Ryan Landau

How do you build meaningful partnerships as a founder? I know I've been guilty of sending partnership agreements in hopes of the best In this episode of How I'm Building This podcast, Alex Witcpalek, the founder of Continuum AI, shares his unconventional path from playing football at the University of Louisville to working in commercial real estate and eventually joining the tech industry. Here are some sound bites from our conversation: ✔️"I'm going to build something on my own and I'm going to build it so that not only do I have a better life, but there's families that don't have to go through what we're going through." ✔️"We have so much pipeline that if we close this, I need to build a team to be able to go deliver it." ✔️"You need to be very upfront and transparent with your partner and have a plan together to cross pollinate your go-to-market motions." ✔️"We became thought leaders and our content now drive sour partner channel." ✔️"I don't think you can silo outbound partner and marketing, because we do a lot of partner marketing together too." ‍ Listen now: Youtube: https://lnkd.in/g5P3nkWZ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gXUYA_ZF Other episodes as they release: https://lnkd.in/gkxQsmwH #startup #entrepreneurship

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Drop In Venture Funding To Black-Founded Startups Greatly Outpaces Market Decline Chris MetinkoGené Teare February 27, 2024 Venture funding to Black-founded U.S. startups last year totaled only $705 million — marking the first time since 2016 that the figure failed to even reach $1 billion, Crunchbase data shows. The decline in capital to Black-founded companies greatly outpaces the overall decline in startup funding. While total venture dollars in the U.S. fell 37% last year, funding to Black-founded startups dropped a staggering 71%, according to Crunchbase data. Last year’s total investment in Black-founded startups in the U.S. marks the lowest amount since such startups raised only $582 million in 2016. The drop in total dollars also meant Black-founded startups received their lowest share in the venture market since at least 2016, per Crunchbase. Black-founded startups received less than 0.5% of the $140.4 billion in venture funding all U.S.-based startups received last year. In 2021, Black-founded startups received 1.4% of all U.S. venture funding. In 2022, it was 1.1%.

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I GIVE BLCK because the future deserves a surge of Black Wealth Transfer events, the future requires Black Fund Managers, and the future needs Black Founders supported by Black investors. We’re raising $100k to keep BLCK VC going. Chip in to something that is shifting the odds in our favor with capital management. #BVI #BVIMAFIA #BVI2 #GIVEBLCK

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Running a successful business in today’s economic climate isn’t easy. Rising costs, unstable markets, and unpredictability of consumer behavior make entrepreneurship a challenge. However, in a recent interview on DTC OfficialGh, Isaac Sesi, founder of Sesi Technologies, shared timeless strategies for building a resilient business. Read more below… https://lnkd.in/eRsv8QMN #dtcofficialgh #businessblogger #storiesthatmatter #entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #startuptips #entrepreneurmindset

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Let’s talk about it

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Women building tech — Here is a database of 1,208 investor resources with 545 supporting women and underrepresented founders! ➡️ Type: fund, accelerator, angel, etc ➡️ Filter by Women focused ➡️ Categorize by industry or vertical ➡️ Direct link to their website In my mission to bringing access to women building tech, cutting down time and money for them to find these resources is really critical. 💰Funds - are you missing from this list? Let me know so I can add you! 🔗 GET THE LIST in comments!! — Hi, I'm Nomiki, Founder & CEO of PDS Lab, a tech accelerator for women. I am on a mission to bring access to women building their first tech solutions through product training, education, resources, and community. Follow my journey as I disrupt the tech ecosystem by bringing ACCESS to women building tech.

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This Juneteenth, I’m celebrating progress and reflecting on the long road ahead for true freedom and equity for Black founders. Here are the stats: - Black-founded startups received less than 0.5% of the $140.4 billion in venture funding all U.S.-based startups received last year. - Funding for black founders has declined every year since 2021 - a 86% drop. - The statistics are even more abysmal for women: less than 0.1% went to Black and Latino women founders. Of the total capital under management by Black VCs, Black women only managed 0.03%. - Unfortunately the story isn’t any better in the impact investment world. A Village Capital study found that only 10% of capital in East Africa went to startups with local founders, with the majority of dollars going to expats. Here is what it all means: - I’ve seen the consequences of statistics play out in our community - particularly among my Black women founder friends. These statistics translate to high rates of burnout. - They mean unique, world-changing ideas and community programs aren’t realized. - They mean better-for-you and better-for-the-planet products don't reach enough store shelves. - In short, when we underinvest in Black founders, we all lose. What can you do? - Investors: Hire and promote more Black (particularly Black women) decision makers to deploy and manage capital. Reach out to Black founders for recommendations of underrepresented founders who deserve investment dollars. - Customers and Retail Buyers: Continue to support Black founders and seek out Black brands long after the trend has passed. - Business Leaders: Leverage your network and customer relationships to support Black founders with social capital. As a 2023 report from McKinsey put it “Underrepresented founders are often tokenized; they tend to be offered a barrage of programs to mentor or support them, but don’t provide meaningful help, connections, or long-term contracts.” With Love, Kwami Williams Co-Founder & CEO, True Moringa

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Did someone say: 'conference in Miami' ?! 💃 Key learning so far from hearing different pitches / sponsored keynotes: - DIFFERENTIATION is key *how can you standout? not sound like every other vendor in the space? - ECOSYSTEM matters as much as your core product *up-market, fitting into their existing stack/environment/workflow is a requirement, not an optional feature Great times hearing from Revenue Leaders across some of the most iconic, high-performance, operationally rigorous GTM teams (Oracle, Microsoft, etc) PS hate to sound jaded, but will attend the first conference to require a word limit on "AI"... can only make up ~50% of the words used to describe a solution / value prop <3 (it's a powerful tool, not an outcome)

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Join us tomorrow to hear Lisa Orr talk about navigating your next career move as a senior product manager, and me talking about the "mirage" of AI hallucinations. When artificial intelligence (AI) outputs don’t match our shared reality, people have been saying it’s "hallucinating." But hallucination makes it sound like AI is conscious and distracts from the part we humans play in generating synthetic meaning. Do words matter? Learn why we should all change how we talk about AI to promote better understanding in a future world with the ✨sparkling intelligence✨ of AI.

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Excited to announce that I'll be moderating an insightful webinar for the Association of Entrepreneurs Botswana on the 28th of August! Join us as Mrs. Nonofo Jesse from Focal Point Human Solutions delves into the crucial topic of HR for Entrepreneurs. Human capital is the backbone of any successful venture, and understanding how to effectively manage it is key to entrepreneurial success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to gain valuable insights! #Entrepreneurship #HumanCapital #Webinar #BotswanaEntrepreneurs

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**AUGUST IS BLACK BUSINESS MONTH!** This August, I’m committed to supporting as many small business owners and entrepreneurs as possible. 2024 has brought a tough economic climate, and small business owners and entrepreneurs are navigating particularly challenging waters. Yet, despite hurdles like inflation, limited access to traditional financing, and systemic barriers, many small business owners and entrepreneurs are still brimming with optimism for the future! At Dunmore Capital Ventures, we want to fuel that optimism with a special offer. For the entire month of August, we’re offering virtual access to our signature Access Granted Conference for just $100! When you purchase your ticket, you’re not just gaining knowledge from high-net-worth individuals and industry leaders from the comfort of your own space—you’re also getting: 30-Day Access to the “MONETIZE LINKEDIN” E-course ($197 Value) 30-Day Access to the “CROWDFUNDING 101” E-course ($197 Value) Access to the VIDEO REPLAY ($497 Value) Vendor Marketplace Access ($47 Value) Remember, growing and scaling your business is less about capital and more about community! Let us help you build the community you want, while unlocking the capital you need. https://lnkd.in/g4eg3bmM

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**AUGUST IS BLACK BUSINESS MONTH!** This August, I’m committed to supporting as many small business owners and entrepreneurs as possible. 2024 has brought a tough economic climate, and small business owners and entrepreneurs are navigating particularly challenging waters. Yet, despite hurdles like inflation, limited access to traditional financing, and systemic barriers, many small business owners and entrepreneurs are still brimming with optimism for the future! At Dunmore Capital Ventures, we want to fuel that optimism with a special offer. For the entire month of August, we’re offering virtual access to our signature Access Granted Conference for just $100! When you purchase your ticket, you’re not just gaining knowledge from high-net-worth individuals and industry leaders from the comfort of your own space—you’re also getting: 30-Day Access to the “MONETIZE LINKEDIN” E-course ($197 Value) 30-Day Access to the “CROWDFUNDING 101” E-course ($197 Value) Access to the VIDEO REPLAY ($497 Value) Vendor Marketplace Access ($47 Value) Remember, growing and scaling your business is less about capital and more about community! Let us help you build the community you want, while unlocking the capital you need. https://lnkd.in/g4eg3bmM

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**AUGUST IS BLACK BUSINESS MONTH!** This August, I’m committed to supporting as many small business owners and entrepreneurs as possible. 2024 has brought a tough economic climate, and small business owners and entrepreneurs are navigating particularly challenging waters. Yet, despite hurdles like inflation, limited access to traditional financing, and systemic barriers, many small business owners and entrepreneurs are still brimming with optimism for the future! At Dunmore Capital Ventures, we want to fuel that optimism with a special offer. For the entire month of August, we’re offering virtual access to our signature Access Granted Conference for just $100! When you purchase your ticket, you’re not just gaining knowledge from high-net-worth individuals and industry leaders from the comfort of your own space—you’re also getting: 30-Day Access to the “MONETIZE LINKEDIN” E-course ($197 Value) 30-Day Access to the “CROWDFUNDING 101” E-course ($197 Value) Access to the VIDEO REPLAY ($497 Value) Vendor Marketplace Access ($47 Value) Remember, growing and scaling your business is less about capital and more about community! Let us help you build the community you want, while unlocking the capital you need. https://lnkd.in/g4eg3bmM

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Day 3: The 83(b) Election – Critical Steps to Stay on Track 🕒 Welcome back to Day 3 of #100DaysofTaxes! Today, we’re digging deeper into the 83(b) election, a powerful tool for startup founders, employees, and anyone receiving equity compensation. Let’s break down the steps and key requirements to make sure you’re fully prepared. When Does the 30-Day Clock Start? ⏳ The 30 days begin when you pay for your stock, not when it’s granted or issued. Timing is everything—waiting too long to act could cost you significant tax benefits. Filing Requirements – Get It Right the First Time 📨 The IRS has specific rules for filing an 83(b) election. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your election is processed correctly: 1️⃣ Complete Form 15620: Use the IRS’s new form to simplify the filing process. 2️⃣ Wet Sign the Forms: No electronic signatures allowed—use a pen to sign the document. 3️⃣ Mail via Certified Mail: Always use certified mail for proof of delivery. 4️⃣ Include 2 Copies: Send two copies of the completed form to the IRS. 5️⃣ Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope: Include an envelope for the IRS to return a stamped copy to you as confirmation. 6️⃣ Distribute Copies: To Your Company: Provide your employer with a copy of the 83(b) election. For Your Records: Keep copies of the election for as long as you own the stock. Why This Matters 💡 Taking these steps ensures your 83(b) election is valid and protects you from potential tax complications down the road. It’s also essential for accurate record-keeping, especially if you’re aiming for tax benefits like Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), which we’ll discuss tomorrow. Key Takeaways 📋 Act Fast: The 30-day clock starts from the time you pay for the stock. Follow the Process: Wet signatures, certified mail, and multiple copies are non-negotiable. Stay Organized: Provide copies to your company and keep detailed records for the long term. Properly filing your 83(b) election isn’t just about taxes—it’s about setting yourself up for financial success. Tomorrow, we’ll show how this decision ties into the potential for tax-free gains with QSBS benefits. Stay tuned! 🚀 #100DaysofTaxes #83bElection #EquityCompensation #StartupTaxes #TaxPlanning #QSBS #IRS

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In case you haven't seen it yet, Michigan Founders Fund is launching a Pre-Accelerator and it's going to be *AWESOME*! ❤️ 🧤 🚀 We're partnering with the experts at gener8tor on a program designed to support underrepresented founders across Michigan, offering personalized coaching, access to mentors, and non-dilutive funding. The goal? Prep more early-stage founders for future accelerators and investment opportunities, and help them build incredible high-growth companies right here in Michigan. We're hiring for someone to help run the program. If you or someone you know are interested, check out the application (link in the comments) and come join the team :) #startups #founders #michigan

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I'm honestly sick. For way too long, I've been saying that black founders are getting less than 2% of VC dollars, which is crazy enough...it's actually less than .5%....If you're an investor of any kind that should make you sick. Technology/Companies/Products are built with the values of their creator embedded into the fabric of them, and it's obvious we're only valuing one set of values. This shouldn't be left to specific 'diversity funds'. Do better. #blackbuilders #blackentrepreneurs #venturecapital https://lnkd.in/gevtp6sT

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🚀 Great to see Blaze.tech featured in the Black Opal Ventures inaugural impact report! This report provides a great snapshot of the impact of their portfolio companies on driving better health outcomes through innovation.👇

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25 years ago today, I found myself standing in front of the FTC and Dept of Commerce, ready to testify in a packed room filled with press, policymakers, and industry leaders. 😬 Let me tell you, I was nervous. There was a lot at stake. The digital advertising industry was under scrutiny, and there was serious concern about how online data could be used, especially after the announcement of Doubleclick’s attempt to acquire Abacus. 🚨 I was also at the beginning of my professional career, as co-founder of AdKnowledge, a company that built the first ad server, and hadn't been on a stage like that before. On that day, alongside leaders like Daniel Jaye, Lyn Chitow Oakes, and others, we announced the formation of the The NAI (Network Advertising Initiative) — a self-regulatory body designed to protect consumer privacy while allowing the digital advertising industry to grow. We were there to prove that we could responsibly manage privacy concerns without draconian government intervention. 🌐🛡️ Looking back, it’s amazing to see how far we've come. The NAI principles became one of the bedrock foundations that allowed the industry to flourish. Back in 1999, digital ad spend was around $5 billion. Last year, it was nearly a staggering $500 billion! 📈🚀 Most of what happened since was positive -- this initiative helped build the framework for a thriving digital ecosystem that powers the free and open web and app ecosystems we have today. Consumers all around the world benefit from free content, communication and capabilities that were enabled by the growth of digital advertising. But let's be honest, privacy issues remain, and maintaining the balance between industry and consumer interests has gotten even harder. We struck the best balance we could back then and I’m deeply grateful for the collaboration of everyone involved in those early days. The continued centrality of the NAI in the industry is our validation. 🙌 Here’s to the past 25 years, and here’s to the future of this ever-evolving industry. 🎉💡 #DigitalAdvertising #PrivacyMatters #Throwback

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This week’s #venturesunday, titled "Q3 Launch: Harnessing New Beginnings for Venture Success," aligns with the start of July and Q3, urging entrepreneurs to refine focus and energize teams. Quarterly Strategy: Set clear, actionable goals for Q3, aligning them with broader objectives. Challenges as Opportunities: Transform obstacles into growth opportunities, promoting a problem-solving attitude. Maintain Momentum: Use regular updates and celebrate small victories to keep team motivation high. Positive Dynamics: Cultivate an inspiring work environment, ensuring all team members feel valued. Evaluate and Adapt: Assess past strategies, adapting them based on what has been most effective. "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." Let's move into the new quarter this week with renewed energy and a strong focus on achieving our goals. #newquartergoals #venturesuccess #strategicfocus #teamdynamics #goalsetting #positivenergy #collaborative #discourse #q3kickoff #letsgo

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