Startups, entrepreneurs, innovation, technology, and economic development.
I recently attended the electrifying Web Summit Rio, where 21,000 like-minded souls converged to discuss the latest tech trends and innovations. Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence (AI) stole the show. Here are the seven key takeaways that stood out during the 3-day event: 1. AI: Genie Out of the Bottle The buzz around AI was palpable, evoking... Continue Reading →
As I found myself gasping for air beneath a sweaty, 220-pound training partner, a sudden epiphany struck me: Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and entrepreneurship, two great passions of mine, share a lot more in common than I had thought. As a BJJ practitioner and serial entrepreneur, I've learned invaluable lessons from the mat that I try... Continue Reading →
The silver economy is an exciting market that is gaining more attention from investors and entrepreneurs alike. The silver economy refers to the economic activities and spending associated with aging populations, typically those over 60 years old. This segment of the population is growing rapidly due to longer life expectancy, and it is becoming increasingly... Continue Reading →
The rate of adoption of digital technologies by companies of all stages and sizes has been growing fast over the past decade. These technologies range from e-commerce applications, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, video conferencing and financial management software, all the way to blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI), to name just a few. In the... Continue Reading →
I’ve been helping entrepreneurs prepare for their investor pitches for several years. Before that, I pitched my startups to investors for over a decade. Based on this experience, I have come up with the 10 slides a typical 5-to-10-minute presentation should have. 0. Title Before the content slides, you need a slick title slide to... Continue Reading →
Launching an online business, or e-commerce, has never been easier than in the past ten years. There are fantastic resources available that allow for the seamless development and operation of e-stores. For example, in 2017, working only nights and weekends, I was able to launch an online shop for apparel and accessories in just a... Continue Reading →
Innovation and new ideas I am frequently approached by people who want to share a new business idea with me. Usually the pitch is accompanied by a good amount of mystery and secrecy: "Andre, I'm telling you this because I trust you, but don't tell anyone; this could be big". Let me summarize what I tell... Continue Reading →
In a previous post I discussed the different types of investors available to entrepreneurs. But choosing the right investor depends also on the types of financial commitment you are willing to take on. Therefore, in this post I will discuss the main financial instruments used to fund startups – equity, debt, grants, and convertibles –... Continue Reading →
Startup fundraising is never easy and the current pandemic crisis makes it even harder. Typical early-stage investors, such as angel investors and venture capital funds, today might be more reluctant to take risks and bet on early-stage startups. In such situations, entrepreneurs often turn to friends and family (2F's) to support their endeavors. Asking people... Continue Reading →
Startups are constantly looking for funding to support their growth. Here is a brief explanation of the different types of investors that typically support entrepreneurs in their journeys. Friends and Family These are people you (obviously) know personally and who decide to help you in your endeavor. Think “rich uncle”. These investors usually have little... Continue Reading →
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