Blog

You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out. You Just Need to Believe.

By Bryant Stratton “I’m only sharing what I have done and what worked, its an honor to write this” Most of the people I work with are smart. Capable. Visionary. But if we’re being honest?Most of us have also stood in that quiet place where doubt whispers: “What if I’m not enough?”“What if what I’m…
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Only the Irreplaceable Will Thrive

AI is replacing the trainable. What’s left? Emotional clarity, leadership, and creativity. Here’s how to stay necessary in the future of work.

Turning the Light Back On: A Different Kind of Learning Movement

In a world where trust is fractured and life often feels like a scam, something different is rising. It doesn’t look like a classroom.It doesn’t sound like a pitch.It doesn’t require permission. It starts with a few people — sitting down, helping each other grow, sharing what they’ve learned, and giving dignity at the bottom…
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The right partners for you

So I’ll share a story here of raising my children and what I’ve noticed is this is when we go to the park one day and it’s early in the morning and there’s a couple of kids playing immediately. Charles my son goes and introduces himself because that’s the kind of person he is. Some…
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Navigating Successful Introductions in Investment Projects: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

In the realm of investment projects, introducers and intermediaries play a pivotal role in connecting investors with lucrative opportunities. At Smart Founders, we frequently engage with projects where introducers wield significant influence. However, it is not uncommon for introducers to encounter challenges in securing the rewards they rightfully deserve or incurring unexpected liabilities. Here are…
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Benefits of the Right Skills: What the Best Companies Have

Implementing training programs focused on enhancing collaboration, negotiation, and aligning the right personnel can significantly improve company culture, leading to increased productivity and output. Here are some examples from current companies that have experienced positive outcomes through such initiatives:​ 1. Affirm’s High-Performance Culture Affirm, a financial technology company, transitioned to a remote-first work model during…
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The Smartest Investment You Can Make for Fundraising Success

Part 1: Should I be fundraising? Think about what you can really sell as a person… Selling equity in your company is a unique process—one that requires a different set of skills and mindset compared to selling a product or service. Unlike traditional sales, where you’re typically promoting a single product or benefit, selling equity…
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Tactical Steps for Founders: Turning Struggles into Actionable Success

From the first article, featured here, we see the opening with Jerry Garcia’s famous line, “We’re like licorice. Not everybody likes licorice, but the people who like licorice really like licorice.” Hence, building a successful company is not just about having a great product or service; it’s about connecting with people on a deep, emotional…
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The Founder’s Journey: Struggles, Success, and the People Who Believe

Title: The Founder’s Journey: Struggles, Success, and the People Who Believe Being a founder isn’t easy. It’s a path filled with uncertainty, long hours, and constant self-doubt. Sometimes, it feels like the world doesn’t care about what you’re building. But as Jerry Garcia once said, “We’re like licorice. Not everybody likes licorice, but the people…
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Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Fundraising: Tips for Finding Stability and Confidence

Fundraising is an integral part of growing a startup, yet it can be one of the most emotionally taxing phases for entrepreneurs. The pursuit of financial backing not only demands a robust business strategy and a compelling pitch but also requires a strong emotional resolve. Entrepreneurs often face a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout…
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10 Concepts to Ascend as an Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurship is often likened to an adventure—a journey that requires courage, preparation, and the willingness to face unknown challenges. In the story of Alex, an entrepreneur, we explore how one can navigate this journey effectively. I recommend you invest the 2-3 minutes to read that and then come back to this. This article breaks down…
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Summits of Success: An Entrepreneur’s Ascent

Welcome to “Summits of Success,” a journey into the heart of entrepreneurship. As the writer of this narrative, I have traversed this path myself, experiencing firsthand the exhilaration and challenges that come with turning a vision into reality. In these pages, you will find more than just a story; it is a reflection of the…
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They Don’t Understand My Pitch!: Why Style Matters

Explore how Alex turned a failed pitch into success by adapting to investors’ learning styles. Get key insights for your next presentation!

Navigating the Storm: The Future of Startups Amidst Economic Shifts

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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The Unseen Champion

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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Mastering the Art of Pitching: Understanding Your Audience Types

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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Investing in Innovation: Airbnb’s Phenomenal Growth from Startup to Market Leader

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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Unmasking the Gervais Principle in Silicon Valley’s Million-Dollar Failures

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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Redefining the Future of Startup Scoring: The Elevator Pitch Challenge

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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Unlocking the Magic Formula: Elevator Pitches That Ignite Startup Success

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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