Greetings and welcome to Startups Weekly! If you want to receive this newsletter in your inbox every Friday, be sure to subscribe here.
As a startup founder, it’s essential to remember that you wield significant influence over various aspects of your business, a luxury you wouldn’t have as a small cog in a massive corporate machine. In my previous ventures, we went to great lengths to make our packaging both fully biodegradable and enjoyable. We also ensured that our server operations were carbon-offset, and we held regular brainstorming sessions to reduce our environmental impact. This highlights the fact that as a startup founder, your passions and interests directly shape your company. Conversely, if you don’t prioritize issues like climate change, diversity, or equality, your company is less likely to focus on these important matters.
This perspective has led me to realize the scarcity of high-quality, long-lasting products, even if you have the funds to invest. This concept aligns with the Sam Vimes “boots” theory of socioeconomic inequality, which posits that it’s challenging to find durable, high-value items that last a lifetime. In my recent column, “All products are garbage, and for good reason,” I explore how this notion can apply to startups as well.
In other news, it’s worth noting that Connie’s promotion was scooped by Axios, which caused some amused chatter in the TechCrunch newsroom. Nevertheless, we appreciate a good scoop, so we begrudgingly link to our rival’s coverage of our leadership change. Of course, we also provided our insights, including Panzer’s retrospective on his decade as the Big Chair at TechCrunch and Connie’s reception of the proverbial editorial baton.
Now, let’s dive into the startup ecosystem:
Mergers and Acquisitions: M&A activities are a vital part of the startup world, providing liquidity events for startups alongside IPOs. While it’s unusual for startups to go on a buying spree akin to larger corporations, our new editor in chief, Connie, uncovered an interesting phenomenon related to this.
Big Tech IPO: We’ve witnessed the first Big Tech IPO of the year with Instacart, and our experts, Alex and Mary Ann, delved into Instacart’s S-1 document to uncover insights.
Better.com’s SPAC Experience: Better.com’s recent public listing via a SPAC did not go as expected, resulting in a dramatic stock decline.
Late-Stage Market: Anna and Alex explore changing valuation norms and the late-stage market’s potential contraction this year, providing valuable insights.
Industrial-Scale Angel Investing: Hustle Fund, an established player, is doubling down on its mission to create the “YC of angel investing.”
TechCrunch Disrupt 2023: Disrupt is just around the corner, and Neesha has revealed the 200 startups that will participate in the Startup Battlefield at TechCrunch Disrupt 2023.
Now, let’s discuss the fundraising landscape:
Raising funds is an ongoing challenge for startups, and it’s a topic I dedicate significant time to. Recently, there has been increased interest in articles related to fundraising trends, possibly because many startups are gearing up for the fundraising season after Labor Day. Here are some key insights:
VC Funding Trends: I explore the five trends in VC funding for pre-seed startups, providing valuable information for those preparing to raise capital.
‘Use of Funds’ Slide: I emphasize the importance of presenting your ‘use of funds’ slide correctly when explaining how you’ll utilize the funds you’re raising.
Runway vs. Milestones: Fundraising isn’t just about extending your runway; it’s about achieving milestones efficiently within your timeframe.
TechCrunch’s Fundraising Guide: TechCrunch offers an in-depth fundraising guide covering every aspect of building a deck and presenting it to investors, making it a worthwhile investment.
Additionally, here are some nuggets to consider during your fundraising journey:
Slide Order: While there’s no standard order for presentation slides, prioritizing them effectively is crucial for telling your story.
Marketing Story: Don’t brag about not spending on marketing; focus on crafting a compelling marketing narrative.
Lasting Impression: Remember that the final impression you leave can be just as impactful as the first one; make it count.
Lastly, let’s explore some developments in the tech and innovation space:
iPhone 15 and Google Pixel 8: Mark your calendars for the upcoming iPhone 15 announcement on September 12 and Google’s Pixel 8 event on October 4.
Apple Supports Right to Repair: Apple has expressed support for California’s Right to Repair bill, a notable move in the tech industry.
ElliQ’s Companion Robot: ElliQ, a desktop home robot designed to provide companionship to the elderly, secured $25 million in funding.
Walmart’s Drone Delivery Success: Walmart is making strides in drone delivery, offering Wing drone deliveries at select Superstores this year, highlighting its success compared to Amazon’s challenges in the same space.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and insights in the world of startups and technology. Roll on up, and enjoy the ride!
