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How Brian Sheng Closed a $112M Round for Aquaria (Brian Sheng / Aquaria - Ep 55)
Raising money isn’t just about convincing investors—it’s about surviving long enough to do it. Brian Sheng, founder of Aquaria, bootstrapped millions of his own dollars, ran relentless product-market fit experiments, and faced rejection after rejection before securing a $112M round to scale his breakthrough water technology. We dive into the toughest moments of his fundraising journey, the insight that finally got investors on board, and the mindset that kept him pushing forward. If you’re a founder struggling to raise capital, this episode is a must-listen.
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TBC: Should You Announce Your Fundraise? Pros vs Cons.
Hello & welcome back to The Backchannel! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overshadowed in the frenzy of fundraising: whether or not to announce your round.Drawing from the hosts own experiences and observations, he'll guide you through some of the complexities involved in making this decision. Join us as we dissect the strategic implications and weigh the pros and cons, offering practical insights for founders charting their course in the startup landscape.See you next week!
TBC: The 7 Forms of Support You Need to Fundraise
The truth is - most first-time fundraisers underestimate all that goes into fundraising and the support you need to make it through.In this episode, Jason touches on 7 different emotional and tactical forms of support every founder should be aware of before jumping into a fundraise.Make sure to watch the full episode so you don't miss any!See you next week on The Backchannel.
Betting on Yourself: The Journey to Closing a $7.6M Seed Round (Stacy Edgar / Venteur)
There is one thing that almost every single entrepreneur has in common - the drive to change the world in some way, shape, or form. For today's guest, she spent years of her career working for organizations like Doctors Without Borders and the United Nations, living overseas and funding entrepreneurs who were trying to make a difference in their communities. Stacy Edgar is the co-founder and CEO of Venteur, a company revolutionizing the healthcare space. To date, Ventuer has raised a total of $7.72M in venture funding. $120k of that being a pre-seed round from Techstars, the other $7.6M coming from the seed round they closed in August of 2023 led by GSR Ventures. In this episode Stacy shares some of her stories from raising her seed round as well as her success with open enrollment and the hard decisions they had to (and continue to have to) make while raising and scaling the business. Make sure to listen to the full episode!
TBC: Lead vs. Co-Lead Investors
In this episode of The Backchannel, the host delves into the intricacies of lead investors versus co-leads, breaking down the key distinctions and red flags to watch out for. Learn why securing a dedicated lead investor holds paramount importance in navigating the complexities of fundraising, and gain valuable insights into the potential pitfalls of co-lead arrangements. Tune in for an informative exploration of investment dynamics and strategic considerations to think about before considering getting a co-lead. See you next week!
TBC: Pattern Recognition
Join us in this episode for an insightful discussion on pattern recognition in venture capital and its impact on underrepresented founders. The host dives into the power dynamics of pattern matching, exploring how VCs use this tool to make investment decisions while shedding light on its potential biases. From the imprecision of pattern recognition to strategies for overcoming its limitations, this episode offers practical insights for both founders and investors. Listen in for a solid conversation on leveling the playing field in startup funding.
Builder Turned Fundraiser: Raising $63M for Tractian (Igor Marinelli / Tractian)
While most kids were occupied with typical childhood activities, today's guest was already knee-deep in the world of technology. From coding PHP to deconstructing old computers with his pops, his early passion for innovation set the stage for an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. Fast forward to the present, Igor Marinelli stands as the visionary co-founder of Tractian, a cutting-edge machine intelligence company that has gained significant attention in the startup ecosystem. With an impressive $63 million in funding raised within just four years, including a substantial $45 million Series B led by renowned investor General Catalyst, Igor's achievements are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Join us as we delve into Igor's insightful narrative, exploring the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial trajectory and propelled Tractian to success.
TBC: The Use of Funds Slide
In this episode, the host tackles a common yet often misunderstood slide in pitch decks: the "use of funds" slide. Many founders include it because they've heard it's necessary, but often it ends up being a vague waste of space. Instead, use this slide strategically to outline where you are today, your future goals, and how the allocated funds will be specifically utilized. By anchoring it in concrete objectives and clear allocation, you not only inform investors but also demonstrate a thoughtful plan for executing with the capital raised. So, next time you're crafting a use of funds slide, ensure it serves a purpose and isn't just a filler in your deck!
TBC: The Secret Value of the Email Appendix
In this episode of the Back Channel, Jason shares a fresh approach to email communication that's both personal and impactful.Learn how to craft emails with a punchy, genuine tone while including a business-focused appendix for all the important details.Say goodbye to lengthy, synthetic emails and hello to increased response rates. Listen and discover the power of the email appendix and revolutionize your communication style!
Trailblazing the VC Industry (Joanna Strober / Midi Health)
In the last two decades, the startup industry has seen remarkable transformations, from the emergence of angel investors and venture capital firms to the rise of SaaS, cryptocurrencies, and the global diversification of the field. But what's even more exciting is the increasing presence of female founders, who, despite facing challenges, are making significant strides in entrepreneurship. Today, we're chatting with Joanna Strober, a founder who's witnessed this industry shift firsthand. From being one of the few women in venture capital to securing venture backing for her first company (which was later acquired by Weight Watchers), and raising a total of $39M for her latest venture, Midi Health, Joanna's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Curious about what it was like being apart of a changing industry? Listen to find out.
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