On this week’s dose, (1:57) we start with a discussion on Venus Williams’ Happy Viking, a plant-based superfood startup fresh off a $2M round of funding. (6:00) Next, we dive into Regression Games’ $4.2M seed round and how the startup aims to make AI-powered competitive gaming more accessible to all. (10:01) Then, we talk about ConverseNow’s recent $10M ‘Series A1’, and how the company plans on expanding its drive-thru ordering AI technology. (15:43) We conclude this week’s dose with a breakdown of Ready Player Me’s $56M Series B and a discussion about the lucrative potential of dynamic metaverse avatars that are interoperable across digital worlds.

Sources

https://drinkhappyviking.com

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/happy-viking-the-plant-based-superfood-nutrition-company-created-by-venus-williams-closes-athlete-investment-round-301606395.html

https://www.regression.gg

https://medium.com/@RGAaron/announcing-regression-games-4-2m-seed-round-for-ai-gaming-nea-a16z-b12025a83e95 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-gaming-and-esports-startup-regression-games-raises-4-2m-in-seed-funding-from-nea-and-a16z-301605698.html

https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/23/conversenow-drive-thru-ordering-tech-10m/

https://conversenow.ai/

https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/23/ready-player-me-a-platform-to-build-dynamic-cross-game-avatars-for-virtual-worlds-raises-56m-led-by-a16z/

https://readyplayer.me/

On this week’s dose, (2:05) we start with a breakdown of Andreessen Horowitz’s $350M vote of confidence in Adam Neumann’s newest startup, Flow, which hopes to disrupt the residential rental real estate market. (8:02) Next, we discuss Clutch, a creator economy startup that aims to connect the world’s best underrepresented creators with businesses looking to share their stories, fresh off its $1.2M pre-seed round. (11:47) Then, we talk about Farther’s recent $15M Series A, and how the company is combining fintech with a human touch to shake up the financial advisory industry. (16:33) Last, we finish off this week’s dose with a discourse on Overtime’s ambitions to strengthen its brand by expanding its sports leagues, as the sports-media conglomerate just closed a $100M Series D.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/15/business/dealbook/adam-neumann-flow-new-company-wework-real-estate.html

https://a16z.com/2022/08/15/investing-in-flow/

https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/04/digital-marketplace-clutch-closes-1-2m-pre-seed-round-led-by-precursor-ventures/

https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/11/farther-wealth-tech-series-a/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFydGhlci5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGdHMggUxM7QXwYHe9K0ZJYwCcOJqk9P1m7Q00GhnWBLlwaH5oc_3yHAX8MQ6vhKiVUKkx_HD-FVKv0lMpEMPS7dHFKF1WRQNvLwtH9RQCKa-HSyi7I4s2i_Z0RtjXBWBmJ7XKlyNlmz4vnaPTjufNOCl3hh8cd4ofkBSK_HE49U

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Daily/Issues/2022/08/09/Finance/Overtime-series-D-funding-$100-million.aspx

https://www.axios.com/2022/08/09/overtime-100-million-series-d

On this week’s dose, (1:58) we kick things off with a discussion on Vori, a startup looking to empower independent grocery stores with their efficient inventory management system, fresh off a $10M Series A. (5:01) Next, we work up a sweat with a breakdown on Sweatcoin, which just raised $13M in funding, as the most downloaded health and fitness app in the world looks to make the leap into Web3. (11:25) Then, we discuss Shopic, a startup boosting grocery store inventory efficiency and expediting the checkout process, hot off its $35M Series B. (17:35) Last, we wrap up this week’s dose with a discourse on Balance, a company hoping to modernize B2B trade by bringing archaic industries into the digital age, fueled by their recent $56M Series B. 

Sources

https://www.vori.com/blog/series-a

https://www.vori.com/

https://decrypt.co/106142/step-counter-app-sweatcoin-raises-13m-fund-leap-web3

https://sweatco.in/ 

https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/business%20functions/economic%20studies%20temp/our%20insights/how%20the%20world%20could%20better%20fight%20obesity/mgi_overcoming_obesity_full_report.ashx

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-obesity-and-the-food-environment/health-matters-obesity-and-the-food-environment--2

https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/09/shopic-lands-30m-to-bring-its-item-scanning-smart-cart-tech-to-more-stores/

https://www.chainstoreage.com/survey-reveals-consumer-frustration-out-stocks

https://www.getbalance.com/post/weve-raised-56m-to-supercharge-the-digitalization-of-b2b-trade

https://www.getbalance.com/

On this week’s dose, (2:03) we breakdown Kompliant’s $14M seed round, and how the AI platform helps companies tackle compliance challenges amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny. (5:40) Next, we discuss Nada, a company taking a unique approach to fractional ownership by letting people invest in cities like they would index funds, fueled by their recent $8.1M seed round. (11:52) Then, we dive into an analysis of Theator’s $39.5M Series A, and how the startup is leveraging ‘Surgical Intelligence’ to identify best practices in the operating room. (17:36) Last, we close out this week’s dose with a discussion on Nabr, a startup hoping to revolutionize city living through their built-to-order, carbon-neutral apartments, hot off a $48M fundraise.

Sources

https://techcrunch.com/2022/07/29/2361759/

https://www.complianceweek.com/surveys-and-benchmarking/report-fines-against-financial-institutions-hit-104b-in-2020/29869.article

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220727005227/en/Nada-Raises-8.1M-in-Funding-to-Unlock-Real-Estate-Wealth-for-Everyone

https://theator.io/

https://techcrunch.com/2022/07/22/theator-an-ai-platform-that-analyzes-surgery-videos-closes-out-its-series-a-at-39-5m/

https://siliconcanals.com/crowdfunding/2150-backs-nabr-in-47-3m-round/

On this week’s dose, (2:21) we discuss Lines, a seed-stage startup that enables Web3 users to securely interact and transact, hot off their recent $4M raise. (7:02) Next, we break down Moving Analytics’ recent $20M Series A, and the company’s plans to scale its cardiovascular telehealth program with a particular focus on underserved communities. (12:03) Then, we dive into a discussion on Aquabyte, a startup utilizing AI and machine learning to promote sustainable fish farming, fueled by its recent $25M Series B. (15:56) Last, we wrap up this week’s dose with an energetic conversation about Whatnot’s massive $260M Series D and how the company is leveraging the horizontal power of collectibles to vault itself into the United States’ largest independent shopping platform.

Sources

https://www.theblock.co/post/158018/lines-web3-messaging-platform-raises-4-million-seed-round

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220713005253/en/Moving-Analytics-Raises-20M-to-Scale-Cardiovascular-Telehealth-Programs-in-Underserved-Communities

https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/580967564/aquabyte-closes-25m-series-b-funding-to-meet-world-s-demand-for-healthy-sustainable-fish

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220721005684/en/Whatnot-raises-260M-Series-D-co-led-by-DST-Global-and-CapitalG-to-expand-its-live-social-commerce-marketplace

On this week’s dose, we interview Alex Notis, Investor at Crossbeam Venture Partners. Tune in to hear Alex discuss what drew him into the world of startups and venture capital, as well as his experience at Crossbeam Venture Partners. We’ll then hear Alex discuss his take on the Crypto market and the broader market as a whole. Be sure to stick around to hear Alex give his blueprint on making connections, building a network, breaking into venture, and helping portfolio companies (hint: it’s all about putting in the work ahead of time). Listen through to hear Alex mention two figures who have largely influenced his stance on investing, his love for venture capital, and how it all ties into his personal life. Truly a pleasure hosting Alex on this week’s dose of the Venture Pill!

On this week’s dose, we are back with a punch-packers-packed ‘sode. (1:46) First, tune in to hear about Canditech and their $9M Seed round, an Israeli software company that helps other businesses more efficiently and effectively hire through simulation-based assessments. (8:42) Stay with us for a discussion on Magic Spoon, a fast-growing cereal brand twisting sugary childhood classics into healthy, high protein favorites. They’ve just announced an $85M Series B to expand into retail at a store near you! (15:05) Lastly, we’ll wrap up the dose with a shocking breakdown of Zap Energy, energized off of a massive $160M Series C. The company is working on a game-changing nuclear fusion reactor technology.

Sources
https://www.canditech.io/?tpcc=nltermsheet
https://magicspoon.com/
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220613005115/en/Magic-Spoon-Closes-85M-Series-B-Round-Led-by-HighPost-Capital-and-Announces-First-Nationwide-Retail-Launch 
https://newatlas.com/energy/zap-energy-nuclear-fusion-modular-reactors-first-plasma/
https://www.zapenergyinc.com/about

On this week’s dose we cover 3 tremendous companies making big waves in their industries. (1:36) First, you will hear about Cryptoys, a blockchain-based toy company that teaches younger audiences about the concepts of digital ownership and NFT mechanics, sizzling off of their $23M Series A. (7:15) Then, listen on for a breakdown of Wonder, a food delivery company leveraging mobile restaurants partnered with popular chefs like Bobby Flay, coming off a massive $350M round. (12:07) Lastly, you’ll hear about Pixellot and their $161M Series D. The Israel-based company leverages AI technology to film and broadcast sports seamlessly for everyone from high schools to pro sports teams like Real Madrid. Dive on in now, ya hear?

Sources

1. https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/23/cryptoys-banks-a16z-funding-to-build-nfts-for-kids/
2. https://techcrunch.com/2022/06/17/marc-lores-food-delivery-startup-wonder-raises-350m-3-5b-valuation/ 
3. https://frontofficesports.com/ai-enabled-sports-broadcast-producer-raises-161m/
4. https://www.pixellot.tv/

On this week’s dose, we interview Aaron Farr and Elian Haddock, the creators of Zfoundr. Tune in to hear them discuss the origins of the weekly newsletter covering Gen-Z startups and venture news. You’ll hear about what drew the two of them to the world of startups and VC, as well as some of their favorite startups at the moment. Then, we dive into a discussion on their experience at Agya Ventures, as well as a reflection on their work with emerging funds. After that, Aaron and Elian provide some invaluable advice for Pill-grims who are trying to get into venture. What an awesome interview!

www.zfoundr.com
www.twitter.com/zfoundr
www.twitter.com/elian_haddock
www.twitter.com/aaron_farr