Paulina Szyzdek

If you’re not ok investing in dual use, then you’re not ok investing in deeptech. Anything "deeptech" is potentially dual use. Any European LP opposed to defensetech investing is, let's be honest, a hypocrite. They may be well intentioned, but they are hypocrites nonetheless, and naive. Those same LPs benefit from the security of living in safe countries with commerce and trade and a way of life protected by militaries, police, and intelligence services. They wouldn't exist without a robust and innovative Western defense sector. So for them to be anti defensetech reeks of entitlement, and is little more than a luxury belief draped in superficial virtue signalling. Sadly, many people today have forgotten that freedom isn't free, and that democracy is very much worth defending. We have a moral obligation to remember and act accordingly. ⚔️ 🛡 https://lnkd.in/eVXZEsAF #vc #venturecapital #startups #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #tech #technology #innovation #deeptech #money #business

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Summary: Bolt's CEO has threatened legal action against an investment bank involved in their recent fundraising efforts, claiming they signed a binding term sheet for $200 million but did not follow through. Key takeaways: Bolt's CEO believes there was miscommunication at Silverbear Capital, one of their lead investors, leading to confusion about the fundraising deal. A leaked term sheet showed Bolt trying to raise $200 million in equity and $250 million in marketing credits, with a unique pay-to-play structure. The involvement of Silverbear Capital and The London Fund in the deal remains unclear. Counter arguments: Silverbear Capital's partner insists there was no miscommunication and the deal was never discussed or approved. The London Fund has confirmed discussions with Bolt's management but denies any finalized transaction. #venturecapital

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Summary: The article discusses Palantir's role in the growing defense tech startup sector and its efforts to become a driving force in the industry. The company's CTO, Shyam Sankar, is determined to help Palantir create a defense tech ecosystem and maximize its impact beyond its government contracts. Key takeaways: Sankar has initiated the First Breakfast program to provide guidance and tools to defense tech startups, aiming to secure a head start in the industry and identify potential "next Palantirs." Palantir has spawned a whole ecosystem in its wake, as evidenced by the success of former employees who have gone on to start their own successful defense tech companies. Sankar is driven by an existential fear of America's war-readiness and believes that more innovative and adaptable solutions are needed to ensure national security in the future. Counter arguments: Some may argue that Palantir's efforts to support and influence the defense tech industry could raise concerns about its potential for monopolizing the market. Critics may point out that Palantir's controversial partnerships with government agencies, especially ICE, raise ethical concerns and contradict its stated mission to protect Western values.

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Summary: Silicon Valley VC firm Menlo Ventures and AI startup Anthropic have announced a new $100 million fund to invest in pre-seed, seed, and Series A AI companies. Menlo Ventures will use its investment and close relationship with Anthropic to identify potential startups for future investments. The fund is open for applications and Menlo Ventures will also back subsequent rounds raised by promising companies. Key takeaways: The $100 million "Anthology Fund" will focus on investing in AI-first startups, leveraging Menlo Ventures' investment and relationship with Anthropic. Menlo Ventures recently closed a $1.35 billion fund and will use its proprietary machine learning tool to evaluate potential investments for the Anthology Fund. The fund is open for applications and will provide startups with $25,000 worth of credits to use Anthropic's models. Counter arguments: There is no guarantee that the investments made by the Anthology Fund will be successful, as with any VC investment. Menlo Ventures may face competition from other VC firms also interested in investing in AI-first startups, potentially driving up the valuations of these companies. #venturecapital #startups #vc

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Seattle's startup scene is growing, but it’s clear we have some work to do. That was a main takeaway from our panel discussion last week featuring venture capitalists from top-tier firms including Brentt Baltimore of Greycroft, Victoria Treyger of Felicis, and Sunil Nagaraj of Ubiquity Ventures, moderated by Kirby Winfield. Their goal: analyze Seattle's startup landscape from an outsider’s perspective with active Seattle investments. They see a city rich in technical talent but with several missing pieces. Go-to-market strategies often lag behind technical capabilities; capital is available, but frequently from outside the region; and stronger community cohesion is needed to bridge incumbent tech leaders with founder types. I transcribed and edited our panel last week "Valley VCs 💗 Seattle Startups." https://lnkd.in/ggchXW4B

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