3dots Ventures’ Post

Unfold are running 'Navigating scale: The challenges and opportunities of growing a business' on 21 February at Engine Shed. An engaging discussion where expert panellists Nick Sturge (our previous Director), Nick Hounsfield, Rosie Bennett and Caroline Clark (our previous member) will share insights into the challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs face when growing successful businesses. Topics of discussion will include: -The pivotal role founders play in scaling businesses, the qualities that make them effective, and the common pitfalls to avoid -The challenges founders face in balancing profit and purpose alongside the continued rise of movements such as BCorp and Tech For Good -The effect of raising venture capital and how it can impact the pursuit of long-term, sustainable business models -Choosing the right investors for your business. Book your place 👇 https://lnkd.in/e66DpBK4 techSPARK uk #Startups #Founders #Incubator #Accelerator #Techforgood #Investment #Funding

With the start of a new year one often reflects on the months past. For me, this past September was a pivotal point as I decided to take a mini sabbatical to focus on a couple of projects. It has always been a passion of mine to help pave the way for startups to scale, especially those who want to make a positive impact in the world. This Fall I became a startup advisor at Vivarium, an impact focused venture studio that supports companies looking to solve pressing challenges as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Backed by Arowana a leading B Corp certified global investment firm, it has been deeply meaningful to see how founders grow their companies; but more importantly, how their products or services touch people’s lives—like bridging the digital divide. I couldn’t be more excited to read “The Business of Impact Investing in 2023”, a comprehensive report discussing the biggest impact investing issues shaping the world today and created in partnership with Lucidity Insights and Entrepreneur Middle East. Here, you may find many of these amazing startups along with my brief thoughts as to why these types of products/services are essential. A special shout-out goes to the team at Not2Far for their incredible work connecting the other half! #sustainablesolutions #innovationforgood #entrepreneurship #startup #tech #internetconnectivity #startupadvisor

A health-tech startup I backed might soon get acquired by a Fortune 25 company. This news got me reflecting on my journey as an Angel Investor. And the aspects of my role that fill me with immense satisfaction, ranked by their impact on me, are: 🌟 Witnessing the startups I believed in not only meet but surpass their milestones, proving that faith in their vision was well-placed. 🌟 Observing the ripple effect of my decisions; how one endorsement can open doors and ignite a chain reaction of innovation and support.  Witnessing that ripple effect is incredibly fulfilling. 🌟 The returns on investment, while essential, come as a third joy, reminding me that success in this realm is as much about financial gains- it enables to reinvest in newer startups as it is about fostering growth and change. This hierarchy underscores the essence of angel investing as I see it: a blend of support, impact, and, ultimately, shared success. #FoundersAshram #AngelInvestment #StartupSuccess #Leaders #Entrepreneurship #Investment #StartupGrowth #ROI #Founders #Fortune25

Embracing the Paradox: The Investor's Dilemma in the Startup World. Investors are the bedrock upon which many groundbreaking innovations and successful ventures are built. Yet, a concerning trend is emerging in this dynamic ecosystem: the dilution of investor focus. In the quest to diversify their portfolios and maximize opportunities, some investors spread themselves too thin. This scattering of attention is a disservice to startups that thrive under the nurturing wing of dedicated, focused mentorship and guidance. Startups don't just benefit from financial capital; they flourish with intellectual and experiential capital. When an investor is deeply involved, the insights they offer can be the difference between a startup's success and its stagnation. It's time to recalibrate our strategies and recommit to the core of what makes startup investments so rewarding: building meaningful, focused relationships with the innovators who are shaping our future. Let's not just be investors; let's be partners in true growth. #StartUpInvesting #Entrepreneurship #Focus #InvestmentStrategy #BusinessGrowth

Why Trade Ventures? Where Innovation Meets Investment! 🌐 1️⃣ Early Investment: Back the next big thing in its infancy. 2️⃣ Founder Fuel: Empower startups with the funds they need to soar. 3️⃣ Mentorship Magic: Connect with seasoned mentors for expert guidance. 4️⃣ Co-founder Connections: Find your startup soulmate for shared success. 5️⃣ Diverse Portfolio: Explore varied investment opportunities across sectors. 6️⃣ Community Vibes: Join a dynamic network of innovators and collaborators. 7️⃣ Effortless Networking: Connect seamlessly with key players in the startup ecosystem. 8️⃣ Innovation Hub: Be part of a thriving ecosystem shaping the future. Trade Ventures: Where Ideas Ignite and Dreams Take Flight! 💡🚀✨ #TradeVentures #Innovation #StartupInvesting #Entrepreneurship

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 🌍 At better ventures, impact isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our core mission. We believe 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀. That's why we invest in startups tackling critical global challenges and aim to build 𝗘𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲'𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀. 💡 𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Our focus on sustainability ensures that the businesses we back aren’t just profitable but also socially and environmentally responsible. More awareness for a peaceful environment and conscious leadership is essential now more than ever. 🌟 We seek 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱. From founders to founders, angels to angels, entrepreneurs to entrepreneurs, we provide financial backing and strategic support to turn 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. The world needs optimism, courage, and positive action. 👉 In short, impact is our DNA. At better ventures, we’re not just investing in companies; we’re 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱, 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. How can we create more impact together? Share your thoughts! #DoingGoodBetter

🚀 Avoid These Common Mistakes When Pitching to Angel Investors! 🚀 Are you ready to pitch your early-stage startup to angel investors? Avoid these common pitfalls to increase your chances of success: Not Doing Your Research 🔍 Mistake: Failing to research your potential investors can lead to missed connections and opportunities. Tip: Understand their investment history, interests, and what they look for in startups. Not Having a Clear Problem-Solution Fit 💡 Mistake: If you don’t clearly articulate the problem you’re solving and how your solution fits, investors may struggle to see your value. Tip: Be specific about the problem and how your solution is uniquely positioned to address it. Not Having a Compelling Story 📖 Mistake: A pitch without a strong narrative can fall flat. Investors want to be engaged and inspired by your journey. Tip: Craft a compelling story that highlights your vision, mission, and the impact you aim to make. Not Being Prepared for Questions ❓ Mistake: Being caught off guard by questions can undermine your credibility. Tip: Anticipate potential questions and rehearse your responses. Demonstrating preparedness builds investor confidence. Not Asking for Feedback 🗣️ Mistake: Not seeking feedback means missing out on valuable insights that could strengthen your pitch. Tip: Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your approach. Not Having a Clear Ask 💬 Mistake: Failing to specify what you need from investors can leave them unsure about how they can help. Tip: Clearly define the amount of funding you need, how it will be used, and what investors will get in return. By addressing these common mistakes, you’ll be better positioned to make a strong impression and secure the funding you need. What other pitching challenges have you encountered? Share your thoughts and experiences below! #StartupPitch #AngelInvestors #FundraisingTips #Entrepreneurship #StartupMistakes #InvestorRelations DBATU Forum of Innovation, Incubation & Enterprise DBATU Alumni Association

My inbox contained a treat this morning, The Seed 100: The best early-stage investors of 2024. Business Insider does a wonderful job of bringing us the best of understanding the how’s and why’s investors look for to become a part of a project. When you look through each investor, they share what catches their attention, why they often want to be part of something innovative or futuristic, and a little background that showcases their expertise. Finding the right investors can be a game-changer, providing not only crucial capital but also invaluable guidance, networks, and opportunities for expansion. Whether you're revolutionizing an industry with groundbreaking tech, championing sustainability initiatives, or bringing innovative products and services to market, the right investment partner can make all the difference. So how do you navigate this landscape effectively? Here are five tips to kickstart your investor search: 1. Define Your Vision. Clearly articulate your business's mission, values, and unique value proposition. Investors are not just looking for a good idea; they're seeking alignment with entrepreneurs who have a clear vision and the drive to execute it. 2. Research, Research, Research. Explore different types of investors, from angel investors and venture capitalists to crowdfunding platforms and government grants. Understand their investment focus, track record, and preferred industries to identify potential matches. 3. Build Relationships. Networking is key! Attend industry events, join entrepreneurial communities, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential investors. Cultivate genuine relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect. 4. Craft Compelling Pitches. Nail your elevator pitch and investor deck to effectively communicate your business opportunity, market potential, and growth strategy. Highlight your team's expertise, milestones achieved, and traction to date. 5. Stay Persistent. Securing investment can be a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get discouraged by rejections; use feedback to iterate and improve your pitch. Stay focused, resilient, and adaptable in your approach. Remember, finding the right investors is not just about securing funds, it's about finding partners who believe in your vision and are committed to helping you succeed. So, roll up your sleeves, harness your entrepreneurial spirit, and embark on this exciting journey to unlock your startup's full potential! https://lnkd.in/gUxdCWsF #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentPartnerships #VentureCapital #AngelInvestors #SmallBusiness #Innovation #GrowthMindset #edtech

Fundraising Quarterly & Fundraising Clinic Join our webinar & get unbiased advice from seasoned pros for your startup 📈 Navigating the Twists and Turns of VC in 2024? We've got you! Heads up, founders! Confused about your startup's valuation? Pondering which VC firm to approach in this ever-shifting market? Curious about what happened during Q4 2023 and what's that saying about the first signs of 2024? Join our webinar - we'll answer all your questions live (and more!). 📌 21st February from 10-12pm GMT Duration: 2 hours Sign up here: https://hubs.la/Q02krwww0 Plan to attend live, we won’t be sharing a recording What's on the Agenda? VC Market Review: A mini-review of the current VC environment based on data. Is the market bouncing back? What are the latest trends? Clinic-Style Q&A: All your burning questions about fundraising, answered. It's your chance to get unbiased insights straight from the experts. 🔍 Francois will dissect the latest reports, giving you the lowdown on the VC landscape. 🤔 Got questions like "How do I navigate this dragging market?" or "How do I find the right investors for my startup?" or "How do I even know if this valuation is good enough?". We can help! Why Attend? Get our insights and answers. A rare opportunity to get unbiased, bespoke advice from seasoned pros. And for free! #FundraisingBootcamp #VCtrends #StartupJourney #SeriesA #SeriesB #Seed #SeriesC #Startup #VCfunding

🚀 Navigating the startup funding crunch? Discover key strategies for success in my latest blog! Dive into the art of proving product-market fit on a budget, savvy fundraising, and why culture and governance matter from the start. Plus, get insights on forging solid investor ties and the power of diversifying your funding avenues. Don't let a tough market stifle your startup's potential – let's thrive against the odds! 💡 #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Innovation 💼 Read on for tips to outmaneuver the funding challenge. 👇 [Your-Blog-Post-Link]