NextGen Venture Partners’ Post

65% more startups shut down in 2023 than 2022. This isn’t something we talk much about because it’s not pleasant or simple. Startups shut down for many reasons, and founders who shutter one company often go on to build successful businesses. Case in point: Henry Ward. Our CEO shut down his first company, a robo advisor called Secondsight. A year later, he founded what is now Carta. But first, he had to do the hard and unpleasant work of shuttering Secondsight. Creating employee severance packages, canceling vendor agreements, unwinding customer contracts, filing IRS dissolution tax returns, returning money to shareholders, and so on. Starting a company is hard. Shutting one down shouldn’t be harder. On March 25, we’re hosting a virtual event that’s all about effectively managing the process of winding down a startup. Come hear from:  ⏩️ Our CEO Henry Ward who knows the pain of closing down a startup firsthand ⏩️ Benjamin Bayat, an early-stage VC who advises founders at every stage ⏩️ Mike LaPlante, a startup lawyer and strategic advisor to hundreds of founders ⏩️ Connie Li, who helped build Carta Conclusions, will moderate RSVP: https://lnkd.in/g88sQraB

At Carta we talk a lot about growing your startup, but what about when it's time to navigate the challenging terrain of closing a startup? Every stage of the entrepreneurial journey—even the very toughest—is important. Next week, we’re hosting a virtual event that’s all about effectively managing the process of winding down a startup. The panel is stacked: Our CEO Henry Ward (who knows the pain of closing down a startup firsthand), Benjamin Bayat (an early-stage VC who advises founders across all stages of their companies), and Mike LaPlante (a startup lawyer and strategic advisor to hundreds of founders). Moderated by Connie Li who helped build a solution to support founders during the toughest phase of the entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're currently navigating the closure of a startup or just want to arm yourself with knowledge for the future, this event is essential. Don't miss the chance to gain insider insights, connect with industry leaders, and fortify your strategic arsenal. Reserve your spot now: https://lnkd.in/gBvANRSw #StartupDissolutions #FounderAdvice

95% of first-time founders make this mistake. I'm sure all of us have heard of this statistic: "90% of startups fail." But how can we mitigate this risk? Having spoken to many successful founders and people with decades of experience, this is what I gathered. ↳ Think like a second-time founder. That's the way the team and I are approaching sDots. There's no sitting on the couch, brainstorming ideas that sound "cool." sDots works on connecting the dots of your business and needs. We come with ready-done, convenient solutions. We're here out of necessity.

There are intricacies involved in every aspect of running a startup, including the often difficult decision to wind down operations. It's a phase that requires strategic thinking and precise execution. But it comes at the most challenging time possible. Our upcoming virtual event is a chance to hear directly from experts who’ve seen it all: Carta CEO Henry Ward (who knows the pain of closing down a startup firsthand), Benjamin Bayat (an early-stage VC who advises founders across all stages of their companies), and Mike LaPlante (a startup lawyer and strategic advisor to hundreds of founders). Whether you're currently facing the challenge of closing a startup or simply looking to expand your knowledge base, this event is invaluable. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gNuGJ9FF #StartupDissolutions #FounderTips

🌊💼 As I primarily work with startups, I understand how critical timing is and how hectic it can be to cover everything if you're a founder. That's why, whether I'm lounging on vacation or balancing on the waves, I ensure your pitch decks are polished and delivered on time. 🚀 So, take a deep breath, focus on your big ideas, and leave the deck details to me! #StartupLife #PitchDeckPerfection #AlwaysOnTheClock #WorkFromAnywhere

🔥 Founder lessons learned - Part 3: VCs want to talk to you! Don't be afraid to pitch your startup. It's their job to listen. Plus, it's great practice. Cheers to #BraivOnes! #founderlessons #VCfunding #startuplife"

Another day, another pitch. Running a startup is a roller coaster ride in itself. It is a heavy responsibility to ensure the startup can operate smoothly and sustainably. Pitching High Castle's vision and idea to VCs, ECF platforms and investors are now an almost daily occurrence. The outcome may vary but progress must continue. It is not about how many times you fail or get rejected. It is about how you pivot and innovate after each and every failure or rejection. Let's see how it goes.

An important lesson, good is better than perfect. Launch as soon as it is functional, secure and viable.

Celebrate the journey of successful startup founders who turned their dreams into reality! Get inspired by their stories of resilience and triumph. 🌟 #SuccessStories #StartupJourney