MoneyNeverSleeps

By: Pete Townsend | Early-stage Startup Investor
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  • Summary

  • A weekly podcast that looks inside the minds of entrepreneurs and at the crossover of startups, enterprise, finance, technology and life as we know it, hosted by early-stage startup investor Pete Townsend.
    Pete Townsend | Early-stage Startup Investor
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Economics Leadership
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Episodes
  • 275: Web3 Fundraising Playbook | Pete Townsend | Raising Your 1st Round at the Frontier

    275: Web3 Fundraising Playbook | Pete Townsend | Raising Your 1st Round at the Frontier
    Nov 8 2024
    We're diving deep into the fundamentals of fundraising for Web3 startups and early-stage ventures navigating their first capital raise. Fundraising is always challenging, but in web3, it’s a whole new frontier with unique hurdles. This session, originally presented at a Techstars Web3 Accelerator event, is packed with actionable insights that apply to most tech startups, especially those aiming to raise their first round. IN THIS EPISODE: The Art of Readiness: Fundraising is a high-stakes campaign that requires focus, preparation, and a solid plan. I’ll walk you through the basics of getting yourself – and your co-founders – ready to tackle your first fundraise head-on. Investor Pipeline Strategy: Building and managing an investor pipeline is critical to success. Learn about identifying the right investors, setting up warm intros, and the nuances of pitching to both web3 and web2.5 investors. Legal Matters and Structures: In web3, navigating the legal landscape is a must. I cover key considerations for structuring your raise, choosing between token and equity allocations, and why a strong legal strategy is essential. Storytelling and Positioning: We discuss the importance of clearly articulating your vision, setting ambitious yet realistic milestones, and presenting a credible plan to investors. Execution and Perseverance: Fundraising can be a marathon filled with tough feedback, but execution is key. I share tips on how to handle investor conversations, refine your pitch, and ultimately close your round. Resources: Access a variety of fundraising resources, including pitch deck examples, document templates, and strategic guides in the show notes on MoneyNeverSleeps.ie. Slides from the Techstars session: Fundraising in web3 A16z crypto: 5 rules for token launches NFX: The 23 Rules of Storytelling For Fundraising Pitchdecky: Crypto / Web3 (and beyond) pitch deck LegalNodes: Choosing a web3 fundraising document Techstars Entrepreneur’s Toolkit Video version of Web3 Fundraising Playbook (this episode) Applications Now Open: If you’re a web3 founder ready to scale, applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class of the Techstars Web3 Accelerator! Deadline is November 20, so don’t miss out. Visit techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to learn more and apply. TIMESTAMPS: 01:40 The Challenges of Fundraising 02:32 Preparing for Your First Fundraise 03:56 Determining Your Fundraising Amount 07:32 Legal Considerations in Web3 Fundraising 11:43 Socializing Your Fundraise 13:27 Building Your Fundraising Materials 15:52 Targeting and Pitching Investors 20:27 Executing and Closing the Fundraise 23:21 Final Thoughts and Recap LINKS: Leave a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts Spotify MoneyNeverSleeps (website) MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ Email us: info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/
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    26 mins
  • 274: Revolutionizing Creative Funding: René Pinnell's Vision with Artizen | Innovating with AI & Crypto

    274: Revolutionizing Creative Funding: René Pinnell's Vision with Artizen | Innovating with AI & Crypto
    Oct 31 2024
    René Pinnell is the founder of Artizen, a match-funding platform for human creativity, helping creators match fund new projects at the frontier of art, science, technology and culture. With over two decades of experience, René has helped creators raise more than $50 million for groundbreaking projects, including securing the first seven-figure VR film deal at the Sundance Film Festival. As an executive producer, René has worked on acclaimed projects like BATTLESCAR, starring Rosario Dawson, and SPHERES, featuring Jessica Chastain, Millie Bobby Brown, and Patti Smith. Additionally, René has directed the feature documentary The King of Texas, sold a TV pilot to MTV, and founded two companies, reflecting his deep commitment to supporting and elevating creative talent. In this episode, I sat down with René to explore his transformative journey from filmmaker to startup founder. Delving into the evolution of creative funding, René discusses Artizen's innovative model, which blends traditional match funding with crypto and community-driven support. We cover pivotal moments from his VR project days with Kaleidoscope to forming high-profile partnerships, such as with Viola Davis during the BLM movement. Discover how Artizen's dual strategy of enterprise sales and grassroots initiatives is set to reshape the creative industry. Plus, learn about the role of AI and no-code tools in revolutionizing product development, the benefits of community match funds, and the potential of crypto within the creator economy. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the past, present, and future of creative project financing. René is also an alum of the Techstars Web3 accelerator class of 2024, investing in entrepreneurs building in web3 and enabling the next wave of growth in the decentralized internet and in tokenized economies. Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class, so check out techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to apply. TIMESTAMPS: 00:36 Meet René Pinnell: A Creative Force 01:17 René's Creative Journey and Family Heritage 03:54 The Birth of Artizen 05:52 Challenges in Funding Creative Projects 08:11 From Kaleidoscope to Artizen 10:22 Scaling Artizen with Community Curation 19:05 Artizen's Triple-Sided Marketplace 26:35 Support for Black Artists in Immersive Media 27:25 Fundraising and Future Plans for Artizen 28:22 High-Profile Partnerships and Match Funds 29:34 Challenges and Insights from Creators 32:32 René's Journey: From Filmmaker to Founder 37:31 Rebuilding Artizen with No-Code Tools 41:10 The Future of Product Development and Network Effects 44:10 The Importance of Fundraising Skills 45:41 Optimism and Personal Reflections 51:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts LINKS: Follow René Pinnell -X/(Twitter): https://x.com/RJPinnell -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjpinnell/ Learn more about: -Artizen: https://artizen.fund/ -René'ss ‘Wayback Machine’: http://renepinnell.com/homepage.html -Techstars Web3 Accelerator: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Leave a review and subscribe on -Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website: https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/
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    53 mins
  • 273: Mission Minded Founder | Niall Dennehy & AID:Tech | Fixing Humanitarian Relief and Digital Identity

    273: Mission Minded Founder | Niall Dennehy & AID:Tech | Fixing Humanitarian Relief and Digital Identity
    Oct 25 2024
    Niall Dennehy is an Irish entrepreneur and the co-founder and COO of AID:Tech, who are bringing traceability and transparency to the flow of funds for governments, NGOs and charities with their payments and digital identity infrastructure bridging web2 to web3. In this episode, Pete Townsend reconnects with Niall to explore the groundbreaking journey of their mission-driven company since Niall was last on MoneyNeverSleeps in 2018 (episode 11 linked here and below). The conversation spans the company's digital identity and payments innovations, especially through their Kare Wallet which accelerates financial assistance to disaster survivors. Leveraging blockchain technology, the platform ensures transparent, traceable, and secure distribution of relief funds, partnering with entities like Walmart to prevent misuse. Niall reflects on the emotional impact on both survivors and AID:Tech employees, underscoring the mission that deeply resonates with their team. The discussion delves into strategic approaches to funding, including securing non-dilutive grants, engaging with VCs, and the valuable experiences from accelerator programs like Techstars. Niall and Pete also touch upon the 'Five H's' of success - happy, hungry, humble, helpful, and healthy - emphasizing the importance of holistic wellbeing in driving sustained impact and growth for AID:Tech. Overall, this episode offers an insightful look into AID:Tech's ethos, their strategic growth, and the pivotal role of technology in enhancing disaster relief efforts. The Techstars Web3 accelerator invests in entrepreneurs building in web3 and enabling the next wave of growth in the decentralized internet and in tokenized economies. Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 class, so check out techstars.com/accelerators/web3 to apply. TIMESTAMPS: 00:36 Meet Niall Dennehy: Co-Founder of AID:Tech 01:48 AID:Tech's Impact and Innovations 03:19 The Evolution of AID:Tech 04:22 The Core Mission: Identity and Payments 07:44 Real-World Applications and Success Stories 11:18 Challenges and Perseverance in the Startup World 13:08 Future of Payments and Digital Identity 14:19 The Kare Survivor Wallet in Action 20:02 Community Impact and Personal Stories 24:55 The Flywheel of a Mission-Driven Startup 26:02 Philosophical Insights and Team Alignment 27:36 Navigating Fundraising for Impact Ventures 30:56 The Importance of Non-Dilutive Capital 33:50 Personal Growth and Mindset 36:37 The Five H's for Founders 39:27 Final Thoughts and Gratitude LINKS: Follow Niall Dennehy -X/(Twitter): https://twitter.com/dennehyniall -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niall-dennehy-bb311016/ Learn more about: -AID:Tech: https://www.aid.technology/ -Techstars Web3 Accelerator: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/web3 Links referenced in the episode: Post on the Kare Survivor Wallet’s deployment for hurricane relief aid Episode 11 of MoneyNeverSleeps from August 2018: Matt Keller’s X/(Twitter) post on Algorand and the Kare Wallet Leave a review and subscribe on -Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1455819294 -Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4F8uOLxiscYVWVGEfNxTnd -Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvaaHrJjizUEd0-93mjCKsQ MoneyNeverSleeps newsletter on Substack: https://moneyneversleeps.substack.com/ MoneyNeverSleeps website: https://www.moneyneversleeps.ie/ Email us at info@norioventures.com Follow on X(Twitter): -Pete Townsend: https://twitter.com/petetownsendnv -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://twitter.com/MNSshow Follow on LinkedIn: -Pete Townsend: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-townsend-1b18301a/ -MoneyNeverSleeps: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28661903/admin/feed/posts/
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    44 mins

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