|
In partnership with
|
|
|
|
|
|
In This Edition:
|
|
|
|
|
|
STARTUPS
GROUNDSWELL
|
10 Accelerators
Every
Early-Stage
Startup Should
Know About
|
|
|
|
Not getting into
YC feels like a
founder rite of
passage—you're in
good company. But
here’s the good
news: YC is just
one of many
stellar paths to
startup
success.
|
|
Across the globe,
dozens of top-tier
accelerators are
ready to back your
vision with
funding,
mentorship, and
networks to fuel
your growth. Some
even offer bigger checks
and tailored
guidance
depending on your
industry or goals.
|
|
Here are 10 outstanding
accelerators for
early-stage
founders to
consider:
|
|
1️⃣ 500 Global:
$150K for
6%
|
|
Offers $150K for 6%
equity, focusing on
early-stage
startups across
various sectors
like SaaS,
fintech, and
e-commerce. Their
programs emphasize
digital marketing
and customer
acquisition,
supporting
founders globally
since 2010.
Apply
here
|
|
2️⃣ Boost VC:
$500K for
15%
|
|
Provides $500K for 15%
equity, primarily
targeting tech
startups in areas
such as virtual
reality,
blockchain, and
artificial
intelligence.
Boost VC aims to
accelerate growth
through mentorship
and funding,
fostering
innovation in
emerging
technologies.
Apply
here
|
|
3️⃣ Seedcamp:
Up to £1M
|
|
Invests up to £1M
in early-stage
companies,
particularly in
Europe. Seedcamp
combines funding
with extensive
support and
networking
opportunities,
helping startups
scale effectively
in competitive
markets.
Apply
here
|
|
4️⃣ Entrepreneur
First:
$250K for
9%
|
|
Offers $250K for 9%
equity, focusing on
individuals
looking to build
tech startups from
scratch. They
provide a unique
program that helps
founders develop
their ideas and
teams before
seeking additional
funding.
Apply
here
|
|
5️⃣ Plug and Play
Tech Center:
Varies
|
|
Funding amounts vary
based on the
startup's needs
and potential.
They focus on
connecting
startups with
industry leaders
and investors,
providing
resources for
growth across
various sectors
including fintech,
health, and
mobility.
Apply
here
|
|
6️⃣ Sequoia Capital
(Arc Program):
$500K–$1M
|
|
Invests between $500K and
$1M, targeting
high-potential
startups at
various stages.
The Arc Program
offers access to
Sequoia's vast
network and
expertise, aiming
to nurture
companies into
market
leaders.
Apply
here
|
|
7️⃣ Andreessen
Horowitz (a16z)
Seed Fund:
$500K–$1M
|
|
Provides funding
between $500K and
$1M, focusing on
technology-driven
startups. a16z is
known for its
strong support
network and
resources that
help startups
navigate early
challenges
effectively.
Apply
here
|
|
8️⃣ Pear VC:
$250K–$2M
|
|
Offers
investments
ranging from $250K to $2M, emphasizing
early-stage tech
companies. Pear VC
focuses on
building long-term
relationships with
founders,
providing
mentorship
alongside
financial support
to foster
growth.
Apply
here
|
|
9️⃣ Techstars:
$20K + $100K
for 8%
|
|
Provides an
initial $20K plus $100K
for 8% equity, supporting
startups through a
structured
accelerator
program that
includes
mentorship,
networking, and
access to
resources for
scaling businesses
effectively.
Apply
here
|
|
South Park
Commons:
$1M for ~7%
|
|
Invests $1M for
approximately 7%
equity, focusing on
supporting
talented founders
in building
impactful
companies. They
emphasize
community building
and collaboration
among
entrepreneurs to
drive
innovation.
Apply
here
|
|
Remember:
Accelerators
aren’t the only
key to success,
but the right one
can open doors you
never
imagined—from funding to
strategic
connections to
lifelong
mentors.
|
|
✨ Your journey
doesn’t end with
one “no.” The
next “yes” could
change
everything. ✨
|
|
Ready to take
your startup to
the next
level?
Explore these
accelerators,
apply boldly, and
let your vision
shine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
VC PULSE
|
USA’s Most
Active Angel
Networks Every
Founder Should
Know
|
|
|
|
Did you know
there are hundreds of
angel
networks
across the U.S.,
each offering
unique investment
opportunities in
sectors ranging
from healthcare to
fintech to AI?
|
|
With networks
like Tech Coast
Angels
and New York
Angels
shaping the
startup landscape,
the right
partnership could
be the missing
link in your
growth
journey.
|
|
Are you ready to
discover how to
leverage these
networks to fuel
your startup’s
success?
|
|
Click
here to explore
insider insights,
curated data, and
strategies to
connect with angel
investors who can
turn your vision
into reality.
Don’t let your
competitors
outpace you—take
action
today!
|
|
Startup Founders,
Your Funding
Breakthrough
Awaits!
|
|
Download our
exclusive list of
the Most Active
Angel Networks in
the USA and
connect with the
right investors to
fuel your
growth.
|
|
Get insights
on:
|
|
Networks backing
your industry Key
contacts and
regions they cover
Tips to make your
pitch stand
out
|
|
Don’t miss
out!
Download
the list
now and
take the
first step
toward
securing
your
startup’s
future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FINTECH
INSIGHTS
|
Gucci Bags,
Bitcoin Tags:
The Fusion of
Fashion &
Tech
|
|
|
|
Luxury meets
innovation!
High-end brands
like Gucci,
Balenciaga, and
Tag Heuer are
embracing
cryptocurrency
payments, with
iconic stores like
Printemps now
accepting Bitcoin
and Ethereum.
Virgin Voyages
even lets you pay
for a $120K annual
cruise pass with
Bitcoin!
|
|
Luxury goods are
becoming the
ultimate way for
crypto investors
to diversify their
portfolios. Are
you ready to shop
your way into the
future?
⌚
|
|
✨ Discover
how crypto
is
redefining
luxury—shop
now and stay
ahead!
|
|
|
|
|
|
AI
BREAKTHROUGH
|
Ring, Ring: You
can now call
1-800-CHATGPT
|
|
|
|
Call
ChatGPT—Now
Available!
|
-
Call
ChatGPT
directly:
Dial 1-800-242-8478
in the
United
States to
connect with
AI like
never
before!
-
WhatsApp
messaging:
Prefer
texting?
ChatGPT now
supports
sending
messages via
WhatsApp.
-
Usage
time:
U.S. users
enjoy 15
minutes of
voice
calls per
month.
-
Accessibility
for
seniors:
No
smartphone?
No problem!
ChatGPT
supports flip
phones and
local
calls, making AI
accessible
to everyone,
including
the
elderly.
|
|
o1 Model API
Launch
|
|
|
|
Try
ChatGPT’s
voice
feature now
and explore
the o1
API!
|
|
|
Boost
Productivity:
ChatGPT Now
Supports macOS
Apps!
|
|
|
Source:
OpenAI
|
|
|
ChatGPT Just
Got Smarter on
macOS!
|
|
Now work
seamlessly with
your favorite
coding apps like
Warp, IntelliJ
IDEA, and PyCharm,
or take notes
effortlessly in
Apple Notes,
Notion, and
Quip—all with Advanced Voice
Support.
|
|
This beta is
available for
Plus, Pro, Team,
Enterprise, and
Edu users. Don’t
miss out—download the
macOS app today
and experience
the future of
productivity!
|
|
Get Started
Now
|
|
|
|
Sponsored Content
|
|
|
How Awkward Family Photos’
Co-Founder & Father Found Relief
from Unexplained Symptoms: Discover
the Tech That Saved His Marriage
|
|
For years, Mike Bender co-founder of
Awkward Family Photos, experienced
unexplained symptoms like fatigue,
headaches, and brain fog, until he
made the connection to EMF exposure
in his environment and discovered
the impact of
electrohypersensitivity on his life.
His search for a solution led him to
Aires Tech, where our EMF protection
technology has helped him find
relief from the debilitating effects
of EHS. Mike’s journey is a
testament to the real impact EMF
radiation can have on daily life,
and how our innovative products can
help people regain their health and
well-being.
|
|
Aires Tech’s solutions
have been instrumental in helping
Mike reduce his exposure to EMFs,
allowing him to feel more energized
and clear-headed. With our advanced
EMF modulation technology, we are
proud to provide a solution for
those facing similar challenges,
offering a path toward better health
and protection in a world surrounded
by electronics. Mike’s story is a
reminder of the growing need for EMF
protection, and we are committed to
supporting individuals like him on
their journey to healthier,
EMF-conscious living.
|
|
Learn More
|
|
|
|
AI INSIGHTS
|
No Software
Engineers at
Salesforce in
2025?
Here’s Why!
|
|
Salesforce CEO
Marc Benioff just
dropped some
game-changing
insights:
|
|
No New Software
Engineers in 2025
Thanks to
AgentForce and
cutting-edge AI,
engineering
productivity is up
30%+, reducing the
need for
additional
hires.
|
|
Introducing
AgentForce A
revolutionary
agentic layer
transforming
customer
interactions and
internal
workflows. It’s
already making
waves across
industries—think
Heathrow Airport
and Disney!
|
|
Digital Labor
Meets Human
Expertise
Salesforce is
integrating
digital agents
with its human
workforce,
streamlining
operations while
driving innovation
and growth.
|
|
What it means for
engineers: Is this
a glimpse into the
future of our
industry? As AI
steps up, how will
our roles evolve
to stay at the
forefront of
innovation?
|
|
Watch Marc
Benioff's full
interview
below
to learn more and
join the
conversation on
the future of
engineering in the
AI era. Share your
thoughts!
|
|
|
Marc
Benioff,
Salesforce
Founder:
Why
Salesforce
Isn't
Hiring
Software
Engineers
|
E1236
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RECOMMENDATIONS
|
|
Boost your
entrepreneurial
skills and AI
knowledge with
these selected
newsletters.
|
|
They're great for
anyone running a
startup,
interested in
artificial
intelligence, or
wanting to keep up
with the latest AI
tools and
trends.
|
|
Subscribe to
these
publications
FREE, and get access
to loads of useful
insights and
information.
|
|
MarketingAlec
|
|
Skip
the
AI
hype,
get
real
results.
Join
7,000+
marketers
learning
the
exact
AI
tools
and
prompts
that
drove
40%
better
performance.
Fresh
tips
Wed,
deep
dives
Fri.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mindstream
|
|
The
hottest
AI
newsletter
around.
News,
opinions,
polls
and
so
much
more.
Join
us
for
free!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
Secret
Sauce
Newsletter
|
|
Dishing
up
unfiltered
Michelin
level
insights
on
business
and
life
for
startups,
founders,
and
soon
to
be
entrepreneurs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AI RESEARCH
|
Which AI Video
Model Leaves You
Speechless?
|
|
|
|
With the rapid
rise of AI video
generation models,
a detailed
comparison was
conducted to see
which one delivers
the best results.
Using the same prompt, various models
were tested to
evaluate their
performance.
Here's what the
test
included:
|
|
Test
Content:
Hand movements,
physical effects,
continuous cutting
dynamics, the
interpretation of
"perfect doneness"
of steak, and the
presentation of
steam and
gravy.
|
|
Testing
Process:
Each model was
executed four
times, with the
best-performing
version
selected.
|
|
Test Prompt:
A pair of hands
skillfully slicing
a perfectly cooked
steak on a wooden
cutting board,
with faint steam
rising from
it.
|
|
Which model
do you think
performs
best?
|
|
|
|
|
|
INVESTMENT
&
FUNDRAISING
|
-
NOX Energy
integrates
renewable
energy
assets into
the grid
with
AI-driven
software
solutions, raising
$1M in
Seed
funding
from
Volve. (Link)
-
Hamming
optimizes AI
voice agents
through
automated
testing and
performance
analysis, securing
$3.8M in
Seed
funding
from
Mischief. (Link)
-
Maisa
offers an
AI-powered
knowledge
processing
platform
with an API
for
executing
business
tasks and
managing
multimodal
content, securing
$4.93M in
Seed
funding
from
NFX. (Link)
-
Pin is a
digital
recruitment
platform
that uses AI
technology
to
streamline
the
recruitment
process, raising
$3M in
Seed
funding
from
Expa. (Link)
-
Nowadays is
an AI-based
event
planning
platform
that
simplifies
corporate
event
organization, securing
$2M in
Seed
funding
from Basis
Set
Ventures.
(Link)
-
Superform
is an online
platform
offering
solutions
for earning
interest
yield across
chains, raising
$3M in
Seed
funding
from
VanEck.
(Link)
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW JOBS
|
Who’s Hiring?
Discover Remote
Roles at Top
Startups!
|
|
Work has gone
remote, and YC
startups are
leading the
charge! Discover
top Y
Combinator-backed
companies hiring
remote sales
talent across the
globe.
|
|
From innovative
early-stage
startups to
established
players, explore
exciting
opportunities in
the world of
remote work.
|
|
Company
Name
|
Job
Details
|
|
GoLinks
(W19)
|
Account
Executive,
Enterprise
-
Full-time,
Remote
(US)
|
|
Momence
(S20)
|
Manager,
Sales
Development
-
Full-time,
Remote
(Chicago,
IL;
Atlanta,
GA;
Seattle,
WA;
Nashville,
TN;
Boston,
MA)
|
|
OneSignal
(S11)
|
Sales
Development
Representative
-
Full-time,
Remote
(US)
|
|
TeamOut
(W22)
|
Senior
Account
Executive
-
Full-time,
Remote
(US)
|
|
Roboflow
(S20)
|
Solutions
Architect
-
Full-time,
Remote
(US)
|
|
|
Ready to take
your sales
career remote?
Explore these
YC-backed
companies and
apply today
to join
innovative
teams
shaping the
future!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Natia
Kurdadze
@natiakourdadze
|
|
|
|
|
Peter
Thiel
on
How
to
Build
a
Successful
startup
|
|
|
|
|
|
4:07
PM
•
Dec
13,
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
352
Likes
33
Retweets
|
|
9
Replies
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul
Graham
@paulg
|
|
|
|
|
AI
startups
seem
to
grow
faster
than
previous
startups.
But
this
is
just
the
latest
stage
in
a
consistent
trend
over
the
last
50
years.
Each
decade's
startups
grow
faster
than
the
previous
decade's.
|
|
|
|
1:43
PM
•
Dec
17,
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.64K
Likes
148
Retweets
|
|
94
Replies
|
|
|
-
Top Sales
Tools and
Strategies
for Startups
(Link)
-
Small
Business
Owners’
Survival
Kit:
Must-Have
Resources
(Link)
-
What Can
Sean Ellis
Teach You
About
Finding
Product-Market
Fit? (Link)
|
|
|
|
|
-
Sam Altman
previously
held equity
in OpenAI
through
Sequoia
(Link)
-
OpenAI's
'o3' Model:
The Next
Leap in AI
Reasoning?
(Link)
-
Gemini 2.0
Flash
Thinking:
Google's
Leap in AI
Reasoning
(Link)
|
|
Deedy
@deedydas
|
|
|
|
|
Google
really
cooked
with
Gemini
2.0
Flash
Thinking.
It
thinks
AND
it's
fast
AND
it's
high
quality.
Not
only
is
it
#1
on
LMArena
on
every
category,
but
it
crushes
my
goto
Math
riddle
in
14s—5x
faster
than
any
other
model
that
can
solve
it!
Google
is
making
OpenAI
dance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
5:33
PM
•
Dec
19,
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.91K
Likes
194
Retweets
|
|
75
Replies
|
|
|
-
How do you
rank on
ChatGPT and
Perplexity?
(Link)
-
Apptronik
Teams Up
with Google
DeepMind on
AI Humanoid
Robots
(Link)
-
NVIDIA
Unveils
It'ss Most
Affordable
Generative
AI
Supercomputer
(Link)
|
|
NVIDIA
Robotics
@NVIDIARobotics
|
|
|
|
|
Looking
for
an
affordable
platform
to
run
popular
#genAI
models
at
the
edge?
Introducing
the
NVIDIA
Jetson
Orin
Nano
Super
Developer
Kit,
offering
up
to
67
TOPS
of
AI
performance
for
$249.
Existing
users
can
upgrade
their
JetPack
SDK
for
a
"super"
boost.
nvda.ws/3VKi2sG
|
|
|
|
|
|
2:35
PM
•
Dec
17,
2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.34K
Likes
1.04K
Retweets
|
|
226
Replies
|
|
|
|
|
|
AI LEARNING
|
Boost Your AI
Skills with
OpenAI’s o1
Model
|
|
|
|
Unlock the power
of OpenAI's o1
model with our
short course, Reasoning with
o1, taught by Colin
Jarvis, Head of AI
Solutions at
OpenAI. Here's
what you'll
learn:
|
-
Effective
Prompting: Master
how to
prompt o1
for optimal
performance.
-
Coding
&
Vision: Use o1
for coding
tasks and
image
understanding.
-
Performance
Boosting: Discover
meta-prompting
techniques
to improve
results.
-
⚖️ Smart
Model
Selection: Know when
to use o1 or
delegate to
faster
models.
|
|
This course is
currently
available for free
during the beta
phase of the DeepLearning.AI
learning platform. Enroll now
FREE
to start
building
applications
that require
complex
reasoning!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
