Amine Bounoughaz

Great points raised by Pablo Srugo about the potential pitfalls of stacking post-money SAFEs! While post-money SAFEs can be attractive for investors due to their clear and predictable dilution impact, they can indeed pose significant risks for founders if not managed carefully. Drop us a line Fuse Capital if you want some optionality out side of equity to fund growth.

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Alright, let's talk WhatsApp startups. After years in this space, Tarek Khalil (TK) and I have seen some patterns. Here are the landmines we'd avoid: 🔹Bootleg APIs: Tempting, but it's like gambling with your startup. One update from WhatsApp, and boom – you're done. 🔹The Meta shadow: If your idea sounds like something Meta would build for small businesses, think twice. They've got deep pockets and a head start. 🔹Thin integrations on existing platforms: Been there, done that. Made good money, but it's not VC material. One product decision from the main platform, and poof, you're obsolete. 🔹Meta fees: Do the math. Make sure you're not just breaking even after Meta takes their cut. I've got more thoughts on this — my DMs are open if you want to chat about the WhatsApp gold rush. There's opportunity here, but also plenty of pitfalls. ----- Source: Tarek's blog (link in the comments/on his profile)

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I was very disappointed when I read this post. It’s an example of a core problem with raising from VCs——bullsh*t criteria filters. It’s lazy and arrogant investing at its finest. 1- Passing because of a “signal”. This is just a weak excuse to not speak with a founder. If there is one thing I’ve learned as an investor, it’s that decks rarely tell the story well. With all the dynamics of early stage company building, relying solely on “minor flags” to pass is just a cheap excuse to not speak with someone. 2- Founder not “paying attention to detail”. Attention to the correct details is important. This type of “detail” is ridiculous. As an outsider, you have no idea what their document management is like. They may have updated the document that very day. You’re getting upset about naming conventions like it means that they can’t possibly build a billion dollar company. It doesn’t matter. 3- Being butt hurt when you realize you weren’t the top of their list. This one makes me laugh the most. What an arrogant stance to take. “Oh, I wasn’t your first call? Go jump off a cliff.” It doesn’t strike people like this that it may have taken months to network their way into the person that he knew so they would get an introduction so this investor would take it seriously? Note, “I was sent a fund deck the other day” means that it was a referral, presumably from someone they know and trust. 4- Fundraising must be tough because you’ve been in market for at least two months. Cut me a break. It’s hard for every company in this environment. Most of the best performing VC investments in history struggled to raise money in their first few rounds. And most of the company who raised huge amounts with no friction end up Hindenberging. This is so lazy and biased. These investors also tend to be logo investors—eg who else is committed to the raise. 5- Saving time by not taking the meeting. A VC cannot possibly take a call with every deck that comes across their desk. However, especially when it comes from a referral, and things sound “pretty good”, give it the benefit of the doubt. Especially when it’s so hard to tell a story to hundreds of investors who all have different expectations for “the perfect deck”. Your obligation to your fund LPs means you turn over every rock. Make the time. Pass it to an analyst to hear the full story. Don’t look for weak excuses like this to pass. If you’ve experienced at fundraising, I’m sure none of this is a surprise to you. Fundraising is extraordinarily difficult. If you’re new to venture fundraising, this is just one example in a sea of irrational behavior exuded by VCs and the analysts that filter deals for them. Buckle up. **Thanks to Alex Dunsdon for sharing this investor screenshot with his network first.

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Fundraising the YCombinator Way: Key Lessons from a Successful Pre-Seed Round Navigating the fundraising landscape can be challenging, especially for early-stage startups. By applying the principles shared by YC alumni, you can increase your chances of success and build momentum for your venture. Key Takeaways: 1) Clarity and Conciseness: Keep your answers short, clear, and focused on the essentials. 2) Sell Your Team: Highlight your team's domain expertise and past accomplishments. 3) Persistence Pays Off: Every "no" gets you closer to that one "yes." PS. check out 🔔 for a winning pitch deck the template created by Silicon Valley legend, Peter Thiel https://lnkd.in/ejp-Bhnu

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Okay, So : You want to become an Entrepreneur? You want to do Startups? You want to do Business? You want to become Successful? You want to be in the top 1% of the Country? Alright, Lets Come to the reality; Let me show you the "Dukh or Dard" of this path. Whatever you wanted to be may be from the above list. The only path is "Mehnat". You'll have to Work, Work, work, work only without watching Clock. There's nothing like Work-life Balance. Let me tell you my story: I lost all my Friends, All in connection with my families, relatives. People around me. I'm in college right now, I don't know the name of all my batchmates, I'm in my pre-final year of college life. But it doesn't mean you don't need connection. The root of all the early stage business, Startups, companies are Connections. If you have connection you'll build a great empire gradually at any how, if you don't give up. #business #startups #jobs

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XPANCEO raised $40 million with this deck🔥 TechCrunch writer Haje Kamps analyzed the pitch deck they used for this funding round. We encounter hundreds of templates and how-tos every day. Today, I want to share a Pitch Deck Teardown, a very useful resource for founders who want to understand something that has already worked and brought concrete results. 👇 Link in the first comment 👇 #WearableTech #Innovation #Xpanceo #TechCrunch

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I am thrilled to announce that our DeHealth Super App is launching soon💜 As the first app designed to securely store, analyze, and manage your health data 24/7, we are committed to making health management accessible worldwide. With just a few taps, you’ll soon be able to download the app on the App Store and Google Play. My greatest inspiration lies in creating innovative tools that empower humanity to prevent diseases and build a healthier future for us all. How It Works: • Create Your Profile: Sign up effortlessly to establish your personalized health ID and profile. • Centralize Your Data: Import and securely store all your health information in one convenient location. • Daily Wellness Guidance: Energize your health journey with tailored recommendations designed just for you. • Personalized Checkup Plans: Receive a customized checkup plan and actionable health insights to keep you on track. • Travel with Assurance: Share essential health information seamlessly in any language, ensuring peace of mind wherever you go. • Proactive Health Management: Benefit from an individual family tree analysis that helps you identify and understand potential health risks for a healthier future. Stay tuned for more updates! Together, let’s take the first step towards a healthier tomorrow💜 #DeHealth #HealthApp #WellnessJourney #HealthyFuture #ComingSoon

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It was news last year. It has now become standard procedure. #Secondaries once the preserve of large private equity managers are becoming increasingly accessible to their #VC counterparts. Thanks to Timothy Motte for giving me a space to shed some light on this emerging trend in #venturecapital. Read below and subscribe to his must read newsletter "The Realistic Optimist". A must read for anyone interested in a highly documented, yet refreshing, cross-border perspective on everything #entrepreneurship, #startups and #investing. Enjoy!

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Series A founders - here is YC's guideline for your deck 👇 (and how to best leverage it) Before getting into individual slides. Remember the purpose of this deck is to: ⤷ show investors why they should invest ⤷ share your vision for the future ⤷ explain use of funds 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝟏: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐥𝐞 ⤷ list your company name or logo and a one sentence description. Anyone reading your one-liner should be able to picture what you do. Tips: use common words but be specific to your business. 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝟐: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⤷ hooks investors for the rest of your presentation This is a smooth lead from your one-liner into numbers. And that will set the stage for the problem. 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝟑: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦 ⤷ how does the world works for your customers and what's wrong with it? Tips: make sure its specific to your product, present the problem from your customer's perspective, aim to show not only to tell the story 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝟒: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⤷ side by side comparison (the world with vs without your product), quantify in numbers Tips: focus on what is true today, show how customers are using the product 𝐒𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝟲 𝘁𝗼 𝟴: 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ⤷ show trends and present numbers clearly and concisely, pick your metric wisely 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝟵: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 ⤷ show how big of an opportunity this is! Tip: use this formula = number of prospective customers x value of each customer to you. 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟬: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ⤷ show why you're 10x better than everyone else, show that you can defend your business 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟭: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 ⤷ how do you become a $10BN company? 𝗦𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝟭𝟮: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 ⤷ show who the founders are, why they’re the right people, ⤷ show how great of a team you’ve recruited That's it for today! 🔔 Follow me (Hugo Rauch) and join a community of startups addicts 📰 Subscribe to my newsletter at the link below my name

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This is how YC teaches their companies to pitch investors in 2 sentences. 👇 (straight from the playbooks) Your "Two Sentence Description" is a short description of what your company does, explained to an investor. Imagine this is what you say if an investor asks you “What does your company do?” during a cocktail party. There are two main formats: Format 1️⃣ Sentence one: What we do. Sentence two: Example. 👉 Example: Airbnb is a marketplace where you can book a home or apartment when traveling for work or vacation. When you visit New York City with your family, instead of staying in a cramped and expensive hotel room, you can stay in a comfortable 3-bedroom apartment at the same price. Format 2️⃣ Sentence one: The problem we solve. Sentence two: How we solve it. 👉 Example: Stripe makes it easy for developers to accept payments on their websites or mobile apps. We do this by providing a simple and well documented payments API that any developer can instantly start using straight from our website. ❌ Common mistakes to avoid: ❌ → Making a description too long ↳ Don’t try to pack as much as possible in two sentences → Talking about a general problem ↳ Be specific. The description should begin with your company’s name → Don’t try to “sell” your company to investors ↳ Just clearly explain what you do, so you stimulate questions → Using a customer pitch instead of an investor pitch ↳ In most cases investors are not your users. Don’t use “you” in the investor description → Trying to make your company sound impressive ↳ Use informal, simple language. Think of it as a company description in a casual conversation I hope this helps in crafting a better pitch! 🙌 Rock the next cocktail party! P.S. Check my first comment for examples of YC company descriptions using these formats. ⬇️ Drop your company's two sentence description as well.

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Today, I am sharing with you my secret of running a business startup. Every single day, I get hit with a million different things to do. But I've learned that not everything deserves my full attention and effort. ➡︎I'm ruthless about focusing on the high-impact tasks—the tasks that will really drive growth and bring in more money. ➡︎Those are my top priorities. I consider the impact a task will have versus the amount of work required. ➡︎The high-impact, low-effort tasks get handled first. ➡︎If something is time-sensitive and needs to be done now before the opportunity is gone, that also shoots right to the top. ➡︎And I never forget about long-term goals - some tasks may not pay off right away but will set us up for major success down the road. ➡︎Delegation is huge for me too. ➡︎I make sure to give tasks to my team members that fit their strengths and expertise. ➡︎I try my best to communicate exactly what's expected, but then I let them take full ownership. Regular feedback and celebrating wins together - that's how we rally as a team. In the end 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 for maximizing our startup's potential. It's important to be focused entirely on what matters most. What is your secret to running a business or startup? #leadership #entrepreneur #LIPostingChallengeIndia

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I'm TIRED !!! Everywhere I go, I see a recurring pattern. About 90% of the Product Managers I've met in MENA companies share a common challenge. And honestly, it's not entirely their fault. Let me explain... A true PM isn’t just someone who pushes buttons and ships features. They should deeply understand the product's value stream, right from its ideation and development, to its launch, monitoring its success, iterating based on insights, and steering the company's product strategy. However, in many MENA companies, the reality is different. A lot of PMs get stuck in a cycle: scope out PRDs, review designs, launch... and repeat. But there's so much more to product management than just this! This isn’t necessarily the fault of the PMs. It’s the corporate culture. I've heard and seen companies here that explicitly evaluate PMs by the number of features they churn out. Yes, you read that right. It’s like asking a chef to be judged by the number of dishes they make, rather than how delicious or impactful those dishes are. Such practices breed a "feature factory" culture. PMs end up focusing solely on quantity, not quality or business outcomes. Once a feature is launched, many PMs move on, leaving the aftermath to someone else. It's not because they don't care. It's because they've been conditioned to think this way. So, how do you change this? Here's a blueprint: 💎 Align your team around key product metrics. Make them the North Star. 💎 Empower your PMs. Let them innovate and steer towards their product goals. OKRs can be a game-changer here. 💎 Judge PMs by the business impact they create, not the number of buttons they press. If you’re in a leadership position, I urge you to introspect. If you’re a PM stuck in this cycle, advocate for change. #technology #startups #ProductManagement #ProductManager #product

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Y Combinator's impact on the startup ecosystem… With a portfolio of 4943 companies, YC has become the ultimate launchpad for innovative ventures. Let's dive into the numbers that showcase YC's remarkable track record: • 𝟳𝟬.𝟵% 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀: This (v high!) survival rate is a testament to YC's ability to identify and nurture promising startups. Compare this to the typical startup failure rate of 90% within the first year - this is why YC is the gold standard • 𝟭𝟭.𝟴% 𝗔𝗰𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: YC startups are hot commodities in the tech world. Notable exits include Twitch (acq by Amazon for $970 million) and Cruise (acq by GM for over $1 billion) • 𝟬.𝟰% 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀: While small in number, they pack a punch. Airbnb, Dropbox, and Coinbase have all gone public, with Airbnb's IPO valuing the company at over $100 billion!

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When you embark on the entrepreneurial path, you need to understand that clients have to go beyond projects..everyone appreciates value and eventually it does pay off well! Here are my three the insights : 1️⃣ Over-Communication Beats Miscommunication! From day one, I've seen how clear and consistent communication transforms projects and not OVER- communication! 2️⃣ Make Flexibility Your Superpower Flexibility doesn't just involve your deadlines and project shifts; it's about making swift and smooth adapts with ideas and ongoings! Having, experienced first hand, I must say it's very crucial ! 3️⃣ Build Relationships, Not Just Projects Beyond delivering results, nurturing relationships is fundamental to your working because that's what going to make the yield in the long run. So, Invest in connections and foster collaborations that extend far beyond the initial project scope. These lessons have shaped my approach, guiding me towards more meaningful client engagements and rewarding collaborations… #FreelanceJourney #ClientLessons #RelationshipBuilding #LinkedInThoughts

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I'm shutting down my startup, Citibeats. 8 years after I founded it as a leading social understanding tool leveraging ethical AI. Here are 4 lessons and reflections: ↓ 1- We din't have product-market fit __Developing an advanced AI-driven platform is incredibly costly. __Limited buying intent from key target sectors due to limited internal capabilities. __Decision-makers often lack the authority to drive internal changes. 2- Creating a new category is hard __Organizations prefer known low value solutions that off-the-shelf SaaS. __Educating the market about a new category requires significant time and resources. __Buyers can't compare and feel the risk is higher. 3- Challenges in the AI Industry __AI solutions require significant data and computational power, raising costs. __Building trust in AI systems remains a barrier due to ethical and transparency concerns. __The rapid pace of AI advancements makes it difficult to stay ahead without substantial investment. __Data cost increasing. Thanks Elon Musk 4- Lack of Investment in Spain __There is a noticeable gap in venture capital funding for AI startups in Spain compared to other regions. __Local investors often show more interest in traditional industries over cutting-edge technology. __Government support for AI innovation, while improving, still lags behind other countries. __Due to this, I've spent too much time as a founder to manage investment despite business growth *Why I'm Stopping This* __I didn't choose good travel companions. __Without big investments, the industry will go over us. *Things I Would Have Done Differently* __Never kill existing business for a promise of investment. __Adapt the product with additional consulting to learn and educate industry. *My Most Critical Learnings* __Don't build something people need, but something they want. __Better be the second best than the first (Edit: Better be challenger than pioneer). __Use funding momentum and don't let it go away. Richard Branson said, "The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all." I try to live by this every day. On one hand, it's tough to shut down something I've poured my heart into. On the other hand, I feel a sense of relief and gratitude. The journey with Citibeats has been an incredible learning experience. The lessons I've gained, the skills I've developed, and the insights I've gathered are invaluable. Thank you to my talented and tenacious teammates, the first clients who saw the future with us, and to our investors who supported me. My mentors has also been an invaluable guide through this journey. If you are working on an exciting project and believe my experience could be of value, please feel free to reach out. I'm open to exploring new opportunities worldwide. Albert Alfredo Andrey Angel Santiago Miriam Carmen Harry Cristian Marc Jaume Joaquim Marc Daniel Marcos Flavia Tetsuro Irene Francesc Juan Sergio Rodolfo Christian Mar Eloisa Marta Tim

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Dear Founder 👋 Use this template to explain your Startup Idea in a clear concise manner. [startup name] is for [target users] facing [problem] to be able to [solution] with [USP] E.g. Allies(useallies.com) is for African creators & coaches facing poor course sales and difficulties in monetizing their audience to be able to sell more, receive payments globally with an A.I assistant and community-led approach. ♻️ Help Repost ***** I’m looking to connect with founders, creators and techies. Don’t forget to connect or follow me 👉 Samuel Linus #founder #startupidea #tips

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The number of newly funded AI startups between 2013 and 2023 has experienced significant growth, reflecting the thriving interest and investments in artificial intelligence. Here are some highlights: 2013-2015: Early Growth - Emerging Interest : The early years saw a growing curiosity in AI with significant advancements like deep learning. - Increased Funding: Funding rounds began to increase, leading to the establishment of startups focusing on machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. 2016-2018: Rapid Expansion - Mature Technologies : As AI technologies matured, more startups emerged, targeting applications in healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and more. - Venture Capital Influx : VC firms heavily invested in AI, with notable fundings in hundreds of millions for AI-focused projects. - Global Presence : Startups began to spread beyond tech hubs like Silicon Valley to Europe, Asia, and other regions. 2019-2021: Major Breakthroughs - Specialization: Startups began specializing in niche AI applications like autonomous vehicles, AI-driven cybersecurity, and robotics. - Corporate Investments: Big corporations started acquiring AI startups to integrate advanced technologies into their products. - Record Fundings: 2021 saw record-breaking funding levels, with numerous startups receiving unicorn status. 2022-2023: Consolidation and Innovation - Mergers and Acquisitions: Mature startups either merged or were acquired by larger firms, leading to some consolidation in the market. - Innovative Applications: New startups emerged, focusing on innovative applications like generative AI, AI ethics, and AI for social good. - Sustained Investment: Despite economic fluctuations, investment in AI startups remained robust, driven by the technology's potential. Overall, the period between 2013 and 2023 marked a transformative decade for AI startups, characterized by innovation, substantial investments, and the global spread of AI solutions across diverse industries. By Dr. Salem Bagami Chief Executive Officer Digital Transformation Company & Managing Director 2080 Ventures Email: [email protected] Website: www.2080.ventures -

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Reflecting on my journey as a startup founder, I've come to deeply appreciate the unique opportunities that working with tech startups and early-stage visionary founders can offer 🙌 While large tech giants have their allure, there are compelling reasons why you might consider diving into the dynamic world of startups. Accelerated Learning and Growth : In a startup, every day brings new challenges that push you to learn and adapt quickly. A study by the #StartupGenome Report found that startup employees gain experience equivalent to years of work in a traditional corporate setting within just a few months. The hands-on experience in various roles accelerates your professional growth, making you a versatile professional. Impact and Ownership : One of the most fulfilling aspects of working in a startup is the tangible impact you can make. Your contributions directly influence the company's direction and success. Research from #HarvardBusinessReview highlights that employees in smaller companies often have a greater sense of ownership and job satisfaction due to their direct involvement in key decisions. Innovation and Creativity : Startups thrive on innovation. Working closely with visionary founders, you get to be part of ground-breaking ideas and cutting-edge technologies. This environment not only fosters creativity but also positions you at the forefront of industry advancements. According to a survey by #PwC, 61% of employees in tech startups feel they are part of something innovative and exciting, compared to 38% in larger corporations. Entrepreneurial Spirit : Being in a startup cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset. You learn to navigate uncertainties, think strategically, and become resourceful. These skills are invaluable whether you decide to start your own venture or continue climbing the career ladder. A report from #LinkedIn found that individuals with startup experience are 50% more likely to take on leadership roles later in their careers. Building a Strong Network : In the startup ecosystem, networking is key. You’ll connect with like-minded professionals, potential mentors, and investors. This network can be incredibly valuable throughout your career. Studies show that professionals who actively engage in networking are more likely to achieve career success and satisfaction. The fast-paced environment, the thrill of building something from the ground up, and the camaraderie of a close-knit team are experiences I wouldn't trade for anything. If you wanna make a real impact, consider joining an early stage visionary founder 🙌 which I believe is the fastest way to shorten your learning curve. What's your take on working with a startup Vs a tech giant 🤔. Pls share 👏 On a #mission to #disrupting global #commerce #Startups #TechInnovation #CareerGrowth #Entrepreneurship #StartupLife #Founders #CareerImpact #TechCareers #ProfessionalGrowth #SaaS #AI #instagramforbusiness #Retail #D2C

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1) Who leads in Board of Directors Meetings? 🏢 i) Early-stage startups 🌱: The founder should lead these meetings. ii) Established startups 🌟: The CEO should lead the meetings, or the largest shareholder in the startup can take the lead. iii) Growth-stage startups 🚀: All BOD members actively discuss and lead the meetings. You can also refer to the scale of a BOD at each stage in the BOD Profession #2. 3) Specific roles of BOD members 🧑‍💼: i) Chairman of the Board 👑: Head of the BOD for a startup. Leads and ensures the effective functioning of the BOD. Supports the management team. Monitors the quality and efficiency of the management team. Establishes mechanisms to encourage active and effective participation of BOD members. ii) Other BOD members 🤝: Each member has unique strengths based on the stage mentioned in section 1. Develops financial structures, visions, and practical market development strategies. Plans product development and recruitment for high-level positions, including the CEO. Utilizes the BOD's relationships and reputation to connect, and persuade customers, partners, and investor support. Protects the interests of startup shareholders. If you need to build a roadmap for raising capital and growing your business from $1M -> $M25 revenue in 03 years, you can check out this solution: https://lnkd.in/gu_ET-WY   

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