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Funding growth in a tight VC market
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the community. As a former serial founder of Saas companies, a former VC and now a provider of non-dilutive revenue-based funding, I'd love to help you with your strategy for funding growth this year.

I'm curious how many of you are looking at debt/non-dilutive funding and how many of you have been successful with securing equity term sheets in this environment. Do you have strategies/tips to share? Do you have questions you'd like for the rest of us to weigh in on?

-- Leah (Investment Director at Lighter Capital)

Andy Karuza
Mar 1, 2023
Hi Leah,

Great question! If you'd like, please add your LinkedIn to your NachoNacho profile and it will show up next to your name, allowing new prospects to connect with you over on your professional profile as well.

I personally know quite a few CPG companies that would be interested in non-dilutive revenue-based funding. Do you guys also do inventory loans? In my experience having been the CEO of a CPG B2C company, it's always best if the company can bring some sort of retail contracts and other collateral to the offer to get lower rates. I think a lot of the community here and others in my network would love to learn more about what criteria needs to be met in order to work with you.
F
Aug 22, 2023
Navigating a tight VC market is always challenging. We've found that focusing on organic growth, optimizing operations, and building strong relationships can help create sustainable funding pathways.
Leah Edwards
Funding growth in a tight VC market
Hi everyone,
I'm new to the community. As a former serial founder of Saas companies, a former VC and now a provider of non-dilutive revenue-based funding, I'd love to help you with your strategy for funding growth this year.

I'm curious how many of you are looking at debt/non-dilutive funding and how many of you have been successful with securing equity term sheets in this environment. Do you have strategies/tips to share? Do you have questions you'd like for the rest of us to weigh in on?

-- Leah (Investment Director at Lighter Capital)

Andy Karuza
Mar 1, 2023
Hi Leah,

Great question! If you'd like, please add your LinkedIn to your NachoNacho profile and it will show up next to your name, allowing new prospects to connect with you over on your professional profile as well.

I personally know quite a few CPG companies that would be interested in non-dilutive revenue-based funding. Do you guys also do inventory loans? In my experience having been the CEO of a CPG B2C company, it's always best if the company can bring some sort of retail contracts and other collateral to the offer to get lower rates. I think a lot of the community here and others in my network would love to learn more about what criteria needs to be met in order to work with you.
F
Aug 22, 2023
Navigating a tight VC market is always challenging. We've found that focusing on organic growth, optimizing operations, and building strong relationships can help create sustainable funding pathways.
Explainer Video + Use Cases
Brian from Shorthand here!

Shorthand is used for a variety of use cases ranging from Digital Magazines, to Landing Pages, to Annual Reports. I wanted to share a link to examples built by top brands from around the globe:
https://shorthand.com/use-cases/

And here's a quick explainer video to give you an overview of the Shorthand Editor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBq3HhVQFnc
I wanted to share

Feel free to reach out if we can answer any questions at:
partners[at]shorthand[dot]com

R
Jun 26, 2023
Looks good. Can this also help with storyboards for interactive media sequence?
S
Aug 26, 2023
Hey Brian! Thanks for sharing those resources. We've been exploring different tools for our landing pages and digital magazines, so Shorthand seems pretty interesting. We'll definitely check out the use cases and explainer video. If we have any questions, we'll reach out to the email you provided.
Brian Lane
Explainer Video + Use Cases
Brian from Shorthand here!

Shorthand is used for a variety of use cases ranging from Digital Magazines, to Landing Pages, to Annual Reports. I wanted to share a link to examples built by top brands from around the globe:
https://shorthand.com/use-cases/

And here's a quick explainer video to give you an overview of the Shorthand Editor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBq3HhVQFnc
I wanted to share

Feel free to reach out if we can answer any questions at:
partners[at]shorthand[dot]com

R
Jun 26, 2023
Looks good. Can this also help with storyboards for interactive media sequence?
S
Aug 26, 2023
Hey Brian! Thanks for sharing those resources. We've been exploring different tools for our landing pages and digital magazines, so Shorthand seems pretty interesting. We'll definitely check out the use cases and explainer video. If we have any questions, we'll reach out to the email you provided.
Chad Bean
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What tools or systems do you use to improve your productivity?
I'm just wondering what tools you use for your daily struggles when it comes to staying productive. I tend to procrastinate a lot and juggle multiple projects. It has gotten worse since I transitioned to working from home.
Evan Hammer
Feb 4, 2023
I use Asana to keep myself organized at home. (I'm a remote product consultant and OKR coach.) For me though, the key is how I use the tools. Everyday I do a daily wrap-up where I plan out the next day. So it's all in Asana, but that fact that my todo list is important (to me) and feels manageable is key.

How do you stay organized across multiple projects?
A
Jan 5, 2023
There are a range of tools and systems that can help individuals improve their productivity. Some options include:

1) Task management tools: Task management tools, such as Trello, Asana, or Todoist, allow users to create and organize to-do lists, assign tasks to team members, and track progress.

2) Time tracking tools: Time tracking tools, such as Toggl or RescueTime, allow users to track how they spend their time and identify areas for improvement.

3) Calendar tools: Calendar tools, such as Google Calendar or Outlook, allow users to schedule and organize their time, set reminders, and manage appointments and meetings.

4) Productivity apps: Productivity apps, such as Freedom or Forest, allow users to block distracting websites and apps and focus on specific tasks.

5) Pomodoro technique: The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that involves breaking work into 25-minute increments, separated by short breaks. Using a timer or productivity app to implement the Pomodoro technique can help users stay focused and avoid burnout.
Chad Bean
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What tools or systems do you use to improve your productivity?
I'm just wondering what tools you use for your daily struggles when it comes to staying productive. I tend to procrastinate a lot and juggle multiple projects. It has gotten worse since I transitioned to working from home.
Evan Hammer
Feb 4, 2023
I use Asana to keep myself organized at home. (I'm a remote product consultant and OKR coach.) For me though, the key is how I use the tools. Everyday I do a daily wrap-up where I plan out the next day. So it's all in Asana, but that fact that my todo list is important (to me) and feels manageable is key.

How do you stay organized across multiple projects?
A
Jan 5, 2023
There are a range of tools and systems that can help individuals improve their productivity. Some options include:

1) Task management tools: Task management tools, such as Trello, Asana, or Todoist, allow users to create and organize to-do lists, assign tasks to team members, and track progress.

2) Time tracking tools: Time tracking tools, such as Toggl or RescueTime, allow users to track how they spend their time and identify areas for improvement.

3) Calendar tools: Calendar tools, such as Google Calendar or Outlook, allow users to schedule and organize their time, set reminders, and manage appointments and meetings.

4) Productivity apps: Productivity apps, such as Freedom or Forest, allow users to block distracting websites and apps and focus on specific tasks.

5) Pomodoro technique: The Pomodoro technique is a time management method that involves breaking work into 25-minute increments, separated by short breaks. Using a timer or productivity app to implement the Pomodoro technique can help users stay focused and avoid burnout.
Which AI transcription service has the best quality?
I'm looking to get transcripts from my Zoom meetings. I see Rev, Otter, Grain, and Fireflies. Obviously they have different interfaces, but the thing I care about is transcription quality. Which one has the best?
Sanjay Goel
Feb 3, 2023
We just learnt that Hubspot has also launched transcription and sentiment analysis features (https://www.hubspot.com/products/conversation-intelligence), that can be used for sales training. They integrate with Zoom Business. It may be useful if you are already using Hubspot for sales and/or marketing. We haven't tried it yet, but will test it soon.
Ari Simon
Feb 3, 2023
Hi Evan! I'm a big fan of Otter when it comes to overall functionality and transcriptions. I'm not super familiar with the other tools, however, for my meetings I use https://supernormal.com/ as well. It not only will transcribe/record your meetings, but it also summarizes and creates action items for you as well!
Evan Hammer
Which AI transcription service has the best quality?
I'm looking to get transcripts from my Zoom meetings. I see Rev, Otter, Grain, and Fireflies. Obviously they have different interfaces, but the thing I care about is transcription quality. Which one has the best?
Sanjay Goel
Feb 3, 2023
We just learnt that Hubspot has also launched transcription and sentiment analysis features (https://www.hubspot.com/products/conversation-intelligence), that can be used for sales training. They integrate with Zoom Business. It may be useful if you are already using Hubspot for sales and/or marketing. We haven't tried it yet, but will test it soon.
Ari Simon
Feb 3, 2023
Hi Evan! I'm a big fan of Otter when it comes to overall functionality and transcriptions. I'm not super familiar with the other tools, however, for my meetings I use https://supernormal.com/ as well. It not only will transcribe/record your meetings, but it also summarizes and creates action items for you as well!
N
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What are the best search SaaS for private/personal data?
Looking for a decent "personal search engine" service.
N
Feb 5, 2023
Yes wondering if there is a service that could help indexing and searching over personal notes and files (google drive, dropbox, gmail, etc.). Could be useful for teams as well, as data can be siloed over multiple location (confluence, g docs, etc.)
Andrew Karuza
Feb 4, 2023
Can you help me understand the use case more? Is it for background checks or something else? :)
N
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What are the best search SaaS for private/personal data?
Looking for a decent "personal search engine" service.
N
Feb 5, 2023
Yes wondering if there is a service that could help indexing and searching over personal notes and files (google drive, dropbox, gmail, etc.). Could be useful for teams as well, as data can be siloed over multiple location (confluence, g docs, etc.)
Andrew Karuza
Feb 4, 2023
Can you help me understand the use case more? Is it for background checks or something else? :)
Edie Orr
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
Web design process
Questions for web designers - what is your process like?

I usually start with a simple version of a design system then proceed with a sketch/wireframe but I'm wondering if there is a better process.

I definitely struggle with this and I would like to be more organized.

F
Jan 25, 2023
My process would be, first, to identify the goals of the project and understand what my client needs. Next, define the scope of the project. After that, I'll create a sitemap and wireframe for the website. Then, I'll add all the necessary content. Following that, I'll incorporate visual elements such as layout, typography, and color scheme. Before launching, I'll test the website for functionality and usability. And finally, launch the website.
D
Jan 18, 2023
As a web designer, I follow a process that includes understanding project requirements and goals, researching target audiences and competitors, creating wireframes and mockups, developing and testing the website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, optimizing for search engines and accessibility, and providing maintenance and updates as needed.
Edie Orr
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
Web design process
Questions for web designers - what is your process like?

I usually start with a simple version of a design system then proceed with a sketch/wireframe but I'm wondering if there is a better process.

I definitely struggle with this and I would like to be more organized.

F
Jan 25, 2023
My process would be, first, to identify the goals of the project and understand what my client needs. Next, define the scope of the project. After that, I'll create a sitemap and wireframe for the website. Then, I'll add all the necessary content. Following that, I'll incorporate visual elements such as layout, typography, and color scheme. Before launching, I'll test the website for functionality and usability. And finally, launch the website.
D
Jan 18, 2023
As a web designer, I follow a process that includes understanding project requirements and goals, researching target audiences and competitors, creating wireframes and mockups, developing and testing the website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, optimizing for search engines and accessibility, and providing maintenance and updates as needed.
Patrick Fang
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What are your favorite apps?
Doing a poll, what is everybody's favorite app on their phone?
Sanjay Goel
Feb 1, 2023
The app I use most often on my iphone is a boring one: OneNote from Microsoft. I forget everything, so the only way to remember it is writing it down on the fly!
Andy Karuza
Feb 1, 2023
I love http://blinkist.com app for getting great audio books done quickly.
Patrick Fang
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What are your favorite apps?
Doing a poll, what is everybody's favorite app on their phone?
Sanjay Goel
Feb 1, 2023
The app I use most often on my iphone is a boring one: OneNote from Microsoft. I forget everything, so the only way to remember it is writing it down on the fly!
Andy Karuza
Feb 1, 2023
I love http://blinkist.com app for getting great audio books done quickly.
N
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What are some good vector databases SaaS?
Looking for storing about a few thousands document embeddings and performing a similarity search. Any good open-source project works too.
I
Feb 8, 2023
Try Algolia, it supports vector fields and cosine similarity search. Elasticsearch is also an open-source option.
N
Feb 11, 2023
I tried Algolia, it doesn't seem to support vector search, only keyword search. "Easy" won't yield result with "straightforward", same for "deep learning" and "machine learning". Have you been able to do vector search with Algolia?
N
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What are some good vector databases SaaS?
Looking for storing about a few thousands document embeddings and performing a similarity search. Any good open-source project works too.
I
Feb 8, 2023
Try Algolia, it supports vector fields and cosine similarity search. Elasticsearch is also an open-source option.
N
Feb 11, 2023
I tried Algolia, it doesn't seem to support vector search, only keyword search. "Easy" won't yield result with "straightforward", same for "deep learning" and "machine learning". Have you been able to do vector search with Algolia?
Mathew Kelly
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What accounting app is ideal for personal use?
What is the best accounting app for personal use that is easy to use and offers a range of features to help individuals track their finances and manage their budgets?
Miriam Snyder
Jan 15, 2023
1) Mint - Designed for personal use. It's great for setting your budget and has goal-setting tools.

2) Wave - Free and can also do small business accounting, great for freelancers.

3) QuickBooks - It's perfect for small businesses but can also work for self-employed and freelancers, and accountants.
A
Jan 24, 2023
I recommend QuickBooks. It offers various tools to track income and expenses, create invoices and estimates, manage payroll, and generate financial reports.
Mathew Kelly
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
What accounting app is ideal for personal use?
What is the best accounting app for personal use that is easy to use and offers a range of features to help individuals track their finances and manage their budgets?
Miriam Snyder
Jan 15, 2023
1) Mint - Designed for personal use. It's great for setting your budget and has goal-setting tools.

2) Wave - Free and can also do small business accounting, great for freelancers.

3) QuickBooks - It's perfect for small businesses but can also work for self-employed and freelancers, and accountants.
A
Jan 24, 2023
I recommend QuickBooks. It offers various tools to track income and expenses, create invoices and estimates, manage payroll, and generate financial reports.
C
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
Project management tool
What is a good project and task management web tool for managing my startup software project?
Evan Hammer
Feb 4, 2023
Hi Carlos! Assuming your focus is on delivering software, I personally love Shortcut. (https://www.shortcut.com) It helps me split my features into clear user stories (deliverables) and shows me what is getting worked on and delivered. Are those needs similar to yours, or are you thinking a more general project management tool for all business needs?
T
Feb 7, 2023
Great question. I use Clickup. I love the Scrum Points and Task templates features. I use it for web development projects and it's been very helpful so far.
C
Latest activity: Apr 19, 2024
Project management tool
What is a good project and task management web tool for managing my startup software project?
Evan Hammer
Feb 4, 2023
Hi Carlos! Assuming your focus is on delivering software, I personally love Shortcut. (https://www.shortcut.com) It helps me split my features into clear user stories (deliverables) and shows me what is getting worked on and delivered. Are those needs similar to yours, or are you thinking a more general project management tool for all business needs?
T
Feb 7, 2023
Great question. I use Clickup. I love the Scrum Points and Task templates features. I use it for web development projects and it's been very helpful so far.
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