Traditionally, many businesses have operated at a distance from political and global issues. In many sectors, there’s a belief that staying neutral or avoiding controversial matters helps maintain focus on financial returns. However, the world has changed. Political divides, environmental crises, and social inequities are now so deeply intertwined with global economies that it’s becoming […]
How a strong team drives startup success
We often hear how important it is to evaluate a startup’s team before deciding to invest. However, the importance of a strong team is sometimes underestimated as it often sounds like a cliché. When it comes to the success of a startup, the strength of the founding and executive teams is one of the most […]
Active vs. passive investors: Which one is right for your startup?
Startups are fuelled by innovation, passion, and, most importantly, capital. However, not all investors provide the same kind of support. The primary distinction lies in whether they take an active or passive role in the growth of the company (Making sense of active vs. passive venture capital investing). In this article, I will explore the […]
Making sense of active vs. passive venture capital investing
From Sequoia Capital’s investment in WhatsApp to Andreessen Horowitz’s investment in Airbnb, venture capital firms have different investment strategies for their portfolio companies. The approach they take—whether passive or active—can significantly influence both their experience as an investor and the outcomes of their investments. In this article, I explore the differences between passive and active […]
How to Become a Unicorn Startup
In the startup world, a unicorn is a company valued at over $1 billion. Out of the hundreds of millions of startups worldwide, only a select few achieve this status. Currently, there are over 1,200 unicorns, collectively worth over $3,921 billion (CBinsights). What makes one startup become a unicorn while others do not? Beyond factors […]
How to craft a successful venture capital exit strategy
Many VC investment strategy involve a thorough exit analysis as a core component. Before investing, VCs often evaluate whether the investment is likely to result in a successful exit. This analysis is critical because the ultimate goal of venture capital is to realize significant returns through successful exits. This forward-thinking approach ensures that every investment […]
The differences between public and private investments
At a start-up networking event, I spoke with an investor who operates both as an angel investor and a venture capitalist. He shared his perspective: “Nowadays, I feel more confident investing in ETFs rather than making VC or angel investments. ETF returns are more stable and promising.” This conversation got me thinking, as a number […]
Resilience for success
Success is defined differently for everyone. For a doctoral student, it might be completing a PhD. For a professional chef, it could be creating the best dish. For entrepreneurs, it might mean developing a thriving startup, and for venture capitalists, success could be achieving a profitable exit and making impactful investments. Success, however, is not […]
Deep tech investment boom
Chip manufacturer NVIDIA has overtaken Apple in market capitalization, reaching a value of $3.02 trillion (Euronews). SpaceX, recently valued at $200 billion, and OpenAI, along with its notable competitors, have been making headlines for their AI breakthroughs. The past few years have been particularly exciting for deep tech. Not only are investments and company valuations […]
How to develop a winning venture capital strategy
There are many questions surrounding venture capital, from understanding what venture capital is to the key practices in venture capital strategy. Venture Capital (VC) is a form of private financing given to start-ups or other young businesses that demonstrate high growth or potential for growth. It finances high-risk, innovative investments that would otherwise (typically) be […]