This Week in Startups Paul Judge on helping lead SoftBank’s $100M Opportunity Fund, future of fundraising, importance of “building your Olympic Team” & more | Angel S5 E9
Mar 18, 2021
Join Paul Judge, a managing partner at Panoramic Ventures and a member of SoftBank's Opportunity Fund, as he shares insights on empowering diverse startup founders. He discusses the evolution of fundraising and the increasing importance of building strong teams to attract investors. Paul emphasizes the significance of creating networks for underrepresented entrepreneurs and highlights unique advantages that diversity brings to tech. The conversation also touches on the influence of celebrities in the investment realm and the importance of systemic change for equity.
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Team and Customers First
- Focus on building a strong team and acquiring customers before seeking investors.
- Demonstrate customer traction and team credibility to increase your chances of securing funding.
Dedicated vs. Broad Funds
- Dedicated funds for underrepresented founders provide immediate impact and access to valuable ecosystems.
- Broadening existing funds is a long-term effort, but both approaches are necessary for systemic change.
Minority Founder Advantage
- Minority founders have a competitive advantage in tech sectors driven by social trends and community engagement.
- Overlooking these founders means missing out on future returns and innovation.