The Pitch

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.

Ariel Puga, Founder and CEO of Finnecto, shares his journey from a SaaS background to tackling procurement challenges in Latin America. He discusses his innovative platform that streamlines processes with a unified entry point and tailored features for different departments. Ariel highlights the successful adoption of Finnecto across key LATAM markets and his strategic focus on CFO outreach. With strong investor interest, he reveals plans for growth, including a goal of reaching $1M ARR while navigating diverse multi-country operations.

Al Lagunas, Co-founder and CEO of Levee, is on a mission to revolutionize the hospitality industry with AI. He discusses his journey inspired by his mother’s experience as a hotel cleaner and highlights how his app enhances cleanliness inspections. With the aim of improving conditions for frontline workers, he explains the financial benefits for hotels, like boosting guest satisfaction and efficiency. The conversation also touches on challenges in transitioning to AI-enabled operations and navigating the unpredictable landscape of hospitality investments.

In this engaging discussion, Antonio Forenza, the innovative founder of Awear, unveils his mission to blend technology and mental wellness. He introduces a groundbreaking ear cuff designed to monitor brain activity and provide real-time stress coaching. Antonio shares his personal journey, emphasizing the urgent need for effective mental health tools. The conversation highlights challenges in convincing investors, the potential of EEG technology, and the vision for a future where emotional support is as accessible as physical health tracking.