What is a ZK-rollup ➰ ZK-rollup, short for Zero-Knowledge Rollup, is a layer 2 scaling solution for blockchain networks that aims to enhance their scalability and efficiency. It combines the benefits of both on-chain and off-chain processing by leveraging cryptographic techniques known as zero-knowledge proofs. Specifically, these are hybrid scaling solutions that are off-chain protocols… Continue reading ZK-rollups
Tag: corporate venture capital
Ecosystem Development
Ecosystem Development. What is it. Why you want your team to do it. And what skills you need if it interests you. A tl;dr. What is it: It's a function (individual or team) usually embedded within a corporate venture capital or corporate development team. They are what should be the eyes and ears of the… Continue reading Ecosystem Development
Investment Memos
Investment memo's are written docs all VC, PE, or CVC shops produce to (i) tell a story with conviction and (ii) obtain permission to invest capital into the company. Some are 2 pages, some are 20. These memos differ by the (i) stage of the company (Seed is much different than Series B), (ii) fund… Continue reading Investment Memos
Weekly Startup Spotlight: Lendtable, a Series A Fintech
This week's FintechFriday session is with Mitchell Jones, co-founder Lendtable ⚡ a YC S20 batch company that raised $18M from Softbank to help workers get thousands in additional income by giving a cash advance to cover living expenses so they can finally begin earning their employer match.It’s noted from YC’s site that 1 in 4… Continue reading Weekly Startup Spotlight: Lendtable, a Series A Fintech
Be a specialist
An interesting study was just released about venture capital. One tool I view that corporate development teams can refine and build upon to execute in-organic growth. The study essentially notes that venture capitalists are specialists. I believe this. The research paper also notes that performance is much better in the sub-industry VC's focus on; even… Continue reading Be a specialist
Early Stage Company Nomenclature + Rounds
Two things are popping up more and more in 2021: 1) I get a fair amount of questions about equity and where it should land for first-money-in through the mentoring I do for early stage companies. Unfortunately, it’s not a straightforward answer. 2) Round inflation is real. It really doesn’t matter if you mark your… Continue reading Early Stage Company Nomenclature + Rounds
Venture Capital & CVC Activity: Covid Review
Covid was deemed a national pandemic in the US on March 11th, 2020. Ten days ago as of this post. The gut reaction to many startups was visible. As in any business model under duress (especially startups) marketing stops, then recruiting slows or stops, followed by letting individuals go who may have already been planned… Continue reading Venture Capital & CVC Activity: Covid Review
Branch and the future of employee payments 🚀
Join the FinTech Friday crew this week with Branch on the future of employer payments with @i_vp, @cokiehasiotis, @Jane_Barratt, @tek_fin, with founder @atifsiddiqi. This Friday, Jan 15 at 11:00 AM EST on @joinclubhouse. Join us! https://www.joinclubhouse.com/event/VxLAL9bM
Democratization of VCs and Investment Opportunities
The past decade has brought a lot of new investors to the playing field, myself included. I wanted to quickly jot down some of the trends I view to be catalysts and where the future may be moving towards. Not all are new as of 2020, but most are gaining steam. 1/ Venture Capital being… Continue reading Democratization of VCs and Investment Opportunities
Don’t talk to CorpDev – Part Deux
Corporate Development, Strategic Business Development, Corporate Business Development, or any other amalgamation - are likely all the same teams with small caveats. Traditionally, CorpDev’s mandate was to buy companies. That’s traditional. But it’s 2020 and we can all attest that business models have changed over the past years. These days CorpDev isn’t simply a team… Continue reading Don’t talk to CorpDev – Part Deux
A Blog 