Startup fundraising has decreased dramatically in the last 12 months, as a result of an economic downturn that is also impacting startup valuations at emerging tech companies.

Data from Crunchbase reveals that global venture funds allocated $76 billion to startups during the first quarter of 2023, marking a significant decline compared to the $162 billion invested in the same period the previous year.

These numbers reflect the profound challenges startups face as they navigate the current economic landscape. With the downturn impacting valuations, investors have adopted a more cautious approach in deploying capital, resulting in a notable reduction in overall funding levels.

In a Founders Network panel discussion on June 15, investors will provide invaluable insights and effective strategies to navigate the complexities of securing funding during these challenging times.

Throughout the panel discussion, investors will cover:

• Current trends and challenges in startup fundraising
• Key factors investors consider when evaluating potential startups
• How founders can navigate the complexities of fundraising during economic downturns
• Strategies startups can employ to increase their chances of securing funding

About the Panel:

Heather Zindell

Heather Zindell is a 2x CEO, entrepreneur, board member, angel investor, and high-tech transformation thought leader. She has successfully created, launched, and sold three businesses in her career in high-tech. As the CEO of a fast-growing Business Management Consulting Services company for 12 years, she has been a trusted advisor to some of the most innovative tech companies in the world, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Enterprise & Commercial

Groups, Microsoft Partner Group, Microsoft Global Security, Hewlett Packard, Meta, Workplace from Facebook, VMware, Oculus, M12 Venture Capital, Vulcan Ventures, Red Hat, IBM, Cisco, HP, Poly, Caterpillar, HealthNet, and Citrix. She is currently the Vice President of Strategy and Operations for a nonprofit that supports women in the tech ecosystem.

Vani Rao

Vani Rao is seasoned in promoting capital access to entrepreneurs to build healthier economies. She is a Principal Partner with Mastersfund and has the privilege of serving as Board Director for Tribute and Advocat AI. Vani is also a Partner with Division One Capital, and serves as an Advisor to Sax Capital Partners and The Villa Life. Prior to this, Vani was the Vice President of Products at Lighter Capital where she worked with data and funding analytics for early-stage companies. Before this, she spent over a decade in sales and trading specializing in interest rate derivatives and credit products at BBVA and KeyBank. Vani is a CFA Charterholder and has a Master’s Degree in Financial Engineering from Kent State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from New York University.

Yarden Tadmor

Yarden Tadmor is a startup builder with five exits under his belt. He is a seasoned technology startup entrepreneur, operator, and angel investor with over 25 years of experience building and supporting software technology startups from the ground up. His expertise includes product ideation, execution, go-to-market, and growth.

Yarden’s experience includes extensive time in technology including ad tech, eComm, retail, finance, healthcare, wellness, SaaS, and more. He previously served as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at  Taboola (TBLA) and took the company from $5K to $1M MRR in under 2 years. At Convert Media, he led the GTM of algorithmic video ad exchange as CRO, which led to the acquisition by Taboola for $100M. At Dapper, Inc. he led the GTM, taking the company from $0-$10M ARR (acquired by Yahoo within 3 years for $70M).

Yarden was on the founding team at Quigo where he was VP Product and then VP of Business Development and Sales. During his tenure, he led product and took the business from $0 – $70M ARR, which led to the sale at $380M to Time Warner/AOL in 2008.

Complimentary Ticket:

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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

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