Investor Connect Podcast

Épisodes

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  Startup Funding Espresso – Best Practices for Networking 16.09.2026 1min

  Best Practices for Networking Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Networking is a key skill in startup fundraising. The founder must be able to navigate a community to find investors for their fundraise. Here are some best practices in networking in advance of a fundraise campaign: Always ask for referrals. In each discussion, ask for two names of other people to contact. Instead of pitching what you do, ask for advice on what you should do. This involves the listener in the deal and makes them an active contributor. Identify your core mission and make it a part of the discussion. This gives purpose to the conversation. Highlight what your startup offers to solve the problem. This shows a clear benefit of the startup. Look for those with a similar mindset. This helps build your following. Use blogging and social media posting to help find more contacts. This extends the reach of your network. Consider these best practices for networking for your fundraise. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Dilution by Startup Stage 15.09.2026 2min

  Dilution by Startup Stage Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Dilution is a major issue for founders. Each stage of fundraising causes another reduction in the founder's ownership. Here are the levels of dilution at each startup stage based on current data: Seed round -- 20% Series A round -- 20% Series B round -- 17% Series C round -- 13% Series D -- 11% Series E -- 10% In the early days of the startup, the founder gives up 20 to 25% of the equity to investors. As the rounds continue, the amount of dilution decreases. By the Series C round, the dilution drops below 15%. In the early days, some founders may have given up 25% or more. It's clear they are giving up more equity than other startups. To reduce dilution, consider the following: Map out the rounds of funding for the life of the startup and factor dilution into the plan. Run a what-if cap table analysis to determine the impact of dilution on the founder's ownership. This will inform the founder on what valuation must be achieved at each stage. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Problems Are Startups Waiting To Happen 14.09.2026 2min

  Problems Are Startups Waiting To Happen Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Ideating a new startup begins with a problem. Here are the steps to ideating your next startup: Scan the market for problems. Review the news to find startup ideas. Review customer reviews of products and services. Talk with others about the problems they encounter. Make a list of problems found and categorize them as small annoyances, medium issues, or major problems. All of the above can be solved with a startup. Match the solution to the problem. Small annoyances can often be solved with a mobile phone application. Medium issues can be solved with service solutions. Major challenges can be solved with a larger-scale system. Look for problem-solution fit. Make sure not to over-engineer the solution, as customers won't be able to afford it. Take large problems and break them into smaller ones that can be solved more easily. Consider these steps in finding problems to solve and turning them into startup solutions. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – High-Value Startups Do Things Other Startups Cannot 11.09.2026 2min

  High-Value Startups Do Things Other Startups Cannot Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In ideating a new startup, focus on things other startups cannot do. High-value startups do things other startups cannot This value comes from several sources as follows: Technology edge. The startup has technology that translates into higher revenue and/or lower cost of service. Consider what new technologies can be applied to your business that other startups in the space are not using. Network connections. The startup has founders with connections in the industry that give it access that others do not have. Consider what resources or customers the startup can leverage with their connections. Business model innovation. The startup has applied a new business model that generates more revenue than others. Consider a new business model for the industry that is currently not being used. Applying recurring revenue is one example of a business model that brings high value to the startup. Consider these options in moving your startup into a high-value business. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Investor Connect 894: Per Nordling of Partinc Capital on Scaling B2B SaaS with AI and Active Investing 11.09.2026 24min

  In this episode of Investor Connect, Hall T. Martin welcomes Per Nordling, an entrepreneur, angel investor, and SaaS operator who co-founded Medius in 2001, bootstrapped it to about $10M in revenue, raised capital to accelerate expansion, and helped scale the company internationally across Europe, North America, Australia, and parts of Asia before selling his stake. Per shares what founders need before going global, including a verified offer with real customer adoption, a clearly defined ideal customer profile, a deliberate go-to-market strategy, localization and regulatory readiness, and adequate funding. He explains why Partinc Capital focuses on B2B SaaS and AI, how active investors add value through ownership, board, and operational support, and where he sees European opportunities in helping SaaS companies integrate AI while Europe competes primarily through niche AI applications rather than infrastructure, amid heavy regulation and limited funding. Visit Partinc Capital at partinccapital.com/ Reach out to at [email protected] ________________________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https:/_/tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – How To Reach Out to an Investor 10.09.2026 1min

  How To Reach Out to an Investor Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Founders raising funding must first get the attention of the investor. Some connections come through warm introductions. Others can come through cold email. Here are some key steps to take in reaching out to an investor: Research the investor to understand their investment interest. This includes the sector and stage. Find some connection with the investor. This could be a university alma mater, mutually held contacts, or associations that both are involved in Write a short email no longer than four or five sentences explaining the purpose of the outreach. Include a short description of the connections you have with the investor. Write a one-line description of the startup and what it does. Ask for permission to send them more information. Then await a positive response. Always be grateful for their time. Never come across as entitled to anything from the investor. Because you are not. Consider these steps in reaching out to an investor. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso –Preparing Your Network for a Fundraise 09.09.2026 2min

  Preparing Your Network for a Fundraise Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. One often hears of other founders raising funding in a matter of weeks. While it appears the founder raised funding with little effort, this happens because the founder spent years building relationships and curating investors. Before launching a fundraise, be sure to prepare your network. Many founders raising funding go to people they don't know to ask for favors they didn't earn. While a few investors will do this, it won't go very far. Instead, research the market to identify the investors in the community. Then meet key investors and provide value in exchange for the time they spent. This process will take time, so give yourself at least six months to prepare your network. Building out a list of fifty investors you know and have helped will prepare your network for a fundraise. Helping people includes making introductions, coaching on how to do their job better, and helping them find people to hire. This builds the relationship and provides value first. Consider how to prepare your network for a fundraiser. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso –Importance of Warm-Up Meetings 08.09.2026 2min

  Importance of Warm-Up Meetings Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. In preparation for raising funding, be sure to include warm-up meetings. Six months in advance of launching the fundraise, set up meetings with investors to indicate you will be raising funding soon. The purpose of the warm-up meeting is to gauge initial feedback on the idea. It also alerts the investor that a fundraise will be coming soon. In the warm-up meeting, ask permission to keep them informed of the progress. Most investors will agree as they are interested in the outcome. Use the interim time to update and inform the investor. This often provides feedback from the investor that guides the direction of the fundraise. A monthly update will give the investors six updates in advance of the fundraise launch. By the launch, the investor will know a great deal about the business. This makes the first formal meeting much easier, as the investor knows the deal. Consider taking the core list of investors and setting up a warm-up meeting for each. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Require Investors To Track Your Deal 07.09.2026 2min

  Require Investors To Track Your Deal Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Founders raising funding pitch many investors. It's often the case that the founder doesn't know who is interested and who is not. One idea is to require investors to track your deal. They must remain engaged with it at some level or they are out. This pares down the investor funnel to a select few who you know have interest. It's best to focus your time on those with interest rather than those who do not. Investors go from pitched to interest to committed to diligence and then investment. For investors who are not moving from one stage to the next, make clear that there must be some forward progress on the part of the investor. This requires the investor to make a conscious decision. If they are not moving forward, then they are put on a list for semi-annual updates. This positions them for investing in the next round. Consider requiring investors to make a decision at each stage of the process. This will reduce your time spent checking in with investors for their interest. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – The Best Startups Pick the Investors 04.09.2026 2min

  The Best Startups Pick the Investors Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Successful startup investing requires a consistent flow of quality deals. The best startups pick the investors. It's the law of supply and demand. Where there are more investors than capital available to invest, the founder chooses. Here are some key steps investors should take to build that pipeline of deals: Build a reputation for being helpful to founders. Startups look for investors who can bring more than just funding. Provide additional services to the community, such as meetups and incubator support. Startups look for those who are fully invested in their local network. Help funded companies find follow-on funding from later-stage investors. Founders look for investors who are well connected. Attract additional capital into the startup space. Founders look for those who are growing the community. Educate the community on startup funding and investing. Founders appreciate those who provide mentorship and advice. Consider these steps to position yourself as a quality investor. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Investor Connect 893: Fundracer BV's Rene Wiertz on Investing in Micro-Mobility Safety and Scaling Mobility Startups 04.09.2026 21min

  In this episode of Investor Connect, we welcome Rene Wiertz, founder and managing partner of Fundracer BV, who shares how his experience building and leading premium bicycle brand 3T led him to launch a micro-mobility-focused fund that he believes has been overlooked by traditional venture capital. Rene discusses the post-COVID stabilization and renewed double-digit growth in cycling and micro-mobility, driven by urbanization, space constraints for cars, and rapid infrastructure changes in cities like Paris, London, and New York. Rene explains how new tech talent from firms like Microsoft, Google, Apple, BMW, and Tesla is bringing advanced technologies into a historically hardware-driven industry to make micromobility safer and more convenient. He outlines what helps startups raise capital—perseverance, strong go-to-market planning alongside product development, and speed to market—while warning founders against inconsistent valuation shifts and being vague about use of proceeds. The conversation highlights Funracer's key investment themes in safety tech adapted for two-wheelers, including lightweight ABS, low-power AI vision detection for collision avoidance, and reusable airbags, as well as emerging autonomous capabilities such as steer-by-wire. Rene also describes how Funracer co-invests with larger funds by providing micromobility expertise to unlock capital for the sector, and he closes with relationship-building advice for founders. Visit Fundracer BV at fundracer.capital/ Reach out to at [email protected], and on www.linkedin.com/in/ren%C3%A9-wiertz-76637/ ________________________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https:/_/tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Founders Should Have a Nationwide View of Their Fundraise 03.09.2026 1min

  Founders Should Have a Nationwide View of Their Fundraise Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Founders raising funding should start with family and friends. It's not the amount of funding raised that counts, but rather the fact that one's family and friends support the founder. From there, the founder draws the circle wider to the investors in the local community. This includes the local angel network and any funds in the area. Again, it's not the dollar amount that counts; it's the proof that those in your community will support you. Founders should then draw the circle wider to include other cities nearby. Finally, the founder should reach out across the country to find investors. While local funding most likely won't take you all the way, it's important to raise from them as it generates proof of fundability. Founders should have a nationwide view on their fundraise from the get-go. It's important to start locally to prove support to investors outside your region. As you draw the circle wider, investors will increasingly look to proof points that other investors are in the deal. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Investor Focus at Each Stage of the Startup 02.09.2026 2min

  Investor Focus at Each Stage of the Startup Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Startup investors invest across all stages of startups. For each stage, the investor should focus on a key point. Here's a list of the investor focus at each stage of the startup: Pre-seed -- focus on the team. At this stage, there's little else to review. It's about the team's insight into solving the problem. Seed -- focus on the product. At this stage, the product has been built. It's about how well the product solves the problem. Series A -- focus on the traction. At this stage, customer adoption should be picking up. It's about organic growth proving the product fits the market. Series B -- focus on the revenue. At this stage, the revenue should be growing well. It's about revenue growth quarter over quarter. Series C - focus on unit economics. At this stage, the business should be profitable at the unit economics level. It's about low cost of customer acquisition and high lifetime value. Consider the stage of the startup for your investor diligence. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Making Money as an Angel Investor 01.09.2026 2min

  Making Money as an Angel Investor Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who invest in startups for a profit. They make money when the startup exits by selling the business to another company or going public. The vast majority of exits are through sales to another company. The challenge for the angel investor is that most startups will fail or turn into lifestyle businesses. A lifestyle business means the founders make a nice salary, but there's no exit for the investors. Angels come in early on the business and so must wait the longest to receive a return. Angel investors look for startups that are just entering the market, as the valuation is still fairly low. They come in when the startup initially gains traction. They look for product and market validation. The product works, and customers will pay for it. With this information, they fund startups with the hopes that the company will see an exit in five to seven years. They suffer dilution when additional capital comes in. Consider these points as an angel investor on how to make money from it. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Advantage of Sending the Pitch Deck in Advance 31.08.2026 1min

  Advantage of Sending the Pitch Deck in Advance Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Investors often ask for a pitch deck in advance of the meeting. Here are the advantages of sending the pitch deck ahead of time. The investor has time to review the deck and prepare for the meeting. If the deal is completely out of scope for the investor, then canceling the meeting saves everyone time. It creates another touchpoint for the founder with the investor. It's an opportunity to engage with the investor even if it's only on email. Increases the productivity of the meeting as the investor comes prepared, knowing the basics. The investor has time to research the market or the technology space to understand how the startup fits within it. The meeting brings additional elements to the pitch as follows: It shows the enthusiasm of the founder. It highlights the skill of the team through answers to the investors' questions. Consider sending the pitch deck in advance for your next investor meeting. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _______________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – The First Call With an Investor 28.08.2026 2min

  The First Call With an Investor Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. The first call with an investor is an important one, as it sets the stage for follow-up calls. Here are some key steps to take in the first call: Keep the conversation two-way rather than letting one side or the other monologue. The founder doesn't learn anything about the investor if the founder talks the entire time. Use questions to guide the conversation so it's productive. The purpose of the call is to inform the investor about the fundraise and learn more about the investor's interest and experience. After each portion of the pitch, ask for feedback from the investor about their impressions. This could be about the problem to be solved, the solution offered, or other. Ask for advice at key points to engage the investor and potentially learn something new. Explore the investor's diligence process so one can prepare for it. Finally, check interest on the part of the investor. See what level of interest the investor has. This will help rank-order investors by interest level. Consider these steps in engaging the investor for the first time. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Investor Connect 892: Why Climate Tech Is Hard for Angels and the Rise of "Unventure" Funding with Brian Kerns 28.08.2026 24min

  In this episode of Investor Connect, Hall Martin welcomes Brian Kerns, a mentor, angel investor, and product executive working with VentureWell, to discuss why climate tech can be a tougher fit for traditional angel investing. Brian explains that many climate tech startups involve deep technology that requires more capital, longer timelines, and multiple rounds, and some segments—like ocean and built environment—lack the big "proof point" exits many investors look for. The conversation covers how founders often inflate their capital asks, why the funding gap is widening as VCs move later-stage, and how specialized angel groups with domain expertise can better assess risk and navigate non-dilutive funding. Brian also shares his work as a co-founder of Unventure Capital, which targets strong, profitable companies that don't match the unicorn/VC model, using alternative approaches such as debt-based financing, embedded operator support, and different ownership structures to help companies reach profitability and optionality. Hall and Brian also dig into how the grants landscape has become less reliable, why corporate venture typically waits until Series A, which climate areas still fit angels (software, IoT/light tech, and key supply-chain components), and why today's market is pushing founders to prioritize building real, durable businesses over impact messaging alone. Reach out to at www.linkedin.com/in/brianlkerns/, and on venturewell.org/ ________________________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https:/_/tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Standard Practices for M&A 27.08.2026 2min

  Standard Practices for M&A Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Achieving an exit is the final hurdle in launching a startup using investor funding. Here are some key practices in going through the M&A process. The factor driving the entire process is the company's business model and how it will sustain over time. Recurring revenue businesses command higher valuations because of the business model. The stickier the product, the more valuable the business is. Another practice is that the more buyers are interested in the business, the higher the valuation. Consider how your business can fit with many potential acquirers rather than just a few. Most companies acquiring a business are seeking to fill a gap. The startup that provides the missing piece is the most valuable. Consider how your startup helps augment existing businesses. The more the buyer understands the startup, the more likely they will be interested in buying it. Consider how to raise awareness of your startup so acquiring companies see the value in it. Consider these practices for driving a successful buyout of your startup. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – Validating a Startup Idea 26.08.2026 2min

  Validating a Startup Idea Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. Before launching a startup, a founder should first validate the startup idea. Here's a list of key steps to validate your startup idea: Is the idea big enough to justify a startup? Many ideas are simple side gigs with little return to the founder. Are you solving a real problem? Without it the startup will not succeed due to a lack of customer demand. Does the problem cause enough pain that someone will pay to fix it? There are many problems that people just learn to live with. How much does it cost to launch the business? Some problems require huge investment up front, which one will be unlikely to raise. Is there a beachhead market to enter the space? Finding an entry point into a market is one key element of success. Can it scale? It's easy to start a boutique business such as consulting, but it must be designed to scale. Who is the competition? Avoid believing there is no competition and look hard for those who are solving the problem currently. What unique insight do you bring to the business? You need to have some advantage over others. Is now the right time? A recent change in the market may be giving an opportunity. Finally, is the founder the right fit for this solution? Consider these steps in validating your startup idea. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.
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  Startup Funding Espresso – When the Investor Fails To Respond to a Fwup 25.08.2026 2min

  When the Investor Fails To Respond to a Fwup Hello, this is Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso -- your daily shot of startup funding and investing. The key to a successful fundraise is to follow up with the investor to close. It's important to maintain communication with an investor to carry the funding process through diligence. In some cases, the investor fails to respond to a fwup after a pitch. Here are some key steps to take when the investor fails to respond. After the pitch, ask the investor if you can keep them informed of your progress. Most will say yes either to be polite or because they are curious as to how it will turn out. This gives the founder permission to fwup. Send an email update on an every-other-week basis and invite for a fwup call to give more detail. If the investor fails to respond, then call them on the phone and indicate you need just two minutes of their time for a fwup. Given the shortness of the call, the investor will take it. Show progress around sales, team, product, and fundraising. Pick at least one news item to tell the investor to show the traction is growing. Avoid sounding desperate, as this is not a good look for a founder. Another technique is to ask for advice. This engages the investor in the startup and provides an opportunity for the investor to show their experience and knowledge. Consider these steps for following up with an investor who fails to respond. Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding. Let's go startup something today. _________________________________________________________ For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/ For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/ For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/ For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/ For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/ For Feedback please contact [email protected] Please follow, share, and leave a review. Music courtesy of Bensound.