Reality In the ever-turbulent sea of the startup ecosystem, the past few months have witnessed significant upheavals. The implosion of Silicon Valley Bank has sent ripples throughout the industry, forcing a reassessment of risk and investment strategies. Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining for those ready to adapt. The startup world is in a…
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In a bustling neighborhood nestled within a city alive with ambition and dreams, lived Elena, a woman whose presence was as commanding as it was subtle. To her husband, Jacob, she was a silent rockstar—a champion in a league of her own, yet she rarely stepped into the spotlight that so often tried to find…
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Crafting a compelling pitch requires more than just a great idea or product; it’s about understanding your audience and tailoring your message to resonate with their unique preferences and communication styles. Whether you’re pitching to investors, customers, partners, or other stakeholders, recognizing the various audience types and adjusting your approach accordingly can significantly enhance your…
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The Humble Beginnings In 2008, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, two design graduates struggling to pay their rent in San Francisco, decided to turn their loft into a makeshift bed and breakfast by offering air mattresses and breakfast. This idea, driven by necessity during a large design conference when hotels were fully booked, laid the…
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Breaking the Startup System I was on LinkedIn and I saw the following comment from Rick Brimacomb a seasoned investor. The startup system is broken! 87 startups that raised at least $10 million have shut down so far in 2023. If $1MM can’t take you to profitability, then no amount will. Then there was a…
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Introduction Hello to all budding entrepreneurs, startup aficionados, and business leaders. Today marks a milestone for us at Smart Founders and for the startup ecosystem at large. We are thrilled to unveil our revolutionary AI Elevator Pitch Scoring Tool, a game-changer in startup pitch evaluation. This tool aims to solve one of the most pressing…
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In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the ability to quickly and effectively convey your startup’s value proposition is vital. The guide from Transformation-Academy.com originally meant for life coaches is equally relevant for entrepreneurs. It outlines the importance of crafting a pitch that captures attention, establishes credibility, and invites a deeper conversation. Here’s what startups can take…
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We were working on a way to score startups and looking for data. We had gone to a number of startup events and asked people to try our system for free because we needed 1000 entries of data. Then after an AI conference in the Twin Cities I rang my partner and asked him to…
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Creating an impactful elevator pitch for a startup is critical for capturing attention and securing interest from investors, clients, or partners. Here are some key advice and best practices: Be Concise but Complete An elevator pitch should be no longer than 60 seconds. Focus on the essential information that you must convey to spark interest…
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As an ambitious founder, embarking on your startup journey without the support of Smart Founders™ may pose significant challenges and risks. The platform offers an array of invaluable resources and expert guidance tailored to enhance your fundraising success. Here’s what you might miss out on: In conclusion, opting to forego Smart Founders™’s comprehensive support may…
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