Tim Smith

Startup exits aren’t defined by a single IPO moment anymore. This Silicon Valley Business Journal piece explores how founders and investors are engineering liquidity earlier—through partial exits, talent-driven acquisitions, secondary markets, and “blitzhire” deal structures. A timely read for founders rethinking what an exit can look like. #InceptionToExit #StartupExits #VentureCapital #StartupFounders #LiquidityStrategy https://lnkd.in/gdzxAXVK

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The role of a VC Talent Partner has changed. Matt Stephenson, Head of Tech Talent at BCV, shares with Nolan Church what it really takes to support founders in today’s market on the latest 10x Recruiting episode from Metaview: • The best recruiters in VC don’t just teach people how to fish—they recruit, close, and repeat. • When sourcing isn’t landing, the issue usually isn’t tooling. It’s trust. You have to earn the right to a candidate’s time. • And in this market, long-term relationships matter more than one-time experiences.

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Imagine going public without the headaches of a traditional IPO. That’s exactly what a tech firm did with Bowarr and saw their market cap soar. Issac Qureshi, CEO of Bowarr, shares in his Xraised interview how their Nasdaq direct listing solution is helping businesses get fairly valued while staying in control. It’s not just innovation. It’s transformation. 💼 Curious how Bowarr is making it easier for companies to scale, sell or grow globally? Dive into the interview now 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dWgCDFbB . . . . #GoingPublic #BowarrSuccess #IssacQureshi #XraisedInterview #FinanceInnovation #Nasdaq #StartupJourney #CapitalRaising #InvestorRelations #BusinessGrowth #GlobalMarkets #IPOJourney #TechLeaders #DirectToMarket #ScaleSmarter

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What a joy to speak with this brilliant cohort of innovators in the The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) ENTICE (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge) 2.0 program and taking on their sharp questions at the investor bootcamp. 80% of global GHG emission reduction goals for 2050 can be met through energy system decarbonization, efficiency and electrification. This represents a US $100 trillion opportunity according to the IEA.     A stronger, more stable grid is at the heart of building a #resilient #energy future. This year’s program challenges innovators to tackle:  1) Behind-the-meter digital twins: #AI tools to analyse consumption and create appliance-level insights  2) Industrial flexibility at scale: AI solutions using smart meter data to identify flexible assets and operational inefficiencies    Kudos to the entrepreneurs and the GEAPP team for curating and executing such a thoughtful program.     Looking forward to seeing how these #innovations scale #impact.  Synapses Dalberg Media Vaishali (Vish) Mishra Anukul Tripathi (He/Him) Jayant Sinha Saurabh Kumar

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**Key Takeaways for Founders Preparing for an Exit** As founders look ahead to potential exits, insights from industry leaders like Jai Das and Roseanne Wincek remind us of the critical steps in this journey. Founders must focus on understanding their financials, building a strong narrative, and engaging potential acquirers early. At ElevenX Capital, we emphasize the importance of strategic preparation and a clear vision for the next chapter. What strategies have you found effective in preparing for an exit? #investing #innovation #venturecapital #entrepreneurship

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𝗡𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 Lucas J. Pols, GP at Pegasus, delivers critical wisdom for founders navigating the complex world of startup investment. He reveals that while ownership percentage isn't everything, board control is the real game-changer. Learn why strategic board composition matters more than pure equity stakes, and discover how founders can maintain their vision while bringing in vital outside investment. #Startup #VentureCapital #Founder

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HARPETH VENTURES ANNOUNCES INVESTMENT IN VENTEUR Harpeth Ventures Opportunity Fund (“Harpeth Ventures”) is pleased to announce its participation in Venteur’s recent $20 million Series A funding round. The round was led by Informed Ventures and American Family Ventures, with participation from Morgan Health, Ingeborg Investments, Catalyst by Wellstar, Plug and Play, Revelry Venture Partners, Houghton Street Ventures, and Techstars. San Francisco-based Venteur is the leading healthcare benefits technology company transforming how employers offer and manage health insurance through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). Venteur’s platform empowers employers to offer flexible, personalized health benefits by enabling employees to select individual plans that fit their unique needs. Through a combination of technology and concierge support, Venteur helps individuals navigate their healthcare options while driving improved outcomes and greater cost efficiency for employers. More information is available at Venteur.com. “We greatly appreciate Harpeth Ventures’ involvement from both a capital and relationship perspective,” said Stacy Edgar, Co-Founder and CEO of Venteur. “The Harpeth team has already been instrumental in several business development opportunities.” Added Chuck Byrge of Harpeth Ventures, “With our relationship-driven approach, we were fortunate to meet Stacy in early 2024 and have followed their growth closely. We couldn’t be more excited about their future and the tailwinds driving ICHRA adoption.”

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More than 50% of tech founders leave money on the table during exits. Here's why: Most founders focus on building great products but overlook exit readiness. Without proper valuation strategy, competitive positioning, and buyer preparation, you're negotiating from weakness. The solution? Start exit planning 18-24 months before you intend to sell. Contact Us: https://lnkd.in/g-aJhsRS #MergersAndAcquisitions #TechExits #StartupExit #MAAdvisory #Finlead #TechMA

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More founders are realizing that scaling doesn't have to mean sacrificing ownership. The environment is changing: equity deals are slower and more selective. Using performance-aligned finance that flows with the rhythm of operations, a disciplined strategy is emerging in place of protracted fundraising cycles. It's all about utilizing adaptable tools to help you grow quickly while also protecting your equity for the future. #Qverse #YourTrulyGrowthPartner

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