In this episode, we sit down with Coco Brown, founder of Athena Alliance, to discuss her journey of transforming a nonprofit into a venture-backed enterprise and successfully raising $2.5M in funding.

Coco shares her experience with the challenging fundraising climate of 2023 and how she navigated countless investor rejections.

She talks about the pivotal moment when one investor’s commitment turned things around and how that single yes sparked a wave of support.

We explore her strategies for capital efficiency, the importance of community, and the innovative approaches she took to secure funding.

Listeners will gain insights into the realities of raising capital, the power of perseverance, and the impact of having a strong network.

Coco's story is a testament to the resilience and creativity required to succeed in the startup world.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com

In this episode, we're tackling an important startup scenario: unexpected VC interest.

We'll be answering a question Jason received from a founder who received an out-of-the-blue email from an investor.

We'll also some practical tips on how to handle these situations smoothly, including ways to maintain control of the conversation and your timeline, the benefits of not immediately jumping into fundraising mode, how to research potential investors, and what to prepare (spoiler: less than you might think) for initial meetings.

Plus, we'll give you some pointers on transitioning from casual chats to formal fundraising when you're ready.

Whether you're new to the startup world or a seasoned pro, this episode has some valuable insights you can put to use.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com

In this episode of The Back Channel, we dive into five thought-provoking strategies to elevate your fundraising game while challenging existing advice.

We explore concepts like pitch deck templates, riskiness of your idea, seeking rejection, tiering investors, and fundraising preparation.

Join us as we challenge norms and empower you to refine your fundraising tactics effectively.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com

A lot of entrepreneurs take risks when they're young and have nothing to lose. For others, it's a different story. Maybe they found their dream job, started a family, bought a house, and then something happens that completely throws them off course.

Today's guest was one of those people. After an unexpected situation, he decided to take a chance and start a company he saw an opportunity for back at his previous job in AI. It ended up being a good chance to take...

Today we're speaking with Brian Raymond, first time founder and CEO of Unstructured IO, a company that's connecting enterprise data to LLMs. And we have to say... his story is wild.

In 2 years, Brian's managed to raise $65 million dollars in venture capital across three rounds. The most recent of those being a $40M Series B led by Menlo Ventures.

Brians journey into entrepreneurship was unique, but also one I think a lot of you listening will be able to relate to.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com

In this episode of The Backchannel, the focus is on why intelligent individuals often struggle with pitching to investors.

The discussion includes the common pitfalls such as overemphasizing data, battling imposter syndrome, and the tendency to overcomplicate pitches to prove intelligence.

The importance of simplicity, emotional connection, and embracing rejection as part of the fundraising process is also highlighted.

Overall, the episode provides valuable insights and strategies for intelligent founders to improve their pitching skills.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com

In this episode of The Backchannel, Jason answers 5 questions submitted by founders about pitch decks and pitching strategies.

During the episode, he highlights the importance of simplicity and clarity in both deck design and delivery.

Jason also discusses balancing design and content, conveying a compelling vision, and avoiding information overload.

On top of that he also touches on effective communication in short pitches and the strategic use of competition slides.

Make sure to listen to hear his full answers!

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com

When all you've ever known is running a bootstrapped startup... the world of venture capital can feel pretty intimidating. Bootstrapping a company is an extreme sport, and so is going down the path of venture capital - but each path is completely different from one another.

You might have been able to build an amazing company that you believe can be huge (with the help of venture dollars), but without understanding how the game of venture capital actually works - you're at a huge disadvantage.

Today's guest Analisa Goodin, founder and CEO of Catch+Release knew this and decided to be proactive about it.

Way before she went out to raise her first of three successful rounds, she became a relentless networker which over time, led her to conversations with VCs getting her to learn the space. Clearly, something clicked because Catch+Release has now raised over $31M in venture capital.

Listen to the full episode to hear more details on her most recent rounds as well as advice she has for up and coming founders looking to raise capital.

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com

VC signals can be tricky. A lot of them are deeply intertwined with social dynamics and can change investor interest in a matter of seconds.

In this episode, Jason shares a recent example of how fast negative signaling can impact a deal.

Listen to the full episode to learn about different types of VC signals and how you can use them to help you raise your round!

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If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab our weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter

If you're looking to learn how Adamant is helping founders prepare for their fundraise, head here: admnt.com