Everyone Funding Startups

This week’s episode of the Grow VC Everyone Funding Startups Podcast explores the link between global entrepreneurship and international diplomacy. Joining us to discuss this powerful connection is Shelly Porges – Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State and director of the department’s Global Entrepreneurship Program (GEP). Shelly describes the startup ecosystems that exist in GEP target countries and the successes and challenges she has experienced in her quest to spur global innovation. You can listen to the podcast by clicking the “play” button below or through this direct link  (right click to save). • General mission of the Global Entrepreneurship Program (00:50) • The link between entrepreneurship and international diplomacy (03:20) • Specific examples of Global Entrepreneurship Program projects (11:00) • What does startup finance look like on the global scale (12:50) • Can impact investing play a role in this space (16:50) • How will the increased use of crowdfunding affect global startup financing (20:10) • How to get involved with the Global Entrepreneurship Program (25:00) Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Everyone Funding Startups. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or suggestions to ryan@growvc.com or connect on twitter at @rdavidwill.

Click Image to Play Episode This week we were joined by Dr Jo Twist, CEO of the Association for UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE), to discuss the potential impact of crowdfunding on startups and developers in areas such as gaming and digital media worldwide. UKIE is the only trade body for the UK’s wider interactive entertainment industry. It exists to champion the interests, needs and positive image of the videogames and interactive entertainment industry whose companies make up its membership. In February 2012 UKIE released its Crowdfunding Report, which outlines why access to finance is a key barrier to growing the interactive entertainment industry in the UK. Listen to the podcast on the player below or here directly (save as for mp3): An overview of UKIE and Jo’s background in tech journalism, digital media, and academia (00:30) Why ‘gamification’ isn’t the answer to everything in user experience (03:14) What prompted UKIE to publish its report on crowdfunding (04:40) The different models of crowdfunding and how they can help startups and developers in Interactive Entertainment (09:30) The impact of the recent UK Budget on the industry (16:42) UKIE’s events for startups and developers (19:55) How to get in touch with Jo and how to get involved with UKIE (22:30) You can learn more about UKIE and become a member by going to their website http://www.ukie.org.uk. Follow Jo and UKIE on Twitter and get in touch with Jo by email at jo.twist@ukie.org.uk!

This week on the GrowVC Everyone Funding Startups podcast we spoke to the Director of e27, Mohan Belani about his upcoming Echelon events, the startup scene in Asia, his collaboration with GrowVC, and a great story behind the name of his company. Founded in February 2006, e27 is a media organization focused on the Asian technology startup industry. It is devoted towards Silicon Valley-style, community-driven advocacy of technology innovation in Asia. E27 combines its online media with offline events to influence, discover and evangelize upcoming technology innovations from the startup communities around Asia, and its website e27.sg is the trusted source of information on Asia’s growing startup ecosystem. Listen to the podcast on the player below or here directly (save as for mp3): Mohan’s personal background and how he got involved in e27 (00:50) What does e27 cover – what is its focus? (02:15) Tell us about the upcoming Echelon events (03:25) What kind of people are you trying to attract to your events? (05:00) How would you assess the strength of the startup scene in Singapore and Asia more broadly? (07:50) What is the investment scene like in your area? What profile of investors are local startups able to attract? (10:40) What sort of trends are you seeing in successful startups getting funding in your area at the moment? (11:45) What attracted you to GrowVC and what are you hoping to get from our partnership? (15:00) How should people get in touch with you and how do they get involved in your events? (16:15) E27 is a Network partner of GrowVC and you can join the Network and find out more about the Echelon events here. For more information about the Echelon events coming up across Asia please visit http://echelon.e27.sg/SG2012/index.php. You can also follow Mohan on Twitter @mohanbelani.

This week GrowVC’s COO, Markus returned to host our Everyone funding startups podcast. Markus interviewed GrowVC’s Networks Program manager, Paul Higgins about his background, the program, and the partners that are already onboard. GrowVC’s Networks program is a key part of our vision to create a global, virtual Silicon Valley, in which we democratize access to investment, expertise, and communities for startups globally. Our partners create Networks in order to manage their own community, under their own brand, within the global GrowVC community. Listen to the podcast on the player below or here directly (save as for mp3) Current partners include incubators, accelerator programs, Universities, student networks, associations, institutions, startup networks, bootcamps, startup events, local networks, and financial institutions. We are also starting to see other organisations that want to become active in the startup ecosystem join it through GrowVC. Listen to the podcast below to hear Markus and Paul discussing: Paul’s background and experiences in the startup ecosystem (01:43) GrowVC’s global team (04:00) What the Networks program actually is (06:15) What we’ve learned about our Network partners since we launched the program in January 2012 (10:50) What sorts of partner have been the most receptive to our program so far (14:50) GrowVC’s short-term focus with the program at the moment (21:50) What Paul is looking forward to the most from the program (23:40) What organisations should do if they want to get involved (26:00) How you can use GrowVC to get yourself involved in the startup ecosystem (28:00) To get started with your own Network you can reach out to Paul at paul@growvc.com or go straight to the sign-up page.

The Grow VC ”Everyone Funding Startups” Podcast is a weekly series exploring global entrepreneurship and the funding that supports it. The show focuses on the latest innovations in crowdfunding, micro-finance, angel investing, venture capital and global trends. Episodes involve interviews with featured guests which we hope will provide valuable insight into relevant fields for entrepreneurs and early stage investors. Guests include successful entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, government representatives, startup incubators, etc. Past guest include Eric Ries of the Lean Startup movement and U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry, author of the so-called "crowdfunding bill." With over 100 episodes, Everyone Funding Startups has reached nearly 200,000 listeners in over 190 countries - the majority of which are entrepreneurs and early stage investors. Episodes are published via iTunes and on the Grow VC blog. More information on Grow VC (www.growvc.com): Grow Venture Community (Grow VC) is the first global, transparent, marketplace dedicated to entrepreneurs and investors. Grow VC enables great ideas and great teams to get visibility with the right investing audience, funding and support earlier. Grow VC is more than crowd funding, it’s a nurturing ecosystem where entrepreneurs can connect with experts, funders, team members, new customers and partners to realize their ideas. Grow VC can help startup companies secure initial funding of up to 1M USD.

The Grow VC ”Everyone Funding Startups” Podcast is a weekly series exploring global entrepreneurship and the funding that supports it. The show focuses on the latest innovations in crowdfunding, micro-finance, angel investing, venture capital and global trends. Episodes involve interviews with featured guests which we hope will provide valuable insight into relevant fields for entrepreneurs and early stage investors. Guests include successful entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, government representatives, startup incubators, etc. Past guest include Eric Ries of the Lean Startup movement and U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry, author of the so-called "crowdfunding bill." With over 100 episodes, Everyone Funding Startups has reached nearly 200,000 listeners in over 190 countries - the majority of which are entrepreneurs and early stage investors. Episodes are published via iTunes and on the Grow VC blog. More information on Grow VC (www.growvc.com): Grow Venture Community (Grow VC) is the first global, transparent, marketplace dedicated to entrepreneurs and investors. Grow VC enables great ideas and great teams to get visibility with the right investing audience, funding and support earlier. Grow VC is more than crowd funding, it’s a nurturing ecosystem where entrepreneurs can connect with experts, funders, team members, new customers and partners to realize their ideas. Grow VC can help startup companies secure initial funding of up to 1M USD.

The Grow VC ”Everyone Funding Startups” Podcast is a weekly series exploring global entrepreneurship and the funding that supports it. The show focuses on the latest innovations in crowdfunding, micro-finance, angel investing, venture capital and global trends. Episodes involve interviews with featured guests which we hope will provide valuable insight into relevant fields for entrepreneurs and early stage investors. Guests include successful entrepreneurs, angel investors, venture capitalists, government representatives, startup incubators, etc. Past guest include Eric Ries of the Lean Startup movement and U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry, author of the so-called "crowdfunding bill." With over 100 episodes, Everyone Funding Startups has reached nearly 200,000 listeners in over 190 countries - the majority of which are entrepreneurs and early stage investors. Episodes are published via iTunes and on the Grow VC blog. More information on Grow VC (www.growvc.com): Grow Venture Community (Grow VC) is the first global, transparent, marketplace dedicated to entrepreneurs and investors. Grow VC enables great ideas and great teams to get visibility with the right investing audience, funding and support earlier. Grow VC is more than crowd funding, it’s a nurturing ecosystem where entrepreneurs can connect with experts, funders, team members, new customers and partners to realize their ideas. Grow VC can help startup companies secure initial funding of up to 1M USD.

In this episode of the Grow VC Everyone Funding Startups podcast, we are joined by David Bratvold, Founder & CEO of The Daily Crowdsource, to discuss the current state of the crowdsourcing and crowdfunding markets and the ways in which entrepreneurs and investors can utilize these tools to manage and finance their ventures. David suggests several tools available to entrepreneurs and investors and offers insights on how best to utilize them. He also explains what equity-based crowdfunding can learn from its more mature crowdsourcing relatives and why traditional investors will benefit from the development of a robust equity-based crowdfunding market. You can listen to the podcast on iTunes, by clicking the “play” button below or through this direct link (right click to save). Thanks for tuning in to Everyone Funding Startups! Please be sure to reach out if you have any questions or comments about the show. You can email me at ryan@growvc.com or find me on twitter at @rdavidwill.

In this episode of the Everyone Funding Startups podcast, we welcome back Brett Bivens – former host of this show and current Director of Operations at Krossover Intelligence. Brett describes his transformation from a finance professional in Chicago to a startup executive in India. He shares tips on gaining startup experience while working a 9 to 5, practicing “intrapreneurship” within a current organization and other ways to transform the “plunge” towards entrepreneurship into a much more gradual, calculated process. You can listen to the podcast by clicking the “play” button below or through this direct link (right click to save MP3). Thanks for tuning in to the Grow VC Everyone Funding Startups Podcast! Make sure to get in touch with me (ryan@growvc.com) if you have any comments about the show or would like to participate in any way.

In this episode, David Drake of LDJ Capital and The SohoLoft discusses his organization’s upcoming event and the creation of a new type of capital market. With the traditional financial markets shutting out smaller companies and investors, The Soho Loft along with organizations like Grow VC is working to open the doors to a new type of capital creation. On January 23rd, David and The Soho Loft will be hosting an event that includes many of the top influencers in the Image by La Citta Vita via Flickr world of crowdfunding and alternative finance. Highlighting the evening is Congressman Patrick McHenry who is responsible for spearheading the so-called “Crowdfunding Bill” that will help facilitiate a financial system that is inclusive for all willing investors and companies. Grow VC will be speaking at the event in New York. To our extended community, here is a special discount code for 10% off “VIPGROWVC”. To register, follow this link! You can listen to the podcast here (right click to save as). Thanks for tuning in to the Grow VC ‘Everyone Funding Startups’ podcast. As always, get in touch with me (brett@growvc.com) with any comments or if you would like to partner with the show in any way.

On this episode of the Grow VC ‘Everyone Funding Startups’ Podcast we welcome back Markus Lampinen, COO of Grow VC and the former host of this very show, to discuss the growth of crowdfunding and the evolution of Grow VC over the past year. We also discuss the future of the crowdfunding, a market that should continue to gain relevance in the coming years. Markus is an experienced entrepreneur and a phenomenal source on all things crowdfunding and it was an honor to have him back on the show. Make sure to stay tuned until the end to hear some incredibly insightful words from Markus on how to build a sustainable and global company! You can listen to the podcast here. As always, thank you so much for tuning in to the Grow VC ‘Everyone Funding Startups’ podcast and be sure to reach out to me (brett@growvc.com) with any questions, comments, or if you would like to partner with the show in any way.

Image via Wikipedia In part II of our discussion with Lionel Slusny of Loft FI (you can find the first episode here), we discuss the impact different crowdfunding growth scenarios will have on startups and on Wall Street. Since the global crowdfunding market is in nascent stages, it has the potential to grow in many different directions. As we mentioned in our post for part I,Lionel, Co-Founder of Loft FI, is an expert on capital and risk management and an experienced researcher of the financial markets During this episode, he provides great insight into the limitless future of crowdfunding. You can listen to the podcast here (right click to save as). Thanks for tuning in to the Grow VC ‘Everyone Funding Startups’ podcast. As always, get in touch with me (brett@growvc.com) with any comments or if you would like to partner with the show in any way.

Lionel Slusny, Co-Founder of Loft FI, is an expert in capital and risk management and has done extensive research on both the crowdfunding and peer to peer markets. In this episode (part one of our two part discussion), we discuss the impact that the emerging crowdfunding market will have on both startups and on the traditional financial sector. Going forward, there are many players that will be impacted by the growth and widespread acceptance of crowdfunding. Over the course of our conversation, Lionel and I explore the ways that the participants will be influenced under multiple growth scenarios. Also, be sure to stay tuned for part two, coming next week! You can listen to the podcast here (right click to save as). Thanks for tuning in to the Grow VC ‘Everyone Funding Startups’ podcast. As always, get in touch with me (brett@growvc.com) with any comments or if you would like to partner with the show in any way.  

Alan Moore’s new book, “No Straight Lines: Making Sense of Our Non Linear World,” contains a thought-provoking collection of ideas calling for a more human centric, participatory society. In this episode, we discuss the rise of a more open and transparent economy and intellectual infrastructure. Along with his role as Grow VC’s Head of Vision, Alan is an accomplished author and speaker. He has given talks at numerous events, including SXSW, and works with businesses to develop strategies and business plans to succeed in the non-linear world that is evolving before our eyes. You can find the podcast here (right click to save as). As always, reach out to me (brett@growvc.com) if you have anything to say about the episode or want to partner with the show in any way. Thanks for tuning in! Want to learn more about Alan Moore, his work, and his books? Here are a few helpful links: Amazon link for “No Straight Lines” Signup for “No Straight Lines” Presentation – How to Build a Successful Business in a Non-Linear World Alan’s previous book, “Communities Dominate Brands”

In this episode, Matthew Dawes, Managing Director of All Amber and organizer of the biggest mobile web conference in Africa shares his thoughts on the rapid growth of mobile web development on the continent. With a huge population and many countries seeing huge economic growth, Africa represents a huge potential market for the mobile web.  From payments to social networking, the future of mobile lies in Africa. Now in its third year, Mobile Web in Africa continues to grow, making a bigger impact and bringing more people together with each passing event. If you happen to be tuning in from Johannesburg, make sure to hop over to the event, happening next week. Listen to the episode here (save as for mp3 version). Thanks for tuning in to the Grow VC Everyone Funding Startups Podcast! Make sure to get in touch with me (brett@growvc.com) if you have any questions or comments about the show.