Tess Danielson 
In recent years, it has become clear that Chicago is one of the best places in the country to launch an early-stage startup. Its diverse and dynamic business climate creates an ideal environment for innovation and growth, backed by a strong network of venture capital firms and angel investors. Home to world-class universities, the city … more
The U.S. tech industry thrives on innovation and perseverance. While homegrown talent has created empires, the industry’s competitive edge has always been shaped by one defining force: a diverse immigrant workforce. While immigrants only make up about 14% of the U.S. population, they represent an astounding 20% of the self-employed individuals and 25% of startup … more
If you asked the average person how much they would research before moving across the world or launching a business, they’d likely say weeks or months or years. Sabari Raja is not one of those people. The startup founder and managing partner at JFFVentures ( an early stage venture fund investing in workforce innovations that … more
Adam Treboutat, founder and CEO of TNT Growth, didn’t always know where his career path was taking him. His first professional title was accountant, but he began to find more joy exploring the marketing sector. “I like numbers, I like troubleshooting, but accounting just wasn’t for me,” he recalls. “I wanted to get into a … more
John Atkins, Senior Growth Marketing Strategist at Tuff, worked for years to master growth marketing strategies. But he took an unconventional path that continues to inspire his unique approach today. Inspired by a high school English teacher, John originally pursued a degree in English literature. After graduating, he took the opportunity to teach English as … more
Being interviewed by a journalist is an exciting opportunity for any startup founder. It’s a chance to share your story, promote your brand, and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. However, it can also be nerve-wracking if you’re unprepared. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process with confidence. Why … more
These days, it feels like every state has its own twist on Silicon Valley. For the city Philadelphia, the tech hub has earned itself the nickname of “Cellicon Valley.” Philly has consistently ranked among the 10 best life science markets and was ranked as one of the world’s best places to found a startup. In … more
Before launching Coyote Ventures, an early-stage fund dedicated to health equity and women’s health, Jessica Karr first needed to discover where her true passion truly belonged. After completing her MS in Biochemistry, Jessica began her startup career when she helped to design and launch the Impossible Burger as an early employee. Later she completed an … more
In his 30-plus years of experience, Nitin Rai has witnessed the venture capital market rise and fall and rise again. These same highs and lows applied to his journey within the industry, often involving challenges beyond funding. But the path to success in the U.S. was shaped by a challenging and impactful journey. Today, Nitin … more
The world is full of problems. Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva, found the perfect answer to one of them. The Australian entrepreneur built Canva to democratize accessibility to design platforms, which went on to rival the tech giants. Today, Canva has grown into one of the world’s most successful startups. It reached unicorn … more
Public speaking is one of the most common phobias, surpassing death, spiders, and heights. Recognized as a social anxiety disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, it’s commonly known as Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA) or glossophobia. Despite the growing importance of fluency in public speaking, particularly in the business world, the fear remains widespread. Although PSA … more
Jeff Clavier, founder and managing partner of Uncork Capital, is a well-known figure in the VC ecosystem. Born and raised in France, he earned a Master of Science in Computer Science and a degree in Distributed Computing from Université Paris Descartes. During his studies, he joined Effix, a fintech startup later acquired by Reuters, which … more
As a founder, failure is inevitable. But the silver lining is that it means everyone experiences it. While learning from past mistakes is crucial to success, it doesn’t mean it’s an enjoyable experience. When it comes to relatable and humorous stories, Reddit will never let you down. (Also, public service announcements, avoid alcohol and drugs … more
Marcos Fernandez, co-founder and managing partner at Fiat Ventures, once believed he was destined to be a founder. About 15 years ago, bright eyed and bushy tailed, Marcos worked towards launching his own projects. But it soon became apparent that the pressures associated with building a startup from the ground up was more than he … more
Philadelphia has become a prominent tech hub on the east coast and is a great place for startups looking for a new view. But in a place experiencing skyrocketing growth, it can be difficult to find the best venture capital firm for you. Here is a list of the top Philadelphia VC firms in the … more
Women entrepreneurs often face higher funding hurdles, particularly during pregnancy. With preparation, transparency, and support, these challenges can be overcome. Here’s how to secure the funding your startup needs. Historically, women received less than 2% of all venture capital funding in 2022. For pregnant founders, the bias can be even more pronounced. But a pregnant … more
Fundraising is the lifeblood of a startup. But for first-time founders, the process of raising capital can feel daunting. Crafting a clear and actionable to-do list is one of the most effective ways to bring order to the chaos and maintain focus on your goals. Here’s how to build a to-do list that sets you … more
Finding the right venture capital partner can be challenging for any startup founder. Securing funding means connecting with investors who not only have the resources but also share your vision and values. Researching and identifying the right VC firm is critical for ensuring long-term success and alignment. Here’s some of the best advice from Reddit on … more
We invest at the pre-seed and seed stages in passionate, tenacious founders solving big problems and help them grow their startup with hands-on product, marketing, sales, and fundraising support