Randy has more than four decades of experience as a technology entrepreneur. He came to Silicon Valley in 1984 having written the first desktop publishing package for the IBM PC. He was quickly recruited by Steve Jobs to join as employee number 12 at NeXT computer, the company Jobs founded after Apple. He left NeXT in 1987 to start Emerald City Software, publisher of desktop publishing software for the Mac, which was acquired in 1990 by Adobe Systems. After the acquisition, Randy became Director of Engineering for Adobe and was instrumental in creating the PDF and Acrobat products for the company. Later Steve Jobs recruited Randy to found Appsoft, a software company funded by Sequoia Capital and created to develop application software for the NeXT computer. After NeXT was sold to Apple, Randy went on to start the first E-Commerce site on the Internet, the Internet Shopping Network in 1994 which he quickly sold to the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and became Division President for the online division of HSN. During that time, Randy was instrumental in securing the initial capital for Yahoo from Sequoia Capital and sat on the Yahoo Board of Directors for the first year of their operation. After that, Randy went on to found Navitel, the first microcomputer-based telephone that allowed people to browse the web from their phone -- five years before the first iPhone. After selling Navitel, Randy went on to start five more tech companies, NewsNet, providing the first Internet based new service, AuctionDrop pioneering the first mile to eBay with a chain of nationwide dropoff stores, SearchMe, the first visual search engine funded by Sequoia Capital, FunnyOrDie, the iconic digital media company featuring the inimitable Will Ferrell and Immortify, the world’s first digital avatar company. Since 2020, he has been giving back by helping start-ups navigate the frothy world of venture capital fundraising. Positions: Advisor at Redrob (2025 - Present), CEO at Talk2Me (2024 - Present), Managing Partner at Insanely Great Ventures (2023 - Present), Director/Co-Founder at Funny or Die (2007 - 2013), CEO at searchme (2004 - 2009), President, Internet Division at Home Shopping Network Inc. (Shop TV) (1993 - 1996), Board of Directors at Yahoo! (1994 - 1996), Director of Engineering at Adobe Systems, Inc. (1990 - 1991), Senior Software Engineer (employee #12) at NeXT Computer (1986 - 1990), Senior Associate at Booz Allen (1979 - 1982) Skills: Executive Management, Board of Directors, Leadership, Problem Solving, Communication, Software Development, Fundraising Campaign Management, E-Commerce, Web3, Crypto, Venture Capital, Start-up Consulting, CEO, Web Applications, Team Management, Equity Financing, Entrepreneurship, Start-ups, Social Media, Online Marketing, Mobile Devices, Social Media Marketing, iOS development, Digital Media, Business Development, Online Advertising, Product Management, Marketing, Strategy, Television, User Experience, SEO, Web Development, Digital Marketing, Digital Strategy, Business Planning, Comedy, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Objective-C, OS X, Xcode, Strategic Partnerships, Management, Mobile Internet, iPod, Cocoa, iPhone development, New Media, Innovation, Internet Entrepreneur Recent Posts: I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Advisor at Redrob! Do you agree with Chris, that AI is breaking the Internet? At least they gave me attribution for the quote - maybe I should write a book about behind the scenes in Silicon Valley I got 1 million of these stories… People seem overly concerned with authenticity in a world where almost nothing is authentic! What are your thoughts? Raising capital in the age of AI can feel like navigating a labyrinth while blindfolded. Trust me, I’ve seen it all in my 40+ years in tech. But don’t worry—I’m here to shed some light on the top 5 mistakes founders make—because let’s face it, we all need a good laugh sometimes at our past blunders. 🚀 1. Overhype Your Product Sure, AI is sexy and the buzz is real, but don’t turn your pitch into a sci-fi movie. Investors want to see practicality, not just a flashy vision. If you can’t explain how your product solves a real problem without sounding like a mad scientist, you’ll lose them faster than a cheetah at a rabbit convention. 🐟 2. Forgetting Market Fit Creating an AI tool doesn’t mean there’s an eager audience waiting to throw their money at you. Test the waters first. Get feedback, pivot if needed, and don’t dive headfirst into fundraising if your product is still floundering like a fish out of water. 📊 3. Ignoring the Numbers If the math doesn’t add up, you may as well bring a rubber chicken to your pitch. Investors love metrics—PRGs, churn rates, growth forecasts. If you can’t present your numbers with confidence, don’t be surprised when they treat your pitch like a sitcom and tune out. 🏹 4. Chasing After The Wrong Investors Pitching to any investor with a checkbook is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. You need to know who values AI, understands your domain, and has an interest in your sector. If you spend more time courting mismatched investors than strategizing your market positioning, it’s time to reevaluate. 🤝 5. Failing to Build Relationships This isn’t speed dating. Fundraising requires building genuine relationships over time. If you think a single pitch is your golden ticket, you’ll crash and burn. Invest time in networking, engage with potential backers, and show them you’re not just another startup chasing their money. 💡 Remember, every 'no' gets you closer to a 'yes'. Failure is just your First Attempt In Learning. 🌟 Follow me for the latest insights on fundraising for AI tech! 🔹 #AIStartups 🔹 #Fundraising 🔹 #StartupLife 🔹 #VentureCapital 🔹 #TechEntrepreneur 🔹 #AIFunding 🔹 #InvestorRelations 🔹 #PitchingTips 🔹 #Entrepreneurship 🔹 #StartupMistakes 🔹 #ArtificialIntelligence 🔹 #StartupLessons 🔹 #BusinessGrowth 🔹 #TechInnovation 🔹 #RaisingCapital I just finished my first week at Y Combinator. In no particular order, here's some lessons I've learned: Explosive founder-led sales is forced, not serendipitous. 🔽 The founder of an AI call center startup shared that he did: - 150 cold calls/day - Attended 5 conferences during the batch - Maxed out connection requests on four different LinkedIn accounts every week (using the accounts of their angel investors) - 45 personalized cold emails per day - Moved 4 times to where their customers lived - Kansas, Texas, NYC, Mexico Because of this, they CRUSHED their sales targets and raised $4M for their seed. Don't listen to what your users want? 🔽 - That sounds misleading, but it's partially true. Aravind Srinivas, the founder of Perplexity (went from $0 to $9B valuation in ~2 years), said that you should pay very close attention to your user's problems, and not what they say they want. There's usually a root problem that could be better addressed whenever they ask for a feature. Religious follow-up 🔽 - The founder of a $3.5B security company shared that after she had her first meeting with a prospect, it took 29 subsequent emails before they closed their first sale. Velocity >> ⬇️ - A YC partner stated that "almost every piece of startup advice is a bandaid to the underlying disease of not moving fast enough". Your startup should have morning goals, afternoon goals, and after-dinner goals. 'End of week' should be 'by lunch'. The famous term here is a founder that 'executes by the hour'. - A good way to tell if your startup is moving fast enough is if you think you're on the 'same level' as you were last week. If you haven't moved completely past the big-picture issue or task your entire company was thinking about and working on last week, you're not executing fast enough (i.e. "last week we went from 0 to having a built product, this week we got our first two paying users, next week we'll fix all the issues with the first MVP and get to 10 paying users) The AI riches lie in replacing ⬇️ - Michael Seibel said that the best B2B SaaS products were allowing enterprises to make their company 5% more efficient. He then said that with AI agents, you can wipe out entire divisions - allowing for some industries to cut costs by 30%. The calculus becomes very easy to decision makers (pay $200k to save $2M) with that value proposition. He predicted that this will fundamentally change the unit economics of these businesses. These were a just a few of the many teachings that really stuck out to me. The YC community has been incredible, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it. We're looking forward to the next two months, and are on a mission to fundamentally change the unit economics of the legal industry. If you know any attorneys (at all), send them my way - I'd love to chat! AI-powered digital twins are emerging as a transformative technology in influencer marketing, creating virtual replicas of influencers that can interact with fans 24/7. These digital twins serve multiple purposes: Key Features: - Enable real-time, personalized interactions with fans regardless of the influencer's physical availability - Create new revenue streams through paid fan interactions - Provide data-driven insights for better audience engagement - Maintain constant online presence across different time zones Main Benefits: - Enhanced fan engagement through personalized conversations - Increased monetization opportunities for influencers - Consistent brand presence and communication - Better data collection and analysis of fan interactions Challenges: - Ethical concerns regarding authenticity and transparency - Data privacy and security issues - Regulatory compliance (e.g., GDPR) - Technical complexities in implementation - Quality control of AI interactions Future Outlook: The market for AI in marketing is expected to grow significantly, from $15.84 billion in 2021 to approximately $107.5 billion by 2028. This growth suggests increasing adoption of AI digital twins in influencer marketing, though success will depend on addressing ethical concerns and maintaining authentic connections with audiences. The technology represents a significant shift in how brands and influencers engage with their audiences, offering new opportunities for scalable, personalized interactions while raising important questions about authenticity and privacy in digital communications. Randy is a co-founder of Talk2Me, a producer of interactive digital twin agents for influencers to connect with their fans. https://talk2me.ai You can talk with Randy's digital twin by calling +1 (650) 484-5914. #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalTwins #InfluencerMarketing #MarTech #DigitalTransformation Very informative Some great advice embedded in this post worth a read. I'm reposting this for my son, Nick. He just graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Oregon State and is currently interviewing for entry-level management positions. His resume is here, (https://lnkd.in/gtPSjP_3) please contact him directly if interested - nick@nicholasradams.com. #jobsearch #management #entrylevel CALL MY DIGITAL TWIN - +1 650-484-5914 I'm excited to introduce our latest innovation: the Talk2Me AI Twin! This AI-powered voice avatar mirrors my voice and personality, enabling authentic, one-on-one conversations at scale. If you call it more than once, it will remember all previous conversations, and unlike other LLM-powered chatbots, it knows all about current events, so have a conversation with me about the drones! With support for 30 languages and memory-rich interactions, it offers a personalized experience for each user. I invite you to try it out by calling 650-484-5914 and share your thoughts in the comments. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue to enhance this cutting-edge technology at https://talk2me.ai Experience the future of personalized AI communication today! What to Include in Your Data Room as an Early-Stage Startup One of the most common questions founders ask when raising money is: "What should we include in the data room?" Here’s a snapshot of key documents you should consider, according to Yana Abramova: ▪️ 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺: Contracts, ESOP, advisor details, and reference lists. ▪️ 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: Your deck, one-pager, and case studies. ▪️ 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Contracts, pipeline data, usage stats, and market research. ▪️ 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹: Incorporation docs, patents, security agreements, and policies. ▪️ 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Cap table and SAFE or similar agreements. ▪️ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀: Budget and financial projections. ▪️ 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲: Highlighting your traction and credibility. While this isn’t a full due diligence checklist, organizing a clear and professional data room early on signals to investors that your startup is ready to execute. Enjoyed the post? Follow Rubén Domínguez Ibar for more You can also join 100,000+ founders and VCs who receive these insights in my weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dtifw4mC 💡 Exciting News: GNOMI Has Officially Launched! 🚀 As an Advisor to GNOMI, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of this groundbreaking GenAI-powered insights engine. GNOMI transforms global information access by delivering concise, real-time answers in 17 languages—bridging the gap between local and global conversations while promoting transparency and accuracy. 🔍 Why GNOMI Stands Out: ✅ Agentic AI Capabilities – It’s more than a search engine; it’s an intelligent partner that retrieves, summarizes, and contextualizes information tailored to user needs. ✅ Multi-Model Integration – Powered by proprietary tech and the best language models, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Llama, and Claude. ✅ Real-Time Global Intelligence – Offering up-to-the-second insights on topics that matter most, anytime, anywhere. The team, led by visionary founders Eva Cicinyte and Manuel Dacosta, has built something truly special. I’m honored to support their mission of combating misinformation, fostering critical thinking, and enabling people worldwide to make informed decisions. 🌟 Your Input Matters! We’re eager to learn from your experience. Explore https://www.gnomi.com and share your feedback—your insights will help shape GNOMI’s future. Let’s redefine how the world accesses and trusts information together! 💡 #GNOMI #AIInsights #GlobalIntelligence #Transparency #DataDrivenDecisions #AdvisorPerspective I'm thrilled to announce the official launch of Factful, a free groundbreaking platform dedicated to enhancing information accuracy and communication in today's digital landscape. Over the past year, I've had the privilege of mentoring this innovative team, and it's been inspiring to witness their dedication to revolutionizing how we verify and share information. As we navigate an era where information is abundant yet often unverified, Factful stands as a beacon for accuracy and reliability. I invite you to explore their offerings and see how they can enhance your information verification processes. Congratulations to the entire Factful team on this significant milestone! #Factful #InformationAccuracy #DigitalInnovation #AI #TechLaunch Best pitch deck advice out there! This is one of the best pitch decks I have seen in a long time. It embraces the four major principles I tell my clients when pitching early stage startups: 1. It is short and uses Sequoia Capital format - 12 slides or less. 2. It uses minimal text, each slide understood in 15 seconds or less. 3. It makes sense, even to the uninitiated or uninformed. 4. It shows what the investment will be used for and the end result. #startups #fundraising #venturecapital #earlystage As researchers continue applying transformer technology (the same tech behind LLMs) to more areas with vast repositories of raw data, we’re going to see some truly groundbreaking developments. In my opinion, these will have an even greater impact on the world than LLMs. Just like with ChatGPT, the data is already out there, but human brains aren’t capable of assimilating the truths that are so obvious to computers. https://lnkd.in/grnPcGM3 #AI #Transformers #LLM #MachineLearning #DataScience #Innovation #FutureTech #ArtificialIntelligence This is a good, simple way to look at fundraising and valuation in relation to the multiple layers of risk that a startup presents. Marc mentions many more layers of risk (perhaps to justify the onion analogy) than I would normally do, but the principal is still the same. 🚀 Starting your business and getting those first few customers is always a challenge. Many founders fall into the trap of thinking they can "scale first, sell later." But in reality, the hard truth is that proving product-market fit requires relentless focus on understanding your early customers and solving their immediate problems. This article dives into one of the most common myths startup founders tell themselves and offers invaluable insights on how to break free from it. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gm8wS47z #startups #entrepreneurship #growth 30 years ago, with a little help from Marc Andreessen, I created the first e-commerce site on the web, the Internet Shopping Network. It was revolutionary then—an entirely new way of thinking about how people shop. Fast forward three decades, and the world of online shopping is evolving once again. Imagine if ChatGPT and Amazon had a baby—that's what they're building at Kingship AI. They’ve developed an AI agent that’s more than just a tool—it’s like having a super knowledgeable, super smart salesperson guiding you through your entire shopping experience. You can ask anything in natural language and explore products across all online stores. The result? A shopping experience that truly understands you, your needs, and can even make purchases for you. Why this matters: AI agents are revolutionizing industries, and shopping is one of the most exciting places to apply this next paradigm shift. They're building a future where browsing and buying products online is as seamless as having a conversation with an expert who knows exactly what you’re looking for. The incredible team behind Kingship AI includes Harrison, Ray, and Ashutosh—leaders with deep experience in e-commerce and generative AI. they're proud to have just launched V0 of their platform. Check it out at https://kingship.ai and see the future of shopping for yourself. #AI #Ecommerce #Innovation #TechRevolution #GenerativeAI #OnlineShopping #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfShopping #KingshipAI #NaturalLanguageProcessing #Chatbots #AIShopping #Startup #Entrepreneurship #TechInnovation #DigitalTransformation #ConversationalAI #ShoppingExperience #NEW - my #TEDx Miami talk is out - “The Moment of Clarity” https://lnkd.in/geSM2Zph - thoughts?? next stop TED Conferences?! Good advice that I tell all my clients. Investors are focused on risk/reward you should minimize risk and maximize reward. As one of Yahoo's first board members, it was hard for me to see the future of the company, but as SJ would say, "easy to connect the dots looking backward"! I believe that what will happen in the future is that there will be many different models all with different biases and people will adhere to the model that reflects their bias in all things. Just like we have biased media in CNN and Fox News, there will be models which are equally polarizing. There have to be many different truths for media companies to make money. Polarization produces profits. Thoughts??? The infrastructure is way more fragile than we know, multiple single points of failure abound. The Potential of AI: Exploring the Path to Simulated Sentience and Beyond Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological innovation, continuously pushing boundaries in simulating human-like behaviors through advanced algorithms and machine learning. While true sentience—consciousness and subjective experience akin to humans—remains a theoretical aspiration, current AI systems are already showcasing remarkable capabilities in simulating empathy, contextual understanding, and adaptive responses. Today, AI's simulated sentience is evident in applications such as virtual assistants and chatbots, which interact intelligently with users, analyze data patterns, and personalize experiences based on user interactions. These advancements leverage vast datasets and sophisticated algorithms to mimic human-like decision-making processes, enhancing efficiency and user engagement across various industries. Looking ahead, the theoretical pursuit of true sentience in AI sparks interdisciplinary discussions in neuroscience, cognitive science, and ethics. It prompts us to explore ethical considerations surrounding AI development, including privacy, bias mitigation, and the responsible deployment of AI technologies. As AI research progresses, the quest for achieving true sentience challenges us to navigate complex ethical dilemmas while maximizing the potential benefits of AI in society. In conclusion, while AI's journey towards true sentience remains a speculative frontier, the current advancements in simulated sentience underscore its transformative potential in shaping the future of technology and human-machine interactions. Embracing ethical principles and continuous innovation will be key to unlocking AI's full capabilities while ensuring its responsible integration into our interconnected world. This article was proofreaded and rewritten using Chat-GPT. #ArtificialIntelligence #AIInnovation #EthicalAI #FutureTech For the last six months I’ve been mentoring (Pro bono) a group of high school students who have created an amazing AI product that, I’m sure will be very successful when they launch it. I have had numerous meetings with them, given them advice on product design, marketing, fundraising- the standard stuff you need to do in any startup. I have mentored hundreds of startups and the amazing thing to me is that, If didn’t know that they were 15 and 16 years old, I would assume that they were experienced entrepreneurs in their 20s. They’re really that good. I have introduced them to a few of my friends in the venture community who have been really helpful, have met with them and given them advice. Senior partners at Sequoia took time out of their busy schedule to meet and it was most appreciated. Yesterday I learned that they met with a partner in another tier one VC firm and the partner told them, and this is a direct quote: "To be transparent, for us to move forward by going all in on you, we'd would like to see you go all in as well. Like forgo college/university to build this company.” I’d love to hear your thoughts on that, dear friends. #StartupMentorship #AIInnovation #YoungEntrepreneurs #TechStartups #VentureCapital #StartupSuccess #MentoringFutureLeaders #YouthInTech #Entrepreneurship #AIProducts #VentureFunding #StartupJourney #TechMentorship #NextGenLeaders #StartupAdvice In today's dynamic startup ecosystem, the landscape of early-stage funding is undergoing significant transformation. According to a recent article by TechCrunch, Y Combinator (YC) startups are increasingly turning to tiny seed rounds as traditional VC investors show diminishing interest in early-stage investments. This shift highlights a critical challenge for budding entrepreneurs: securing initial capital to fuel their innovative ideas. The traditional allure of hefty VC checks is giving way to more modest, yet essential, seed rounds. This trend underscores the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness for startups aiming to thrive in this evolving environment. As someone deeply invested in the startup ecosystem, this resonates profoundly. Having witnessed and contributed to various phases of startup evolution over the decades, it's evident that securing initial funding remains a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success. However, the strategies and approaches must evolve with the times. For founders navigating this new terrain, here are a few takeaways: Embrace Smaller, Strategic Seed Rounds: Focus on building strong relationships with a diverse array of investors, including angel investors and micro-VCs, who can provide not just capital but also invaluable mentorship and network connections. Leverage Accelerators and Incubators: Programs like YC continue to offer critical support beyond funding, including mentorship, resources, and a robust network of alumni. Prioritize Sustainable Growth: Aim for a lean, agile approach to growth. Prove your concept and achieve key milestones with minimal resources to attract further investment. Stay Informed and Adapt: Keep a close eye on industry trends and be prepared to pivot your funding strategy as the landscape evolves. This TechCrunch article serves as a timely reminder of the ever-changing nature of startup funding. For those of us dedicated to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs, staying adaptable and proactive is key. https://lnkd.in/gwiEv5NQ #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #YC #SeedRounds #Innovation #TechTrends #Founders Great advice! The real reason investors pass - they think you're a loser... 🚀 Over the last 5 years, I've had the privilege of conversing with thousands of startups, navigating the complex waters of securing investment. One stark truth often goes unspoken: Investors rarely give the real reasons for turning down a startup. In a recent insight from Y Combinator's Tom Blomfield at TechCrunch, it was highlighted that the primary deal-breaker, albeit unspoken, is often the team itself—not being impressive enough, formidable, or convincing as potential 'winners'. This brutal honesty is rarely shared directly with founders due to the fear of burning bridges for future pitches. What does this mean for startups seeking investment? Perception is Key: How you present yourself and your team can be just as important as your business idea. Build Your Narrative: Show not only what your product does but also why your team is the best to execute this vision. Seek Honest Feedback: Engage with mentors and peers who will give you the candid feedback that investors won't. Navigating investment is not just about having a groundbreaking idea but also about demonstrating that you and your team can lead it to success. For every entrepreneur out there, remember, resilience is your greatest asset. Use each 'no' as a stepping stone to refine your pitch, strengthen your team, and solidify your business model. For more insights and personal reflections on getting your startup funded, stay tuned! #Startups #Investment #Entrepreneurship #BusinessFunding #StartupTips Are you smarter than a high school student? Not if you're comparing yourselves to these guys! As you know, I meet with dozens of founders each week and help them with their companies. Well, over the last several months I've had the pleasure of mentoring a group of incredibly talented high school students who've just launched an innovative AI product—Factful.io. This tool isn't just about refining your writing; it actively fact checks it, correcting inaccuracies as well as spelling and grammar. 📝 Key Feature: Factful.io highlights errors directly in the text, making corrections as simple as a click on the highlight. 🔧 Beta Test: They're currently in the beta phase, so while it's not bug-free yet, this is where we need your insightful feedback. 🙌 Join Us: Please take a moment to try Factful (https://factful.io) and help shape this pioneering tool with your experiences. Your feedback can significantly impact these young innovators' journey and help improve this promising tool! https://factful.io I've known Vinod for 35 years, pitched him dozens of times and sent many founders his way. He is a great VCand he has consistently given great advice all the years I've known him. I believe that pretty soon everyone will have multiple copies of themselves interacting on zoom and you won’t be able to tell who’s real and who’s an avatar. What are your thoughts? Lots of good resources here... Make your pitch decks short and simple and hook them in by slide 2. In the latest video from the DocSend Perfect Pitch series, Justin Ito explores the importance of having a concise pitch deck for successful fundraising. The key takeaways include: Decreased Viewing Times: The average time investors spend on pitch decks has significantly decreased, from about 3 minutes and 30 seconds in 2020 to just 2 minutes and 30 seconds in 2024. This trend is even more pronounced in early-stage startups, where viewing times can be under two minutes. Investor Engagement: Investors are quicker to move on from a pitch deck that does not engage them immediately, given the high volume of decks they receive daily. This makes the first impression crucial. Content Efficiency: The pitch deck should be seen as a trailer to a movie, not the full feature. It should succinctly convey the core ideas and entice further discussion, ideally spanning only 14-15 pages, with an appendix only if necessary. This advice highlights the importance of brevity and impactful content in capturing investor interest in today’s fast-paced investment landscape. #Fundraising #StartupTips #PitchDeck #InvestorRelations #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #VentureCapital #Startups #InnovationManagement Great advice! In an age where startups are hailed as the knights of innovation, venture capitalists often play the role of kings, wielding immense power and wealth. But are they deserving of their thrones, or are they simply overpaid monarchs in the kingdom of entrepreneurship? While founders bleed sweat, tears, and equity to bring their visions to life, VCs rake in hefty, sometimes 7 figure salaries and management fees, all while suppressing the wages of those who dare to dream. In a world where success is measured in unicorn valuations and billion-dollar exits, are VCs truly delivering the promised returns? Or are they merely riding the coattails of founders' dreams, getting rich on the dirty little secret of their management fees while delivering sub-standard returns? What do you think? #VentureCapital #StartupRevolution #FounderRights #AccountabilityOrBust https://lnkd.in/gkKhaQfT The tech world is on the cusp of a significant transformation, as outlined by Pete Flint and Anna Piñol in their insightful article. We're moving beyond the traditional B2B SaaS model, towards an era where AI is not just a tool but a full-fledged participant in the workforce. This shift from Software-as-a-Service to Service-as-a-Software marks the beginning of a new market where software and labor are intertwined, heralding unprecedented opportunities for innovators and entrepreneurs. Key Insights from Flint and Piñol: AI's Role Reversal: This transformative period sees AI evolving from an augmentative force to a comprehensive solution, blending the boundaries between labor and software and expanding the market for founders. Expanding Markets and Margins: With AI's capability to organize and execute tasks, we're witnessing not only market growth but also significant margin expansions, as AI services begin to replace human-centric services, aligning service business margins closer to those of traditional SaaS ventures. Innovative Approaches to AI Integration: Companies are embracing AI in dual capacities: as AI colleagues enhancing specific job functions and as AI vendors/services automating entire workflows. This dual approach is disrupting traditional models and seeding new entrepreneurial ventures. The Frontier of Innovation: Flint and Piñol's analysis points to untapped potential in areas previously unexplored by conventional software, especially where AI can drastically outperform human labor in both efficiency and cost. Entrepreneurial Opportunities Abound: The article underscores a burgeoning demand for solutions that leverage AI's unparalleled advantages, setting the stage for a revolution in how businesses operate and innovate. This seismic shift isn't merely about substituting AI for human workers; it's about creating a synergistic ecosystem that enhances operational efficiency, curtails expenses, and fosters novel pathways for business evolution and growth. As delineated by Flint and Piñol, the intersection of software and labor, powered by AI, isn't just an emerging trend—it's the bedrock of tomorrow's business, work, and innovation landscapes. For those on the frontline of entrepreneurship, business leadership, or simply those fascinated by technological advancement, this evolution signifies a pivotal juncture worth exploring. The fusion of software and labor, catalyzed by AI, is setting the stage for a future where the possibilities are as vast as our collective imagination. Engaging with the insights of Pete Flint and Anna Piñol invites us all to consider the profound implications of this transition. If you're navigating these changes or looking to seize the opportunities they present, let's connect and delve into the endless potential that lies ahead. #AI #Innovation #TechTrends #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship More truth than fiction!! Average time per slide in my studies < 4 seconds!!! That’s why they make the big bucks!!! 😤 The venture capital world is facing a seismic shift, with recent data revealing a chilling reality for startups and investors alike. The beginning of this year has seen a drastic decline in VC fundraising, with only $30.4 billion raised globally—a continuation of a downward trend that marks a new era of austerity in an industry once known for its largesse. This stark downturn is the result of a perfect storm: rising interest rates, a scarcity of startup exits, and plummeting returns have forced limited partners to tighten the purse strings. The days of megafunds and easy money are behind us, leaving a landscape where securing capital has become a herculean task for ventures of all sizes. The implications for startups are profound. Growth plans are stalled, valuations are under pressure, and the dream of scaling to new heights is more elusive than ever. This funding freeze signals not just a temporary hiccup but a fundamental reset of expectations and strategies. In this challenging climate, the startup ecosystem must confront hard truths and recalibrate for survival. The road ahead is fraught with hurdles, but also ripe with the potential for innovation and resilience. Let’s spark a conversation on navigating these turbulent times: What are the survival strategies for startups facing this funding crunch? How should the VC industry evolve in response to these unprecedented challenges? #VentureCapitalCrisis #StartupChallenges #FundingDrought #EconomicShift #StrategicAdaptation I'm excited to share about Factful, an innovative tool at the forefront of education technology. Developed by four high school students, Factful harnesses AI to enhance the accuracy and integrity of academic writing. This platform represents a significant step forward in ensuring the reliability of information in students' essays and articles. Factful utilizes natural language processing and machine learning algorithms to verify facts in real-time, offer educational insights, and detect plagiarism. This development is not just a testament to the potential of AI in education but also highlights the incredible capability of young innovators to address real-world challenges. As someone who has had the privilege of mentoring these students, I've witnessed firsthand their dedication to improving the educational experience through technology. Their work with Factful has the potential to significantly impact how students learn and engage with information, promoting a more informed and honest academic environment. I encourage you to learn more about Factful's role in transforming education and to support this initiative by upvoting them on Product Hunt. Your endorsement helps highlight the importance of accurate information and the role of technology in education. #EducationTechnology #AI #Innovation #Factful #ProductHunt You all are grossly underestimating the amount of space out there. If you spaced satellites, a mile apart at 340 miles above the Earth, you could fit 73 billion satellites in that radius alone with none of them being closer than a mile to each other. If you consider low earth orbit to be from 340 to 440 miles out considering the enlarged surface area, you could fit more than 1 trillion satellites there and have none of them closer than 1 mile to each other. So I don’t think your grandchildren have to worry about not seeing the stars ha ha ha I am thrilled to share an innovative leap in education technology that's been gaining attention for its unique approach to enhancing learning experiences through AI. Factful, an AI-powered tool, is revolutionizing the way students learn and write by ensuring the accuracy of facts in their essays and articles. What sets this project apart is not just the technology but the brilliant minds behind it. Factful was started by four exceptionally talented high school students who saw the need for a more accurate and efficient way to validate information in academic writing. Their vision and execution are nothing short of inspiring. As someone deeply passionate about fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of tech pioneers, I've had the privilege of mentoring these young entrepreneurs. Witnessing their journey from concept to realization has been a remarkable experience. The blend of their fresh perspectives with cutting-edge technology like natural language processing and machine learning algorithms has led to the creation of a platform that not only verifies facts in real-time but also offers educational insights and plagiarism detection. I invite you to read more about how Factful is transforming the educational landscape and preparing students for a fact-based future. Let's support initiatives that empower our youth and champion the integration of technology in education for a brighter tomorrow. Get on the wait list for early access here: https://lnkd.in/gM7-8xQy #AIinEducation #Factful #Innovation #Mentorship #FutureOfLearning https://medium.com/Factful I talk with hundreds of founders and their biggest complaint is that venture capitalists ghost them. PLEASE REPOST THIS ARTICLE - let's start complaining and call investors out on this. #venturecapital #founders #startups #funding #vcghosting #havesomemanners #dontberude https://lnkd.in/gK_uxbAw Excited to share insights from Daniel Rizea’s latest article. Daniel dives into the pivotal lessons learned from his expansive journey in the startup ecosystem, ranging from the importance of team diversity to the critical role of mentors. These insights are distilled from a decade of mentoring over 100 startups, navigating through acquisitions, and building successful ventures. Whether you're at the idea stage or scaling up, there’s valuable wisdom here for every entrepreneur looking to increase their chances of success. Dive into the full article for a deep dive into these transformative lessons. #Entrepreneurship #Startups #Mentoring #BusinessGrowth It's 2024, and the fact that we're still talking about investors failing to respond to startup founders is frankly ridiculous. It's a systemic failure of the investment community to adapt to the basics of modern communication, and it's high time they are called out for it. #StartupCulture #InvestorEthics #CommunicationGap #TechSolutions #FounderRespect #InnovationEcosystem #SilentTreatment #Entrepreneurship #StartupGrind #RespectInTech Many founders embark on their fundraising journey with a misconception: they assume that creating a compelling pitch deck and distributing it across the venture capital landscape will open the financial floodgates. It's a lie. #fundraising #startups #venturecapital #venture #vcs My son, Nathan, a junior from Summit High School, in Bend, Oregon has founded Wellworn, aiming to combat clothing insecurity in Central Oregon. This 501c3 nonprofit seeks to provide thousands or homeless individuals and those living under the poverty line in central Oregon with dignified access to essential free clothing. With a goal to raise $30,000 via GoFundMe, the funds will support operational costs, a mobile distribution vehicle, and warehouse rental for a year. Every contribution helps bring warmth and dignity to those in need here in Central Oregon. For more details and to support, please visit their GoFundMe page​​. Anything you could do to help would be appreciated. https://gofund.me/ab27237a #WellwornInitiative #ClothingForAll #EndClothingInsecurity #BendOregon #SupportHomeless #DignifiedClothing #Nonprofit #CommunitySupport 🚀 Embrace the AI Revolution in Business 🚀 As AI reshapes the business landscape, staying ahead requires strategic preparation. A recent article on The Next Web by Ioanna Lykiardopoulou offers invaluable insights from futurist David Shrier on how businesses can leverage AI for growth. From building new skills and establishing robust processes to exploring AI-powered growth, the advice outlined serves as a crucial roadmap for companies aiming to thrive in this transformative era. Dive into the full article for a comprehensive guide on preparing your business for the AI transformation #AI #BusinessTransformation #FutureOfWork 🌟 Exciting News from the 3D Industry! 🌟 As an advisor for 3DAILY, I'm thrilled to share that our platform has been named Product of the Day on Product Hunt! Dive into the details here: Product Hunt - 3DAILY Beta (https://lnkd.in/gz46YKk8) 3DAILY is leading the charge in revolutionizing the 3D industry for game studios, indie developers, and 3D artists. Our comprehensive suite, featuring a 3D editor, SDK for in-game character personalization, CMS, a store, and on-demand asset creation—all powered by Generative AI—is designed to streamline the asset creation and monetization process like never before. The acknowledgment by Product Hunt highlights our innovative approach towards enhancing the gaming and 3D modeling industry's asset creation and management processes. Our platform not only simplifies these processes but also introduces groundbreaking avenues for monetization. This is particularly significant for artists and developers keen on leveraging generative AI technologies. What sets 3DAILY apart is its unique capability to directly connect artists with the gaming industry, facilitating the production of ready-to-use characters and assets. This is further supported by our marketplace, where users can effortlessly buy and sell assets, enriching projects or monetizing their creations. Our growing influence is clear, with over 5500 artists and game studios joining us, coupled with an increasing number of daily sign-ups—all achieved without reliance on traditional marketing. This remarkable growth underscores the industry's demand for advanced, AI-powered 3D creation tools and the exceptional value 3DAILY provides to its community. Let's celebrate this milestone and look forward to the future of 3D creation together! 🚀 #3DAILY #ProductHunt #3DIndustry #GameDevelopment #3DArtists #GenerativeAI