Fortrino

🚀 PitchBook's Unicorn companies tracker -1411 Active Unicorns, $803.6B Total VC Raised and $4.3T Cumulative valuation. 💥 PitchBook’s unicorn tracker contains all new unicorn companies formed since the beginning of 2016. Unicorn's emergence and significance in the venture capital ecosystem have evolved over time. 🗝 Key Takeaways in the article 🔴 Definition and Challenges: 🔺 A unicorn is typically a startup valued at over $1 billion. 🔺 However, defining a startup can be tricky, so PitchBook narrows the definition to venture-backed companies that hit this valuation during a funding round. 🔺 They lose unicorn status if they go public, are acquired, or fall below $1 billion.    🔴 Global Unicorn Count: 🔺 Unicorns have become common, with over 580 new ones in 2021. 🔺 As of July 2024, there were 1,404 active unicorns worldwide.    🔴 Origin of the Term "Unicorn": 🔺 Aileen Lee , the founder of Cowboy Ventures coined the term "unicorn" in 2013 to describe rare billion-dollar U.S. software companies. 🔺 At that time, only 39 companies, including Facebook, Linkedin, Workday and Twitter, met her criteria.    🔴 Importance in Venture Capital: 🔺 Unicorns illustrate the "power law" in venture capital, where a few companies generate most of a fund’s returns, making them highly significant.    🔴 Top Unicorns: 🔺 The most valuable unicorns include ByteDance, Stripe, Ant Group, and SpaceX. 🔺 The sheer size of some unicorns has led to terms like "decacorn" for those over $10 billion and "dragon" for those over $12 billion. 🔴 Top Industries: 🔺 Information Technology = 874 unicorns 🔺 Consumer Products and Services (B2C) = 320 unicorns 🔺 Healthcare = 219 unicorns 🔺 Business Products & Services (B2B) = 218 unicorns 🔺 Financial Services = 123 unicorns 🔺 Energy = 37 unicorns 🔺 Materials and Resources = 37 unicorns    🔴 Market Vulnerability: 🔺 The valuations of the largest unicorns, particularly in tech, are highly sensitive to market conditions, as seen during the 2022 tech stock selloff.    🔴 Country Distribution: 🔺 The U.S. leads with 714 unicorns, followed by China with 316. 🔺 Other notable countries include India (62 unicorns), UK (47 unicorns), then Israel and Germany (26 unicorns).    🔴 Prevalence of Unicorns: 🔺 Nearly 8% of all VC-funded companies in 2021 were unicorns. 🔺 This increase is driven by larger VC funds and increased competition, with some investors shifting to earlier-stage deals. Unicorns, once rare, now play a critical role in the venture capital landscape. Their prevalence underscores significant shifts in global investment strategies and startup ecosystems. 🔎 Explore trends in unicorn formation by filtering the chart in the article link below.Click on the link to see the list of unicorns 👇 https://lnkd.in/gXjFdgeZ #unicorn #startup #founder #VCs #investors #investment #entrepreneurship #entrepreneur #SMEs #IT #B2C #B2B #healthcare #financial #energy

📊 Key Project Management KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for Projects. KPIs are vital tools for measuring the success and progress of projects. They provide actionable insights that help in decision-making and improving project outcomes. 🔴 Project Management KPIs 🔷 Schedule Variance (SV)  🔺 Measures the difference between the planned and actual project schedule.  🔺 Helps in assessing whether the project is on track or delayed.    🔷 Cost Variance (CV)  🔺 Indicates the difference between the budgeted and actual project costs.  🔺 Essential for tracking financial performance and budget management. 🔷 Scope Creep  🔺 Monitors the changes in the project scope over time.  🔺 Critical for ensuring that the project stays within the original objectives and resources. 🔷 Resource Utilization  🔺 Evaluates the efficiency of resource allocation and usage.  🔺 Ensures that resources are optimally used without overloading team members. 🔷 Customer Satisfaction  🔺 Measures the satisfaction level of the project’s stakeholders, particularly the end-users.  🔺 A crucial indicator of the project's success from the client's perspective. 🔷 Quality Metrics  🔺 Assesses the quality of the deliverables and adherence to project standards.  🔺 Ensures that the project outputs meet the required specifications and expectations. 🔷 Return on Investment (ROI)  🔺 Calculates the financial returns of the project compared to its costs.  🔺 Important for evaluating the project's overall value and profitability. 🔷 Earned Value Management (EVM) 🔺 Combines scope, schedule, and cost metrics to provide a comprehensive view of project performance.  🔺 Useful for identifying trends and predicting future project performance. 🔷 Issue Resolution Time  🔺 Tracks the time taken to resolve project issues and challenges.  🔺 Important for maintaining project momentum and avoiding delays. 🔷 Team Satisfaction  🔺 Gauges the morale and satisfaction levels of the project team.  🔺 Vital for ensuring a motivated and productive team environment. Regularly tracking and analyzing these KPIs ensures that the project remains on course, provides assistance in making informed decisions, addressing issues promptly, and achieving project objectives successfully. 🔔 Remember:- KPIs should be continuously reviewed and adjusted to align with project goals and stakeholder expectations. 📊 Effective KPI management leads to better project outcomes and long-term success. 🚀 #KPI #keyperformanceindicator #projects #business #goals #stakeholders #success #long_term #investment #investor #SV #CV #Scope #resource #utilization #customer_satisfaction #quality #metrics #finance #budget #cost_analysis #ROI #EVM #risks #challenges #project_team #SMEs #innovators #startup #founder #researcher #innovation #tech #entrepreneurship

💡 Innovative Ways To Effectively Communicate Project Results To The Public. 1️⃣ Use Engaging Visuals:- 🔶 Create infographics that visually showcase key project outcomes and impacts. 🔶 Develop before-and-after images or videos to demonstrate project progress.  🔶 Utilize interactive data visualizations on a project website to allow the public to explore results. 2️⃣ Leverage Social Media:- 🔶 Share project highlights and successes on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 🔶 Create short, shareable videos for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels to engage younger audiences. 🔶 Create interesting, impactful and descriptive videos for platforms such as You Tube.Remember the thumb nail is the first impression and needs to be "eye-catching". 🔶 Host a live Q&A session on social media to directly interact with the public about project outcomes. 3️⃣ Engage the Community:- 🔶 Host an in-person or virtual town hall meeting to present results and gather public feedback.  🔶 Partner with local schools or community groups to showcase project impacts and get the next generation involved. 🔶 Organize a celebratory event like a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark project completion and engage the public. 4️⃣ Utilize Storytelling:- 🔶 Develop case studies or human interest stories highlighting how the project has positively impacted people's lives. 🔶 Create a project podcast series to share behind-the-scenes stories and insights about the work. 🔶 Publish a project book or magazine showcasing results through compelling narratives and visuals. 5️⃣ Provide Ongoing Updates:- 🔶 Maintain a dedicated project website with regularly updated content on progress and outcomes. 🔶 Send out a project newsletter to subscribers with the latest news and ways to get involved. 🔶 Provide real-time project dashboards to transparently share key metrics and data with the public. 🔑 At Fortrino we believe the key is to use a mix of communication channels, from digital to in-person, and to tailor the content and format to engage different public audiences. Storytelling, visuals, and ongoing interaction are critical to effectively communicating project results. #communication #public #projects #results #DICO #researchers #scientists #coordinator #consortium #innovator #stakeholder #SMEs #entrepreneur #projectmanager #management #tech #marketing #socialmedia #visuals #engage #impact #strategies #founder #startup #future #motivation

💥 Effective Plan For Dissemmination, Communication And Exploitation for European Projects 2024/2025 💥 To write an effective plan for Dissemination, Communication, and Exploitation for European projects in 2024/2025, consider the following structured approach by Fortrino based on insights taken from various recent articles. 📑 Steps to Develop Your Plan:- 1️⃣ Define Objectives and Messages 🔺 Identify Goals: Clearly articulate what you aim to achieve through your communication and dissemination activities. 🔺 Craft Key Messages: Develop concise messages that convey the importance and impact of your project. 2️⃣ Identify Target Audiences 🔺 Segment Audiences: Define specific groups that will benefit from your project results, such as policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the general public. 🔺 Conduct Needs Assessment: Understand the interests and needs of these groups to tailor your communication effectively. 3️⃣ Choose Appropriate Channels 🔺 Select Communication Channels: Decide on the most effective channels for reaching your audiences, such as social media, newsletters, webinars, and public events. 🔺 Utilize Digital Tools: Consider creating a project website, infographics, and videos to enhance engagement. 4️⃣ Develop a Timeline and Budget 🔺 Create a Timeline: Outline when each communication and dissemination activity will take place throughout the project lifecycle. 🔺 Allocate Resources: Develop a budget that includes costs for promotional materials, events, and digital tools. 5️⃣ Monitor and Evaluate 🔺 Set KPIs: Establish key performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of your communication and dissemination efforts. 🔺 Feedback Mechanisms: Implement ways to gather feedback from your audiences to refine your strategies continuously. 6️⃣ Plan for Sustainability 🔺 Post-Project Strategy: Outline how results will be exploited and communicated after the project ends, ensuring ongoing impact and visibility. 🙌 Best Practices 1️⃣ Engage Stakeholders Early: 🔺 Involve stakeholders in the planning process to ensure their needs are met and to foster ownership of project outcomes. 2️⃣ Use Real Examples: 🔺 Learn from successful case studies of previous projects to inform your strategies and approaches. 3️⃣ Be Creative: 🔺 Explore innovative communication methods, such as interactive workshops or social media campaigns, to engage diverse audiences effectively. 💥 By following these steps and focusing on the strategic aspects of communication, dissemination, and exploitation, you can create a robust plan that enhances the impact of your European project in 2024/2025. #dissemination #communication #exploitation #projects #European #plan #planning #reporting #projectmanagement #projectmanager #coordinator #consortioum #SMEs #entrepreneurs #researchers #innovators #impact #strategy #stakeholders #policymakers #public #marketing #media #entrepreneurship

⚕ The Futue Of Medicine:- Promising New Tech And Innovations Boosting The Sector ⚕ The following article from EU-Startups provides insights into how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the future of medicine, emphasizing innovations that are poised to improve healthcare delivery, patient outcomes, and overall system efficiency. ⚕ Notable Points:- 🔲 Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning:  ◾ Enhancing diagnostic accuracy through pattern recognition.  ◾ Facilitating personalized medicine by analyzing patient data.  ◾ Accelerating drug discovery with predictive models. 🔲 Wearable Technology:  ◾ Real-time monitoring of vital signs and chronic conditions.  ◾ Empowering patients with data to manage their health.  ◾ Reducing hospital visits by providing remote care solutions. 🔲 Blockchain in Healthcare:  ◾ Securing patient data through decentralized ledgers.  ◾ Improving interoperability and transparency in health records.  ◾ Enhancing trust between patients and providers by protecting privacy. 🔲 Telemedicine & Virtual Care:  ◾ Expanding access to healthcare services, especially in remote areas.  ◾ Reducing healthcare costs by minimizing in-person visits.  ◾ Increasing convenience for patients and providers alike. 🔲 3D Printing & Bioprinting:  ◾ Customizing medical devices and prosthetics for individual needs.  ◾ Advancing regenerative medicine with bioprinted tissues and organs.  ◾ Reducing manufacturing costs and time for medical equipment. 🔲 CRISPR & Gene Editing:  ◾ Offering potential cures for genetic disorders.  ◾ Enabling precise modifications at the DNA level.  ◾ Raising ethical considerations around genetic manipulation. 🔲 Nanotechnology:  ◾ Targeted drug delivery systems to minimize side effects.  ◾ Early disease detection through nanosensors.  ◾ Potential applications in cancer treatment and regenerative medicine. ⚕ The convergence of these technologies is setting the stage for a transformative shift in healthcare. ⚕ While these advancements offer immense potential for improving patient care, they also introduce challenges such as data privacy, ethical considerations, and the need for regulatory oversight. ⚕ The future of medicine lies in harnessing these innovations to create a more efficient, effective, and patient-centered healthcare system. 🔲 For further details, visit EU-Startups 👇 https://lnkd.in/d3fwbQEC #medicine #health #tech #future #innovations #innovator #healthcare #patients #medtech #healthtech #nanotechnology #DNA #ML #AI #patients #doctor #hospital #costs #finance #machinelearning #CRISPR #gene_editing #3Dprinting #bioprinting #telemedicine #virtualcare #blockchain #wearable_tech #startup #founder #investor #VCs #investment #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship

🌍 European startups face longer gaps between funding rounds 💶 European startups are experiencing longer intervals between funding rounds due to a slower venture capital (VC) dealmaking environment, as highlighted in PitchBook’s Q2 2024 European VC Valuations Report. 🔷 Notable Points: 1️⃣ Longer Time Between Rounds: -The median time between funding rounds has increased, especially for Series C and later stages, reflecting investor caution.    2️⃣ Cost-Cutting & Valuation Waiting: -Startups are focusing on extending their runway through cost-cutting and waiting for better valuations before raising funds.    3️⃣ Rising Round Sizes: -Larger deal sizes, particularly in early-stage VC, are contributing to delayed fundraising needs. 4️⃣ Exceptions to the Trend: -Some startups, like Mistral AI and Wayve, have bucked the trend by raising large sums quickly between rounds. 5️⃣ Positive Signs: -Despite the slowdown, Q2 2024 saw a quarter-over-quarter and year-over-year increase in deal value, indicating a potential pickup in dealmaking. 🌍 While European startups face extended timelines between funding rounds, strategic financial management and larger deal sizes are helping them navigate the slower VC landscape, with some positive signs emerging in recent quarters. Leah Hodgson of PitchBook provides in-depth insight and graphical charts here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dq5TJmHe #European #startup #founder #investor #VCs #venturecapital #funding #funding_rounds #timeline #planning #financial #management #deals #venture #capital #investment #cost_cutting #valuations #trends #dealsize #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #market #success

💶 💵 💷 💴 What Salary Should a Founder Pay themselves? 🤔 Determining a founder's salary is a complex decision influenced by various factors such as business needs, cash flow, fundraising stage, and personal circumstances. Balancing fair compensation with business growth is crucial for long-term success. 🔴 Key Points to take note of: 1️⃣ Business Needs & Cash Flow: 🔺 Prioritize the company’s financial health before setting your salary. 🔺 Understand revenue, expenses, and cash flow thoroughly.    2️⃣ Fundraising & Salaries: 🔺 Founder salaries often increase with fundraising success. 🔺 However, they should not be the primary reason for raising funds. 3️⃣ Real Cost of Salaries: 🔺 Consider additional costs like national insurance and the implications of high salaries on business growth and investor perceptions. 4️⃣ Tax Credits: 🔺 Technical founders may offset salary costs through R&D tax credits. 5️⃣ Investor Opinions: 🔺 Investors generally support modest salaries that allow founders to focus on growth without financial stress. 6️⃣ Co-Founder Dynamics: 🔺 Early and transparent discussions about salary expectations among co-founders can prevent future conflicts. 7️⃣ Vesting Schedules: 🔺 These protect both founders and investors, tying compensation to the company’s success over time. 8️⃣ Life Situation: 🔺 Personal expenses and lifestyle factors should guide your salary needs, balancing between minimal and comfortable living. A founder’s salary should align with business growth, investor expectations, and personal needs. Regularly reassess and adjust based on the company’s success and financial health. 🔴 For further insights on this, go to 👇 https://lnkd.in/dk6hBAEQ #founder #founders #startup #salary #investors #investor #VCs #investment #finance #success #Tax_credit #fundraising #Research #development #plan #budgeting #forecast #innovator #entrepreneur #SMEs #entrepreneurship #leader #cashflow

🇬🇧 In August 2024, several tech startups in London have emerged as leaders in innovation and growth, showcasing the city's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. 🇬🇧 🏆 Here are some of the most successful tech startups making waves:- 1️⃣ Cleo 🔺 Cleo is an artificial intelligence startup that revolutionizes personal finance management. 🔺 It offers a smart assistant that helps users track their spending, budget effectively, and manage bills with a unique and engaging personality. 🔺 Cleo's innovative approach has garnered significant user engagement and investment, positioning it as a standout in the fintech sector[2]. 2️⃣ Signal AI 🔺 Signal AI utilizes artificial intelligence to transform vast amounts of information into actionable business insights. 🔺 By curating news and data from millions of sources, it helps businesses make informed decisions. 🔺 This innovative approach to information management has attracted considerable attention and investment, solidifying its place in London's tech landscape[2]. 3️⃣ Diffblue 🔺 Diffblue leverages AI to automate coding tasks, specifically focusing on writing unit tests for Java developers. 🔺 The company's unique solution has made it a key player in the DevOps space, attracting significant funding and partnerships[2]. 4️⃣ Paddle 🔺 Paddle, a software payment provider, has gained traction for its comprehensive payment infrastructure tailored for SaaS companies. 🔺 The startup raised $200 million in a Series D funding round, underscoring its rapid growth and the increasing demand for streamlined payment solutions in the tech industry[4]. 5️⃣ GoCardless 🔺 As a leading fintech company specializing in recurring payments, GoCardless has successfully raised $312 million in its Series G funding round. 🔺 Its platform simplifies the process of collecting payments, making it a favorite among businesses looking for reliable payment solutions[4]. 6️⃣ Gousto 🔺 Gousto, an online recipe kit delivery service, has also made headlines by securing $100 million in funding. 🔺 The company's innovative approach to meal preparation and commitment to sustainability have resonated with consumers, driving its success in the competitive food tech market[4]. 💥 These startups exemplify the innovative spirit of London's tech ecosystem, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to address real-world challenges and enhance user experiences. At Fortrino we believe these success stories serve as motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs in the region and beyond. 📖 For Further Insights go to the applicable links 👇 [2] https://lnkd.in/d2qKvAXc [4] https://lnkd.in/dGAdsSfr #UK #UKstartups #startups #August #tech #London #founder #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #success #innovation #innovator #VCs #inspiration #future #funding #investor #investment #AI #software #SaaS #devops #fintech #finance #recipes #delivery #Java

🌐 Will the Billions in AI Investment Ever Pay Off? 🌐 😎 The big companies succeed. 😟 The small ones struggle. 🤔 That definitely affects ROI. AI investments have surged over the past decade, but returns are lagging due to various factors, including the nascent stage of the technology and high costs of development. 🌐 Notable Points: 🔷 Slow ROI (Return on Investment): - Major players like OpenAI show strong revenue, but many AI startups struggle to surpass $100 million. - Much of the investment in AI infrastructure is geared toward the future. - The tech is early in the adoption curve for enterprises, too. Adoption on a large scale is still on the horizon. 🔷 Infrastructure Focus: - Significant investments are being made in AI infrastructure and compute, essential for future advancements. 🔷 Challenges: - Smaller AI startups face competition and rapid industry evolution, making market traction difficult. 🔷 Long-Term Outlook: - AI's potential lies in reducing costs and transforming productivity, but large-scale adoption is still forthcoming. AI investments hold long-term promise but currently face challenges in achieving expected returns, especially for smaller ventures. The focus remains on building robust infrastructure and refining AI models to unlock future economic value. 🔵 For in-depth insight on this topic, visit Built In 👇 https://lnkd.in/dPdRP5mV #AI #artificialintelligence #ROI #infrastructure #future #investor #investment #AImodels #market #small_ventures #VCs #entrepreneur #tech #innovation #challenges #startup #founder #innovator #finance #funding #success

📢 In the fourth quarter of 2024, several notable calls for projects are open across Europe, providing opportunities for funding and collaboration in various sectors. 🚀 Here are the key calls: 1️⃣ ELBE EUROCLUSTER Financial Support Calls:- 🗓 Deadline: 31 August 2024 - The ELBE EUROCLUSTER has opened its second call for financial support for training and individual services in offshore renewable energy. 💶 The total budget for this call is €240,000. 🔗 To Apply:- https://lnkd.in/dmUjx4ac 2️⃣ iMERMAID EU Open Call #1 🗓 Deadline: 17 September 2024 - This call is part of the EU-funded project aimed at restoring oceans and waters. 💶 The budget of €400,000 available for up to four successful applications. 🔗 To Apply:- https://lnkd.in/evKtyqx6 3️⃣ xBUILD-EU Second Call for Proposals 🗓 Deadline: 2 October 2024 - This call offers grants aimed at innovation for SMEs to enhance resilience and adapt to volatile environments. 💶 The Budget - various.Go to link below to view 👇 🔗 To Apply:- https://lnkd.in/dwqivwnD 4️⃣ #RESIST Coaching and Mentoring Services Open Call 🗓 Deadline: 1 November 2024 - The RESIST project focuses on resilience through sustainable processes in the automotive industry, offering coaching and mentoring services. 💶 The Budget - various.Go to link below to view 👇 🔗 To Apply:- https://lnkd.in/egYXGFqm 5️⃣ #LIFE Calls for Proposals 🗓 Deadline: Various deadlines in September 2024 - The LIFE programme includes several calls for proposals focusing on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and biodiversity, with deadlines primarily on 17 and 19 September 2024. 💶 The Budget - various.Go to link below to view 👇 🔗 To Apply:- https://lnkd.in/egABAnG6 📢 These calls present significant opportunities for startups, SMEs, and organizations across Europe to secure funding and support for innovative projects in various fields, including the blue economy, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. #startups #SMEs #organizations #innovators #researchers #consortium #coordinators #projects #calls #collaboration #European #funding #Grants #support #innovation #blue_economy #renewable_energy #energy #environment #sustainability #Life #Health #Climate #automotive #industry #biodiversity #coaching #mentoring #water #oceans #entrepreneurship