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Women’s social network Peanut launches microfund StartHER to invest in pre-seed stage startups

TechCrunch

Peanut , the maker of a social networking app for women, is entering into the investing space with today’s launch of a microfund called StartHER. “The assumption that founders should have networks able to invest in their businesses creates an unfair starting line for most groups. .

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Is it time for a Common App for startup founders?

TechCrunch

The venture firm, which just closed a $150 million fund in May 2022 , is launching what it describes as a common application for pre-seed startup founders. Now, the same founding teams that apply to Afore’s program will automatically have their application blasted to 30-some investors in the venture firm’s network.

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Startup founders, this is how you get your first investor meeting

TechCrunch

Without a doubt, a good, friendly introduction — ideally from a founder they’ve already invested in — is the best way to get on the radar of an investor. The VC might know their kids’ school teacher pretty well, for example, but the school teacher may not have a lot of startup or investing experience.

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Expand your network to add diversity to investment deal flow

Innovation 2 Enterprise

” Only 1% of venture capital dollars went to Black startup founders in 2018, according to a study by Silicon Valley Bank and others. Additionally, fully 93% of the surveyed firms did not report having any Black investment partners. Expand your own network. As an industry, we are missing the boat.

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Despite myriad flaws, US remains top spot for Black startup founders seeking VC dollars

TechCrunch

is still the best place in the world for Black startup founders to raise money. It’s quite easy to harp on the dismal funding and often discriminatory treatment that Black founders receive in the U.S. “Why? More investors are investing in nontraditional businesses. As an ironic result, founders look to the U.S.

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The “secret” side door into any investor

Paul G. Silva

When a startup founder is trying to raise money, they know they should use referrals to get introduced to investors. Even if you get to talk to an investor in your network, investors tend to be cynical as heck. Leverage your network if you can, but cold-call if you must. But those referrals are hard to get!

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Fundraise for network access with Sapphire Ventures and Medable

TechCrunch

Michelle Longmire, physician/scientist turned startup founder, founded Medable with the goal of transforming patient connectivity in the healthcare system. Along the way in raising $479 million, Sapphire Ventures invested in several rounds, providing Longmire with new relationships and opportunities within Sapphire Ventures’ network.