In this conversation, Daniel Ibri discusses the essential steps and strategies involved in the fundraising process for startups. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, organization, and strategic engagement with potential investors to successfully raise capital.

In this conversation, Steve Walsh shares his journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepreneur and investor in startups. He emphasizes the importance of helping founders grow their businesses through networking and resource sharing. Steve discusses the sectors he believes will thrive in the coming years, particularly those leveraging technology in traditional industries. He outlines the green flags he looks for in startups, such as resourcefulness and customer engagement, as well as red flags that indicate a lack of humility or awareness. The discussion highlights the significance of community in investing and the essential knowledge founders must have when pitching to investors.

Connect with Steve: https://www.handsonangel.com/

In this conversation, Chris and Levi Velez Reed explore the intricacies of the startup ecosystem, focusing on Levi's journey through various roles in the startup community, the importance of understanding venture capital, and the challenges faced by non-venture scale companies. They discuss the Startup 425 program aimed at supporting diverse businesses, the dynamics of investor relationships, and provide valuable insights for founders, especially in the rapidly evolving AI space.

Founder resources: https://founders.nextroundready.vc/
Let's connect: https://twitter.com/thecoachchris_

• (00:00) - Introduction to Levi Velez Reed and His Journey

In this conversation, Craig Cummings, co-founder and general partner at Moonshots Capital, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship and venture capital. He discusses the importance of leadership, the pressure of delivering results, and the criteria for investing in startups. Craig emphasizes the need for effective communication with investors, the significance of understanding the VC ecosystem, and the value of building strong co-founder relationships. He also provides insights into what makes a successful pitch and the importance of choosing the right investors for long-term success.

• (00:00) - Introduction to Craig Cummings and His Background

In this engaging conversation, Chris and David Walker delve into the intricacies of the investment world, exploring David's journey from military service to becoming a seasoned investment professional. They discuss the challenges and grind of working in hedge funds, the importance of learning through experience, and the lessons learned from failures in starting hedge funds. David shares his insights on investing rules, the significance of scarcity in assets, and the evolving landscape of venture capital. The conversation wraps up with a focus on the future of finance and the necessity of having a solid investment strategy.

Connect with David:

https://www.jedburghadvisors.com/my-book

Join the Next Round community:
https://thenextround.online/ 

• (00:00) - Introduction to David Walker and His Journey

In this conversation, Chris and Stuart Webb discuss the importance of systems for founders, especially in the context of the growing influence of AI tools. They emphasize the need for clarity of vision, maintaining lead flow, delivering excellence, building a cohesive team, and knowing when to exit a business. Stuart shares his insights from his journey as a founder and the lessons learned from his experiences, highlighting the significance of mentorship and data-driven decision-making.

Connect with Stuart

https://stuartwebb.carrd.co/

Join the Next Round Community:
https://thenextround.online/
https://x.com/thecoachchris_

• (00:00) - Introduction to Systems for Founders

In this engaging conversation, Sam Sterling shares her unique entrepreneurial journey, detailing her transition from a corporate role to launching her own startups. She discusses the challenges she faced, including co-founder issues and funding obstacles, and how she navigated these to find innovative solutions. Sam emphasizes the importance of networking, validating assumptions, and the courage to start, regardless of age or background. Her insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring founders, particularly those who may feel marginalized in the startup ecosystem.

Connect with Sam:

https://www.instagram.com/theserialfounder/

https://theserialfounder.substack.com/

Join the Next Round community:
https://thenextround.online/
https://x.com/thecoachchris_ 

• (00:00) - The Journey Begins: Sam's Startup Story

In this episode, Chris emphasizes the importance of distribution over product perfection. He shares insights on how great distribution can elevate a mediocre product, while a perfect product without reach remains unnoticed. Chris discusses strategies for founders to focus on distribution, including understanding channels, leveraging existing audiences, and the significance of storytelling and partnerships.

Join the community: https://nextround.online

In this conversation, Kelly Perdew, co-founder and managing partner of Moonshots Capital, discusses the critical role of extraordinary leadership in startup success, drawing from his military background and experience as a venture capitalist. He emphasizes the importance of personal branding for founders, the challenges of navigating government contracts, and the necessity of transitioning from a hands-on founder to a more strategic CEO role. Perdew also shares insights on identifying red flags in startups and the future vision for his investment firm.

More on Kelly Perdew

Kelly is the Managing General Partner of Moonshots Capital, a seed-stage VC firm that invests in technology companies founded by extraordinary leaders. He has been investing in and advising leading U.S. start-ups since 2004, including LinkedIn (LNKD), Pandora (P), TrueCar (TRUE), Gretel, and ID.me. He has invested in 114 companies, amassing 27 exits and 12 unicorns.

Kelly’s LinkedIn

Kelly’s X

Kelly’s Blog

Kelly’s Website

Join the Next Round community:
https://thenextround.online/tag/free-resource/
https://x.com/thecoachchris_

• (00:00) - The Importance of Extraordinary Leadership

In this episode, Chris discusses the critical shifts in identity that founders must undergo to succeed. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, market influence, and building a strong team to achieve product-market fit. The conversation underscores the importance of founders articulating their vision, engaging with their target market, and entrusting others to help execute their ideas effectively.

Join the Next Round community:
https://nextround.online

https://x.com/thecoachchris_

• (00:00) - The Founder Identity Shift