Julien Condamines’ Post

Excited to now “officially” announce the first-ever Honolulu Tech Week from September 16-22nd. Will be sharing more in the coming days, but I wanted to start with the question: Why start Honolulu Tech Week? Honolulu (and Hawai’i) is at an inflection point as an emerging technology hub across startups, major industries, and our institutions. We have had multiple technology startups born here and exited (both IPO and M&A) to the tune of $100Ms+, with multiple more in the pipeline that are building from Hawaii. Early pioneers like Steve Case hail from here. Accelerators like Blue Startups are sought by entrepreneurs from around the world, and Elemental Excelerator is the global leader in climate. VCs like Builders, Alpaca VC, Vectr Fintech Partners, Startup Capital Ventures are based or have team here and actively funding HI startups. ThriveHI ensures we have monthly programming! Tech giants like Amazon are establishing a major presence, and Google, Meta, Microsoft, Salesforce and many others are filled with kama'aina plus those who call our islands home. Many industry leaders from travel to real estate and defense are have significant operations or are headquartered here. These industries are in the midst of deep technological transformation, but self-admittedly are behind the curve. Hawaii has demonstrated leadership in renewable energy and ocean tech plus a number of deep tech and climate companies like Privateer Space and Yishan Wong's Terraformation are emerging here in part to our inherent geographical characteristics. Honolulu and Hawaii is not only a world-class place to live if you're building from the cloud, we have the physical elements to build first-in-class technology and companies. Legislators like Glenn Wakai and Kanani Souza are bringing awareness to this. But... We need to pull together this ecosystem. We need a more networked community, including those who aren't always here physically. Talent and capital has to thrive and be excited. We need to think bigger. We need to build massive and enduring companies. There are missing connections and nodes that can accelerate our success, often hiding in plain sight. The end-to-end ecosystem, from startup to Hawaii corporates, isn't as aligned as it should be. Hawaii talent living on the mainland, and those connected to Hawaii, need to be tied tighter into the community. Honolulu Tech Week will concentrate and bring together our broader tech community once per year for a week in an 'unconference' format, to make new connections irl, hear success stories and challenges, and learn from the best while having a great time across our beautiful city. For those living here, for those returning home, and for those who want to join us. Sign Up Here —> https://lnkd.in/gEx4y6Tz Host An Event —> https://lnkd.in/gQ7irJJZ Partner / Sponsor —> DM or email to [email protected]

📢 Some excellent takeaways from Atomico's State of European Tech Report below from 3 Sisters Ventures (“3SV”) Collective Cofounder Dalia Aga-Shaw. Sadly, the report also showed that the gender problem in VC persists with only 3% of capital going to all-women founding teams in 2023, compared with 82% for all-male teams. We need to do more to address this. #europeantech #venturecapital

Atomico's State of European Tech Report is always a must-read for anyone interested in the tech ecosystem. Here are our Co-Founder Dalia Aga-Shaw's takeaways from this year's report ⬇️ #tech #vc

"European tech continues to thrive. Europe now creates more startups than America: around 14,000 between January and September, compared with 13,000 across the Atlantic." When it comes to technological and even entrepreneurial skills, Europe does surprisingly well compared to the US. However, the relative weakness of Europe's financial markets is still a drag: "European tech is unlikely to become as big as America’s just yet. Silicon Valley and its satellites in Austin, New York and elsewhere are still way ahead. America’s herd of unicorns (about 700 on last count) is twice the size of Europe’s (356). Capital is still much easier to come by in America .... New firms in America are 40% more likely than those in Europe to have secured an injection of vc within five years of founding. And when it is time to go public, European startups still feel the pull of New York, where a listing is likely to raise far more money."

Silicon Valley, meet your match. The West African startup scene is quietly outshining the tech titan in ways that deserve a spotlight. Innovation isn't just about flashy tech and big funding rounds. It's about solving real, tangible problems for communities. That's where West Africa is playing a masterstroke. From fintech solutions that bring banking to the unbanked, to agritech startups revolutionising farming in climates that Silicon Valley developers could only imagine, the region is innovating out of necessity - and it's paying off. What's more surprising? The resilience and resourcefulness of these startups. Limited access to capital? No problem. West African entrepreneurs are masters of bootstrapping, making every penny count in ways that would make even the most frugal Silicon Valley CFOs take notes. And let's talk about diversity. The West African startup scene isn't just outperforming in innovation and resilience; it's also a beacon of diversity and inclusion, with significant numbers of startups led by women and minorities, reflecting a level of diversity that Silicon Valley is still striving to achieve. So, what can we learn from West Africa's startup scene? Plenty. It's a poignant reminder that innovation doesn't just come from well-funded labs in tech hubs but from the grassroots level, solving real-world problems for real people.

As we map out important work and an exciting year ahead at New North Ventures, I have to take a quick minute to reflect back on 2023. It was a difficult year as we said farewell to Brett Davis, an inspiring friend, colleague and co-founder of NNV. At the same time, it was a year of growth and transformation for me personally and professionally as I was honored to step up and join Jeremy Hitchcock as a GP at NNV. I am incredibly grateful for Jeremy's wisdom, mentorship and friendship along with the guidance and support of Senior Associate Jessica Nelson through this transition. I am also humbled to serve along an amazing team of Venture Partners and Advisors who have been incredible partners and thought leaders on the national imperative to accelerate tech innovation. It will take a lot of great minds to navigate this time of global conflict and instability and it is inspiring to see so many former USG colleagues stay in the fight from a new vantage point. At New North we have been laser focused for several years on investing in and supporting disruptive tech companies that strengthen our nation's security and economic resilience. It was encouraging to see 2023 as a year of growth for VCs with the ecosystem of investors focused on natsec tech continuing to expand and gain momentum. The need for deep and close collaboration between tech innovators and the USG is not new. These relationships have been integral to the success of our nation for the past century and did not become a national imperative simply because of the global power struggle we are in with CCP, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, or the conflict in Israel. There is an existential interdependence between our nation's ability to rapidly innovate technology solutions and our standing as a global leader committed to democratic values. This national imperative manifested itself in World War II and, fast-forward, was later recognized by a small handful of startups post-9/11 who colored outside the lines of Silicon Valley to support our warfighters and intelligence community. That list of startups is growing exponentially and VCs are now catching up and playing an increasingly pivotal role in this multi-dimensional relationship, serving as sensors and aggregators of disruptive tech who can provide essential funds to early stage companies while they navigate USG engagement. There is a lot of hard work ahead in this quest to create asymmetric advantage over our adversaries and it's going to take a strong and persistent coalition of investors, innovators and USG partners. Let's get to it in 2024. #innovation #natsec #disruptiveleadership #thetimeisnow

We caught up with Marta Krupinska, CEO & Co-Founder, CUR8 to talk about why Tech Nation’s Climate programme is an absolute game-changer for visionary climate tech founders looking to supercharge their businesses! “Every climate tech startup should apply to Tech Nation’s programme. Whether you are raising money, looking for clients, hiring – or all the above – the team at Tech Nation will give you the incredible support you need to achieve success.” Marta Krupinska, CEO & Founder, CUR8 Also thrilled to share Marta is part of the Climate Committee this year. Marta brings invaluable expertise to help shape the climate programme for the upcoming cohort, having founded and exited two previous startups and previously headed up Google for Startups in the UK." Why Choose Tech Nation's Climate Programme? 🌱 🚀 Ultimate Launchpad for Success: Elevate your climate tech startup to new heights with our renowned Climate Programme, recognized as the ultimate launchpad for groundbreaking innovation. ✨ Tailored Support: Elevate your startup with personalised guidance and mentorship from industry experts who understand your unique challenges and goals. ✨ Lifelong Network: Immerse yourself in a dynamic community of climate tech innovators just like you and gain access to a lifelong support network. ✨ Funding Boost: Access valuable funding opportunities with facilitated demo days and strategic connections to investors and corporates. ✨ Skills Enhancement: Sharpen your skills through practical hands-on sessions covering critical business aspects. Gain the knowledge to successfully navigate the next stage of your business growth. ⏰ Time is ticking – just 5 days until applications close.  Apply by Monday 27th November, to unlock these benefits and much more. ⚡ Explore more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eFq9iuPf Need more info? Reach out to Sammy Fry for more details on Climate. #WeAreTechNation #technation #startups #UKtech  #Climate #founders Chantelle Young Johnny M. Ellie Steel Francesca Arese Lucini Louise Turton

🚀 Celebrating #MiamiTech Wins in 2023! 🌴 Despite VC challenges, the MiamiTech community thrived, focusing on building companies and talent. From AI innovations to climate tech hubs, Jeff Bezos' return, and global connections, it's been an incredible year. 🌐🌍 Here's a glimpse: 1️⃣ AI Powerhouse: 🤖 Miami's AI startups secured impressive funding, propelling the city into the top 10 of all US metro areas. Startups like DeLorean, CHECKTOBUILD, SportsVisio, Inc., and more are driving AI innovation. 2️⃣ Bezos Comes Home: 🏡 Jeff Bezos, Amazon and Blue Origin - Newslines Bezos, founder of Amazon, announced his move to Miami, bringing his mega-yacht. A homecoming for Bezos, it adds to Miami's allure and highlights its thriving tech scene. 3️⃣ Climate Innovation: 🌍 Despite a global slowdown, South Florida emerges as a climate tech hub. Designated as a Tech Hub, Miami is set to receive significant funding, creating jobs, and addressing climate challenges. 4️⃣ Tech Expansion: 📈 Miami-Dade sees a surge in tech expansions, with Kaseya leading the way. Notable names like Amazon, Anaplan, and Factorial contribute to Miami's growing tech ecosystem. 5️⃣ Global Connections: ✈️ #MiamiTech goes global! The city builds connections internationally, particularly with Madrid, fostering collaborations and partnerships between ecosystems. 6️⃣ VC Landscape: 💸 Despite a VC downturn globally, MiamiTech shows resilience. Notable raises by ClassWallet, QuickNode ⚡, and others, along with significant fund-building, set the stage for a promising 2024. 7️⃣ Brightline's Triumph: 🚄 Brightline achieves milestones, launching stations, enhancing customer experience, and finally, the high-speed rail service to Orlando. A standout year for transportation innovation. 8️⃣ Web3's Promise: 🌐 Web3 faces challenges, but Miami's community remains optimistic. Builders like Superlogic and Spearbit Labs continue laying foundations, anticipating a strong 2024 for crypto and blockchain. 9️⃣ Fintech Dominance: 💳 Fintech remains a stronghold in Miami, with Novo, MAJORITY, CapStack, and others securing notable funding. The city's fintech story attracts global talent, ensuring sustained growth. 🔟 Medtech Surges: 🏥 MedTech Innovator emerges as a major player, with Forward Therapeutics and HealthSnap leading the charge. The sector gains prominence, contributing to South Florida's diverse tech landscape. 👩💻 Tech Talent Pipeline: 🌐 Building the future with Miami Tech Works! Initiatives like the Miami Tech Talent Coalition and AI Centers at local colleges aim to grow the tech talent pipeline, fostering inclusivity and innovation. 🎉 Cheers to a phenomenal 2023 for #MiamiTech! 🚀 Excited for what 2024 holds! #excitingtimes #2024goals #aicommunity #techcommunity #southflorida #techFlo #shapingthefuturetogether

🔵 E-stonia, the technology powerhouse in the Baltics 🚀 🔵 3rd fastest-growing technology center in the Global Startup Ecosystem The Stack article reveals how Estonia ranked as the third fastest-growing technology hub in this year's Global Startup Ecosystem Report. https://lnkd.in/gG7xkuh6 Estonia has faced its share of challenges. The article underscores that the country has consistently demonstrated resilience by embracing change, learning from failures, and persistently adapting. The essence of their success lies in collaboration. Read also "The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2023 - Bold, Curious, and Unafraid: Estonia Is Where Startups Get Started": https://lnkd.in/dtpP27b2 Have a energy filled start to new week! #technology #startupnation #ecosystem #digitalisation #egovernment #Tallinn #automatisation #eID #Clevon #Auvetech #Nortal #Veriff #Pipedrive #startupEstonia #EstonianSiliconValley #EstonianMafia #collaboration #GSER2023

Is Atlanta the Next Tech Hub? Here's why it's attracting billion-dollar startups & tech giants with the likes of Google, Microsoft and more.. Atlanta's tech scene is experiencing a exponential growth, fueled by several key factors: ➡️ Business-friendly Environment: Georgia's tax structure and streamlined regulations are attracting companies of all sizes, from early-stage startups to Fortune 500s ➡️ Thriving Startup Ecosystem: Local organizations like Venture Atlanta are creating a nurturing environment for innovation, fostering billion-dollar exits and success stories ➡️ Thriving Entertainment Industry: The "Hollywood of the South" is flourishing, with film production exceeding $4 billion in 2023, further boosting the local economy These factors combined are creating a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs and investors alike. Are you a seasoned executive looking to contribute to the Atlanta tech boom? Let's connect in the comments below and discuss how your skills can make a difference! Read more on this: