and venture capital. He is currently a co-founder of Last Money In Media, producing the most actionable VC newsletter focused on explaining Special Purpose Vehicles within the  Venture Capital ecosystem. He is also a General Partner at Riverside Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in high-growth technology companies. To date, they have deployed over $70 million. Alex's operating background includes nearly a decade of scaling early-stage startups, focusing on growth and commercial strategy. In venture capital, Alex has invested in over 250 companies as a General Partner at Riverside Ventures. He is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses. His experience spans both operational and investment roles, giving him a unique perspective on the startup ecosystem. Connect with Alex Pattis on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-pattis-1709011a/ Newsletter: https://lastmoneyin.co/ ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 multi-million exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/

We're excited to have Wen-Wen Lam, former founder of NexTravel and formerly a partner at Gradient Ventures, join us in this episode. Wen-Wen shares her entrepreneurial journey, from her early days at LinkedIn to founding and scaling NexTravel to $100 million in bookings before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the travel industry. Wen-Wen provides invaluable insights into the challenging process of acquiring and selling a company during a crisis. She walks us through her strategic approach, including compiling a list of potential buyers, pitching the acquisition, and navigating the intense psychological pressures involved which led to the acquisition by Travelperk in 2020. She also talks about the transition into venture capital where she focused on consumer applications of AI in areas like chatbots, the creator economy, and social platforms. Wen-Wen shares her unique perspective on identifying promising startups in these spaces. Here's what you're in for: 00:00 - Intro 00:34 - Background and path to founding NexTravel 06:59 - Scaling NexTravel to $100 million in bookings 10:45 - Impact of COVID-19 and the decision to sell the company 16:02 - Strategic approach to running an acquisition process 24:44 - Joining Gradient Ventures and her transition into VC 32:00 - The rise of chatbots and their appeal to younger generations 37:02 - The power of unique and funny content 42:00 - Outro This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders. Raising capital? Get a list of vetted VCs for FREE here: https://web.thunder.vc/list-of-investors-vcs-for-founders  Raising debt? Find the perfect lender in minutes here: https://debt.thunder.vc Get the latest fundraising insights, news, and tips - https://join.thunder.vc ABOUT WEN-WEN LAM Wen-Wen Lam, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, was formerly a partner at Gradient Ventures, an AI fund. Prior to joining Gradient, she founded NexTravel, a corporate travel booking platform that scaled to over $100 million in bookings before being acquired by Travelperk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her resilience and strategic approach allowed her to navigate the challenges of acquiring and selling a company amid a crisis. Wen-Wen's entrepreneurial journey began at LinkedIn and she has also worked with the founders of MySpace at Slingshot Labs, providing her with unique insights into building successful startups, fundraising, and operating in rapidly evolving industries. With her multifaceted career, Wen-Wen brings a valuable combination of operating experience and investment acumen to Gradient Ventures, focusing on areas like chatbots, the creator economy, and social AI applications. Connect with Wen-Wen on: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenwen/ X: https://x.com/wenwen?lang=en ABOUT FUNDRAISING DEMYSTIFIED Our goal is simple: to equip you with the knowledge, inspiration, and guidance to navigate the labyrinthine world of fundraising. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur seeking seed funding or an established founder looking to scale your business, this podcast will provide you with the tools you need to conquer the fundraising landscape. Thank you for being a loyal subscriber to Fundraising Demystified. We appreciate your support and are excited to continue bringing you more inspiring stories from successful founders. ABOUT JASON Jason Kirby is the co-founder of Thunder VC. He is a serial entrepreneur with 4 exits and decades of experience in fundraising and business building. He has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs in his career on fundraising, investing, capital strategy, and business development. You can reach out to Jason through: Email: jason@thunder.vcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrkirby/