Samir Mayekar

We need more GovTech funds backing innovative ideas to help democracy get back on track worldwide. Technology will fail unless the systems that govern it succeed. We need a lot of innovation in our political systems: better communities, better advocacy, smarter policy development, fairer elections, and the list goes on. Many of political problems can be solved or improved by technology. GovTech has been largely overlooked by investment, and look at the results. Now is an inspiring time for positive change. We can fund innovations that will make politics better for everyone. Let’s do it.

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One month left to apply!!!! Apply to NETI's Climate Tech Bootcamp Cohort 3.0, a pre-accelerator program powered by Riffle Ventures, Climate Tech Bootcamp, OHUB and Greater New Orleans, Inc. – GNO, Inc. part of H2TheFuture, a Build Back Better Regional Challenge of The Economic Development Administration. This bootcamp is a 10-week pre-accelerator program for climate tech and new energy entrepreneurs in the United States that have an interest in building in or expanding to South Louisiana. ‍ Five (5) founders from the program will pitch for a $100,000 (US) investment on the terms of their current round. Application is in the comments and here's a quick overview as well: - 📆 When: September 3 - October 31, 2024 - ⏰ Deadline to Apply: August 27, 2024 - 💻 Location: Virtual - 🆓 Cost: Free. The $5,000 per person fee is waived thanks to GNO, Inc. and The Economic Development Administration's Build Back Better Regional Challenge. - 💰 Funding: Up to $100,000 US (equity investment) in current round to the top startup selected at the end of the cohort. - 🈺 Cohort Size: 25-30 entrepreneurs - 🌍 Cohort Geography: United States - 📈 Stage: We welcome applicants from multiple stages, though having a minimum viable product is ideal.

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Looking forward to a conversation with Jamie Dimon Georgetown University Georgetown University McDonough School of Business Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy's #FMQ #Finance #Bank lots of topics to cover

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PE ownership of large education sector platforms: Good or bad? It is my view that the core "intent" of those providing capital is critical to the platforms they fund. Education and workforce are large and growing ecosystem and will continue needing capital. For profit funds vs not for profit donors...at present choices are very limited for founders who want to provide solutions in the ever changing education and workforce landscapes. I wonder how Laureate is doing https://lnkd.in/gfZU_vxK? Anyone has any inputs?

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ICYMI: Sanjay Nagaraj, Co-Founder & CTO of Traceable, recently joined the Zero Hallucinations podcast to discuss Traceable's recent fundraising, partnerships, and the future of API security. Key Takeaways: 💰 Traceable recently raised a $30M strategic round led by IVP with participation from CitiVentures, bringing our total funding to over $100M. Partnerships with investors like CitiVentures provide valuable insight into large enterprise needs. 🌱 The current fundraising environment prioritizes sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility. Investors are looking for platforms vs point solutions, sales efficiency, customer retention, and a clear path to profitability. 🚀 The API security market is rapidly expanding as APIs handle more critical traffic. Over the next 5 years, we can expect to see end-to-end API security platforms cover the full lifecycle from discovery and testing to runtime protection and threat hunting. 🎧 Watch the full podcast episode to dive deeper into these insights and learn more about Traceable's journey: https://bit.ly/3VllBpI

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🚨CRC Discussion Paper 🚨 Reveals gender bias in entrepreneurial finance, highlighting greater constraints faced by women in accessing funds crucial for business success. The research by Vojtech Bartos, Silvia Castro, Kristina Czura, & Timm Opitz finds that Ugandan loan officers show bias against individual female entrepreneurs, but not against entrepreneurial teams. The bias appears to stem not from animosity but from differing perceptions of women's business implementation challenges. Read the full CRC Discussion paper at: https://lnkd.in/e26NNm-V Università degli Studi di Milano, LMU Munich – Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, University of Groningen, Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition

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My comments are inspired by: "When the Music Stops – Holding Bank Executives Accountable for Misconduct" by R. Oliveira, R. Walters, and R. Zamil (2023). https://lnkd.in/epQhimd5 The financial sector's history is marked by periods of significant turmoil, notably highlighted by the Great Financial Crisis #GFC of 2008. This crisis not only revealed critical regulatory shortcomings but also exposed profound ethical failures within banks. As the world grapples with the aftershocks of such crises, it becomes increasingly clear that effective #corporategovernance and #ethicalaccountability are paramount. These elements are not only essential for maintaining #financialstability but also for advancing broader goals such as the SDG and ESG standards. In the wake of the GFC, public trust in #financialinstitutions plummeted. Executives were often perceived as prioritizing short-term gains over long-term stability, engaging in ethically questionable behaviors, and evading accountability. This erosion of trust significantly hindered efforts to achieve SDG and ESG objectives, which rely heavily on #ethicalgovernance as their foundation. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. #Regulatory bodies like the #BaselCommittee on Banking Supervision #BCBS have updated guidelines to promote better governance and ethical behavior. However, the practical enforcement of these guidelines has faced numerous obstacles. Collective decision-making within banks has allowed executives to diffuse responsibility, complicating efforts to hold individuals accountable. This lack of transparency and personal responsibility undermines the ethical standards necessary for sustainable development. To combat these ethical lapses, Individual Accountability Regimes (IARs) have been introduced in various jurisdictions. These regimes aim to clearly define the responsibilities and accountabilities of senior executives, fostering a culture of personal accountability. Complementary mechanisms, such as conduct rules, remuneration guidance, and whistleblower protections, support these efforts by creating environments where ethical behavior is encouraged and rewarded. Despite these advancements, the effectiveness of supervision and enforcement remains a significant challenge. It requires a strong ethical will within institutions and a commitment to fairness, responsibility, and integrity. Without this foundation, regulatory frameworks alone cannot ensure accountability or responsible conduct. There is a need to seriously address these critical issues, highlighting the ethical dimensions of corporate governance and the importance of accountability in the banking sector. By understanding these dynamics, #Bankers can appreciate the intricate balance between regulatory compliance and ethical conduct, which is crucial for fostering a stable and trustworthy financial system that aligns with #SDG and #ESG objectives. Bank for International Settlements – BIS

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Over the last year I've been digging into the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) - arguably the most significant law ever passed for energy transition globally. The IRA is complicated, but it represents $1T+ of federal funding for clean technologies. Today I'm proud to announce the launch of Giraffe Financial - a business focused on helping organizations of all types take advantage of IRA incentives. Our theory of change is that while dealing with the IRS can be challenging, getting IRA tax credits doesn't have to be. Giraffe helps any organization deploying electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, renewable energy, or energy storage access IRA funding. We streamline the process of determining eligibility, ensuring compliance, and completing IRS paperwork. Please take a look at our press release (https://lnkd.in/eu-V59su), visit our website (https://giraffe.financial/) and email me directly with any questions or interest (jason@giraffe.financial). I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible ecosystem of partners and investors that made this all possible: Skyview Ventures, Momentum (BuildMomentum.io), Andy K., Shawn Garvey, Matt Hart, Wallace Kyle Jr., MBA, Homer Robinson, Oktay Kurbanov, Alexander Scammon, Steven Eisenberg, Lewis Wagner, Sean Carney, Michael Greten, Jonathan Burnston, Tyler Lancaster, Skip Dise, Titiaan Palazzi, Sarah Valdovinos, Jordan Ramer, Richard Matsui, Bill Van Amburg, Dedrick Roper #InflationReductionAct, #IRA, #TaxCredits, #RenewableEnergy, #EVs, #EVCharging, #emobility, #electric, #solar, #electricvehicles

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A shift is on the horizon for up-and-coming investment funds, and according to venture capitalists, this is a positive development. #VentureCapital #TechInvestments

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Troubled by the more than $30 trillion of federal debt? Read this post and my SSRN paper available at the link below. As a fiscal hawk, it pained me to write this paper, but if we are not seekers of the truth, what are we? Most people are horrified by the size of the federal debt, but no one pays attention to the tax base that supports it. Large corporations and wealthy individuals can carry high levels of debt. Is the United States wealth enough to carry this level of public debt? No one ever looks at this question. Until now. Not to spoil the punch line (well, it does spoil the punch line), but here are the facts, as of 2022. 1. The federal government holds 22% of its own debt. 2. The Federal Reserve holds 18% of federal debt. 3. The American public holds 36% of the federal debt. 4. The remaining debt, held by outsiders, is $7.6 trillion. This external debt is the figure that matters. Also, China is not our biggest creditor. 5. The American public’s wealth that supports this debt is $140 trillion. 6. In addition, the federal government owns assets in excess of the external debt. 7. Entitlements are owed almost exclusively to Americans and, therefore, are taxable and do not contribute to the debt level that we must worry about. 8. At long-term growth rates, we will not have the tax base to support the debt in around 74 years. 9. But, …, foreign-held debt as a percentage of total debt has been declining nicely in the last 10 years. 10. Debt-to-GDP is a stupid metric and around 2012 predicted a severe crisis when in fact the economy accelerated. Mindless debates over debt ceilings serve no purpose and are just political theater by people who ought to know better. There are far more effective ways to manage the level of debt. The United State’s capital structure, i.e., wealth in relation to debt, is aligned closely with that of large well-rated corporations. As a fiscal hawk, I am deeply troubled by these truths. No question, the government wastes money. But is it as bad as everyone thinks. Most definitely no. Is it headed in that direction. Most definitely yes. https://lnkd.in/gN_WeMM6

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Reflecting and learning about the fascinating history of Sümerbank, Turkey's pioneering state-owned enterprise that played a crucial role in the country's industrialization. As I delve into its story, I'm struck by how this institution shaped Turkey's economic landscape from 1933 to 2001. 🇹🇷 Sümerbank's journey from textile 🧶production to diversified 🏭 industries mirrors Turkey's own path of modernization and development. Its legacy continues to influence Turkish business and economics today. What lessons can we draw from Sümerbank's rise and eventual privatization for current state-led development initiatives? For me, its strengthen my belief: if you want change, you can create change. Whether in business, personal life, or society at large, the Sümerbank legacy shows us that ambitious visions can become reality when backed by commitment and action. #EconomicHistory #TurkishIndustry #Sümerbank #ReflectiveLeadership #IndustrialDevelopment #LearningFromThePast

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"The Silicon Prairie Venture Story Arc" Every story has a beginning, a middle and an end. This infographic shows how we approach evaluating companies in need of capital and the tools available at each stage. You can think of the line as a proxy for "revenue" or for "funding", which as the sagely Dileep Rao, Ph.D. humbly suggests, "Revenue is your BEST source of capital" so it's not either or... Note the critical juncture T4 -- at the end of the Seed Stage where the curve flattens out. THIS is also the moment when +90% of founders fail because they "go for broke" and get BROKE! T4 is really the last best chance to "pivot", even though they should have been pivoting since T1 and DEFINITELY before T2 which is the moment they have found that someone is willing to pay them to solve a problem they have and MAYBE at a price point above what it costs them to solve it. In fact, I wouldn't consider entering T3 (and taking other peoples money) until you have demonstrated that you can solve a problem someone you know has that is willing to pay you to solve it at a price point above what it costs you to solve it for them. It is a marathon and not a sprint, and not everyone makes it to Mount Doom and back... As my friend Samson Williams likes to joke: "Entrepreneurship is so hard I only recommend it to my enemies." What's your story? Where are you on the arc ? What will it take to get to your next level? -dvd

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🚀 Calling all Founders! 🚀 Considering selling your business in the next 2-3 years? 🤔 Join us for EBITDA University's Accelerate Program! We're gearing up to kick off our next cohort on Monday, April 29th @ 10am PT and we've got just 5 spots available. In this program, we'll meet every 2 weeks to dive deep into all the crucial elements of maximizing your business's value upon sale. From navigating negotiations to steering clear of predatory buyer tactics, we've got you covered. Give us just 12 hours of your time, and we'll work together to potentially make or save you MILLIONS! 💰 Don't miss out on this opportunity to secure your business's future success. Reserve your spot now! #BusinessSales #Exit #PrivateCompanies #ExitStrategy #Entrepreneurs

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Right now, companies across the globe are exploring bold innovations to confront climate change. In the last decade, we’ve seen the rapid development of exciting new technologies – from electric vehicles, to batteries, to semiconductors, and more. There’s incredible potential for decarbonizing industries and putting the world on the path to a green, sustainable economy. Earlier this spring, Columbia Business School’s Tamer Institute for Social Enterprise and Climate Change at Columbia University held a conference diving into the landscape of these emerging climate technologies. It was great to be a part of this effort, which featured insightful remarks from many impressive leaders in this technological push, including General Motors CEO Mary Barra, McKinsey & Company Senior Partner Bernd Heid, and Robbie Greenberg (Robbie G.) and Alysha Hudson of industrial decarbonization platform Terralytiq. Developing and scaling up climate tech requires business leaders with a keen understanding of needs and challenges to solve the climate crisis. At Columbia Business School, we are proud to play our part, from developing innovative courses in climate finance and investing as part of our open-source climate curriculum available to business schools across the world, to our new Climate Knowledge Initiative, which is helping industries achieve zero carbon emissions.

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"Bill Ackman, a prominent figure in the financial world, has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional investment strategies. His latest venture, taking Pershing Square USA public, creates questions and implications in the realm of venture capital. There is a future for the industry that centers on publicly traded venture capital firms, an evolutionary step that would not only democratize access to early-stage investments but also herald a long-overdue professionalization of the sector. This professionalization, driven by public accountability and enhanced transparency, could reshape the industry's standards, practices, and accessibility, setting the stage for a possible new and different asset class in the aftermath of the Unicorn Apocalypse." Click the link to read the latest drop on Venture Capital 2.0, where you will get a download on Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P.'s strategy and I paint a future scape in venture capital very different from the realities of today... Enjoy! #venturecapital #privateequity #hedgefunds #IPO #startups #earlystage #founders #billackman #berkshirhathaway Berkshire Hathaway #warrenbuffet https://lnkd.in/eJd_ydgi

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🚀 Calling all adopters of #proptech and #construction tech: real estate developers, builders, and owner-operators, and more! 🌟 Big News! I’m thrilled to announce our partnership with Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2), co-administered by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, to accelerate cleantech adoption. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative bringing public and private industry together to drive the digitization and decarbonization of the built environment with a focus on the adoption of startup technologies by end customers. I couldn’t be more excited to collaborate closely with IN² and NREL’s incredible teams to build the industry’s first Adoption Playbook, and the impact this program will have to catalyze more sustainable innovation implementation to our built world. Led by Program Manager Sarah Derdowski, NREL's team is backed by world-class research and a history of running successful incubators. 💡 If you're a forward-thinking organization that is seeking to innovate your real estate footprint, apply today. Adopters can receive up to $250,000 in grant funding to pilot cutting-edge technologies, while startups have the chance to scale and engage with major corporations. This groundbreaking program offers incredible opportunities for both adopters and startups to drive sustainability and innovation—and we're kicking it off this month! 🌍 With our team at Overlay Build, we will design the curriculum in partnership with IN² for corporate adopters through their Adoption Playbook. The playbook will prioritize pain points, identify innovation areas, and form peer groups for implementation strategies. Overlay will also develop due diligence criteria, help to determine the top startups for potential pilots, and form internal innovation working committees that will drive change. Additionally, Overlay will build a change management strategy to ensure practical evaluation and implementation of pilot projects, helping companies with significant real estate ownership reduce construction inefficiencies, costs, and carbon footprints. 🔍This initiative addresses the "missing middle" in technology adoption of built environment solutions—let's bridge that gap together. For more information or to discuss how you can get involved, feel free to reach out to me directly. 👉 Join us in shaping the future of the built environment! Adopters, apply here today: https://lnkd.in/eCRHCXfm #Sustainability #Cleantech #Innovation #BuiltEnvironment #IN2 #OverlayCapital #DigitalTransformation #Decarbonization #ESG #NetZero

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📈🏢 Aby Rosen's RFR Holding is facing a staggering $2.5B debt bill as defaults pile up! 💥 🔎 According to a recent Bisnow article, RFR Holding, a prominent NYC real estate firm, is grappling with mounting debt and defaults. The company, led by billionaire Aby Rosen, has a portfolio of high-profile properties, including the iconic Seagram Building and Lever House. 🏢🏦 📊 The firm's debt load has surged to a whopping $2.5B, with $1.1B in loans maturing this year alone. 💸 The pandemic has hit the commercial real estate market hard, causing defaults to skyrocket. RFR Holding is no exception, with defaults on several properties, including the $200M mortgage on the Seagram Building. 📉 🗣️ "The pandemic has created a perfect storm for commercial real estate," said one industry expert. "Companies like RFR Holding are facing unprecedented challenges as they navigate this difficult time." 🌪️ 🔜 So, what's next for RFR Holding? The company is reportedly exploring options to refinance its debt and avoid further defaults. 💡 With the commercial real estate market showing signs of recovery, there's hope that RFR Holding can weather this storm. 🌞 Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story! 📰🔔 #RFRHolding #CommercialRealEstate #Debt #Defaults #NYCRealEstate

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Looking forward to my macro outlook talk on Monday at National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF)!

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