Belayer

📆 Mark your calendars: A pitch night that goes far beyond pitches, the Swiss Climate Startup Bites — Swissnex Pitch Night. 👉 Join us on April 18 for an event that will feature pitches from some of Switzerland’s top cleantech startups, a special dance performance, and a chance for networking. 💃The Swiss Climate Startup Bites — Swissnex Pitch Night will start with a special performance by the Ombligo Project. OMBLIGO II, as the performance is called, will feature improvised electroacoustic music combined with a dance performance and generative visuals. With the performance, we aim to kick off an evening sparking dialogue going beyond the immediate context of the pitch night and fitting into the broader context of the San Francisco Climate Week. 🎤After the performance, five Swiss startups will present their ideas. irmos technologies AG, Borobotics GmbH, KITRO, Biosimo Chemicals, and Vatorex will pitch to a panel of judges with vast experience in the startup field. Máire P. Walsh is the CEO and managing partner of Belayer and also a Venture Partner at AiiM Partners. Throughout her career, she has focused on making a positive impact on innovation and sustainability. Also on the panel is Matthieu Soulé, the Head of BNP Paribas innovation lab in San Francisco. Matthieu is one of Europe’s climate tech leaders and and has over one and a half decades of experience in connecting Europe and the US. The final member of the panel is Maggie Fried. She’s a big-picture thinker who creates partnerships and leverages innovative financial tools for social and environmental change and currently works for S2G Ventures. 🏅After the judges select a winning pitch, there will be a networking reception, giving ample time to exchange with the startups and attendees alike. Join us on April 18th at Pier 17 with the following link: https://lnkd.in/gsZ6_gUX

I was thrilled to spend three days at the With Intelligence Women in VC summit in Half Moon Bay this week. I'm eager to share takeaways from leading women investors, offering valuable insights for both investors and startups alike. Venture Insights The industry is moving back to meeting founders in person so they get a true sense of the team and overall vision. Flat is the new Up! Lots of correction still needs to be done on valuations, as LP's demand more transparency. 2024 is off to a fast start and the consensus is that stronger companies are being built. It's key to be aware in this market where your co-investors are in their fund cycles for follow-on's, etc.  Unicorns are the biggest market distortion. We are now far removed from the age of "fake" Series A's or "Covid rounds". Emerging Managers There were big themes around diversity and LP's specifically now looking to back funds that showcases that commitment across key people and carry. Portfolio construction is key.  Be ready to discuss your angel investments, why you are positioned to win, and who is coming in on follow-on rounds to your companies. Differentiation is challenging but crucial. Articulate what sets you apart. Start fundraising early, do your homework on LP's, ask for warm intros, if cold, short and sweet emails work best. Be a good storyteller. All of these tips are equally vital for startups. Startup Guidance Optimize runway but don't cut burn so much that it prevents you from successfully raising your Series A or B. Early stages revenues in customer acquisition are down 32-46% and that will continue through 2024. Plan accordingly.  Have the right investors around the table in terms of investing and value add. The right co-investor can drive the success of a company.  Now ROI and value is becoming more quantifiable in a sales process, use this to your advantage.  Undertaken 360 degrees thinking to map possible partnerships, exits, etc. Climate Tech Evolution The wave that brought us solar and wind is coming for every other sector. The best people want to know they are having a positive impact, so the industry is seeing a huge amount of talent converge.  Tax credits can be a stick or carrot, the US is still finalizing part of the IRA.  Investors feel Europe is outpacing the US in terms of regulation and technology. In 2015, there were 11 climate focused funds and in 2021 > 101. I heard a recent stat that the number is now over 600. AI  Developments A robust data moat and accuracy is crucial, alongside a user experience that fosters retention. Innovations in go-to-market strategies and flywheel effects are emerging, suggesting a shift towards value-driven pricing models. Due diligence in Gen AI focuses on testing for accuracy and compute costs, with gross margins receiving particular attention. I'm so grateful we have conferences like these to help build a more robust and diverse venture ecosystem. #wvcs24 #venturecapital   cc: Belayer

Recently, I had the privilege of attending an insightful event "Insights from Silicon Valley - Navigating the Fundraising Frontier" organized by TechFoundHer, focusing on the crucial topic of fundraising in Silicon Valley. The event featured exceptional speakers, Máire P. Walsh and John Kenevey, whose contributions to the tech world have been noteworthy, from working for global scaling tech companies to venture capital. Recently, they founded Belayer and their mission is to invest in, and advise European startups with a focus on creating a bridge between Europe and Silicon Valley. Their insights were nothing short of enlightening, especially for startups and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complex waters of fundraising. Here are some key takeaways that resonated with me: - "There are now 532 unicorns, 7 exited in 2023 and only 2 in 2022, compared to 124 in 2021. 93% are peppercorns. Their need for more capital will impact where dry powder goes, some will not survive". -A reminder that a big valuations may be more problematic than beneficial.  - "2024 will be more competitive to attract investors as 70% of all startups have to raise by the end of 2024. Expect more M&A". Timing is everything.  - "A quick 'No' is better than a prolonged 'Maybe'." - This emphasizes the importance of clear and timely feedback in fundraising. - "Take feedback from investors seriously, adapt and learn to improve your business". - thoughtful feedback conveys interest and they may become a future investor. - "Now on average it takes 31 months to fundraise from Series A to Series B" - A crucial reminder about the importance of financial stability and foresight. - "Your potential investors will talk to your customers." - This highlights the significance of having a strong customer base and their role in attracting investors. -"Don’t forget due diligence - be prepared, over-prepare.  The details matter." - A powerful reminder that in fundraising, thoroughness and attention to detail can make or break your venture. It's clear that Máire and John's expertise is invaluable, and their advice is a treasure trove for anyone in the tech space looking to raise funds. Máire, acclaimed by The Irish Times as one of the most influential Irish women in technology, and John, the founder of the highly successful non-profit Open Compute Project Foundation under Facebook's sponsorship, shared their valuable experiences. Both have been honored with the Silicon Valley 50 Award by the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) for two consecutive years, underscoring their significant impact in the tech industry. For more about their work, check out Belayer, where their pioneering spirit continues to make waves. I'm grateful to TechFoundHer for organizing such an enriching event and look forward to more in the future. #TechFoundHer #FundraisingInsights #SiliconValley #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship #fundraising #startupstrategies #entrepreneurs #startups #deeptech #womenintech

Recently, I had the privilege of attending an insightful event "Insights from Silicon Valley - Navigating the Fundraising Frontier" organized by TechFoundHer, focusing on the crucial topic of fundraising in Silicon Valley. The event featured exceptional speakers, Máire P. Walsh and John Kenevey, whose contributions to the tech world have been noteworthy, from working for global scaling tech companies to venture capital. Recently, they founded Belayer and their mission is to invest in, and advise European startups with a focus on creating a bridge between Europe and Silicon Valley. Their insights were nothing short of enlightening, especially for startups and entrepreneurs looking to navigate the complex waters of fundraising. Here are some key takeaways that resonated with me: - "There are now 532 unicorns, 7 exited in 2023 and only 2 in 2022, compared to 124 in 2021. 93% are peppercorns. Their need for more capital will impact where dry powder goes, some will not survive". -A reminder that a big valuations may be more problematic than beneficial.  - "2024 will be more competitive to attract investors as 70% of all startups have to raise by the end of 2024. Expect more M&A". Timing is everything.  - "A quick 'No' is better than a prolonged 'Maybe'." - This emphasizes the importance of clear and timely feedback in fundraising. - "Take feedback from investors seriously, adapt and learn to improve your business". - thoughtful feedback conveys interest and they may become a future investor. - "Now on average it takes 31 months to fundraise from Series A to Series B" - A crucial reminder about the importance of financial stability and foresight. - "Your potential investors will talk to your customers." - This highlights the significance of having a strong customer base and their role in attracting investors. -"Don’t forget due diligence - be prepared, over-prepare.  The details matter." - A powerful reminder that in fundraising, thoroughness and attention to detail can make or break your venture. It's clear that Máire and John's expertise is invaluable, and their advice is a treasure trove for anyone in the tech space looking to raise funds. Máire, acclaimed by The Irish Times as one of the most influential Irish women in technology, and John, the founder of the highly successful non-profit Open Compute Project Foundation under Facebook's sponsorship, shared their valuable experiences. Both have been honored with the Silicon Valley 50 Award by the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) for two consecutive years, underscoring their significant impact in the tech industry. For more about their work, check out Belayer, where their pioneering spirit continues to make waves. I'm grateful to TechFoundHer for organizing such an enriching event and look forward to more in the future. #TechFoundHer #FundraisingInsights #SiliconValley #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship #fundraising #startupstrategies #entrepreneurs #startups #deeptech #womenintech

Open to all. Gain Insights from Silicon Valley on navigating the fundraising frontier. Join Máire P. Walsh and John Kenevey of Belayer as they share their investment knowledge and expertise to help you conquer your fundraising goals. Register a place (tickets limited): https://lnkd.in/ePrZuE9B Monday 22 January 4pm (Irish Time) - virtual event. FYI Lindsay Browning Naseem Sayani (she/her) Rena Maycock Clare McSweeney Catherine Gray Sarah-Marie Rust Cora McCann Ana Le Chevillier Veronica Breene Christine Mullin Christine Nsubuga Noonan Shana Chu Marita Kenrick Jennifer Thornton Sonya Lennon Chupi Sweetman Emma Meehan Briony Somers Ailish McCarthy Israel Ngombo Camilla Odilon Rebecca Molloy MBA Michelle McDaid Siobhán Ní Chofaigh Clodagh Durkan Ciara Greaney Jenna Farrell Ciara Sheahan Alison McMurtrie Gene Murphy Dr Lollie Mancey Áine Kerr Áine Mulloy Áine Denn Claire McHugh Breda McCague Breda O'Callaghan

‘DRIVERLESS’ PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTION UNDER CONSIDERATION AS PART OF NEW CRAMLINGTON DEVELOPMENT Innovate UK has awarded for a study to determine the feasibility of an autonomous, ‘driverless’ public transport system between Seaton Delaval Station and the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital (NSECH) in Cramlington. The initiative, led by developer, Dysart, in collaboration with Newcastle University, Milestone Transport Planning Ltd, DROMOS GmbH, and Pegasus Group holds the promise of providing an accessible, low-carbon solution to bridge the connectivity gap between these crucial public infrastructure assets. The groundbreaking feasibility study is set to examine the potential of introducing a zero-emission Connected Autonomous Mobility (CAM) system to establish a vital public transport link between Seaton Delaval Station on the soon to be reinstated Northumberland Line and NSECH in Cramlington. The proposed Northumberland Line, a significant passenger rail project, will connect rural areas of Northumberland to the county's main towns and urban centres in Newcastle and North Tyneside and is due to open in the summer of 2024. The feasibility study, led by Milestone Transport Planning Ltd will not only explore passenger transport opportunities between NSECH and Seaton Delaval rail station but also identify ways to expand the route to connect with Cramlington and Seghill. The project aligns with the Department for Transport's "Future of Mobility Urban Strategy" and "Future of Transport: Rural Strategy," offering a unique opportunity to integrate rural and urban areas via an innovative public transport system. With potential for rapid deployment and extension, the project could lead to a world-leading CAM network within two years. Mike Clark, Development Director at DYSART DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED, commented on the project: “This feasibility study has the potential to deliver world-first technology right on our doorsteps here in Cramlington. The autonomous proposal is a 21st century solution to a transport challenge which is efficient and environmentally sound. There is a whole package of opportunity around Cramlington and NSECH which has the potential to deliver real and sustained benefit to the whole community.” Read more about this exciting announcement here ➡ https://lnkd.in/eGRmqx9R Photo Credit: DROMOS GmbH