This week, we're diving deep into fundraising fundamentals for Web3 startups and early-stage ventures navigating their first capital raise. Fundraising is always challenging, but in web3, it's a whole new frontier with unique hurdles. Originally presented at a Techstars Web3 Accelerator event, this session is packed with actionable insights that apply to most tech startups, especially those aiming to raise their first round.

In This Episode:

The Art of Readiness: Fundraising is a high-stakes campaign that requires focus, preparation, and a solid plan. I'll walk you through the basics of getting yourself - and your co-founders - ready to tackle your first fundraiser head-on.

Investor Pipeline Strategy: Building and managing an investor pipeline is critical to success. Learn about identifying the right investors, setting up warm intros, and the nuances of pitching to both web3 and web2.5 investors.

Legal Matters and Structures: In web3, navigating the legal landscape is a must. I cover key considerations for structuring your raise, choosing between token and equity allocations, and why a strong legal strategy is essential.

Storytelling and Positioning: We discuss the importance of clearly articulating your vision, setting ambitious yet realistic milestones, and presenting a credible plan to investors.

Execution and Perseverance: Fundraising can be a marathon filled with tough feedback, but execution is key. I share tips on how to handle investor conversations, refine your pitch, and ultimately close your round.

Resources:

Video version of Web3 Fundraising Playbook (this episode)

Slides from the Techstars session: Fundraising in web3

A16z crypto: 5 rules for token launches

NFX: The 23 Rules of Storytelling For Fundraising

Pitchdecky: Crypto / web3 (and beyond) pitch decks

LegalNodes: Choosing a web3 fundraising document

Techstars Entrepreneur's Toolkit

Applications Now Open:

If you're a web3 founder ready to scale, applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class of the Techstars Web3 Accelerator. Deadline is November 20th, so don't miss out. Visit techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to learn more and apply.

TIMESTAMPS:

01:40 The Challenges of Fundraising

02:32 Preparing for Your First Fundraise

03:56 Determining Your Fundraising Amount

07:32 Legal Considerations in Web3 Fundraising

11:43 Socializing Your Fundraise

13:27 Building Your Fundraising Materials

15:52 Targeting and Pitching Investors

20:27 Executing and Closing the Fundraise

23:21 Final Thoughts and Recap

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Guest post by Jason Ward, EMEA North Vice-President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant concept - it's here, reshaping Ireland's business landscape at an unprecedented pace.

From healthcare to finance, transportation to manufacturing, Generative AI (GenAI) is solving complex challenges and informing better decision-making. The shift towards accelerated computing is also revolutionising productivity levels, much like the industrial revolution, with potential gains of 20-40%.

Through the growing use of AI in computers and other devices, AI is also modernising the workplace, enabling employees to focus on higher-value tasks.

According to the Dell Technologies Generative AI Pulse Survey, 76% of IT leaders believe that GenAI will have a significant, if not transformative, impact on their organisations.

But, as GenAI continues to evolve and develop, so does its impact - for both cybersecurity and cybercrime.

GenAI has emerged as a double-edged sword in the cybersecurity landscape. It holds immense promise as a powerful tool to enhance data protection and threat detection, yet it also opens new avenues for cybercriminals.

Evolving cyber threats

Over recent months, we have seen several high-profile cyber incidents both here in Ireland and globally that reinforce the need for organisations in both the public and private sectors to enhance their cyber resilience in our AI era.

SMEs are particularly vulnerable to attack. According to the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau, the number of ransomware attacks targeted at SMEs continued to grow last year.

Infected emails and email links, fraudulent websites, and fake invoice payment requests from suppliers are some of the ways in which SMEs are being targeted. With the growing volume of data which need to be kept secured, many SMEs feel overwhelmed.

The Cyber Security Review Grant unveiled by Enterprise Ireland and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) last month is a positive first step in enhancing the cyber resilience of the Irish business community.

AI strengthening cyber resilience

At Dell Technologies Ireland, we're seeing businesses increasingly turn to advanced technology to double down on their resilience. The days of relying solely on traditional firewalls and antivirus software are over.

GenAI is increasingly being used to detect threats faster, predict potential cyber-attacks and automate security processes. Our latest Innovation Catalysts Study revealed that 3 in 4 organisations in Ireland now use automated tools to detect and respond to cyber threats.

This powerful technology is also helping organisations to adopt a Zero Trust model. Instead of assuming that anyone working inside your network is trustworthy, this model ensures that access to data and systems is continually verified and detecting unusual behaviour.

When AI identifies suspicious activity, it can initiate recovery protocols automatically, such as securing critical data in a Cyber Recovery Vault - a highly secure and isolated repository for critical information.

This level of automation significantly reduces downtime, allowing businesses to recover more quickly from cyberattacks and resume normal operations with minimal disruption.

Employees as the first line of defence

Cybersecurity isn't just about technology; it's fundamentally about the people who use and safeguard it.

While AI and advances system provide defence against cyber threats, they are only as effective as the individuals who implement, manage, and interact with them.

Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches, making it essential to empower employees to be the first line of defence.

This is where robust cybersecurity training comes into play. It can help change user behaviour by fostering a culture of vigilance and responsibility. By educating employees on best practices and the threats they are likely to face during their working day, organisations can significantly r...

As the digital age transforms the energy landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and critical energy infrastructure could boost efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. To drive this innovation, Dublin-based EPRI Europe is launching AI-EFFECT, aimed at accelerating the development, testing, and validation of AI applications in the energy sector.

AI-EFFECT brings together 19 leading European organisations spanning research institutions, energy operators, and academia: EPRI Europe, Maynooth University and IKIM (Ireland); INESC TEC, WATT-IS and CEVE (Portugal); DTU, Bornholms Energi & Forsyning and CDK (Denmark); Fraunhofer FIT, RWTH Aachen University and Hertie School (Germany); TUDelft and Tennet (Netherlands); IRTSX (France); DNV (Norway); EnliteAI (Austria); ENEL (Itay); and EDRD (Spain).

The three-year project will develop four demonstrations across Europe - Denmark, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Germany - each addressing a distinct use case, including multi-energy systems, congestion management, energy efficiency, and DER (Distributed Energy Resources) integration. The aim of the project is to establish a European AI Testing and Experimentation Facility (TEF) for the energy sector, enabling development, testing, and validation at various stages.

It will virtually connect existing European computer and lab facilities through a digital platform.

"This project will create a unique digital platform that helps both the AI industry and energy utilities in Europe to work together to develop and use AI in the energy industry. By making energy systems smarter, more efficient, and more reliable, we're directly supporting decarbonisation efforts and advancing EPRI Europe's mission of driving innovation to ensure a cleaner, more resilient energy future," said Eamonn Lannoye, EPRI Europe managing director.

AI-EFFECT's innovative digital platform will drive European collaboration by enabling secure data sharing, AI model development, testing and validation, and seamless integration with the EU data spaces framework. AI has broad energy applications including forecasting energy demand, network anomaly detection, simulation, and reporting automation.

The AI-EFFECT platform will help ensure that these AI tools are tested securely before deployment on real-world systems, following European data-sharing rules.

"As a global leader in the energy sector, we are extremely pleased to be part of the AI-EFFECT project, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to facilitate the energy transition. We expect that this initiative will drive innovation and significantly enhance the efficiency and the intrinsic security of energy systems across Europe.

Enel is actively sharing its global expertise and real-life scenarios, aiming to improve the quality of life through increasingly innovative and responsible energy solutions," said Gianni Vittorio Armani, head of Enel grids and Innovability.

AI-EFFECT aims to position Europe at the forefront of AI integration in the energy sector, offering a robust, secure, and scalable platform to foster innovation through research, demonstration, and collaboration. The project will also address key regulatory challenges, including compliance with the EU AI Act, ensuring AI systems for energy are transparent, secure, reliable, and interpretable.

AI-EFFECT will run until September 2027 and is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme, under agreement no. 101172952.

Integrity360, one of the leading pan-European cyber security specialists, has announced the launch of its Managed dSOC Services, an advanced security monitoring solution powered by Darktrace's AI-driven technology and Integrity360's cyber security expertise.

The partnership allows Darktrace customers to gain access to an expert team dedicated to ensuring continuous, real-time monitoring, with around-the-clock expertise that internal teams may lack and to fully optimise and benefit from the capabilities of the platform.

The Managed dSOC Services are tailored to support businesses with proactive threat detection, rapid incident response, and continuous optimisation of their security investments, ensuring comprehensive protection against constantly evolving threats.

According to a recent report from Gartner, organisations that do not optimise and manage their cyber security solutions effectively may see a 30% increase in security incidents over the next three years. Integrity360's Managed dSOC Service directly addresses this challenge by offering a fully managed service that takes the burden off internal teams, allowing businesses to focus on growth while ensuring optimal protection.

"As organisations look to invest in AI-driven security tools like Darktrace, their internal teams may lack the time or skills to fully leverage them to their greatest benefit. Integrity360's Managed dSOC fills a crucial gap for those organisations, helping them maximise their cyber security posture and reduce risk.

Not only that, but Integrity360 experts build on the Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform's AI-driven detection and response with tailored services like proactive threat hunting and enhanced breach monitoring to provide an even greater level of protection," says Eloina Pesce, Vice President of Channel, Darktrace.

For Integrity360's Darktrace customers, Integrity360's Managed dSOC Services represent a critical enhancement to their cyber security investment. Darktrace's platform, powered by advanced AI, offers unparalleled threat detection and real-time security insights. Augmenting this with Integrity360's service capacity and expertise to fully manage the system will help organisations harness the platform's full potential.

Companies with a managed service like Managed dSOC will experience enhanced security optimisation, increasing further their return on investment from their Darktrace platform.

Integrity360's Managed dSOC enables customers to fully capitalise on the benefits of their Darktrace investment, from 24/7 active monitoring to bespoke reporting and continuous AI model optimisation, ensuring clients not only detect threats in real time but also respond swiftly and strategically.

With Integrity360's specialised support, organisations can rest assured that their Darktrace environment is optimally configured, continually adapting to emerging cyber threats, and delivering maximum risk reduction.

"Through our partnership with Darktrace, we're bringing an unmatched level of expertise and proactive support to our clients, allowing them to unlock the full potential of their cyber security investment," said Brian Martin, Director of Product Management at Integrity360. "Nobody else can extract the same level of value out of the investment that we can, with this level of service and expertise underpinning it 247.

Our Managed dSOC service suite brings this additional value within reach of all organisations irrespective of size, resources, or skill levels."

The Managed dSOC service goes beyond traditional security operations by not only managing day-to-day monitoring but also providing ongoing tuning and optimisation, incident support, and threat analysis to keep clients' defences agile and aligned with current threats.

Cyber security requires rigorous oversight and constant adaptation to new risks and Integrity360's Managed dSOC Service addresses a prevalent universal challenge for most organisations: the cyber security skills and resourc...

Bord na Móna is issuing a final call for applications to its Accelerate Green GROW programme, a leading accelerator programme designed to support the growth of sustainable enterprises in Ireland. The closing date for applications is fast approaching, with submissions due by November 22nd, 2024.

Accelerate Green GROW is delivered by Bord na Móna in conjunction with Resolve Partners to equip promising Irish business owners with the skills and knowledge to scale their companies in Ireland and beyond.

Accelerate Green GROW will commence in January 2025 and is suitable for early-stage enterprises, innovative start-ups and SMEs looking to scale or pivot. Successful applicants will be brought through a series of immersive learning sessions delivered by industry leaders, entrepreneurs, potential investors, and successful Irish business representatives, and invaluable business insights will be received from the Bord na Móna leadership team.

Since its launch in 2022, 50 businesses have successfully participated in the Accelerate Green programmes. Many former participants have reported significant and sustainable progress in their companies since completing the programmes, and the alumni have collectively raised €10 million in venture capital to date.

According to recent research among the Accelerate Green alumni, over 90% of past participants have more confidence in their ability as business leaders to scale their companies successfully. Additionally, 75% of past participants have grown their workforce since completing the programme, and three in four have scaled their business operations in Ireland.

Graeme Thompson, CFO of Weev and former Accelerate Green GROW participant:

"Accelerate Green was an outstanding opportunity for us to expand and scale our EV solutions business. The programme covers a broad range of customer-centric topics in great depth. It helped us understand how to demonstrate the tangible financial benefits of our sustainability solutions to customers and how to position Weev for global growth.

Bord na Móna's own transition to a climate solutions provider underscores the depth of their expertise and the genuine purpose behind the programme. I highly recommend Accelerate Green to any sustainable business aiming to scale, grow, and succeed."

Applications can be made at www.accelerategreen.ie.

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At a recent cybersecurity info session with seniors at Britannia United Church in Ottawa where I was invited to join their weekly Coffee and Conversation on Thursdays I came prepared to discuss the latest online scams and fraud. What I encountered, though, was a reminder that modern cyber-scammers are merely the digital descendants of historical hucksters.

Just as snake oil salesmen once preyed on trust, today's scammers capitalize on our digital vulnerabilities, with older adults especially targeted due to their trust and familiarity with traditional communication.

In 2023, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre processed 62,365 fraud reports involving over $554 million in reported losses. Similarly, the European Public Prosecutor's Office reported 1,927 active investigations by the end of 2023, with estimated damages exceeding €19.2 billion. These figures underscore the widespread impact of fraud on seniors across different regions.

While the seniors in attendance at this session proved impressively resilient, not all are immune to these tactics. Some still fall prey to relentless call-center scams, which can catch even the most cautious off guard. The minister shared that one of her parishioners had recently been defrauded of several thousand dollars a reminder of the very real impact these schemes can have.

Yet, the overall skepticism in the room was encouraging. Some attendees, in fact, might even have more "grandchildren" calling with bailout requests than they'd like to admit. Their well-honed vigilance is a hopeful sign as we continue arming ourselves against these modern inheritors of the huckster's trade.

Common Types of Online Scams

As the digital world continues to evolve, so do the tricks scammers use to manipulate and defraud vulnerable populations, with older adults especially at risk. The trust and goodwill many seniors extend toward others make them prime targets for scammers who cleverly disguise their intentions and use increasingly sophisticated tactics.

One of the most common approaches is phishing, where a seemingly legitimate email urgently requests "verification" of account details or announces that you've "won" a prize, tempting recipients to click through. A senior might receive an email claiming a lottery win, complete with realistic logos and persuasive language. One click, and the scammer gains access to sensitive information, whether it's Social Security numbers, bank accounts, or passwords.

The telltale signs are often in the details: generic greetings, sloppy spelling, and, of course, the hurried demand for immediate action. Hovering over links can reveal suspicious URLs, but the best safeguard remains skepticism and verifying requests independently.

Then, there's the infamous tech support scam. A pop-up suddenly warns of a virus or a critical issue, urging the user to call a "support number" that leads them directly to a scammer eager to gain remote access. Once the victim is on the line, they may be asked to pay fees to "fix" a nonexistent problem, leaving them with a compromised computer and wallet. Reputable tech companies won't initiate contact, and closing that unexpected pop-up is often the safest course.

Fraudulent phone calls are another classic, evolving with modern technology. These scammers often pose as government officials, threatening legal action over unpaid taxes or fabricated infractions if immediate payment isn't made. It's all smoke and mirrors designed to trigger anxiety and compliance. The right move? Hang up, and call back using official numbers. Scammers rely on panic and speed, two elements we can avoid by taking a breath and double-checking.

Romance scams have also proliferated with the rise of online dating, targeting not just finances but emotions. Scammers create fake profiles, build a virtual rapport, and eventually weave tales of urgent need, such as medical bills, travel expenses, or sudden emergencies. Victims, believing they're helping someone they care for, often lo...

The Electricity Association of Ireland (EAI) has published a comprehensive strategic roadmap to decarbonise the electricity sector, economy and society. This marks the shared view of the all-island electricity sector, from generation through to retail, of the critical role of electricity in achieving Ireland's climate goals.

Ireland must increase electrification of industry, heating and transport in tandem with our accelerated renewables adoption as the key to our zero emissions future.

Electrification of industry has stagnated in Ireland, increased ambition in this area is required so that excess renewables can be consumed in Ireland giving Irish industry a distinct advantage in greener industrial outputs.

Investment of close to €2bn annually in electricity grid reinforcement, renewal and resilience is needed to drive this transformation. This is a level not previously seen on the island but necessary to avoid fines of over €8 billion.

All-island policy, investment strategies and frameworks must be clear and cohesive to attract the necessary capital for post-2030 technologies.

An investment framework that supports the decarbonisation of the All-island Electricity System and aligns with the scale of capital commitment and projected revenue streams is required.

Presented at "Ireland's Zero e-Mission Future," a major all-island energy conference in Dublin yesterday organised by EAI, the roadmap envisions the electricity sector decarbonising ahead of society, paving the way for an emission-free future. By fostering greater investment and policy alignment, Ireland can lead the way in delivering a clean, reliable and affordable energy system for all.

Keynote speakers Declan Hughes, Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (ROI), and Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy (NI) addressed industry leaders including energy company CEOs and senior level stakeholders.

Ireland's path to a low-carbon future relies on accelerating renewable energy adoption in tandem with increasing electrification across Industry, heating and transport. However, there has been slow progress in these areas after an initially positive start. Electrification of Industry has stagnated in; this roadmap calls for increased ambition so that excess renewables can be consumed in Ireland, giving Irish industry a distinct advantage in greener industrial outputs.

The Climate Change Advisory Council has recently stated that Ireland could face EU fines of over €8bn after 2030 if the country stays on its current trajectory and misses climate targets. The Electricity Association is urging policymakers to revamp the current investment framework, ensuring it aligns with the scale of capital commitment to deploy new technologies and the projected revenue streams associated with them.

In addition, close to €2bn annually will be required for future grid reinforcement, renewal and resilience to enable a 60% reduction in emissions from the sector by 2030.

The roadmap outlines key actions, including a comprehensive review of the Capacity Remuneration Market (CRM) (which ensures sufficient generating capacity, especially during peak times) and the assessment of Investment options to support low-carbon technologies.

Commenting on the report, Dara Lynott, CEO of the Electricity Association of Ireland, said:

"The electricity sector has led the way in reducing carbon emissions while providing a safe and secure energy supply and is ambitious in its goal to power a decarbonised society. This roadmap sets out how, with the right investment signals and greater ambition, this can be achieved.

"The electricity sector must decarbonise in advance of society, but the potential technology options that will help us achieve this goal all carry high levels of uncertainty. They share a requirement for significant capital, long construction times, decades-long lifespans, and a critical need for investment decisions to be made well in advan...

Munster Technological University will host the world's largest disability sports trade exhibition in 2025 under the patronage of UNESCO. The 25th International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA) and the 3rd International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment or Deafblindness will take place at MTU's North Campus in Tralee, Kerry from 16th - 20th June 2025.

The conferences are being organised by the UNESCO Chair at MTU's Tralee campus in follow-up to the Paris Call to Action launched in UNESCO Headquarters during the Paralympic Games 2024. ISAPA will provide physical activity professionals with an opportunity to share their knowledge and experience in professional preparation, research, advocacy, and service delivery in the fields of adapted physical activity, physical education, and sport science.

Up to 600 delegates will attend the two biennial international conferences, which will cover all areas of disability. Delegates are expected from academia, international organisations, government and local government, civil society, and the private sector and will travel from around the world to attend the event.

A key focus on the events will be a trade show, and event organisers are encouraging organisations working across all areas of disability to become involved. Up to 60 exhibitors will showcase innovations, products and services to advance the field of adapted physical activity.

Speaking today, Catherine Carty, UNESCO Chair Manager at MTU, said: "For organisations working in the field of disability, ISAPA 2025 is an unmissable opportunity to meet with delegates from all around the world and to showcase their products, services and latest innovations.

We are urging organisations across all fields of disability, be it physical, sensory, or related to autism, ADHD, mental health, deafness, blindness or more to get in touch with us to find out about how they can become involved in what is a hugely significant event for the south-west region and MTU, demonstrating MTU's expertise and reputation for excellence in hosting this major international event."

For further information on ISAPA 2025 visit: https://www.isapa2025.com/.

Solaris, a brand-new creative project which brings audiences on a journey through the life stages of a star, will open for its world premiere during Science Week at the Marina Market in Cork on 10 November 2024.

To celebrate Science Week, the public is encouraged to visit Solaris and discover the journey of a star, from its birth to its explosive transformation into a pulsar. An exciting new kinetic sculpture from the collective, Axolotl, Solaris explores the wondrous life cycle of the celestial bodies that fill the night sky.

Solaris is a 2.5 metre sphere containing thousands of individually mappable LEDs, which will display beautiful visual imagery that is accompanied by voiceovers from very special guests, including comedian Dara Ó'Briain, to tell the story of the star's journey.

To launch Science Week 2024, Solaris will be on display in Marina Market in Cork City from Sunday, 10 November, until Tuesday, 12 November, before it heads to Saint Nicholas' Church in Galway, 14-17 November.

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society, Research Ireland, said: "As part of Science Week, we are delighted to partner with Axolotl to bring Solaris to Cork and Galway. Taking the audience through the different generations of a star perfectly encapsulates this year's Science Week theme of Regeneration, and the voiceover from some special guests makes it a very memorable experience.

I would encourage everyone to come and visit the sculpture when it world premieres on Sunday, 10 November until 12 November in Marina Market in Cork and then in Saint Nicholas' Church in Galway, 14-17 November."

Richard Babington, Creative Director, Solaris, said: "Solaris has been a fascinating project to develop, exploring the scientific magic behind the lifecycle of a star and translating that into a visual installation using light, audio and kinetics. We've been lucky enough to collaborate with some brilliant partners and eagerly await the chance to share it with an audience."

Supported by Research Ireland, Science Week, the annual week-long celebration of science will take place across Ireland from 10-17 November, and this year, the theme is Regeneration.

With hundreds of events taking place nationwide this Science Week, there is something for everyone - whether you're passionate about protecting our environment, biodiversity, our future health, or using technology like generative AI in our everyday lives. Visit ScienceWeek.ie for more information.

Key leaders from across the public sector are to come together at the University of Galway's J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics to share insights and explore how lessons from crises can be used to deliver future reform.

The event - Leading Change in the Public Sector: Using Crisis to Deliver Future Reform - is part of the School's Thinking Beyond thought leadership series.

Former and current public sector leaders will take part in the event on Wednesday, November 13th from 8.30 am to 11 am, in the O'Donoghue Theatre at the University of Galway.

Ireland has experienced two of the most significant crises over the past two decades. It has been 14 years since then Taoiseach Brian Cowen announced that the EU-ECB-IMF troika would oversee Ireland's economic affairs due to the financial crisis.

Some 10 years later, the highest level of movement restrictions was imposed due to the novel COVID-19 virus. The Irish economy has rebounded on the back of both crises and the event will examine the lessons learned, as well as the ongoing cultural and structural transformation in process across the Defence Forces.

Former Secretary General at the Department for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, Dr. Orlaigh Quinn, who worked in Government through both the seismic events will deliver the keynote address.

A panel discussion is also being hosted with Dr Quinn; Dr Ronan Glynn, the former Deputy Chief Medical Officer and current Health Sector Lead and Partner, EY; Elizabeth Canavan, Assistant Secretary General at Department of the Taoiseach; and Brian Molloy, Defence Forces Head of Transformation and President of the Camogie Association.

The event will be chaired by Alma McCarthy, Professor of Public Sector Management and Dean of J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway.

Professor McCarthy said: "Ireland's public services employ more than 370,000 people with an annual budget of over €90 billion in 2024. Effective leadership of our public services significantly impacts every single citizen in our state."

"Our speakers all have extensive public sector management experience with responsibility for overseeing and delivering wide-ranging change and extensive reform programmes. I am looking forward to hearing how learnings from recent crises can be harnessed to continue to deliver public sector reform."