Discovery Park’s Post

I’ve been building and operating #startup #ventures for 20+ years and even when the product, market, or timing is off, a topnotch #team figures out what to change and how to win. A closeup view of how the best founders and execs make the most of their people #talent through our work at Hunt Club: 👉 At every company, only 1 or 2 people truly have the passion, time, and influence to actively develop their existing people and build a strong pipeline of new talent. 👉 For key roles, there's a very long list of 200-300 candidates today (up from 100-150 just 5 years ago. The more senior the position, the more likely that a warm intro through a trusted connection is needed. 👉 Finding the perfect fit is increasingly narrow. If a company has just one profile for a key hire, they either need to get lucky or expand archetypes. Otherwise, the search extends by another 30-80 days. ❓ And a new one - does #AI help or hurt things? With generative AI, there's been an explosion of well-written, but soulless outreach. Companies are combating that with tactics to sift through the noise to bubble up the most promising fits. Looking forward to chatting tonight with Shweta Agrawal, Steve Vilkas & the Born Global Community about #talent, #global #entrepreneurship #community, and why I think #Boston is a magnet for some of the world's most promising #builders, #innovators, and #startups. Hunt Club Atlas, a Hunt Club Company TBD Angels

Recap of our recently finished Acceleration Program in Chicago 👆🏼 🇺🇸 Our six startups participated in an intense 12-day Acceleration Program at Media Tech Ventures, designed to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the U.S. market.  With a curriculum spanning 11 classes and insights from seven industry experts, our cohort honed their networking abilities and perfected their pitches in preparation for events like the Funded House and meetings with potential investors and partners. In just over a week, they participated in four networking events and delivered six powerful pitches, culminating in a memorable Graduation Day. 👉🏻 This experience has not only expanded their knowledge but has also empowered them to take bold steps towards realizing their entrepreneurial dreams. Soon more updates as we continue to support our startups on their journey to success! 🙌🏼 MediaTech Ventures 2112 Creative Industries Incubator TheDrives Intell Informed iPets Solutaria HappyPlace FinalFind John Zozzaro Megan Botha Elijah May Paul O'Brien Jonie Oostveen Anja Adamović Nina Milic Branko Džakula Damjan Cvetanovic Nebojša Lalić Dražen Stojović Velibor Miranović Denis Memić U.S. Department of State #accelerationprogram #MTSB3 #mediatechventures #2112 #startups #classes #networking #pitches #graduationday #development #growth #success #support #chicago #usmarket #montenegro #westernbalkans

We welcome Sophia Tran 🚀 to our SevenVentures Pitch Day jury this year!    Sophia Tran is the Founder & CEO of Spotlight! Ventures, where she empowers emerging digital #startups. As both an investor and the NRW spokeswoman for the German Startup Association, she is deeply attuned to the needs of young companies and understands what it takes to turn promising startups into successful ventures. Sophia is also a prominent speaker and host on German television, publisher and founder of an online lifestyle magazine and tech blog author. As a passionate world traveler and business angel, Sophia adds the perfect balance to our five-member #jury. We sat down with Sophia to ask her some questions before she makes her first appearance on the #7VPD stage. 1. Sophia, this is your first time on the SevenVentures Pitch Day jury! Where does your passion lie? I’m deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Through my work with Spotlight! and Spotlight! Ventures, we aim to support underrepresented founders and bring more diverse perspectives into the european start-up ecosystem. My passion lies in empowering founders to create innovative solutions that not only push the boundaries of technology but also drive meaningful social impact.    2. What are you most looking forward to at SevenVentures Pitch Day 2024? Are there any current start-up trends or innovations that you are super excited about at the moment? I’m excited to see how start-ups are embracing diversity in their approaches to solving problems. Sustainability continues to be a major trend, and I’m particularly interested in how founders are tackling environmental issues with innovative business models. Additionally, the way AI is evolving and being applied across industries really fascinates me—I’m looking forward to seeing how start-ups harness this potential to create scalable solutions.    3. How can Pitch Day finalists pitch to impress you this year?  To impress me, finalists should present a clear and compelling vision of how their product or service addresses a real need, especially if it has the potential to create a lasting impact. I value start-ups that not only have strong business fundamentals but are also mindful of diversity and inclusion in their teams and solutions. Authenticity and passion for your mission are crucial - it’s important to show that you’re truly committed to making a difference.    4. And lastly - what do you want to see from a Pitch Day winner?  I want to see a start-up with a truly innovative and scalable solution, but equally important is the potential for real-world impact. The winner should have a well-defined business model and a strong team capable of executing their vision. I’m particularly drawn to companies that are not only commercially viable but also contribute positively to society or the environment - those that aim to leave a meaningful legacy.    Thanks Sophia and see you 15th October at the New Com Summit!

Investor update: We are excited to announce that Uday Mehta from USA has joined the PitchHere family as an investor! He is interested to invest in EDTech, Agriculture, Logistics and Delivery. His commitment to investing in innovative startups aligns perfectly with our mission to create a dynamic and supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Thank you Uday, for recognizing the potential of our platform and choosing to partner with us. Your leadership and vision will undoubtedly inspire many promising startups on their journey to success. At PitchHere.in, we connect visionary startup founders with experienced investors to drive growth and innovation. With Uday Mehta on board, we are confident that our startups will benefit immensely from his expertise, insights, and resources. 🚀 To Our Esteemed Network of VCs, Angel Investors and Startup Founders: This is the perfect opportunity to join a thriving community dedicated to nurturing the next generation of groundbreaking startups. By partnering with PitchHere, you will: -Discover high-potential startups ready for investment. -Access detailed investment opportunities tailored to your interests. Join us at PitchHere.in and be part of a vibrant ecosystem that fosters growth, innovation, and success. Let’s shape the future together! Welcome aboard, Uday Mehta! We look forward to a fruitful and exciting journey ahead. #Startup #Investment #Opportunity #Seedfund #Startupecosystem #pitchhere

With Future Foundry LIVE: The #1 Reason Corporate Ventures fail rapidly approaching, we wanted to give you a quick reminder to grab your seat. We're down to the last few spaces, so if you're free on May 1st 14:00 GMT/09:00 EST make sure this is in your diary!   During this 60 minute online session, we'll be joined by Carlo Mahfouz, VP, Strategic Technology Partnerships at Laerdal Medical to explore the concept of Corporate-Venture Fit.    Corporate Venture Building involves a two-front war, which is fought both internally and externally simultaneously. External Front: Product-Market Fit Externally, the focus is on achieving Product-Market Fit, a critical milestone for startups. Every startup. Product-Market Fit refers to the extent to which a product satisfies a strong market demand. Not establishing this fit is a key factor contributing to startup failures. Internal Front: Corporate-Venture Fit Internally, the emphasis is on Corporate-Venture Fit, which measures how well a venture aligns with its corporate parent's strategy at a given time. Despite having proven Product-Market Fit, many Corporate Ventures have been liquidated due to changes in corporate strategy.   This underscores the critical importance of securing Corporate-Venture Fit, as its absence stands as a primary contributor to corporate startup failures, alongside lacking Product-Market Fit. Join Future Foundry LIVE: The #1 Reason Reason Corporate Ventures Fail to learn about and discuss the concept of Corporate-Venture Fit: What does it entail? How can it be achieved and maintained? Ready to join us? Link below to register.

Win $20,000 for first place; $12,000 for second place; $8,000 for third place. In these challenging times that has to be a good headline for #startups operating in life science/health/digital health. The Mansfield Bio-Incubator is holding a pitch competition. Also, for European companies in my network, the incubator offers a potential way in to the US market. Contact Alex Shlyankevich or Alexander Margulis, Ph.D. for more details. "In the competitive world of startups, it is crucial to make a lasting impression on potential stakeholders such as investors, partners, and buyers. The most effective way to do this is through a compelling pitch presentation. The Mansfield Bio-Incubator Pitch Competition on May 21, 2024 is designed to help your startup create and effectively deliver a standout presentation that captivates and convinces your audience. #pitching #pitchdeck #usmarketentry

It's 🌟Follow Friday🌟, spotlighting top professionals from my network! Alexander Hüsing, the pioneering Founder & Editor-in-Chief of deutsche-startups.de and the driving force behind the „Startupland Conference“, has been a key figure in the German startup scene for over two decades. 💡 Born in 1974, Alexander began his journalistic journey in 1996 with the "Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung" and has since carved out a niche as a leading voice in the world of startups and venture capital. 🌱 🚀With a deep passion for young, emerging internet startups, Alexander has been informing and inspiring the entrepreneurial community through deutsche-startups.de since 2007. His platform delivers daily news, in-depth interviews, startup profiles, and market insights, making it an essential resource for aspiring and established founders, investors, and all those eager to stay informed about the vibrant German startup ecosystem. 💼Looking ahead, Alexander is gearing up for the „Startupland Conference“ on November 6, 2024, in Cologne. This annual gathering brings together top founders, key investors, and major corporates under one roof, fostering connections and growth in the startup world. With inspiring talks, engaging discussions, and high-energy pitches, it's a must-attend event for anyone in the startup and venture capital space. #Entrepreneurship #Startups #Innovation #VentureCapital 🎤📅✨

Building Startups with More Than Just Capital At New Future Ventures, we believe that successful startups need more than just financial investment. Our venture studio approach provides a robust ecosystem of support that empowers founders to achieve their full potential. Here's how we do it: 1️⃣ Expert Guidance: Our team consists of seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders who provide hands-on operational and strategic support. 2️⃣ Comprehensive Resources: We offer startups access to cutting-edge tools, industry networks, and essential resources that drive innovation and growth. 3️⃣ Tailored Mentorship: Our bespoke mentorship programmes are designed to address the unique challenges of each startup, ensuring they navigate their journey with confidence and expertise. 4️⃣ Long-Term Commitment: We commit to supporting our startups through the critical first 2 to 3 years, helping them to build a solid foundation for sustained success. 5️⃣ Integrated Approach: By combining investment with intensive support, training, and expertise, we ensure our startups are not just funded but are set up to thrive. Join us in fostering the next generation of digital innovators. At New Future Ventures, we’re not just investors; we’re partners in building the future. #VentureStudio #StartupDevelopment #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Startups #BusinessGrowth #NewFutureVentures https://lnkd.in/ec6cVbZf

Harnessing the wisdom of those who came before us is not just a choice—it's a responsibility. In the world of startups and venture capital, success is built upon the collective knowledge and support of those who paved the way. Let's delve into the data behind this principle: Did you know that mentored startups are 3 times more likely to succeed than those without mentors? This statistic underscores the immense impact of standing on the shoulders of others in the entrepreneurial journey. Moreover, research shows that VC-backed startups led by diverse teams are more likely to achieve higher returns. Embracing diverse perspectives not only fosters innovation but also enhances the likelihood of success in the competitive startup landscape. As we ascend on our entrepreneurial path, let's remember that our progress is intertwined with the support we receive and the support we provide. By uplifting others and paying it forward, we perpetuate a cycle of growth and empowerment that extends far beyond ourselves. So, let's commit to living a life of reciprocity—where we honor those who lifted us up by extending a helping hand to those who follow in our footsteps. Together, we can create a legacy of impact that transcends generations. #StartupSuccess #VentureCapital #EntrepreneurshipJourney #PayItForward

🚀 Team Spotlight: Meet Mike Supeck, Managing Director at Ohio Angel Collective 🚀 We’re thrilled to spotlight Mike Supeck, one of the visionary founding partners at Ohio Angel Collective! With a Bachelor’s in Computer Software Engineering from Miami University, Mike’s deep technical knowledge and problem-solving mindset have played a key role in shaping the innovative investment strategies at OAC. 🎓 At OAC, Mike helped introduce a groundbreaking subscription-based investment model, allowing investors to support early-stage startups with a minimum commitment of $1,000. This approach opens up the world of angel investing to more participants, fueling the growth of Ohio’s startup ecosystem. 🚀 With Mike’s leadership, OAC has already invested in 7 startups, offering crucial early-stage funding and creating new opportunities for innovation. 💡 Beyond his work at OAC, Mike is also a Techstars mentor, where he shares his expertise with rising tech founders, guiding them through the challenges of scaling their businesses. He’s passionate about supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. 🌱 Additionally, as an OhioX ambassador, Mike is an advocate for the state’s growing tech community, working to expand Ohio’s influence as a thriving hub for technology and entrepreneurship. 🏙️ What makes Mike’s contributions truly stand out is his focus on building a more accessible startup landscape. At OAC, he’s helped cultivate an inclusive space where founders can access not only funding but also the strategic advice and partnerships that drive long-term growth. His goal is simple: to help innovative ideas take off — and that is at the heart of OAC’s mission to make Ohio a national leader in entrepreneurship. 🌟 #TeamSpotlight #AngelInvesting #Innovation #TechMentor #OhioStartups #TechLeadership #OAC #Techstars #InclusiveInvesting #OhioTech Will Zell, Corey Myers, Tom Schoger, Patrick Klein, Ryan J. Beal, Jeff (J.D.) Davids