Val Steed, CPA, CITP, MAcc’s Post

Our CEO, Sridhar Vembu, recounts the pivotal moment that solidified our decision to steer clear of external funding. Watch his full discussion with Aakash Chaudhry on Josh Talks about the allure of unicorn businesses, current tech trends, and more.  👉 https://zurl.co/PP4k

Incredible decision by Sridhar Vembu! Prioritizing long-term vision over immediate gains demonstrates true leadership and commitment to sustainable growth. This choice not only aligns with the core values of Zoho but also sets a remarkable example for other tech leaders. Excited to see how this decision unfolds and drives innovation within the company. #Leadership #Innovation #TechIndustry"

Have you been keeping up with the insights and industry discussions in the Hampleton Partners archives? Subjects tackled in recent articles include:   🔥 The startup scenes in Belgium and Ireland 🔥 Why defence tech is no longer taboo for investors 🔥 The hottest new UK fintechs to watch 🔥 Why the autotech industry is having a rude awakening   Dive into our archive here: https://lnkd.in/eQyZX2c9

If you'd like to understand what's going on in the Israeli tech ecosystem these days, watch this TV interview with Viola's founder Shlomo Dovrat on Bloomberg. Investments continue, innovation is at full speed, and acquisitions are made. Despite the current situation. Israeli tech delivers, #noamtterwhat

Navigating the world of tech deals? It's all about spotting those warning signs early to avoid bumps down the road. We caught up with the experts at Avalia Systems to uncover what exactly should set those alarm bells ringing for investors eyeing a tech venture. Dive into the details with us at https://lnkd.in/dXyQrmqu #RedFlags #TechDeals #Investors

Corporations that don’t engage with the startup community… …will slowly find themselves alone in a sea of competitors where they can’t compete… As the digital landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it's imperative for organizations to stay ahead of emerging trends. While startups represent just one facet of this dynamic environment, they play a crucial role in shaping the future. For the third consecutive year, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) proudly sponsors The Tampa Bay Wave accelerator program, underscoring our commitment to staying connected with the startup ecosystem. In today's ever-changing digital realm, staying plugged into the startup ecosystem isn't merely optional—it's a strategic imperative for organizations of all sizes. This ecosystem serves as our conduit to the future, reminding us that adaptability is key to survival. By fostering these connections, we not only support the success of emerging ventures but also solidify our position at the forefront of innovation. Here's to another great startup cohort..I can’t wait to see their final pitches! #cybersecurity #Innovation #StartupEcosystem #TampaBayWave

Today, Republic launched its private equity-esque token, the Republic Note, on INX through the Avalanche blockchain. The token represents a claim on expected dividends from more than 750 late-stage companies like SpaceX, Dapper Labs, and Carta. It is therefore overtly a security, being offered to accredited investors already in pre-sale and to non-accredited investors via Reg CF. This is a significant step for the tokenization of real world assets since NOTE is blockchain-native, created via contract, rather than just a representation of ownership on INX's books. It fits into the broader picture of securities moving on chain, as we've seen with everyone from Ondo Finance to OpenEden. And now even self-custody wallets are becoming accounts on which their users can trade securities - that's why one of our clients brought up NOTE earlier today.

Once upon a time in 1986, a young and ambitious Steve Ballmer joined the Microsoft team. He was full of energy and had big dreams for the company's future. At that time, Microsoft was already making waves in the tech industry with the success of MS-DOS, but Ballmer knew that the company was capable of so much more. Ballmer believed that the way people interacted with computers needed to be revolutionized. He wanted to create a user-friendly interface that would make computers accessible to everyone, not just tech-savvy individuals. This vision led him to embark on a journey to develop the first version of Windows. Windows 1.0 was a groundbreaking idea that evolved from an earlier project called "Interface Manager." The concept was to create a graphical user interface (GUI) that would replace the command-line interface commonly used in those days. This new interface would be intuitive and easily navigable, providing a more comfortable experience for users. Ballmer knew that in order for Windows to succeed, he needed to build a strong team. He assembled a group of talented minds within the company and they began working tirelessly to bring Windows to life. They faced numerous challenges along the way, but their passion and determination kept them going. After months of hard work and countless iterations, Windows 1.0 was finally ready for launch. It was released in November 1985, and the response was overwhelming. Though it was not perfect, Windows 1.0 was a huge step forward in making computers more user-friendly. The interface featured a tiled design, with each tile representing a different application, much like what we see today in modern operating systems. It introduced the concept of overlapping windows, allowing users to multitask effortlessly. Windows 1.0 also came with a variety of built-in applications, such as a calculator, calendar, and even a game called Reversi. Despite its success, Ballmer knew that Windows still had room for improvement. He understood that it needed to become faster, more stable, and compatible with a wider range of software. He never settled for mediocrity, always pushing his team to strive for excellence. Over the years, Windows continued to evolve, with each new version surpassing its predecessor. And throughout this journey, Ballmer's dedication and leadership played a significant role in shaping Microsoft's success story. Windows 1.0 marked the beginning of a new era, revolutionizing the way people interacted with computers. It paved the way for the future of technology and set Microsoft on a path towards becoming one of the most influential companies in the world. Thanks to Ballmer's vision and commitment, Windows has become an integral part of our lives. It is a testament to the power of determination and the impact that one person can have on shaping the future. And the story of Windows 1.0 with Steve Ballmer remains a reminder that great ideas can change the world.

SELLING IS DIFFERENT FROM MARKETING Clever pricing tactics: First paint a clear picture of product FEATURES, land it with clear illustrations. Then pitch comparative, higher price points, before revealing the actual price offer. It makes the customer THINK s(he) is getting a great bargain. This is good selling (at least by the standard of the 80s) but this is NOT marketing.