Securing venture capital (VC) funding is often seen as the holy grail for startup founders. Yet, many find themselves hitting a wall. If your startup can’t get VC funding, the problem might not be the investors—it might be you. The good news? Identifying and fixing the issues is entirely within…
Climate Action in APAC is a hotbed of activity, but it’s also a complex landscape to navigate. With differing definitions of “climate action” and a lack of transparency in deal flow, investors need a clear guide to identify the most promising opportunities. This post cuts through the noise, highlighting key…
This guide will explore what do investors look for in a startup and provide actionable steps to prepare your business for investment. Securing funding is often the make-or-break moment for startups. As we move into 2025, the criteria investors use to evaluate startups have evolved. Whether you’re pitching to venture…
When the time comes to consider a company exit strategy for your startup, the stakes are high. Making the right choice can catapult your personal wealth and reputation, while a poorly timed or executed exit can leave you with regrets. As a founder, navigating this complex landscape requires insight, planning,…
Selling value versus price is more than just a strategy; it’s a mindset that can help you stand out, build stronger customer relationships, and beat competitors. In today’s hyper-competitive market, startups and SMEs face a crucial dilemma: Should you compete on price or focus on the value you bring to…
The 8 biggest mistakes investors make even when they know better. Have you ever wondered why seemingly savvy investors sometimes make head-scratching decisions? I was recently a guest at a presentation by Douglas Abrams, the Founder and Managing Director of Expara Ventures, an established VC with extensive experience in Southeast…
New emerging technologies are reshaping industries and defining competitive edges, especially for startups and SMEs. But navigating the myriad of new emerging technologies can be daunting. Choosing the wrong tool or delaying adoption can have long-term repercussions. This actionable guide will help startup founders evaluate and implement the best fit…
Customer acquisition retention strategy covers the twin pillars of business success, getting customers and keeping customers, are often treated as separate issues to solve. However, integrating them into a cohesive customer acquisition retention strategy is the key to beating competitors, fostering loyalty, and ensuring sustainable growth. This post will guide…
The startup world thrives on innovation. But true disruption – fundamentally changing an industry with a new approach – is what separates the game-changers from the also-rans. Disruptive startup models challenge the status quo, create new value propositions, and ultimately reshape entire markets. For aspiring entrepreneurs, identifying and deploying disruptive…
Congratulations! You’ve developed a groundbreaking idea, assembled a stellar team, and validated your concept. Now, it’s time to raise pre seed funding. Are you up for it? Securing pre-seed funding in 2024 requires a strategic approach. While investor enthusiasm remains high, selectivity has increased. This blog post equips you with…
