The Pitch

Sarah Lucena, founder and CEO of MAPA, shares her journey in boosting her startup’s valuation from $15M to $48M through savvy negotiation and strategic timing. She discusses her successful fundraising experience with angel investors and VCs. Matt Truby, founder of Above Health, takes on the role of a mad scientist, explaining his innovative approach to acquiring clinics to fuel AI diagnostics and commercialization. Together, they reveal their tactics for creating impactful startups in the competitive health tech landscape.

Curious about starting a venture fund? VCs discuss the journey from small syndicates to building a full-fledged fund. They highlight what makes a pitch irresistible, like unique insights and storytelling. Founders should focus on mission and execution speed to catch investor attention. Also, hear about the biggest companies they regret passing on, including Udemy and Square, sharing valuable lessons. This lively Q&A is packed with insider tips straight from the experts!

Matt Truby, Founder and CEO of Above Health, shares his inspiring journey into the world of allergy and asthma care, motivated by a personal crisis with his daughter. He presents innovative diagnostic devices, a family app for monitoring allergies, and a smart inhaler prototype with GPS tracking. Cyan Banister, the savvy angel investor, probes the business model's complexity and product viability. Together, they explore the challenges of integrating telehealth with hardware, while also discussing strategies for scaling and securing essential partnerships.

Joining the conversation are Charles Hudson, a VC at Precursor Ventures offering insights into investment strategies, and Jesse Middleton, a Partner at Flybridge focused on product-market fit. They delve into Investrio, an AI-driven bookkeeping tool designed for solopreneurs, tackling its unique features compared to market giants like QuickBooks. Joyce highlights their community-driven growth and discusses future plans for monetization and scaling. Investors provide critical feedback on pricing concerns and customer segmentation, setting the stage for potential investment.

Elizabeth Yin, a VC partner at Hustle Fund, joins to dissect STAG's compelling pitch for an electric mini skid steer concept, created by former Slovakian swim teammates Adam and Patrik. They dive into the importance of battery life, the pros and cons of remote control, and why they chose dealers over direct sales. Elizabeth shares intriguing insights on the product's market potential and her decision to invest after thorough diligence. Tune in to hear about their journey from swimming pool to startup success!

Nicole Sterling, Founder and CEO of MyTown AI, shares her vision for a civic-AI platform designed to empower small local governments. She highlights the $2.2 trillion grants gap that hampers accessibility to crucial data. Nicole showcases the platform's capabilities, like zoning queries and grants automation, which streamline bureaucratic processes. As an elected official, she brings personal insights into the challenges faced by towns. The discussion also delves into investor dynamics and the competitive landscape, with Nicole leaving with a soft commitment from an interested investor.

Girum shares a powerful story of how medical tourism saved his brother's life, igniting his mission to create Doctours, a marketplace for healthcare. The focus on hair transplants as a starting point sparks intriguing discussions among investors about market viability. Girum details the platform's unique features, including verified reviews and clinic quality checks. Investors voice excitement and concerns, weighing the potential of TikTok marketing against traditional models. The outcome? Girum secures significant funding, setting the stage for growth.

Jesse Middleton, a venture investor at Flybridge, joins co-founders Brad and David as they sneak in as caterers with their gluten-free bagels. The duo shares their journey from health issues to creating a bagel texture that rivals the real deal. They discuss impressive early traction with famous bagel shops and their health-focused production process. The founders outline their ambitious vision for expansion and profitability while addressing investor concerns about branding and packaging. Jesse's enthusiasm leads to an angel investment commitment!

Sarah Lucena, Founder and CEO of Mappa, a startup that decodes voice signals to enhance matching for jobs and relationships, shares her inspiring journey from corporate dissatisfaction to entrepreneurship. She discusses how Mappa's technology analyzes vocal traits to predict behavioral patterns and improve connections. Investors, including Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures, explore Mappa's potential beyond recruiting, considering applications in dating and coaching. Ethical concerns are raised about misuse, while Sarah emphasizes responsible development.

Dive into the world of venture capital as experts reveal what they truly seek in founders. Scrappy, traction-driven entrepreneurs capture attention, while authenticity in founders signals unicorn potential. This season, oddball startups like voice AI and smart inhalers steal the spotlight. Enthusiastic investors share their immediate commitments, illuminating the dynamics of deal-making. Discover the surprising criteria for investment and how to identify standout founders in a competitive landscape.