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Early-Stage Founders: Navigating Salaries and Executive Assistants to Impress VCs

Early-Stage Founders: Navigating Salaries and Executive Assistants to Impress VCs

Venture capitalist Jenny Fielding sparked a lively debate on X regarding the use of executive assistants by early-stage founders. While some suggested AI assistants, she stressed the importance of cash management during critical startup phases. Fielding emphasized that founders should focus on product development rather than hiring expensive roles like COO or CFO at pre-seed stages. Excessive salaries, such as $300,000 for founders, can jeopardize funding opportunities, as prudent salary ranges are recommended between $85,000 and $125,000. VCs are closely monitoring these financial decisions as companies seek future funding.

Created at: December 26, 2024 7:01pm

Startups Adapt to Liquidity Challenges Amid IPO Conversations

Startups Adapt to Liquidity Challenges Amid IPO Conversations

This week, several startups reported new funding rounds, shifting focus from unicorn status to achieving $1 billion in annual recurring revenue before considering IPOs. Vinted, a Lithuanian secondhand marketplace, was valued at €5 billion in a secondary share sale, while Ro's CEO sees benefits in remaining private. Wiz aims for a $1 billion ARR before going public after declining a $23 billion acquisition offer from Google. Indian fintech Groww is relocating to comply with local regulations. Federal regulators have also greenlit eVTOL aircraft to share airspace, benefiting related startups.

Created at: October 25, 2024 7:30pm

Countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Last Chance for Discounted Tickets!

Countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Last Chance for Discounted Tickets!

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is set to take place from October 28-30 at Moscone West in San Francisco, gathering over 10,000 startup and VC leaders. Attendees can connect with industry experts, explore innovations from 350+ startups, and participate in 200+ interactive sessions. The event will feature key speakers like NASA's A.C. Charania and General Motors' Mary Barra. Ticket prices will increase after October 27, offering savings of up to $400 or a 2-for-1 Expo+ Pass. This is an unmissable opportunity for networking and learning in the tech industry.

Created at: October 25, 2024 2:00pm

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Final Countdown to Innovation Hub

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Final Countdown to Innovation Hub

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is set to take place from October 28-30 at Moscone West in San Francisco, bringing together over 10,000 startup and VC leaders. Attendees can expect to witness innovations from more than 350 startups and gain insights from 250 industry experts across multiple sectors. The event features 200+ interactive sessions and the exciting Startup Battlefield 200 pitch competition, where startups compete for a $100,000 prize. Ticket prices will increase after October 27, so early registration is encouraged to secure savings.

Created at: October 24, 2024 3:00pm

StrictlyVC Debuts at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: A Must-Attend Investor Session

StrictlyVC Debuts at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: A Must-Attend Investor Session

StrictlyVC is set to host its inaugural event at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, providing a unique platform for investors to network and gain insights from industry leaders. Scheduled for October 29 at Moscone West in San Francisco, the session will feature prominent figures such as Aileen Lee and members of The Chainsmokers' venture capital team. This exclusive event is available only to Disrupt 2024 Investor Pass holders, promising invaluable discussions on investment trends. Interested attendees are encouraged to secure their passes early, as ticket prices will increase at the door.

Created at: October 24, 2024 3:00pm

General Catalyst Secures $8B to Fuel Startup Innovation Globally

General Catalyst Secures $8B to Fuel Startup Innovation Globally

General Catalyst has announced a major fundraising initiative, securing $8 billion to invest in early-stage startups across various sectors, including the U.S., Europe, and India. This capital includes $4.5 billion for core VC funds and $1.5 billion dedicated to supporting proven founders. The firm aims to enhance its investments in AI, healthcare, and fintech, among others. General Catalyst, known for backing successful startups like Airbnb and Stripe, now manages approximately $25 billion in assets. The announcement follows reports of a potential $1 billion continuation fund and plans for investments in Saudi Arabia.

Created at: October 24, 2024 1:00pm

New VC Firm Chemistry Secures $350 Million for Startups

New VC Firm Chemistry Secures $350 Million for Startups

The newly launched venture capital firm Chemistry has successfully raised $350 million for its debut fund, as reported by Forbes. Founded by Mark Goldberg, Kristina Shen, and Ethan Kurzweil, all seasoned investors from prominent firms, Chemistry aims to focus on early-stage investments, primarily at the Series A level. The firm plans to support startups across various sectors, including fintech and developer tools. Each partner intends to engage in two to three investments annually, emphasizing hands-on support for portfolio companies. They have previously backed notable startups like Plaid and Twitch.

Created at: October 23, 2024 10:30pm

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of Innovation

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: A Glimpse into the Future of Innovation

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is set to take place from October 28-30 at Moscone West, San Francisco, featuring over 200 interactive sessions and 250 industry experts. Attendees can engage in discussions on emerging trends, including AI advancements, funding strategies for women founders, and the future of energy infrastructure. Early registrants can save up to $400 on tickets or bring a friend with a 2-for-1 Expo+ Pass. The event promises to connect over 10,000 startup and venture capital leaders, making it a pivotal opportunity for networking and learning.

Created at: October 23, 2024 3:30pm

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Countdown to Innovation!

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Countdown to Innovation!

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is set to commence in just five days at Moscone West, San Francisco, welcoming over 10,000 startup and VC leaders. Attendees can network with industry experts, explore 350+ groundbreaking innovations, and participate in 200+ interactive sessions. The event will feature notable speakers including Ashton Kutcher and Mary Barra, providing exclusive insights across key tech sectors. Ticket prices increase after October 27, with special offers for group passes. The Startup Battlefield competition will highlight 20 innovative startups competing for a $100,000 prize.

Created at: October 23, 2024 3:00pm

Andreessen Horowitz Launches 'Oxygen' to Support AI Startups with GPU Access

Andreessen Horowitz Launches 'Oxygen' to Support AI Startups with GPU Access

Andreessen Horowitz has unveiled a massive Nvidia H100 GPU cluster named 'Oxygen' to assist its AI startup portfolio in meeting compute demands. This initiative allows startups to train AI models without the typical high costs associated with GPU access, leveling the playing field against tech giants like Google and Microsoft. The program addresses a critical supply crunch, providing flexibility and reducing pressure on startups to secure funding for expensive GPUs. A16Z aims to enhance its appeal to new startups by offering this essential infrastructure in exchange for equity stakes.

Created at: October 23, 2024 2:00pm

Marc Andreessen Warns AI Developers of a 'Race to the Bottom'

Marc Andreessen Warns AI Developers of a 'Race to the Bottom'

At the Ray Summit conference, Marc Andreessen, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, cautioned that AI model makers are engaged in a detrimental 'race to the bottom' concerning large language model (LLM) development. He highlighted the lack of product differentiation in the industry, likening it to 'selling rice.' Andreessen, whose firm invested in OpenAI's $300 million funding round, emphasized that the current landscape allows anyone to create an LLM, leading to commodification. His remarks resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned investors in the tech space.

Created at: October 22, 2024 1:30pm

Benchmark Ventures Raises $170M for Exclusive Partners-Only Fund

Benchmark Ventures Raises $170M for Exclusive Partners-Only Fund

Benchmark Partners, a leading venture capital firm, is raising $170 million for its latest fund, Benchmark Partners Founders’ Fund I, primarily sourced from its partners and select friends and family. This follows their traditional fundraising approach of approximately $425 million every few years. Unlike many VC firms, Benchmark operates on an equal partnership model, sharing profits equally among its partners. Known for early investments in companies like eBay and Uber, Benchmark’s strategy allows partners to invest their capital independently, enhancing their involvement in promising ventures.

Created at: October 21, 2024 6:30pm

Perplexity Eyes $500 Million Fundraise at $8 Billion Valuation

Perplexity Eyes $500 Million Fundraise at $8 Billion Valuation

AI search engine Perplexity is reportedly in talks to raise $500 million at an $8 billion valuation, according to the Wall Street Journal. This funding round would more than double its previous valuation of $3 billion from a SoftBank investment. The company currently handles about 15 million queries daily, generating around $50 million in annual revenue. Despite facing accusations of unauthorized web scraping, CEO Aravind Srinivas aims to collaborate with publishers. This fundraising comes in the wake of OpenAI's notable $6.6 billion round, signaling strong investor interest in AI-driven search technology.

Created at: October 20, 2024 9:30pm

Investments in Generative AI Startups Surge to $3.9B in Q3 2024

Investments in Generative AI Startups Surge to $3.9B in Q3 2024

In Q3 2024, venture capitalists invested a remarkable $3.9 billion in generative AI startups, according to PitchBook. This funding was distributed across 206 deals, predominantly benefiting U.S.-based companies. Major investments included $320 million for Magic and $260 million for Glean. Despite skepticism surrounding generative AI’s reliability and legality, investor confidence remains strong. Analysts predict that generative AI will drive significant advancements in various industries, although its high power demands pose environmental challenges. The trend suggests ongoing investment in this tech frontier, with many startups seeking substantial funding.

Created at: October 20, 2024 3:00pm

Joseph Jacks Champions Open Source Startups Amid Capitalism's Paradox

Joseph Jacks Champions Open Source Startups Amid Capitalism's Paradox

Joseph Jacks, founder of OSS Capital, is investing in early-stage open source startups, highlighting a blend of philanthropy and capitalism. His firm has funded diverse projects, including alternatives to popular software like Qualtrics and Jira. Jacks believes these companies can achieve sustainable revenue while promoting open source innovation. He emphasizes that capitalism can drive positive behavior more effectively than philanthropy. OSS Capital has raised multiple funds, backing around 80 startups, and is transitioning to a registered investment adviser to meet regulatory requirements. Jacks envisions 'open core' models will dominate future venture funding.

Created at: October 20, 2024 2:30pm

SandboxAQ Targets $5B Valuation in AI and Quantum Computing Venture

SandboxAQ Targets $5B Valuation in AI and Quantum Computing Venture

SandboxAQ, the AI and quantum computing spinout from Alphabet, is reportedly seeking to raise funds to achieve a valuation of $5 billion, following its previous $500 million funding round in early 2023. Led by CEO Jack Hidary and backed by notable investors, the startup aims to develop software that utilizes quantum physics for advanced data modeling. With contracts in sectors like battery technology and medical imaging, SandboxAQ focuses on innovative applications beyond typical AI uses. The company continues to attract investor interest through special purpose vehicles (SPVs) targeting its shares.

Created at: October 18, 2024 9:30pm

Acrew Capital Celebrates 5 Years with $700M Fundraise

Acrew Capital Celebrates 5 Years with $700M Fundraise

Acrew Capital has successfully raised $700 million to further its investment strategies in data security, healthcare, and fintech. This fundraising boosts the firm’s total assets under management to $1.7 billion. The allocation between early-stage and later-stage investments remains undisclosed. Despite a challenging fundraising environment, Acrew's strong portfolio, including the successful exits of Divvy and Superpeer, has contributed to its ability to attract funds. Founded in 2019, Acrew continues to operate under its original leadership with a focus on innovative startups.

Created at: October 18, 2024 8:00pm

General Catalyst to Invest in Saudi Fintech Startup Despite Controversies

General Catalyst to Invest in Saudi Fintech Startup Despite Controversies

General Catalyst is set to make its first investment in a Saudi Arabian startup by backing Lean Technology, a fintech firm. This move comes amid growing interest from US investors in Saudi startups, despite the country’s human rights record. Previously, Coatue Management supported Tamara, a lending platform. Additionally, Flow, a co-living startup associated with a16z, has established an apartment complex in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has also been backing US venture capital firms to promote investments in the region's startups. General Catalyst is not currently listed among these firms.

Created at: October 17, 2024 11:00pm

Top VCs to Judge Startup Battlefield 200 Final at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Top VCs to Judge Startup Battlefield 200 Final at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is set to feature the Startup Battlefield 200, showcasing 200 selected startups. A final group of esteemed venture capitalists will evaluate five standout companies during the final pitch on October 30. The event will provide insights from leading investors including Navin Chaddha of Mayfield Fund and Chris Farmer of SignalFire. Attendees can learn key traits for startup success while witnessing live pitches. The competition promises to be intense, with a $100,000 prize for the winner. The event will take place at Moscone West, San Francisco from October 28-30.

Created at: October 17, 2024 2:30pm

Eclipse Ventures Expands to NYC, Strengthening East Coast Investment Focus

Eclipse Ventures Expands to NYC, Strengthening East Coast Investment Focus

Eclipse Ventures has opened a new office in New York's Soho neighborhood, marking its first expansion outside Silicon Valley since its founding in 2015. The venture capital firm aims to enhance its investment in East Coast startups, particularly in manufacturing, supply chain, healthcare, and infrastructure. Partner Kaitlyn Glancy emphasized the growing demand for innovation in legacy industries, driven by recent challenges in supply chains and transportation. The New York office will support existing portfolio companies and attract new founders. Eclipse is actively investing from its recent $720 million fund and seeks to engage with local entrepreneurs.

Created at: October 17, 2024 1:00pm

Node.vc Secures €71 Million for First Fund to Empower Startups

Node.vc Secures €71 Million for First Fund to Empower Startups

Swedish venture capital firm Node.vc has successfully closed its first fund, raising €71 million to invest in startups across the Nordics and Baltics. The fund aims to leverage the expertise of its team, which includes 70 founders among its limited partners. Node.vc plans to focus on sectors such as entertainment, work, and platform technologies, with an average investment of €1.3 million per startup. The firm believes that the recent layoffs in Scandinavian unicorns may provide a wealth of available talent for emerging startups. Node.vc is optimistic about the potential of AI in transforming industries.

Created at: October 16, 2024 7:00am

Harry Stebbings' 20VC Secures $400M Fund to Boost European Startups

Harry Stebbings' 20VC Secures $400M Fund to Boost European Startups

Harry Stebbings, the UK podcaster turned venture capitalist, has successfully closed his largest fund yet, a $400 million investment vehicle aimed at supporting European startups. With a focus on seed and Series A investments, the fund will leverage Stebbings' media influence to shine a spotlight on the region's innovative companies. Despite challenging market conditions, this rapid fundraising reflects ongoing investor interest in Europe's startup ecosystem. Prominent backers include U.S. institutional investors, highlighting the transatlantic appeal of European ventures. Stebbings emphasizes the importance of finding exceptional founders to drive market success.

Created at: October 15, 2024 11:30am

39 US AI Startups Raise Over $100M in 2024 as Funding Surges

39 US AI Startups Raise Over $100M in 2024 as Funding Surges

Venture capital investments in AI continue to thrive, with U.S. AI startups raising over $18.9 billion in Q3 2024 alone, accounting for 28% of total venture funding. The quarter marked a historic milestone as OpenAI secured a record $6.6 billion round. Notable raises include EvenUp's $135 million, KoBold Metals' $491.5 million, and Poolside's $500 million. These developments highlight the ongoing investor enthusiasm for AI, despite concerns over fatigue in the sector. The momentum suggests a robust future for AI-driven innovations.

Created at: October 11, 2024 10:00pm

Startups Battle Well-Funded Rivals Amid New Funding Surge

Startups Battle Well-Funded Rivals Amid New Funding Surge

This week's startup landscape saw significant funding activity, emphasizing the importance of regulatory interactions. Companies like KoBold Metals raised $491 million for mineral discovery using AI, while Auger secured a $100 million seed round for supply chain innovations. French unicorn Alan expanded into Canada, aiming to hire 50 staff. Meanwhile, LoanSnap lost its operating license in Connecticut, and Fisker faced bankruptcy challenges. Amidst these developments, venture studio Diagram launched a $58 million climate tech fund, reflecting ongoing investment in sustainable solutions.

Created at: October 11, 2024 7:30pm

Startup Battlefield 200 Judges Announced for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Startup Battlefield 200 Judges Announced for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

TechCrunch has revealed more judges for the Startup Battlefield 200, a key event at Disrupt 2024, set to take place from October 28-30 in San Francisco. The event will showcase innovative startups pitching to top investors, providing invaluable insights into successful evaluation criteria. Among the newly announced judges are Galym Imanbayev from Lightspeed Venture Partners and Rohan Ganesh from Obvious Ventures, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in healthcare and technology investments. Attendees can expect an engaging Q&A session following each pitch, culminating in a $100,000 equity-free prize for the winner.

Created at: October 11, 2024 2:30pm

Startup Exit Market Stagnation: Pitchbook Reports Record Backlog

Startup Exit Market Stagnation: Pitchbook Reports Record Backlog

A new report from Pitchbook reveals significant stagnation in the startup exit market, indicating a challenging landscape for investors. The report highlights that cash returns to limited partners have plummeted to levels reminiscent of the global financial crisis, with only 45.5% of VCs and angel investors actively funding startups in early 2024. Pitchbook notes a backlog of 57,674 companies awaiting exits, a record high, with late-stage firms making up 32.4% of this total. The situation has put pressure on VCs who hold $2.5 trillion in unicorn valuations, many of which have been dormant for nearly a decade.

Created at: October 10, 2024 5:00pm

Diagram Expands into Climate Tech with $80 Million CAD Fund

Diagram Expands into Climate Tech with $80 Million CAD Fund

Montreal-based venture studio Diagram has announced the launch of its ClimateTech Fund, raising $80 million CAD, surpassing its initial target of $60 million CAD. This marks Diagram's first fund focused on climate technology, aiming to support startups in the climate sector. The firm plans to provide capital, customer connections, and product development frameworks to help early-stage companies succeed. Diagram is already developing two startups under this fund, including Relion, which focuses on EV charging infrastructure, and Lyteflo, an EV sales enablement solution. Interest in climate-focused investments remains robust despite broader fundraising challenges.

Created at: October 10, 2024 12:00pm

Top 5 Reasons to Attend TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Top 5 Reasons to Attend TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, scheduled for October 28-30 at Moscone West in San Francisco, promises to be a pivotal event for startups and VCs. Attendees can network with over 10,000 industry leaders and explore innovations at the Expo Hall. The event features six stages with insights from top experts in AI, Fintech, and more. Highlights include the Startup Battlefield 200 competition, hands-on sessions with industry leaders, and the new ScaleUp Startup Exhibitor Program. Participants will gain invaluable knowledge and make meaningful connections essential for professional growth.

Created at: October 9, 2024 3:00pm

Levy Health Launches to Transform Early Fertility Diagnosis for Women

Levy Health Launches to Transform Early Fertility Diagnosis for Women

Levy Health, co-founded by Caroline Mitterdorfer, aims to expedite the diagnosis of fertility issues in women through its innovative clinical decision support platform. The San Francisco-based startup helps physicians narrow down potential diagnoses based on patient questionnaires and lab results, leading to a 50% reduction in diagnosis time. After relocating from Germany to the U.S., Levy Health secured six B2B clients and has raised $4.5 million in seed funding. The company plans to enhance its technology and conduct clinical studies to validate its services in the growing fertility health market.

Created at: October 9, 2024 2:00pm

Big Names in Venture Capital to Share Insights at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Big Names in Venture Capital to Share Insights at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Ashton Kutcher, Effie Epstein, and Guy Oseary will feature at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, discussing their AI investment strategy. Led by Kutcher and Oseary, Sound Ventures has raised funds for a $265 million AI initiative targeting significant language model companies. This follows a series of strategic investments and reflects their commitment to a future where only a few dominant players emerge in AI. The event, set for October 28-30 in San Francisco, will host 10,000 tech leaders eager to connect and learn. Registration is now open for attendees seeking valuable insights.

Created at: October 9, 2024 12:00am

NFX Restructures Workforce, Lays Off Four but Plans to Expand Investment Team

NFX Restructures Workforce, Lays Off Four but Plans to Expand Investment Team

NFX, a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, recently laid off four employees, including a product leader and three engineers, as part of a resource reallocation strategy. General partner Pete Flint revealed that the firm aims to enhance its investing team, leveraging AI to streamline operations. Despite the layoffs, NFX plans to hire additional investors in both San Francisco and Israel. The firm has promoted several team members and expects to increase its overall workforce. NFX has raised nearly $1 billion across its funds, focusing on seed-stage investments in various sectors.

Created at: October 8, 2024 8:19am

General Catalyst Plans $1B Continuation Fund to Manage Late-Stage Startup Stakes

General Catalyst Plans $1B Continuation Fund to Manage Late-Stage Startup Stakes

General Catalyst is set to launch a continuation fund valued between $800 million and $1 billion, focusing on stakes in late-stage startups like Stripe, Gusto, and Circle. This fund allows the firm to retain management of its portfolio shares while providing original investors options to cash out or roll into the new fund. The rising popularity of continuation funds among venture capitalists reflects a shift due to fewer IPOs and M&A activities. Although beneficial, some limited partners may face losses due to the typical discount on secondaries. General Catalyst has not yet commented on this initiative.

Created at: October 8, 2024 8:15am