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October 5, 2022 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm CDT
FreeHow to Raise Capital – Advice from Exited Founders & Early Stage VCs
Headline after headline reports that venture capital investment in tech startups is declining. According to a recent report, VC-backed companies in the U.S. raised $58 billion in Q2 2022, a 23 percent decline from $77 billion in Q1 2022.
In light of the decline, startup founders need to be more strategic than ever when raising capital. This means developing a better understanding of what investors are looking for, and ensuring you leave a lasting impression when you ultimately secure a meeting.
At an fnChicago Chapter event on October 5, Founders Network members will have the opportunity to learn from both startup founders and VCs about strategies for raising capital. The event will feature a panel discussion and a select number of attendees will be able to submit pitch decks for feedback from the panelists.
About the Panel
For 20+ years, Jason has been an advocate for entrepreneurs by connecting them to growth resources such as investors, advisors, and strategic partners. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Propellant Ventures, which is a Seed stage fund that invests in the growth of Chicago and the greater Midwest across a broad range of powerful, diverse, and leading-edge B2B industries. Prior to launching Propellant Ventures, Jason was a Principal at Alumni Ventures Group (AVG) and led due diligence for Bascom Ventures, which is a venture capital fund that invests in seed, growth, and later stage companies with a Wisconsin alumni connection. In addition, Jason launched and currently runs the Chicago chapter of Founder Institute, which is the world’s largest entrepreneur pre-seed accelerator for technology companies. Further, Jason is an adjunct faculty member of DePaul University and teaches classes on entrepreneurship.
Landon Campbell is the General Manager of Chicago for Drive Capital. He’s a DePaul University graduate and previously worked at the Chicago Tribune, Cameo, and Motorola Solutions. He’s the Host of a top business podcast called inTheir20s, where he interviews influential leaders to talk about their 20s. Past guests include: Steve Wozniak, Ev Williams, Mayor Francis Suarez, and Tim Draper.Venue: Near Chicago City Hall. Register to find out where. Hosted drinks and apps.
Marc Halpin is a serial entrepreneur and has spent his career building venture-backed startups. He is currently the Founder of Kerosene Ventures, a platform that connects founders with early-stage investors. Previously, Marc was CEO & Founder of Kapow, a digital marketplace for corporate events that operated nationally with over 250 employees.
Marc is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs through the process of raising capital and uses his leadership skills to consult other like-minded Founders. He has experience scaling startups globally and has raised upwards of $50M for his own businesses. He is also a Mentor for Future Founders, mHUB and Next Gen HQ where he enjoys hosting workshops, judging pitch competitions and meeting one-on-one with entrepreneurs.
Marc is originally from the U.K. and has resided in Chicago for the last 15 years. In his free time, he enjoys running marathons, traveling and spending time with his two children.
Christian Anastabiades was part of the founding team at 2ndKitchen where he led sales and customer growth. 2ndKitchen was a Techstars company that raised two rounds before getting acquired in 2021. Christian is currently part of the leadership team of a series B healthtech startup, Torch Technology.
fnChicago Chapter Leadership Team
- Chapter Director: Josh Furstoss
- Membership Chair: Andy Cwik
- Growth Chair: Jason Jacobsohn
- Chapter Leader: Marisa Bryce
Chapter Partner/Sponsor
Much Shelist Law Firm is one of Chicago’s top law firms that represent companies in every phase of growth and development, including idea stage, entity formation, angel financing, venture capital financing, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and beyond.
Join us!
Are you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest and request an invite to see if you qualify for membership.
Complimentary Ticket:
Are you a full-time tech founder? Be our guest! During COVID, we’re making our events available to tech founders everywhere. Enjoy a complimentary ticket to come learn from fellow tech founders, partners and investors. Already used your complimentary guest pass? Request an invite to see if you qualify for membership.
About Founders Network:
Founded in 2011, Founders Network offers lifelong peer mentorship to over 600 tech startup founders globally. Our platform, programs and high-touch service facilitate authentic experience sharing, warm introductions and long-term professional relationships. Additional benefits include over $500k in startup discounts and promotion to 2,000 newsletter readers. Members are located in San Francisco, New York City, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, London and other tech hubs. Each month our Membership Committee admits a new cohort of full-time tech founders who are nominated by an existing member. Learn more about us here
Confidentiality Policy
All information shared within Founders Network is strictly confidential. We are built on a foundation of trust, and the community takes confidentiality seriously. Investors, members, and staff all share experiences and opinions off the record. In this roundtable forum, we continue to model our fnValues of Reciprocity, Humility, Authenticity and Inclusivity. Read more about our Privacy Policy here.
Testimonials
"If you don't have a cohort group in something like Founders Network that you can develop long-term relationships with and discuss the same topics that come up with people that you already know, you're probably missing out on something very important."David Plonsky
"The number one advantage is the law of compound interest. The longer you stay in a very high-quality network the strong and more authentic relationships you build."Chaitanya Vaidya
"We know each other's business and we know each other's struggles. Having a personal relationship with other founders that is completely confidential and completely authentic gives you a lot of great advice."Doug Lessing
"FN manages my network for me by connecting me with other founders in my specific industry sector. I've been able to explore business development opportunities, partnerships, etc."Becky Splitt
"We just saw the first Mexican unicorn come to life this same week which is a fantastic idea. Being part of the Founders Network makes a lot of sense. We see that the Mexico City chapter is growing substantially."Max Linares
"There's a lot of great stuff going on even now in San Francisco. I've found Founders Network has been a great resource for me and for all of the founders I know during these tough times."Jarie Bolander
"It allowed me to meet people who had done this before that had the experience. I was able to explain an issue very briefly and they were able to give me a very detailed response on how they addressed it."Terence Finn
"I've used the platform to discover advice, connections, resources, discounts, on important services, connections to investors, and practice on how to pitch. The kind of conversations you can't get anywhere else on youtube or google searches."Alexandra Greenhill
"I see Founders Network as one of those necessary resources in the Chicagoland area."Jason Jacobsohn
"The Black Founders initiative allows me to shape this program where we can inspire, engage, and support Black Founders."Khiry Kemp
