Las Olas Venture Capital’s Post

#mazex | Learn about Martin Kelly's viewpoint on supporting maze x: "The community at maze impact is special, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. It includes diverse, passionate, and knowledgeable individuals, from seasoned investors to serial founders. This vibrant community creates opportunities that drive real impact. Maze facilitates connections that lead to fruitful collaborations, with tailored support programs and access to an international network, accelerating the growth and impact of startups. Maze’s investment strategy focuses on early-stage impact-driven startups, providing the necessary funding and support to scale operations and enhance impact. The portfolio addresses various social and environmental challenges. By supporting gritty founders and leveraging their network, maze is driving real change, and I am proud to be a part of this journey." Thank you, Martin, for the endless support! ➡ maze x is an early-stage funding programme for impact-driven newly-founded teams to multiply their execution capacity by 3x ahead of their first round of funding. 📍The maze x hands-on programme is supported by MATCH, an initiative co-funded by the EU. #mazex

If you've been wondering how to get started as an investor in start-ups, the Seattle Angel Conference is the best way I know, and the free learning events (https://lnkd.in/gtdJSssU) are a great first step.

How do you close a gap this big? Regions outside of major metros and financial centers aren’t supposed to be able to fuel their tech startups – until you bring together venture philanthropists and venture capitalists. With the creation of the Innovate SOMO Funds*, the culmination of efforts of several partners spanning nearly two years, brings an innovative solution to a long-standing problem that limits opportunity for tech founders across southern Missouri to start and grow job-creating companies. Our partners share our mission for driving growth and economic impact in our communities by harnessing the power of our region’s financial, intellectual and social capital. Huge thank you and recognition goes to: Our Founding Partners - efactory, The Bank of Missouri, The Hatch Foundation, Jordan Valley Innovation Center, and Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Capacity Building Partners - Missouri Technology Corporation, U.S. Department of Labor, Delta Regional Authority, U.S. Economic Development Administration, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Missouri Department of Economic Development. And Ecosystem Partners - Missouri State University, Missouri State University-West Plains, Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University and Crowder College. Together, we’ll continue fueling innovation and economic development for Southern Missouri startups for years to come! 🚀 (*https://lnkd.in/gWPUPZPh)

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend the Techstars Economic Mobility Powered by Samvid Ventures Demo Day, hosted by Samvid Ventures in New York City. This was the second Techstars Demo Day I attended this week, and I couldn’t help but notice how strikingly different the focus was compared to the first one. The first Demo Day revolved around projects aimed at driving revenue growth and enhancing business performance. Many of the startups were focused on marketing and sales, aiming to optimize processes and explore untapped niches and new revenue opportunities. In contrast, yesterday’s Demo Day centered on social impact. The featured startups tackled pressing issues such as unemployment, social inequality, and the lack of basic opportunities for many people. These projects weren’t just about profitability; they were about creating meaningful solutions to improve lives for those who need it most. It’s truly inspiring to see how technology and entrepreneurial spirit can drive positive change and contribute to a more equitable society. #Techstars #DemoDay #EconomicMobility #SocialImpact

SF is BACK . . . maybe even bigger! The GATHERING was more than an event. It was a green light. Prior to the pandemic, San Francisco was a mecca of energy, innovation, technocracy, and a collective light for a bright future. That light seems back, and entrepreneurial innovation is again on the rise at the startup level. I had a chance last week to join THE GATHERING SAN FRANCISCO, a monthly get together of future funded founders, investors, and players in the venture tech ecosystem. Started and hosted by Dasha Shunina, a bench of startup founders got to speed pitch their funding ideas to other successful early-stage entrepreneurs with Q&A from over 100 attendees. What made this so cool was that everyone in attendance was so genuine in their desire to help these founders become successful. Critical feedback was done in such a positive way that it literally felt like a family trying to help their own. The true allure and magic of the Bay Area was always its belief that groundbreaking ideas could come from anyone. Within this Hollywood-like tech hub spanning 60 miles around San Francisco, that dream was both respected and celebrated by all. The Gathering brought back that feeling, and certainly a new generation of young dreamers who will likely change the world. I’d encourage anyone thinking about starting a tech company, as well as those currently raising Seed/Series A funds, to check out the 2025 Gathering event schedule. Reach out to Dasha on LinkedIn, and you’ll find a generous, fun, dynamic host excited about the future and a great scout for that next early stage investment opportunity! #seedfunding #venturecapital #executivesearch #startups

🌱 Building Community to Find the Next Big Thing At Forum Ventures, we believe that the best investments start with building authentic relationships within startup ecosystems. This November, we made two new investments in companies that we connected with through our community-driven events - one at a panel during LA TechWeek and the other at a coffee meetup in New York. These informal settings allowed us to engage with founders in a way that goes beyond the traditional pitch and really get to know their vision, values, and the problem they’re solving. As part of my role at Forum Ventures, I’m focused on growing our community of founders, investors, and innovators across North America. I truly believe that the best way to find breakthrough companies is by creating spaces for meaningful human connections. Whether it’s a large event or a small, casual meetup, every conversation has the potential to spark the next big idea. If you’re a founder looking for partners who are truly invested in your mission or an investor looking to engage with the next generation of innovators, we have a ton of events coming up that can come out to meet the Forum team and the link to our calendar is in the comments! 👇 #CommunityBuilding #VC #Startups #FounderConnections #InvestmentOpportunities #EcosystemGrowth #Innovation

Team San Diego! I though you may find this as surprising as I did...we are not alone. Read this quick article from Jon Prentice's (Silicon Valley Bank) interview with with James Newell (Voyager Capital), published in GeekWire on Seattle's innovation ecosystem....they lament the SAME issues as we do in San Diego: * Lack of angel investors, (Especially, it calls out, given the local giant tech co's) * "We need low-conviction check writers." * Lack of "cachet associated with being an angel investor" - We have similar efforts (as described in the article) to drum up angel activity: NuFund Venture Group and, Interlock Capital (read the article and you'll see why the Interlock effort is tops as relates to "paying back into the ecosystem") Connect.org strives to 'connect' innovative companies with investors of all types (angel, VC, PE...) - just see "Innovation Day". Their Springboard program provides another great way for experienced entrepreneurs to give back through mentorship...as for the companies going through Springboard: "Ask for advice, and you often get $$" Your thoughts on the article or San Diego innovation ecosystem? https://lnkd.in/gfwq6mfq

As most of my colleagues know, I've recently been appointed an "Advisor in Residence" (AIR) up at UK Innovates' Launch Blue. As such, it's my pleasure to serve and support the evolving start up community in Kentucky. Next week, there is a Commerce Lexington event and a networking Invest Blue after party from 3:30 to 5:00. I'm reaching out to folks I know who are commercial bankers, accredited investors, M&A related firms, Private Equity (PE), and relevant 3rd parties to join us to network with Invest Blue. I hope you will stop by to support this important Kentucky ecosystem and lend your support to their lofty goals for our community. Please take a moment to RSVP by clicking the link below. Also, please take a moment to let colleagues know about this that may be interested. https://lnkd.in/e9bGv5NM FYI, the Launch Blue Accelerator has three areas of focus that include deep tech, industry transformation, and social innovation. They are launching a new program where their entrepreneurs/students partner with corporates/industry who are interested in "outsourced innovation". There is also a supporting grant pending. This could be an opportunity for you to tap into the talent pool at UK Innovate. Invest Blue and Launch Blue defined: Invest Blue is a partnership between the University of Kentucky's Launch Blue and Keyhorse Capital at the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation. The project's goal is to support Kentucky startups and diversify investors by: Creating an investment network, investing in 30 Kentucky startups, and establishing a sustainable venture fund for technology-based startups. Launch Blue is a startup accelerator that offers programs to help Kentucky founders develop scalable startups. Some of their programs include: UAccel Quick Start: A program for university-affiliated innovators to learn how to commercialize their technology I-Corps: An entrepreneurial training program to help turn inventions into impact Pre-Seed Accelerator: A 7-week program to help tech startup founders develop a scalable business model Hope to see you next week.

In less than a month, I'll be attending the Rare Founders event: London's Largest Demo Day + Investor & Founder Conference, with Yay!Starter Marketing as an information sponsor! 🗓 Date: Monday, 22 April 2024 ⏰ Time: 9:00 to 17:00 BST (Conference) | 18:00 to 21:00 BST (Networking Drinks) 📍 Location: 1 Wimpole Street, Westminster, London, W1G 0AE Why Attend? * Exceptional Networking: Connect with other investors, LPs, and ambitious founders. * Discover Top Startups: Gain insights from pitches by carefully selected startups at various stages. * Exclusive Dealflow Access: Dive into data from over 500 applicants and meet 300 fundraising founders. * Tailored Insights: Engage in workshops and panels crafted for VCs, Family Offices, and founders at crucial growth stages. I'm looking forward to meeting many of the 100 startups and connecting with fellow investors and founders. If you're as excited as I am about shaping the future of startups, I've got good news: Yay!Starter has secured 30 tickets with a 20% discount for our community. Want in? Drop a comment below, and let's make it happen. See you there: https://lnkd.in/enyChznE! #RareFounders #DemoDay2024 #YayStarter #InvestmentOpportunity #StartupCommunity

🔎 While Boston booms with nurturing tech, biotech, and climate tech startups, a need to support founders in retail, food, and other industries remain. Diverse entrepreneurs in these sectors face tough odds, receiving less than 5% of U.S. venture capital. 🌟🚀 To address this, Boston could implement a new strategy focusing on: 1) leveraging successful local industries like retail and food; 2) organizing a summit of key players in non-tech sectors; 3) creating a comprehensive resource guide; and 4) fostering long-term growth with mentorship and support. This approach aims to build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem and bolster Massachusetts' economy. To read more, visit https://buff.ly/3YTZF7l