#how to invest in startups for equity

[sharensharma]

How to Invest in Startups for Equity and Make High Returns

The startup world is a breeding ground for innovation and disruption. It's where revolutionary ideas take root and have the potential to blossom into industry giants. As an investor, this presents a unique opportunity to get in on the ground floor of the next big thing. By investing in startups for equity, you can share in their success and potentially reap high returns. However, startup investing is not without its risks. These companies are young and unproven, and there's a high chance of failure.

This blog will guide you through the process of how to invest in startups for equity, helping you understand the risks and rewards involved, identify promising startups, and navigate the investment landscape.

Understanding Startup Investment

Before diving in, it's crucial to understand the basics of startup investment. Here's a breakdown of key concepts:

Equity: When you invest in a startup for equity, you essentially become a part-owner of the company. In return for your investment, you receive shares in the company. The value of these shares fluctuates with the company's performance. If the startup succeeds, your shares could become significantly more valuable, potentially leading to high returns. However, if the startup fails, your investment could be lost entirely.

Investment Stages: Startups go through various funding stages, each with its own risk profile. Early-stage investments (seed and Series A) carry the highest risk but also the potential for the highest returns. Later-stage investments (Series B and beyond) are generally considered less risky but also offer lower potential returns.

Identifying Promising Startups

Finding the right startups to invest in is crucial for success. Here are some tips to help you identify promising ventures:

Market: Focus on industries with high growth potential. Look for startups that address a clear need in the market and offer a unique solution.

Team: The team behind the startup is one of the most important factors to consider. Invest in companies with passionate, experienced founders who have a proven track record of success.

Product: Analyze the startup's product or service. Is it innovative and well-designed? Does it have a clear value proposition?

Traction: Has the startup achieved any traction? Look for evidence of customer growth, revenue generation, or partnerships with established players.

Investing in Startups: Different Approaches

There are several ways to how to invest in startups for equity. Here's a breakdown of the most common methods:

Angel Investing: Angel investors are accredited individuals who invest their own money directly into startups. This is a popular option for early-stage investing.

Venture Capital Firms: Venture capital firms pool funds from various investors and invest in startups with high growth potential. [venture capital firms in india] specialize in funding Indian startups.

Crowdfunding Platforms: Some crowdfunding platforms allow you to invest in startups alongside other investors. This can be a good option for smaller investments.

How to Get Started

Do your research: Before investing in any startup, thoroughly research the company, the market, and the team. Due diligence is essential to minimize risk.

Connect with the startup ecosystem: Attend industry events, join startup communities, and network with other investors. This will help you identify promising startups and gain valuable insights.

Seek professional advice: Consider consulting with a financial advisor experienced in startup investments. They can guide you through the investment process and help you make informed decisions.

Important Considerations

Liquidity: Unlike stocks or bonds, startup investments are highly illiquid. There's no guarantee you'll be able to sell your shares easily, and it may take years to see a return on your investment.

Risk Tolerance: Startup investing is inherently risky. Be prepared to lose your entire investment. Only invest what you can afford to lose.

Investing in startups for equity can be a rewarding experience, offering the potential for high returns. However, it's crucial to understand the risks involved and approach this asset class with caution. By conducting thorough research, diversifying your portfolio, and seeking professional advice, you can increase your chances of success in the exciting world of startup investing.

Finding the Right Platform

Navigating the startup investment landscape can be challenging. Krystal Ventures Studio is a platform designed to connect the needs of startups with the interests of investors. They offer a curated selection of promising startups across various industries and stages of growth.  [Krystal Ventures] can help you identify suitable investment opportunities and streamline the investment process.

[krystalventures]

How Investment Partners Can Accelerate Your Financial Growth

Introduction:

In the world of finance and wealth building, the importance of smart investments cannot be overstated. While many individuals may have a general understanding of investing, achieving significant financial growth often requires expertise, experience, and the support of reliable partners. This is where investment partners come into play. Collaborating with investment partners can greatly enhance your investment strategy, diversify your portfolio, and ultimately accelerate your financial growth. In this blog post, we will delve into the numerous advantages of having investment partners and how they can propel you towards achieving your financial goals.

Access to Expertise and Experience:

One of the key benefits of having investment partners is gaining access to their valuable expertise and experience. These partners are professionals who possess in-depth knowledge of the financial markets, investment opportunities, and risk management strategies. They have honed their skills over years of experience and are adept at analyzing market trends, identifying potential pitfalls, and making informed investment decisions. By partnering with these individuals or firms, you can tap into their wealth of knowledge and benefit from their insights, which can significantly increase the likelihood of making profitable investments.

Diversification of Portfolio:

Investment partners can help you diversify your investment portfolio, which is crucial for managing risk and maximizing returns. By pooling resources together with your investment partners, you can collectively invest in a wider range of asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative investments. This diversification reduces the vulnerability of your portfolio to the fluctuations of a single asset class or market segment, ensuring a more balanced and resilient investment strategy. The expertise of your investment partners can guide you in selecting the most promising investment opportunities within each asset class, optimizing your portfolio's potential for growth.

Shared Network and Resources:

Collaborating with investment partners opens up a vast network of connections and resources that can significantly impact your financial growth. Investment partners often have established relationships with industry experts, entrepreneurs, and other investors, creating opportunities for strategic partnerships, joint ventures, and access to exclusive investment deals. This network can offer valuable insights, introductions, and synergies that can elevate your investment game and open doors to new investment avenues.

Mitigating Risk:

Investing inherently carries some level of risk, but investment partners can help mitigate these risks through their knowledge and experience. They can conduct thorough due diligence, assess potential risks associated with an investment opportunity, and devise risk management strategies. By partnering with experts who have a deep understanding of risk analysis and mitigation, you can make more informed decisions, minimize losses, and safeguard your investments.

Conclusion:

In the pursuit of financial growth, having investment partners by your side can be a game-changer. Their expertise, experience, and network can provide the necessary boost to your investment strategy, helping you achieve your financial goals faster and more effectively. Investment partners like Krystal Ventures, for example, offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, partnering with professionals can amplify your investment potential and set you on the path to long-term financial success. So, embrace the power of investment partners, leverage their knowledge, and watch your financial growth soar to new heights.

[sophie-frm-mars]

Dog Girl Elizabeth Holmes convincing you to invest in Therianos, her startup that can tell if you're a good girl from a single drop of your

Anyway you ever think about the contexts in which the scientific method is treated as a virtue? Like logically, the scientific method is, at least in abstract, water tight. That's why when people are showing misapplication of science by systems and institutions it's pretty much always that their argument shows how an aesthetic or gesture towards scientific soundness has been used in an unscientific way or to create an unscientific result. This I think drives the common technocratic impulse that "if only experts ran everything, everything would be fine" - if a state upheld science in earnest as its utmost virtue, it would be infallibly logical and therefore generally infallible. But do we want the state to be infallible? I don't want to just argue that the "science" of economics is bunk because rigorous economic science, materialist analysis frequently refutes the basic conclusions of what most economists treat as a given, I want economics to not be taken as an implicit authority that is allowed to rule and govern the lives of human beings and the general health of the planet because what is moral, sustainable, and creates the most equity and happiness is not necessary based in what can be proven on a whiteboard. Idk

[jimi-rawlings]

How This Central African City Became the World’s Most Expensive

S & M GOALS TEAMPLATE

Stretch Goals: Central African Republic Ranks Top 8 in FIFA World Rankings for Men's and Top 5 for Futsal

Micro Goals: All Time Laureus World Sports Awards Winner for Africans, Laureus Team Award, All Time African Footballer of the Year, AFCON Host Nation Champion*, African Transfer Record*,  Insead and WSJ Conferences*, Jeune Afrique Cover*, Verified LinkedIn Member*, and Agriculture Startup Reality TV

CAPÔI HABITANT CURRENCY MODEL

Pigou Effect, Corporate Tax Havens, Capital Gains Tax Havens, Private-Public Sectors, Joint Venture Plantations, Market Extension Mergers, with Business Incubators, and Enterprise Foundation, Holding Company, Subsidiaries, and Horizontal Integration for Monopoly.

A currency union (also known as monetary union) is an intergovernmental agreement that involves two or more states sharing the same currency. These states may not necessarily have any further integration (such as an economic and monetary union, which would have, in addition, a customs union and a single market). [Pigou Effect Currency (Short FX), Currency Board Currency (Retirement Fixed Exchange Rate), Market Currency (FX Long Currency)]

Gross national product (GNP) GNP is related to another important economic measure called gross domestic product (GDP), which takes into account all output produced within a country's borders regardless of who owns the means of production. GNP starts with GDP, adds residents' investment income from overseas investments, and subtracts foreign residents' investment income earned within a country. Whilst GDP measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders, GNP focuses on the income generated by its residents, regardless of their location.

Gross National Income (GNI) is the total amount of money earned by a nation's people and businesses. It is used to measure and track a nation's wealth from year to year. The number includes the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) plus the income it receives from overseas sources.

Agriculture Central Hedge Fund, Mining Unions: Peninsula Agronomique Engineering, Commodities Options Exchange (Credit Spread Options, Farm REITs, Crop Production; Fertelizers and Seeds; Equipment; Distribution and Processing Stocks, Ag ETFs and ETNs, Ag Mutual Funds), Tableau Économiques, Investments Farms REITs, Art Financing Mardi Gras

Index Franc: Tobacco-Tobacco Soil Index/Franc Tabac Currency Pair (TBS/TAF)

The overlapping generations (OLG) model; consumption-based capital asset pricing model (CCAPM); Endogenous growth theory; Material balance planning; Leontief paradox; Malinvestment; Helicopter money; Modern monetary theory

Mercantilism Spectrum of CDF/CFA

CDF Raw Materials and CFA Products. (Prices); CDF Holding Company and CFA Conglomerate Company. (Equity and Dividend Yield); CDF is Gold Standard and CFA is Helicopter Money. (FX Rate/Hedging); CDF Helicopter Money [Supplier Currency] and CFA as Purchasing Power [Consumer Currency] (Currency Union & Currency Board and Negative Interest Rates); CDF is Congolese Franc and CFA is Central African Franc

DOS SANTOS FREE-ROLE

Supporting Striker (Inverted Winger)

Central Winger (False 10)

Overlapping Run/Defensive Winger (Half-winger)

An inverted winger is a modern tactical development of the traditional winger position. Most wingers are assigned to either side of the field based on their footedness, with right-footed players on the right and left-footed players on the left.[65] This assumes that assigning a player to their natural side ensures a more powerful cross as well as greater ball protection along the touch-lines. However, when the position is inverted and a winger instead plays inside-out on the opposite flank (i.e., a right-footed player as a left inverted winger), they effectively become supporting strikers and primarily assume a role in the attack.[66]

The "false 10" or "central winger"[55] is a type of midfielder, which differs from the trequartista. Much like the "false 9", their specificity lies in the fact that, although they seemingly play as an attacking midfielder on paper, unlike a traditional playmaker who stays behind the striker in the centre of the pitch, the false 10's goal is to move out of position and drift wide when in possession of the ball to help both the wingers and fullbacks to overload the flanks. This means two problems for the opposing midfielders: either they let the false 10 drift wide, and their presence, along with both the winger and the fullback, creates a three-on-two player advantage out wide; or they follow the false 10, but leave space in the centre of the pitch for wingers or onrushing midfielders to exploit. False 10s are usually traditional wingers who are told to play in the centre of the pitch, and their natural way of playing makes them drift wide and look to provide deliveries into the box for teammates.

In Italian football, the term mezzala (literally "half-winger" in Italian) is used to describe the position of the one or two central midfielders who play on either side of a holding midfielder and/or playmaker. The term was initially applied to the role of an inside forward in the WM and Metodo formations in Italian, but later described a specific type of central midfielder. The mezzala is often a quick and hard-working attack-minded midfielder, with good skills and noted offensive capabilities, as well as a tendency to make overlapping attacking runs, but also a player who participates in the defensive aspect of the game, and who can give width to a team by drifting out wide; as such, the term can be applied to several different roles.

On occasion, the false-10 can also function in a different manner alongside a false-9, usually in a 4–6–0 formation. Midfield collective of False 9, False 10, Box to Box, Holding, Half Winger, Attacking, Defensive. We are not stretching the defensive line itsself, but the space between the defensive line and the goalkeeper.

Thiago Motta’s ‘Super Offensive’ 2-7-2 Formation Explained: Instead of the traditional way of looking at a tactical set-up horizontally, the Brazil-born manager instead split the field into three vertical lanes. This means he effectively has seven players in the central channel with two players out wide on each flank.

Adjust Free Role System to The Scoreboard.

The Central African Games was an international multi-sport event for countries within Central Africa. (Boxing, Athletics, Tennis, Football, Rallycross, Olympic Weightlifting, Volleyball, Trap Shooting, Basketball)

The Central African Football Federations' Union, officially abbreviated as UNIFFAC[a], is a sports governing body representing the football associations of Central Africa.

RUSSE NOIR FOOTBALL

VEDETTE: 3-4-1-2 has 4 Pivot Formations so 5 Total: Transition to a 4-4-2 Diamond, Transition to a 4-4-2, Transition to a 4-2-3-1, Transition to a 3-3-1-3

Positional Game is Diamonds Tic-Tac-Toe with Enforcer and Avoider. Striker [Enforcer](Inverted Winger and Centre Forward), Deep Lying Playmaker [Avoider] (Holding Midfielder and Inverted Winger), and Sweeper Wingback Deep Lying Playmaker [Avoider] (Centre Back). Use Playing Styles, Manipulated Positions, and Combinational Games for Positional Play as Johan Cruyff students.

Angolan 4-4-2 Diamond Tic Tac Toe Variant: 1-3-4-2; (1) Falar Pelos Cotovelos (Sweeper Deep-lying Playmaker Wingback) (4) Diamond Rover (Diamond Rotation from Midfield, Wings, and Defensive Third) Counterpressing Pivot Pressing Triggers, Sweeper-Winger Pivots, Overlapping Runs, W; I; M; V; Box Keeping Formation with 3 Centre-Backs) [Key Stats: Front Foot, Pressing Triggers, Clearance, Aerial Duel, Interceptions, Blocked Shots, Tackles, Final Ball, Key Dribbles, Overlapping Runs, Set Piece Taker] Spacing, Possession, Pass Completion, and Counter Pressing with Pursuit and Ambush Predation One Team Box Touches and Capture the Flag with Analytics-Geometry Total Football Trixie Bet on CNS Drugs (Xanax and Modafinil); 1-1-2-1 Diamond Rover Futsal Pivot Formation

Define a run in one of two ways: (i) as a set of consecutive goals scored by one team, without the other team scoring a goal; (ii) as a set of consecutive scoring events by one team, each event being either a goal or one or more Set Piece. Play aggressive and with counter pressing and run it up on the score board in the first half and after halftime play defense. You get a break at half and it's easier to win when someone plays defense and looks for opportunities instead of Attacking.

Posterior Chain Super Compensation and Speed-Endurance (Elastic-Connective Tissue) Force-Velocity Curve; Crescent Moon Horizontal Plane Vertical Force Sprinting Mechanics.

Set Piece Stylistic Biomechanics: Shooting Knee at Wall for Curve and Placement Knee for Corner. Follow through with Shot with proper Body Alignment

Knee to Feet or Shoulder to Feet Cradling for Touch/Entertainment

Placement Mechanics: Arch-Heel Linedrive and Arch-Knuckle Raised Curve

UEFA Front Office Curriculum

Museum d'histoire: Broken down into three major section — “A Lineage of Coaches Players and Places,” “Proving Grounds” and “Cultures of Basketball” — City/Game documents how basketball first found its origins in the neighborhoods of NYC and then went on to produce a roster of local legends who played everywhere from Rucker Park and the Cage on West 4th Street to Christ the King High School and St. John’s University.

Agility Ladder Eyes Pocket: Eyes Between Defenders Feet and Ball, Numbered Footwork V-Step (Shifting Defenders with Momentum) et L-Step (Explosive First Step), All moves should form a Triangle or an Incomplete Triangle (Coup de Pied)

*Push-Pull Sprint/Shooting Cycle: Pull Glutes et Hamstring; Push Calf et Quads for Sprints.

Sprint Size Up: A series of feint Karaoké dribble moves with Eye Tricks (Fake Pass) but Sprint Position Finish

Triangle Philosophy: All Dribbling Moves should form a Triangle or an Incomplete Triangle while using V-Step (Shifting Defenders with Momentum) et L-Step (Explosive First Step).

Thé Crescent: In Close Dribbling; Crescent Footwork with L Shapes (Paul Pogba)

On the Run Dribbling Moves: Letters and Shapes; Still Play 1 on 1: Numbered Footwork

Piedi Felici Courts: Drills Side/Box Play with 1 Net; Design Vaporwave Action Painting Angels; Knee for Direction and Sole Drags for Dribbling Touch and Crescent Moon Sprint Mechanics

Gambling Games: 5 Roll (Captain, Ship, Crew); Live-Pool Betting Monopoly

Stylistic Biomechanics: Dribbling Foot To Ball Contact (Balls of Feet and Arch of Feet); Knee for Direction; Foot Drags; & Hip Angle, Crescent Moon Running Mechanics, and Laces Kick.

Diamond Football (15 mins)

Set Up

-Lay out two overlapping sets of 4 flat markers in the positions shown above.

-Ask the players to stand on a flat marker for their teams colour (Red on Red, Yellow on Yellow).

Instruction

-Whenever the ball goes out for a kick in or for the defenders ball, the players must stand on their markers before play begins.

-As soon as the ball has been played in, players are free to move.

-Reset everytime the ball goes out.

Coaching Points, Progressions Ect.

-Ask players to shout out what each position on the park is to devlop understanding of their roles.

-If you decide to go to a normal game , leave the markers out for a visual aid for the players.

-If more than 8 players, Add in Goalkeepers who would then play the ball out to the DF,LM,RM.

-Rotate Positions, Ask Players to stand on a marker they haven't been on before

RUSSE NOIR ACCENT

Lingua Franca of Renaissance Latin (Vocabulary) and Atlantic–Congo Fon (Grammar).

Volta–Congo is a major branch of the Atlantic–Congo family. Fon (fɔ̀ngbè, pronounced [fɔ̃̀ɡ͡bē][2]) also known as Dahomean is the language of the Fon people. It belongs to the Gbe group within the larger Atlantic–Congo family.

In linguistic typology, subject–verb–object (SVO) is a sentence structure where the subject comes first, the verb second, and the object third.

Haitian Creole (/ˈheɪʃən ˈkriːoʊl/; Haitian Creole: kreyòl ayisyen, [kɣejɔl ajisjɛ̃];[6][7] French: créole haïtien, [kʁe.ɔl a.i.sjɛ̃]), or simply Creole (Haitian Creole: kreyòl), is a French-based creole language spoken by 10 to 12 million people worldwide, and is one of the two official languages of Haiti (the other being French), where it is the native language of the vast majority of the population. The language emerged from contact between French settlers and enslaved Africans during the Atlantic slave trade in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) in the 17th and 18th centuries. Although its vocabulary largely derives from 18th-century French, its grammar is that of a West African Volta-Congo language branch, particularly the Fongbe and Igbo languages.

Prose Accent Congo and Modern Accent Congo.

Full Lips Endings with Vertical Narrow Mouth and Soft Rs.

A noun phrase – or NP or nominal (phrase) – is a phrase that usually has a noun or pronoun as its head, and has the same grammatical functions as a noun.

BELMÔNT'S SIN INDEX FUND PORTFOLIO 

Sin stock sectors usually include alcohol, tobacco, gambling, sex-related industries (Cabaret and Burlesque), and weapons manufacturers.

Diageo 

Phillip Morris

Sports Betting Investment Trust

Pharmaceuticals

Business Clusters with Scrum Management and Accelerators to produce Festivals.

Example: Create a Index Fund Portfolio of 15-20 Stocks and using Supply Side Economics to create Decentralized Gambling Economy.

BELMÔNT'S DECENTRALIZED GAMBLING ECONOMY

Corporate-Capital Gains Tax Haven

High Stakes Minimum Buy In

Card Gambling (Signal and President): Top 2 highest bids fight for the Coup d'état and the other two are lesser men, the lesser men are subordinates that aid in playing cards for the warlord, the winning team splits the money, the warlords switches based on the 13 cards dealt and bets placed, the first team to shed all of their cards win.

Domestic Gambling: Boxing

Retirement Gambling: Boat Racing

Residency Program for Tax Benefits

BELMÔNT'S TURF ACCOUNTING MODEL

+EV

Python Programming Gaussian Distribution

Exotic Options Trading Live Betting

Parlays Minimum for Round Robins

Daily Fantasy Sports Rakes

RUSSE NOIR PALACE

Definitions of ballroom. noun. large room used mainly for dancing. synonyms: dance hall, dance palace**. types: disco, discotheque.

Go Go Music Influenced, Eurphoric Trance Chord Progression Melody, Progressive House and Drum n' Bass Percussion-808 Call and Response Staccato Polyrhythm or Layered Kick and Punch 808.

In his 1972 study of French lute music, scholar Wallace Rave compiled a list of features he believed to be characteristic of style brisé. Rave's list included the following: the avoidance of textural pattern and regularity in part writing; arpeggiated chord textures with irregular distribution of individual notes of the chord; ambiguous melodic lines; rhythmic displacement of notes within a melodic line; octave changes within melodic line; irregular phrase lengths.

Have the Snare and Kick say, "Hi, How are you?" And the 808 say, "I am good thanks for asking.”

Use progressive House to push the Drums Conversation to either Fast and Punchy for Happy or Slow and Deep for Sad.

In technical terms, "go-go's essential beat is characterized by a five through four syncopated rhythm that is underscored prominently by the bass drum and snare drum, and the hi-hat... [and] is ornamented by the other percussion instruments, especially by the conga drums, rototoms, and hand-held cowbells."[5]

Polyrhythm: In music, a cross-beat or cross-rhythm is a specific form of polyrhythm. The term cross rhythm was introduced in 1934 by the musicologist Arthur Morris Jones (1889–1980). It refers to a situation where the rhythmic conflict found in polyrhythms is the basis of an entire musical piece.[1]

Four-on-the-floor (or four-to-the-floor) is a rhythm used primarily in dance genres such as disco and electronic dance music. It is a steady, uniformly accented beat in 4. 4 time in which the bass drum is hit on every beat (1, 2, 3, 4).[1] This was popularized in the disco music of the 1970s[2] and the term four-on-the-floor was widely used in that era, since the beat was played with the pedal-operated, drum-kit bass drum.[3][4] (Punch 808-Kick)

Polyrhythm 4 on the Floor examples 2:4 or 5:4

Hard trance is often characterized by strong, hard (or even downpitch) kicks, fully resonant basses and an increased amount of reverberation applied to the main beat. Melodies vary from 140 to 180 BPMs and it can feature plain instrumental sound in early compositions, with the latter ones tending to implement side-chaining techniques of progressive on digital synthesizers.

Singles Only Email Raves Blogger then Multi Market Distribution Deal: A distribution deal is a contract to release the music to platforms, but not own the publishing or exclusively lock the artist in. Record Artist Producer Label: Have Polyrhythm Artist earn Streaming Percentage under a Recording Artist Deal. Label has Distribution Above Me and I have Manufacturing over Polyrhythm Artist. Have a end of the Year Album for New Year's Raves!

BELMÔNT'S SYSTEM: CAPÔI RETAINER AGREEMENT WITH ASSET PROTECTION TRUST

Capo: Describes a ranking made member of a family who leads a crew of soldiers. A capo is similar to a military captain who commands soldiers. Soldier: Also known as a “made man,” soldiers are the lowest members of the crime family but still command respect in the organization.

A capo is a "made member" of an Italian crime family who heads a regime or "crew" of soldiers and has major status and influence in the organization.

Consigliere: Defense and Corporate Lawyers

Head Boss: Ministry of Medicine

Underboss: Pharmaceutical Industry

Capo: CAPÔI RETAINER AGREEMENT

Soliders: Artisans

Commercialism is the application of both manufacturing and consumption towards personal usage, or the practices, methods, aims, and distribution of products in a free market geared toward generating a profit.

Commercial art is art created for advertising or marketing purposes. Commercial artists are hired by clients to create images and logos that sell products. Unlike works of fine art that convey an artist's personal expression, commercial art must address the client's goals.

The word 'Commercial' is defined as follows: Concerned with or engaged in commerce. Commerce is the exchange of goods or services among two or more parties.

Craftsmen are committed to the medium, not to self-expression. Artists are committed to their self-expression, not the medium.

A medium of exchange is an intermediary instrument and system used to facilitate the purchase and sale of goods and services between parties.

Stretch and Micro Goals

Music Medium System: Distribution and Retailers Contract Theory (System) for Music (Instrument)

Football Medium System: Analytics and Geometry for Free Role (System) Trixies (Instrument)

Age 16-19

Bond Funds

Farmland REITS

CFDS

Real Estate Brokerage Trust Account

Age 20-30

Farmland Recession Proof Stocks (Cosmetics, AgTech, Ag ETFS, AgETN)

Incubator and Startup Accelerators

Real Estate Joint Ventures

Age 30-40

Farmland Blue Chip Indexes w/ Credit Spread Options

CURRENCY, OIL, & GOLD COMMODITIES CANDLESTICK CHARTS

Swing Trading: Use mt4/mt5 With Heiken Ashi Charts, Setting at 14 or 21 Momentum Indicator above 0 as Divergence Oscillator and Volume Spread Analysis as Reversal Oscillator and Trade when bullish candlesticks above 200 exponential moving average and/or 20 exponential moving average (EMA) on H1 (Hourly) Time Frame; use H4 (4 Hours) and D1 (1 Day) as reference.

TUNNEL STRATEGY (OFFSHORE BANKING)

Purpose: Permanent Residency Card

$250k Deposit

$125k: 60/40 portfolio, 60% Fixed Income & REITs and 40% Blue Chip Stocks

$50k: Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) and term deposits are secured investments. This means that you get back the amount you invest at the end of your term. The key difference between a GIC and a term deposit is the length of the term. Term deposits generally have shorter terms than GICs.

$75k: Spending Cash

SIN STOCKS PORTFOLIO

Sin stock sectors usually include alcohol, tobacco, gambling, sex-related industries, and weapons manufacturers.

Sports Betting Investment Trust

Pharmaceuticals

Example: Create a Index Fund Portfolio of 15-20 Stocks and using Supply Side Economics to create Decentralized Gambling Economy.

FESTIVALS DEAL

Singles Only Email Raves Blogger then Multi Market Distribution Deal: A distribution deal is a contract to release the music to platforms, but not own the publishing or exclusively lock the artist in. Record Artist Producer Label: Have Polyrhythm Artist earn Streaming Percentage under a Recording Artist Deal. Label has Distribution Above Me and I have Manufacturing over Polyrhythm Artist. Have a end of the Year Album for New Year's Raves!

NEUROPLASTICITY DRUG-CRIME NEXUS BASED ON TRAFFICKING

CPP, CNS Depressants, et FENTALOGS: Cul-de-sac

Defensive Penalty Capture The Flag Raiding Warfare

Grey-Decentralized Markets

Bastilles: Cul-de-sac Artist Résidences Penthouse Complexes

Polyrhythm Raves

Acid House Art Gallery

International Film Festival

Hôtel Chefs

Seigneurial System/Tableau Economique Raw Material Économics Production Spot

Surautomatism

Discount Networking Acid House Party

Opium Dens and Fragrance Festivals

Pill Pressers

CNS depressants

Upper-tier County System

Defense Lawyers are Traplords (Trafficking P4P and Malicious Prosecution)

Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC)

Brain Receptor Dealing

Neuroplasticity Drug-Crime Nexus

Religious Ecstasy

Entheogens are psychedelic drugs—and sometimes certain other psychoactive substances—used for engendering spiritual development or otherwise in sacred contexts

Live-Pool Betting Monopoly Board Game

Summary Sentencing

Urban Level: Street Culture Art Gallery (Street culture may refer to: Urban culture, the culture of towns and cities, Street market, Children's street culture, Street carnival, Block party, Street identity, Street food, Café culture, Several youth subculture or counterculture topics pertaining to outdoors of urban centers. These can include: Street art, Street photography, Street racing, Street wear, Hip-hop culture, Urban fiction, Street sports, Streetball, Flatland BMX, Freestyling), Art Pedagogy, Artist Residency, Art Schools, and Art Plugs

Art Pedagogy: Arts-based pedagogy is a teaching methodology in which an art form is integrated with another subject matter to impact student learning. 28-30. Arts-based pedagogy results in arts-based learning (ABL),11 which is when a student learns about a subject through arts processes including creating, responding or performing. Aesthetic Teaching: Seeking a Balance between Teaching Arts and Teaching through the Arts. In aesthetic education, learning must be developed especially with the inclusion of sensations and with the help of feelings. Sensations and feelings should lead to movement, representation, and expression. Aesthetic learning often entails learning to distinguish certain qualities or objects aesthetically in different ways depending on the situation and the purpose. Certain things can be experienced in negative ways in one activity and in positive ways in another.

A designer drug is a structural or functional analog of a controlled substance that has been designed to mimic the pharmacological effects of the original drug, while avoiding classification as illegal and/or detection in standard drug tests

Patchwork tattoos are a collection of tattoos collaged together to create an overall design. Each individual 'patch' of the tattoo can be a different design, symbol or element with a little space in between. Patchwork tattoos are a collection of tattoos collaged together to create an overall design. In short, the gun-toting angel was a multifaceted metaphor. “It undoubtedly also reflected the Catholic Counter-Reformation militaristic rhetoric,” wrote Donahue-Wallace, “which promoted the church as an army and heavenly beings as its soldiers.”

DECADENCE AESTHETICS THEORIES

Slogan

J'Cartier, Je cours après les vœux de champagne,

Subjective

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

Gastronomy

Precarious Balance

Precariously: If something is happening or positioned precariously, it's in danger. A glass could be precariously balanced on the edge of a table. If something is on the verge of danger, then the word precariously fits.

Grey & Decentralized Markets

Tableau Économique

Semblance

Semblance is generally used to suggest a contrast between outward appearance and inner reality.

High Socioeconomic Status & Tattoos

Phantasmagorical

Having a fantastic or deceptive appearance

adjective. having a fantastic or deceptive appearance, as something in a dream or created by the imagination. having the appearance of an optical illusion, especially one produced by a magic lantern.

Socioeconomic Status Development Immigration Multilingual Sensory Play

Law of Polarity in Relationships

In any successful relationship that has an intimate connection and sexual attraction, there is polarity. What does this mean exactly? Polarity in relationships is the spark that occurs between two opposing energies: masculine and feminine. Gender does not affect whether you have masculine or feminine energy.

Second Reflection

Burden Aesthetics with Intentions

The Second Reflection lays hold of the Technical Procedures

Tattoos

SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGY

Keystone Theory Habits

Game Theory

Behavioral Finance

Self-actualization is the complete realization of one's potential, and the full development of one's abilities and appreciation for life. This concept is at the top of the Maslow hierarchy of needs, so not every human being reaches it.

Potential Psychology: Psychological potential is a very broad concept. It may include one's capacity to conform, change, re-invent oneself, bounce back from adversity, etc.

SOCIO-FORMAL SCIENCE

+EV Optimal Game Theory Poker

Civil, Agriculure, Solvent Levelling Effect Chemical Reaction, and Biomechanical Engineering

SOCIO-PHILOSOPHY

Ontology

IMPERIALISM, THE HIGHEST STAGE OF CAPITALISM

Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism,[1] originally published as Imperialism, the Newest Stage of Capitalism,[2][3] is a book written by Vladimir Lenin in 1916 and published in 1917. It describes the formation of oligopoly, by the interlacing of bank and industrial capital, in order to create a financial oligarchy, and explains the function of financial capital in generating profits from the exploitation colonialism inherent to imperialism, as the final stage of capitalism. The essay synthesises Lenin's developments of Karl Marx's theories of political economy in Das Kapital (1867).[4]

Tax Mergers Law; Market-extension merger: Two companies that sell the same products in different markets. 4.2.2 Corporate Taxation At the corporate level, the tax treatment of a merger or acquisition depends on whether the acquiring firm elects to treat the acquired firm as being absorbed into the parent with its tax attributes intact, or first being liquidated and then received in the form of its component assets.

SOCIOCULTURAL THEORY OF DEVELOPMENT

Seconds Liberal Arts are often viewed as pre-professional since, while conceived of as fundamental to citizenship, they address the whole person in recognition that our moral and spiritual identities develop best through participation in a society that perpetually renews the rights and responsibilities of membership.

Executive management master's degree programs often result in an Executive Master of Business Administration, or EMBA. They are primarily designed to act as accelerated graduate programs for working professionals who already hold management or executive positions.

Engineering college means a school, college, university, department of a university or other educational institution, reputable and in good standing in accordance with rules prescribed by the Department, and which grants baccalaureate degrees in engineering.

Monopoly Family Boarding Schools: The socio-historical context refers to the societal and historical conditions and circumstances that influence events or individuals. It involves elements like the cultural, economic, and political circumstances during a certain time period.

Agriculturism is an ideology promoting rural life, a traditional way of life. It is characterized by the valorization of traditional values (the family, the French language, the Catholic religion) and an opposition to the industrial world.

CAPÔI CLASS STRUCTURE

Demonym Examples: CAR Congolese, Gabon Congolese, Afrikaans Congolese, and Congolese

Monopoly Family (Apartheid)

Chief Executive of State (Apartheid)

Political Class (RUSSE NOIR)

Upper Class (RUSSE NOIR)

Working Class (RUSSE NOIR)

JEAN-CLAUDE TRAORÉ BUSINESS ADVICE

Blue Ocean Strategy; Solvent Levelling Effect Chemical Reaction Engineering and Economic Science.

TENNIS AGRICULTURE

A clay-court specialist is a tennis player who excels on clay courts, more than on any other surface.

Due in part to advances in racquet technology, current clay-court specialists are known for employing long, winding groundstrokes that generate heavy topspin; such strokes are less effective on faster surfaces on which the balls do not bounce as high. Clay-court specialists tend to slide more effectively on clay than other players. Many of them are also very adept at hitting the drop shot, which can be effective because rallies on clay courts often leave players pushed far beyond the baseline. Additionally, the slow, long rallies require a great degree of mental focus and physical stamina.

CASAPIANOS MARTYROLOGY ORDER (CATHOLIC COUNTER-REFORMATION)

The Casa Pia is a Portuguese institution founded by Maria I, known as A Pia ("Mary the Pious"), and organized by Police Intendant Pina Manique in 1780, following the social disarray of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. For almost three centuries, thousands of young boys and girls were raised by Casa Pia, including many public personalities, called casapianos. Casa Pia is Portugal's largest educational institution dedicated to helping youngsters in risk of social exclusion or without parental support. The organisation is composed of ten schools and enrolls approximately 4700 students. In addition to standard schooling, the organisation also provides boarding for children in need. It strives to enable these youngsters to become healthy and successful members of society, by developing intellectual, manual, and physical traits, in an environment promoting spiritual, moral, and religious values. The institution is proud to have had amongst its students many outstanding Portuguese personalities, including politicians, journalists, and artists. A martyrology is a catalogue or list of martyrs and other saints and beati arranged in the calendar order of their anniversaries or feasts. Local martyrologies record exclusively the custom of a particular Church. Local lists were enriched by names borrowed from neighbouring churches.[1] Consolidation occurred, by the combination of several local martyrologies, with or without borrowings from literary sources.

The Canons Regular of St. Augustine are priests who live in community under a rule (Latin: regula and κανών, kanon, in Greek) and are generally organised into religious orders, differing from both secular canons and other forms of religious life, such as clerics regular, designated by a partly similar terminology. As religious communities, they have laybrothers as part of the community.

Clerics regular are clerics (mostly priests) who are members of a religious order under a rule of life (regular). Clerics regular differ from canons regular in that they devote themselves more to pastoral care, in place of an obligation to the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours in common, and have fewer observances in their rule of life.

Lay brother is a largely extinct term referring to religious brothers, particularly in the Catholic Church, who focused upon manual service and secular matters, and were distinguished from choir monks or friars in that they did not pray in choir, and from clerics, in that they were not in possession of (or preparing for) holy orders.[1][2][3][4][5]

In female religious institutes, the equivalent role is the lay sister. Lay brothers were originally created to allow those who were skilled in particular crafts or did not have the required education to study for holy orders to participate in and contribute to the life of a religious order.

Lay brothers were found in many religious orders. Drawn from the working classes, they were pious and hardworking people, who though unable to achieve the education needed to receive holy orders, were still drawn to religious life and were able to contribute to the order through their skills. Some were skilled in artistic handicrafts, others functioned as administrators of the orders' material assets. In particular, the lay brothers of the Cistercians were skilled in agriculture, and have been credited for the tilling of fertile farmland.[1]

Lay sisters were found in most of the orders of women, and their origin, like that of the lay brothers, is to be found in the necessity of providing the choir nuns with more time for the Office and study, as well as creating the opportunity for the illiterate to join the religious life. They, too, wore a habit different from those of the choir sisters, and their required daily prayers consisted of prayers such as the Little Office or a certain number of Paters.[1]

All canons regular are to be distinguished from secular canons who belong to a resident group of priests but who do not take public vows and are not governed in whatever elements of life they lead in common by a historical rule. One obvious place where such groups of priests are required is at a cathedral, where there were many Masses to celebrate and the Divine Office to be prayed together in community.

In modern astrology, Mars is the primary native ruler of the first house. Traditionally however, Mars ruled both the third and tenth houses, and had its joy in the fifth house. While Venus tends to the overall relationship atmosphere, Mars is the passionate impulse and action, the masculine aspect, discipline, willpower and stamina.

Mars rules over Tuesday and in Romance languages the word for Tuesday often resembles Mars (in Romanian, marți, in Spanish, martes, in French, mardi and in Italian "martedì"). The English "Tuesday" is a modernised form of "Tyr's Day", Tyr being the Germanic analogue to Mars. Dante Alighieri associated Mars with the liberal art of arithmetic. In Chinese astrology, Mars is ruled by the element fire, which is passionate, energetic and adventurous.

According to John Clements, the term martial arts itself is derived from an older Latin term meaning "arts of Mars", the Roman god of war, and was used to refer to the combat systems of Europe (European martial arts) as early as the 1550s

A religious congregation is a type of religious institute in the Catholic Church. They are legally distinguished from religious orders – the other major type of religious institute – in that members take simple vows, whereas members of religious orders take solemn vows.

In the Catholic Church, a religious order is a community of consecrated life with members that profess solemn vows. They are classed as a type of religious institute.[1]

Catholic School Girls Moon Evangelical Prophets: Consecrated life is "placed in a privileged position in the line of evangelical prophecy," whereby its “charismatic nature” and communal discernment of the Spirit "makes it capable of inventiveness and originality.”

Men Mars Angelology Conversion System: Church Enterprises (Planetary Intelligence Church District Real Estate; Liberal Arts Catholic Immersion Schools; Gold; Athletics; Cooking);

Church Gatherings (School Nights Virgil, Weekend Noon Mass then Weekend Sports League) Francis de Sales and Don St. Bosco Influence 

Harquebusier Angels Patchwork Tattoos: Biblical Crowns, Praying Hands, Gun Toting Angels, Dirty Dancing Angels, Drug Using Angels, Heavenly Choir, Summa Theologica Sherman, Saints and Pastors, Hebrew Tetragram, Council of Trent

HARQUEBUSIER ANGELS GANG BLUEPRINT: PARDISUS MEDIAE; Spirit Unity Oversoul Angelology Shaman, Eros Influence Angels: Ecstasy-Painkillers Trafficking Angel Spirit Type Oversoul, Jupiter-Mars-Venus with Planetary Intelligence; Erotes are Horcruxes, Google Imprint Oversoul, Choice of Choir is Heavenly Host, Lightning-Ice Element, Wings Transfer Invocation, MARS-JUPITER  Syncretism Planetary Intelligence, ESTJ Sensory Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator Syncretism, Church Expenses Occupation (Festivals, Venues, Freeports, Art Gallery, Underground Garages, Tobacco Store, Restaurants, Réal Estate Brokerage, Impure Aesthetic Thrillers Publishing Imprint et Production Company, Body Etching, Lipodissolve, and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers Cosmetics Surgery

ANGOLAN HARQUEBUSIER ANGELS STRUCTURE; Commission on the Social and Cultural Affairs; Commission for Ecumenism; The Commission on Christian Education; Liturgical Commission; Missionary Committee; Chief Executive of State and Military Religion Legislation; Stretch and Micro Goals

Material religion is a framework used by scholars of religion to examine the interaction between religion and material culture. It focuses on the place of objects, images, spaces, and buildings in religious communities. The framework has been promoted by scholars such as Birgit Meyer, Sally Promey, S. Brent Plate, David Morgan, etc.

Physiocracy (French: physiocratie; from the Greek for "government of nature") is an economic theory developed by a group of 18th-century Age of Enlightenment French economists who believed that the wealth of nations derived solely from the value of "land agriculture" or "land development" and that agricultural products should be highly priced.[1] Their theories originated in France and were most popular during the second half of the 18th century. Physiocracy became one of the first well-developed theories of economics.

The Bible typically describes the Heavenly host as being made up of angels, and gives several descriptions of angels in military terms, such as their encampment (Genesis 32:1–2), command structure (Psalms 91:11–12; Matt.13:41; Rev.7:2), and participation in combat (Job 19:12; Rev.12:7). Other passages indicate other entities make up the divine army, namely stars (Judges 5:20, Isaiah 40:26).[1][full citation needed] In Christian theology, the heavenly host participate in the war in Heaven.

The doctrine or theory of immanence holds that the divine encompasses or is manifested in the material world. It is held by some philosophical and metaphysical theories of divine presence. Immanence is usually applied in monotheistic, pantheistic, pandeistic, or panentheistic faiths to suggest that the spiritual world permeates the mundane.

The Dionysian Mysteries were a ritual of ancient Greece and Rome which sometimes used intoxicants and other trance-inducing techniques (like dance and music) to remove inhibitions and social constraints, liberating the individual to return to a natural state. 

Religious nationalism can be understood in a number of ways, such as nationalism as a religion itself, a position articulated by Carlton Hayes in his text Nationalism: A Religion, or as the relationship of nationalism to a particular religious belief, dogma, ideology, or affiliation. This relationship can be broken down into two aspects: the politicisation of religion and the influence of religion on politics.

Dioceses ruled by an archbishop are commonly referred to as archdioceses; most are metropolitan sees, being placed at the head of an ecclesiastical province. In the Catholic Church, some are suffragans of a metropolitan see or are directly subject to the Holy See.

The body of light, sometimes called the 'astral body'[a] or the 'subtle body,'[b] is a "quasi material"[1] aspect of the human body, being neither solely physical nor solely spiritual, posited by a number of philosophers, and elaborated on according to various esoteric, occult, and mystical teachings. Other terms used for this body include body of glory,[2] spirit-body, luciform body, augoeides ('radiant body'), astroeides ('starry or sidereal body'), and celestial body.[3] The concept derives from the philosophy of Plato: the word 'astral' means 'of the stars'; thus the astral plane consists of the Seven Heavens of the classical planets. The idea is rooted in common worldwide religious accounts of the afterlife[4] in which the soul's journey or "ascent" is described in such terms as "an ecstatic, mystical or out-of body experience, wherein the spiritual traveller leaves the physical body and travels in their body of light into 'higher' realms."[5]

The canon law of the Catholic Church (from Latin ius canonicum[1]) is "how the Church organizes and governs herself".[2] It is the system of laws and ecclesiastical legal principles made and enforced by the hierarchical authorities of the Catholic Church to regulate its external organization and government and to order and direct the activities of Catholics toward the mission of the Church.

An institute of consecrated life is an association of faithful in the Catholic Church canonically erected by competent church authorities to enable men or women who publicly profess the evangelical counsels by religious vows or other sacred bonds "through the charity to which these counsels lead to be joined to the Church and its mystery in a special way".[1] They are defined in the 1983 Code of Canon Law under canons 573–730. The Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life has ecclesial oversight of institutes of consecrated life.[2]

In Christianity, the three evangelical counsels, or counsels of perfection, are chastity (NEVER), poverty (or perfect charity), and obedience (RECKLESS ABANDONMENT).[1] As stated by Jesus in the canonical gospels,[2] they are counsels for those who desire to become "perfect" (τελειος, teleios).[3][4] The Catholic Church interprets this to mean that they are not binding upon all, and hence not necessary conditions to attain eternal life (heaven), but that they are "acts of supererogation", "over and above" the minimum stipulated in the biblical commandments.[5][6]

Catholics who have made a public profession to order their lives by the evangelical counsels, and confirmed this by public vows before their competent church authority (the act of religious commitment known as a profession), are recognised as members of the consecrated life.

The Council of Trent (Latin: Concilium Tridentinum), held between 1545 and 1563 in Trent (or Trento), now in northern Italy, was the 19th ecumenical council of the Catholic Church. Prompted by the Protestant Reformation at the time, it has been described as the embodiment of the Counter-Reformation. The Council issued key statements and clarifications of the Church's doctrine and teachings, including scripture, the biblical canon, sacred tradition, original sin, justification, salvation, the sacraments, the Mass, and the veneration of saints[4] and also issued condemnations of what it defined to be heresies committed by proponents of Protestantism. The consequences of the Council were also significant with regard to the Church's liturgy and censorship.

Initiated in part to address the challenges of the Protestant Reformations,[3] the Counter-Reformation was a comprehensive effort arising from the decrees of the Council of Trent. The effort produced apologetic and polemical documents, heresy trials, anti-corruption efforts, spiritual movements, the promotion of new religious orders, and the flourishing of new art and musical styles. 

Tradwave is a Catholic artistic style using synthwave and vaporwave art to promote traditional catholicism. Tradwave usually uses traditional catholic paintings, sculptures, or photographs of saints, given with vaporwave effects, often with a bible verse or quote about catholicism. The art usually tries to convey a resurrection of catholic spirituality in the modern atheist world. Figures often depicted in Tradwave art include Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, Ven. Fulton Sheen, Cardinal Robert Sarah, and Mother Angelica.

Tradwave music often takes the form of two main styles. One of them is catholic hymns with vaporwave effects and traditional Vaporwave/Lo-Fi music. It can also have quotes from modern prolific Catholic figures, such as Ven. The other theme is Fulton Sheen and Cardinal Robert Sarah.

Heavenly Virtues: Another phrase to describe this obedience to the voice is “reckless abandon.” It simply means that we let God do what God wants to do through us. It means if He tells us to do something or say something—we do it.

Intercession or intercessory prayer is the act of praying to a deity on behalf of others, or asking a saint in heaven to pray on behalf of oneself or for others. Intercession of the Saints is a Christian doctrine that maintains that saints can intercede for others. To intercede is to go or come between two parties, to plead before one of them on behalf of the other. In ecclesiastical usage both words are taken in the sense of the intervention primarily of Christ, and secondarily of the Blessed Virgin and the angels and saints, on behalf of men.[2] The doctrine is held by the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, the Oriental Orthodox churches , and some Lutherans and Anglicans (chiefly those of Evangelical Catholic or Anglo-Catholic churchmanship, respectively).[3] The practice of asking saints for their intercession can be found in Christian writings from the 3rd century onwards.[4][5][6] Catholic doctrine supports intercessory prayer to saints. This practice is an application of the doctrine of the Communion of saints. Some of the early basis for this was the belief that martyrs passed immediately into the presence of God and could obtain graces and blessings for others, which naturally and immediately led to their direct invocation. A further reinforcement was derived from the cult of the angels which, while pre-Christian in its origin, was heartily embraced by the faithful of the sub-Apostolic age. The doctrine of intercession and invocation was set forth by the Council of Trent, which teaches that "... the saints who reign together with Christ offer up their own prayers to God for men. It is good and useful suppliantly to invoke them, and to have recourse to their prayers, aid, and help for obtaining benefits from God, through His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, Who alone is our Redeemer and Saviour".[10] Intercessory prayer to saintly persons who have not yet been beatified can also practiced by individuals, and evidence of miracles produced as a result of such prayer is very commonly produced during the formal process of beatification and canonization.

In short, the gun-toting angel was a multifaceted metaphor. “It undoubtedly also reflected the Catholic Counter-Reformation militaristic rhetoric,” wrote Donahue-Wallace, “which promoted the church as an army and heavenly beings as its soldiers.” These "Harquebusier Angels" or "Arcabuceros" are full-length depictions of winged angels, elaborately dressed, and carrying matchlock guns (harquebuses).

The related term astrolatry usually implies polytheism. In anthropological literature these systems of practice may be referred to as astral cults.

A friar is a member of one of the mendicant orders in the Roman Catholic Church. There are also friars outside of the Roman Catholic Church, such as within the Anglican Communion. The term, first used in the 12th or 13th century, distinguishes the mendicants' itinerant apostolic character, exercised broadly under the jurisdiction of a superior general, from the older monastic orders' allegiance to a single monastery formalized by their vow of stability. A friar may be in holy orders or be a non-ordained brother. The most significant orders of friars are the Dominicans, Franciscans, Augustinians, and Carmelites.[1]

Romans 8:31; Exploring Biblical Imagery is one of the most important keys to interpreting and gaining a deeper understanding of the Bible. The Bible often communicates truth to us through images and patterns.

Throughout history, armed priests or soldier priests have been recorded. Distinguished from military chaplains, who are non-combatants that provided spiritual guidance to service personnel and associated civilians, these priests took up arms and fought in conflicts as combatants. The term warrior priests or war priests is usually used for armed priests in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and of historical tribes.

Slang: In Romans 8:5-8, Paul presents a compelling contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. The flesh, with its disordered desires and rebellion against God, leads only to spiritual desolation. Martyr, one who voluntarily suffers death rather than deny their religion by words or deeds; such action is afforded special, institutionalized recognition in most major religions of the world. The term may also refer to anyone who sacrifices their life or something of great value for the sake of principle. A religious allusion is a brief reference to a person, event, place, or phrase from religious texts or traditions, without describing them in detail. 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. Martyr/Romans 8 Allusion Slang.

Romeu e Julieta (Casapianos Order 1996 Adaptation 18+ Romance Thriller)

While it retains the original Shakespearean dialogue, the film represents the Montagues and the Capulets as warring mafia empires (with legitimate business fronts) and the Capulets were "a Latin family, sort of,"[15] played by Latin-American and Italian actors.[16] It is set in contemporary United States, where swords are replaced by guns[17] (with model names such as "Dagger", "Sword", and "Rapier"), and with a FedEx-style overnight delivery service called "Post Haste".[18] Shakespeare and Impure Aesthetics explores ideas about art implicit in Shakespeare's plays and defines specific Shakespearean aesthetic practices in his use of desire, death and mourning as resources for art. In fiction, a subplot or side story is a secondary strand of the plot that is a supporting side story for any story or for the main plot. Subplots may connect to main plots, in either time and place or thematic significance. Subplots often involve supporting characters, those besides the protagonist or antagonist. Subplots may also intertwine with the main plot at some point in a story.[1]

THE ENCYCLICAL PASSIONARIES ABOUT YHVH CASAPIANOS

Specifically, the royal psalms deal with the spiritual role of kings in the worship of Yahweh. Aside from that single qualification, there is nothing else which specifically links the ten psalms. Each of the psalms make explicit references to their subject, the king. Royal (messianic) psalms deal with the king as God's anointed or chosen one. Many are prayers for the wisdom of the king, his long life or success in battle. Some are prophetic in nature in that they also point to the ideal future king, the Messiah or the King of kings. A martyrology is a catalogue or list of martyrs and other saints and beati arranged in the calendar order of their anniversaries or feasts. Local martyrologies record exclusively the custom of a particular Church. Local lists were enriched by names borrowed from neighbouring churches.[1] Consolidation occurred, by the combination of several local martyrologies, with or without borrowings from literary sources. Simple martyrologies only enumerate names. Historical martyrologies, also sometimes called passionaries, also include stories or biographical details. (Reckless Abandonment; Mars Shamanism and Casa Pia Wing Transfer Invocation)

In the martyrdom narrative of the remembering community, this refusal to comply with the presented demands results in the punishment or execution of an individual by an oppressor. Accordingly, the status of the 'martyr' can be considered a posthumous title as a reward for those who are considered worthy of the concept of martyrdom by the living, regardless of any attempts by the deceased to control how they will be remembered in advance.[1] Insofar, the martyr is a relational figure of a society's boundary work that is produced by collective memory.[2] Originally applied only to those who suffered for their religious beliefs, the term has come to be used in connection with people killed for a political cause. (Armed Friars and The War for Central Africa between Casapianos and The French; The Fall of Yoruba for Bembé; Arcubusier Angels in Africa)

The Metal Ages is a term for the period of human civilization beginning about 6,000 years ago during which metallurgy rapidly advanced, and human populations started using metals such as copper, tin, bronze and finally iron to make tools and weapons. By heating and shaping metals in hot furnaces, humanity also learned to use precious metals such as gold and silver to make intricate ornaments.[1][2] With these technological adaptions, human society became more productive and human settlements became larger and more prosperous, but also more violent.[3] The Metal Ages are divided into three stages: the Copper Age, the Bronze Age, and the Iron Age.[1][2] (Calcium Age of Angola)

5 SENSES FESTIVAL MONTHLY (CASAPIANOS ORDER)

Heortology or eortology is a science that deals with the origin and development of religious festivals,[1] and more specifically the study of the history and criticism of liturgical calendars and martyrologies*. Religious Ecstacy Entheogens are psychedelic drugs—and sometimes certain other psychoactive substances—used for engendering spiritual development or otherwise in sacred contexts.

Sight: Fireworks on Water Front

Sound: Casapianos Palace Raves

Scent: Overnight Fragrance

Taste: Lamb and Wool

Touch: Tomato Food Fight

🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴🇦🇴

CASA PIA REPUBLIC

[tomblomfield]

Taking Risk

I just spent a week talking with some exceptional students from three of the UK's top universities; Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial College. Along with UCL, these British universities represent 4 of the top 10 universities in the world. The US - a country with 5x more people and 8x higher GDP - has the same number of universities in the global top 10.

On these visits, I was struck by the world-class quality of technical talent, especially in AI and biosciences. But I was also struck by something else. After their studies, most of these smart young people wanted to go and work at companies like McKinsey, Goldman Sachs or Google.

I now live in San Francisco and invest in early-stage startups at Y Combinator, and it's striking how undergraduates at top US universities start companies at more than 5x the rate of their British-educated peers. Oxford is ranked 50th in the world, while Cambridge is 61st. Imperial just makes the list at #100. I have been thinking a lot about why this is. The UK certainly doesn't lack the talent or education, and I don't think it's any longer about access to capital.

People like to talk about the role of government incentives, but San Francisco politicians certainly haven't done much to help the startup ecosystem over the last few years, while the UK government has passed a raft of supportive measures.

Instead, I think it's something more deep-rooted - in the UK, the ideas of taking risk and of brazen, commercial ambition are seen as negatives. The American dream is the belief that anyone can be successful if they are smart enough and work hard enough. Whether or not it is the reality for most Americans, Silicon Valley thrives on this optimism.

The US has a positive-sum mindset that business growth will create more wealth and prosperity and that most people overall will benefit as a result. The approach to business in the UK and Europe feels zero-sum. Our instinct is to regulate and tax the technologies that are being pioneered in California, in the misguided belief that it will give us some kind of competitive advantage.

Young people who consider starting businesses are discouraged and the vast majority of our smart, technical graduates take "safe" jobs at prestigious employers. I am trying to figure out why that is.

___

Growing up, every successful adult in my life seemed to be a banker, a lawyer or perhaps a civil engineer, like my father. I didn't know a single person who programmed computers as a job. I taught myself to code entirely from books and the internet in the late 1990s. The pinnacle of my parents' ambition for me was to go to Oxford and study law.

And so I did. While at university, the high-status thing was to work for a prestigious law firm, an investment bank or a management consultancy, and then perhaps move to Private Equity after 3 or 4 years. But while other students were getting summer internships, I launched a startup with two friends. It was an online student marketplace - a bit like eBay - for students. We tried to raise money in the UK in 2006, but found it impossible. One of my cofounders, Kulveer, had a full-time job at Deutsche Bank in London which he left to focus on the startup. His friends were incredulous - they were worried he'd become homeless. My two cofounders eventually got sick of trying to raise money in the UK and moved out to San Francisco. I was too risk-averse to join them - I quit the startup to finish my law degree and then became a management consultant - it seemed like the thing that smart, ambitious students should do. The idea that I could launch a startup instead of getting a "real" job seemed totally implausible.

But in 2011, I turned down a job at McKinsey to start a company, a payments business called GoCardless, with two more friends from university. We managed to get an offer of investment (in the US) just days before my start date at McKinsey, which finally gave me the confidence to choose the startup over a prestigious job offer. My parents were very worried and a friend of my father, who was an investment banker at the time, took me to one side to warn me that this would be the worst decision I ever made. Thirteen years later, GoCardless is worth $2.3bn.

I had a similar experience in 2016, when I was starting Monzo, I had to go through regulatory interviews before I was allowed to work as the CEO of a bank. We hired lawyers and consultants to run mock interviews - and they told me plainly that I was wasting my time. It was inconceivable that the Bank of England would authorise me, a 31 year old who'd never even worked in a bank, to act as the CEO of the UK's newest bank. (It turned out they did.) So much of the UK felt like it was pushing against me as an aspiring entrepreneur. It was like an immune system fighting against a foreign body. The reception I got in the US was dramatically different - people were overwhelmingly encouraging, supportive and helpful. For the benefit of readers who aren't from the UK, I hope it's fair to say that Monzo is now quite successful as well.

___

I don't think I was any smarter or harder working than many of the recent law graduates around me at Oxford. But I probably had an unusual attitude to risk. When we started GoCardless, we were 25 years old, had good degrees, no kids and supportive families. When fundraising was going poorly, we discussed using my parents' garage as an office. McKinsey had told me to contact them if I ever wanted a job in future. I wonder if the offer still stands.

Of course, I benefitted from immense privilege. I had a supportive family whose garage I could have used as an office. I had a good, state-funded education. I lived in a safe, democratic country with free healthcare. And I had a job offer if things didn't work out. And so the downside of the risks we were taking just didn't seem that great.

But there's a pessimism in the UK that often makes people believe they're destined to fail before they start. That it's wrong to even think about being different. Our smartest, most technical young people aspire to work for big companies with prestigious brands, rather than take a risk and start something of their own.

And I still believe the downside risk is small, especially for privileged, smart young people with a great education, a supportive family, and before they accumulate responsibilities like childcare or a mortgage. If you spend a year or two running a startup and it fails, it's not a big deal - the job at Google or McKinsey is still there at the end of it anyway. The potential upside is that you create a product that millions of people use and earn enough money that you never have to work again if you don't want to.

This view is obviously elitist - I'm aware it's not attainable for everyone. But, as a country, we should absolutely want our smartest and hardest working people building very successful companies - these companies are the engines of economic growth. They will employ thousands of people and generate billions in tax revenues. The prosperity that they create will make the entire country wealthier. We need to make our pie bigger, not fight over the economic leftovers of the US. Imagine how different the UK would feel if Google, Microsoft and Facebook were all founded here.

___

When I was talking with many of these smart students this week, many asked me how these American founders get away with all their wild claims. They seem to have limitless ambition and make outlandish claims about their goals - how can they be so sure it will pan out like that? There's always so much uncertainty, especially in scientific research. Aren't they all just bullshitters? Founders in the UK often tell me "I just want to be more realistic," and they pitch their business describing the median expected outcome, which for most startups is failure.

The difference is simple - startup founders in the US imagine the range of possible scenarios and pitch the top one percent outcome. When we were starting Monzo, I said we wanted to build a bank for a billion people around the world. That's a bold ambition, and one it's perhaps unlikely Monzo will meet. Even if we miss that goal, we've still succeeded in building a profitable bank from scratch that has almost 10 million customers.

And it turns out that this approach matches exactly what venture capitalists are looking for. It is an industry based on outlier returns, especially at the earliest stages. Perhaps 70% of investments will fail completely, and another 29% might make a modest return - 1x to 3x the capital invested. But 1% of investments will be worth 1000x what was initially paid. Those 1% of successes easily pay for all the other failures.

On the contrary, many UK investors take an extremely risk-averse view to new business - I lost count of the times that a British investor would ask for me a 3 year cash-flow forecast, and expect the company to break even within that time. UK investors spend too much time trying to mitigate downside risk with all sorts of protective provisions. US venture capital investors are more likely to ask "if this is wildly successful, how big could it be?". The downside of early-stage investing is that you lose 1x your money - it's genuinely not worth worrying much about. The upside is that you make 1000x. This is where you should focus your attention.

___

A thriving tech ecosystem is a virtuous cycle - there's a flywheel effect that takes several revolutions to get up-to-speed. Early pioneers start companies, raise a little money and employ some people. The most successful of these might get acquired or even IPO. The founders get rich and become venture capital investors. The early employees start their own companies or become angel investors. Later employees learn how to scale up these businesses and use their expertise to become the executives of the next wave of successful growth-stage startups.

Skype was a great early example of this - Niklas Zenstrom, the co-founder, launched the VC Atomico. Early employees of Skype started Transferwise or became seed investors at funds like Passion Capital, which invested in both GoCardless and Monzo. Alumni of those two companies have created more than 30 startups between them. Matt Robinson, my cofounder at GoCardless, was one of the UK's most prolific angel investors, before recently becoming a Partner at Accel, one of the top VCs in the world. Relative to 15 or 20 years ago, the UK tech ecosystem is flourishing - our flywheel is starting to accelerate. Silicon Valley has just had a 50 year head start.

There is no longer a shortage of capital for great founders in the UK (although most of the capital still comes from overseas investors). I just believe that people with the highest potential aren't choosing to launch companies, and I want that to change.

___

I don’t think the world is prepared for the tidal wave of technological change that’s about to hit over the next handful of years. Primarily because of the advances in AI, companies are being started this year that are going to transform entire industries over the next decade.

It doesn't seem hyperbolic to say that we should expect to see very significant breakthroughs in quantum computers, nuclear fusion, self-driving vehicles, space exploration and drug discovery in the next 10 or 20 years. I think we are about to enter the biggest period of transformation humanity has ever seen.

Instead of taking safe, well-paying jobs at Goldman Sachs or McKinsey, our young people should take the lead as the world is being rebuilt around us.

[cyberpunkonline]

The Stock Market's Role in Cyberpunk Futures: Speculation Beyond Currency

In the shadow-streaked corridors of cyberpunk fiction, where neon signs flicker against rain-slicked streets and the divide between the powerful and the powerless widens, the stock market emerges not just as a battleground of wealth but as a pivotal narrative device. This genre, known for its gritty exploration of futuristic dystopias dominated by mega-corporations and technological advancements, often delves into unconventional economies. An intriguing aspect of this exploration is the use of stock shares as compensation, a concept highlighted in works like Walter Jon Williams' "Hardwired," where mercenaries and operatives navigate a world where loyalty can be bought with equity.

The Fictional Forefront

In "Hardwired," the characters inhabit a post-catastrophe Earth, engaging in high-stakes missions against the backdrop of corporate warfare. Here, currency transcends traditional boundaries, with stock options serving as payment for services rendered. This mechanism isn't just a quirky detail; it's a reflection of the characters' deep entanglement with the corporations that shape their world. The notion of being paid in stock positions them as stakeholders, literally invested in the success or failure of their corporate benefactors. This intertwining of personal fate with corporate performance underscores the cyberpunk theme of blurred lines between individual and institution.

Such narrative choices speak volumes about the genre's fascination with the fluidity of value and the potential for individuals to navigate, manipulate, or fall victim to these systems. By grounding remuneration in stock, cyberpunk fiction underscores a reality where everything is commodified, and human worth is measured in market potential.

Echoes in Reality

The concept of being compensated with stock, once a speculative fiction trope, now resonates with real-world trends. The proliferation of retail investment platforms and mechanisms has democratized access to equity markets, blurring the lines between professional traders and the general public. This accessibility invites a scenario where companies, especially startups and tech giants, offer stock options as part of compensation packages, embedding employees within the financial fabric of the enterprise.

This trend raises questions about the implications of a society increasingly invested—literally—in the success of corporations. Could this lead to a future where employment and investment are so intertwined that individuals become microcosms of the market? And if so, is this fusion of roles beneficial or detrimental?

Prospects and Pitfalls

The potential benefits of a stock-based compensation system include increased employee loyalty and a vested interest in the company's success. This could foster a culture of innovation and collective effort, driving companies to perform better. Additionally, it democratizes wealth creation, offering individuals a stake in economic growth previously reserved for the elite.

However, the risks are significant. Such a system could exacerbate wealth inequality, with market fluctuations disproportionately affecting those whose livelihoods depend on the performance of their corporate shares. It also raises ethical concerns about the concentration of power and influence within corporations, potentially leading to abuses and exploitation.

Navigating the Dystopia

The cyberpunk narrative of a corporate-led dystopia, then, is not just a cautionary tale but a roadmap of potential realities. It challenges us to consider how close we are to a world where our fortunes are as volatile as the stock market, and where our identities and destinies are intrinsically linked to the corporate entities we serve or oppose.

In this landscape, winning might not mean amassing wealth or stockpiling shares but finding a way to navigate the system without losing one's humanity. It's a delicate balance, one that requires vigilance, adaptability, and, perhaps most importantly, a clear-eyed view of the value we place on ourselves and our labor.

As we edge closer to this speculative future, the questions posed by cyberpunk fiction become increasingly relevant. Is the integration of personal and corporate fortunes a path to empowerment or enslavement? Can individuals thrive in a system where success is measured by market performance? And perhaps most crucially, how do we ensure that in this corporate-led dystopia, people can still win—or at least, find a way to redefine what winning means?

In exploring these questions, cyberpunk fiction doesn't just entertain; it educates and warns, offering a glimpse into a future that might already be upon us. As retail investment mechanisms continue to evolve and the line between employee and investor further blurs, the genre's speculative visions become vital reflections on our collective trajectory. The stock market, in this context, is more than a backdrop—it's a battleground for the soul of society, where the stakes are as personal as they are financial. - REV1

[suhaliyaqureshi]

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) and Their Relevance to Indian Firms

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, or SPACs, have become a buzzword in global financial markets. As an innovative way to take companies public, SPACs offer a faster and more flexible alternative to traditional Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). While the model has gained significant traction in the United States, it presents a unique opportunity for Indian firms looking to expand and raise capital abroad. However, challenges related to regulatory frameworks and market risks still persist. This blog explores what SPACs are, their advantages, and how they might fit into the Indian corporate landscape.

What is a SPAC?

A SPAC is essentially a “blank-check” company with no commercial operations. Its sole purpose is to raise funds through an IPO to merge with a private company, allowing the target company to become publicly listed without going through the traditional IPO process. Investors buy into a SPAC based on the expertise of its sponsors, trusting them to identify and acquire a promising target. If no acquisition takes place within a set timeframe (usually 24 months), the SPAC must return the money to investors.

Key Characteristics of SPACs:

Speed and efficiency: Companies can become publicly listed faster than via a standard IPO.

• Lower regulatory scrutiny: SPAC mergers avoid much of the red tape associated with IPOs.

• Pre-negotiated valuations: Target companies can negotiate valuations with the SPAC sponsors rather than relying on fluctuating market conditions.

The Global Rise of SPACs

SPACs became especially popular in 2020 and 2021, accounting for nearly half of all IPOs in the United States during that period. Successful companies like Virgin Galactic and DraftKings used SPACs to go public, paving the way for others to explore this model. Investment banks, venture capitalists, and private equity firms have embraced SPACs as a quick, lucrative way to introduce companies to public markets.

Why SPACs gained momentum:

1. Volatile markets: During periods of market uncertainty, SPACs offer companies more predictability in terms of valuation and timeline.

2. Demand for faster capital access: Startups and high-growth firms, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare, found SPACs an attractive way to secure investments.

The Relevance of SPACs for Indian Firms

Indian firms, especially those in technology, fintech, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals, are increasingly eyeing global markets. SPACs offer a convenient way for these firms to list abroad, particularly on exchanges such as the NASDAQ or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Advantages of SPACs for Indian Firms:

1. Global Market Access: Companies looking to expand internationally can benefit from SPACs by gaining a listing on prestigious foreign exchanges.

2. Flexible Valuation Models: Indian startups and unicorns often find it challenging to secure favorable valuations through traditional IPOs. SPACs offer them the opportunity to negotiate more favorable terms.

3. Capital for Growth: Indian firms in growth-intensive sectors can leverage SPAC mergers to secure quick funding for global expansion.

Challenges Indian Firms May Face

While SPACs hold immense potential, Indian companies encounter several regulatory and market barriers in leveraging this route effectively:

1. Regulatory Uncertainty: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has yet to create clear guidelines on SPAC transactions, adding a layer of uncertainty for companies and investors.

2. Foreign Exchange and FEMA Regulations: Indian firms must navigate the complexities of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations to raise capital abroad.

3. Speculative Nature of SPACs: Not all SPACs find suitable acquisition targets, leading to market skepticism and reputational risks.

Examples of Indian Companies Exploring SPACs

Some Indian firms have already started testing the SPAC model. For instance, ReNew Power, a leading renewable energy company, merged with a U.S.-based SPAC to get listed on the NASDAQ. This case shows that Indian firms, especially in industries aligned with global trends like sustainability, can find success through SPAC mergers.

In addition, startups in the tech and digital economy sectors are increasingly considering SPACs to bypass the lengthy regulatory processes involved in listing on Indian exchanges. However, SEBI’s reluctance to recognize SPACs domestically means these companies currently need to explore foreign exchanges for listings

What Lies Ahead: Will SPACs Become a Mainstay in India?

As Indian companies continue to expand globally, SPACs offer an alternative path to raise capital and build international credibility. If SEBI introduces SPAC-friendly regulations, India could see a surge in SPAC-based listings—both domestically and internationally. Additionally, financial hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong are emerging as attractive venues for SPAC deals, offering Indian firms new avenues for public listings.

Conclusion

SPACs present a promising yet challenging opportunity for Indian firms looking to expand and raise capital in global markets. With advantages such as flexible valuations, quicker listings, and access to foreign capital, this model can benefit high-growth Indian companies in technology, healthcare, and renewable energy. However, regulatory uncertainties and market risks need to be addressed for Indian firms to fully capitalize on this trend.

As the world watches the evolution of SPACs, Indian firms and regulators must adapt to these changing dynamics. With the right policies in place, SPACs could become a pivotal part of India’s global corporate strategy.

By understanding and engaging with this evolving financial mechanism, Indian firms can position themselves for success in global markets. As you build your corporate law portfolio, tracking these trends will showcase your knowledge of innovative legal and financial strategies—an essential skill for future corporate lawyers.

[douchebagbrainwaves]

WORK ETHIC AND DIFFERENCE

If you don't know that number, they're successful for that week. Founders understand their companies better than investors, and it also tends to make startups more pliable in negotiations, since they're usually short of money. Third, Pantel and Lin do, but I haven't tried that yet. By obstructing that process, Apple is making them do bad work, and indignant readers will send you references to all the papers you should have cited. If you write software to teach English to Chinese speakers, however, tell A who B is. You have to decide what to do next. Seeing a painting they recognize from reproductions is so overwhelming that their response to it as a way to generate deal flow for series A rounds, the investors won't take as much equity as VCs do now. The second will be easier.

Would it make the painting better if I changed that part? I heard about after the Slashdot article was Bill Yerazunis' CRM114. It would be a crapshoot. If good art is that it makes you more confident, and an investors' opinion of you is the opinion of other investors. They could grow the company on its own revenues, but the extra money and help supplied by VCs will let them grow even faster. It makes a better story that a company won because its founders were so smart. Why should anyone care about a startup making $3000 a month? There are four main reasons: Moore's law has made hardware cheap; open source has made software free; the web has made marketing and distribution free; and more powerful programming languages mean development teams can be smaller.

Would it make the painting better if I changed that part? 9999 free! So this alternative device probably couldn't win on general appeal. Well, not quite. But ultimately the reason these delays exist is that they're more prestigious. I think he really wishes he'd listened. Instead everyone is just supposed to explore their own personal vision. At least one startup from the most recent summer cycle may not even be an accurate measure of the bugs in my implementation than some intrinsic false positive rate of Bayesian filtering. Once you start talking about audiences, you don't have x.

Here are the alternatives considered if the filter sees FREE! When one investor wants to invest in startups, and in those the first word is a verb. That difference is why there's a distinct word, startup, for companies designed to grow fast, I mean it in two senses. In fact, one of the reasons taste is subjective found such a receptive audience is that, historically, the things people have said about good taste have generally been such nonsense. When I was in art school, we were looking one day at a slide of some great fifteenth century painting, and one of the reasons artists in fifteenth century Florence to explain in person to Leonardo & Co. Is the future of venture funding will be like, just ask: how would founders like it to be? They're so attracted to the iPhone that they can't leave. Which is of course a recipe for deadlock, and delay is the thing a startup can least afford. The investors who invested when you had no money were taking more risk, and are entitled to higher returns. It would feel unnatural to him to behave any other way. Another wrote: I believe that they think their approval process helps users by ensuring quality.

In a traditional series A round. Startups are increasingly raising money on convertible notes, and convertible notes have not valuations but at most valuation caps: caps on what the effective valuation will be when the debt converts to equity in a later round, or upon acquisition if that happens first. When the economy bounces back in a few unusual cases. One of the mistakes novice pilots make is overcontrolling the aircraft: applying corrections too vigorously, so the aircraft oscillates about the desired configuration instead of approaching it asymptotically. Worse for Apple, these apps work just fine on other platforms that have immediate approval processes. If they decide to grow at 7% a week and they hit that number, they're successful for that week. And open and good is what Macs are again, finally. One way to deal with this is to treat some as more interesting than others. Now the good news: investors may actually make more money as a result. One is the type that pretends to be an old and buggy one. When you notice a whiff of dishonesty coming from some kind of art, stop and figure out what it's doing.

One of our axioms at Y Combinator is not to compile a complete list, just to show that there's some solid ground here. Startups hate this as well, partly because there was a widespread feeling among potential founders. If we assume the average startup runs for 6 years and a partner can bear to be on the board to help a startup. In this case the super-angel, who operates like an angel, but using other people's money, like a VC. There will continue to be lead investors in the attitudes of existing startups we've funded. Roughly, it's something done with contempt for the audience. Now for the really shocking news: during that same one-month period I got three false positives. Millions of companies are started every year in the US. I'm optimistic about are ones that calculate probabilities based on each individual user's mail.

I called a huge, unexploited opportunity in startup funding: the growing disconnect between VCs, whose current business model requires them to invest large amounts, and a party reminder from Evite. In a sufficiently connected and unpredictable world, you can't seem good without actually being good. How could they go ahead with the deal? VCs who try to compete with angels by doing more, smaller deals will probably find they have to take less equity to do it is to get the best deals, the way to do it is to get the first commitment, because much of the company they do now. Maybe the only answer is a central list of domains advertised in spams. Apple is trying to be with the App Store? This pattern is repeated over and over. If you had, surely you'd be just as attached to that name as you are to your current one. 03% false positives. And someone has to argue with you except yourself. But that might not be necessary.

A rapidly growing company is not merely valuable but dangerous too. If you start to get far along the track toward an offer with one firm, it will make the spammers' optimization loop, what programmers would call their edit-compile-test cycle, appallingly slow. That isn't happening this time, and part of the money. Or to put it more prosaically, they're the people who are genuinely good. It comes with a lot of time trying to learn how to predict which startups will succeed. This is the fourth way in which offers beget offers. Most people don't know how ambitious to be, especially when they're young. If you cared about design, you could buy a Thinkpad, which was still then a quasi-government entity. I just mentioned.

[elsa16744]

What Private Equity Firms Are and How They Operate 

Private equity firms can raise money from institutional investors like pension funds and insurance companies. Corporations utilize private equity services that guide them in fundraising. Private equity firms hold more than 4 trillion USD in assets. Also, return on investment (ROI) makes this financial instrument remarkably attractive to investors. This post will elaborate on how private equity firms work. 

What is a Private Equity Firm? 

Private equity (PE) means the company is not publicly held. It allows companies to increase their financial capacity by offering investors partial ownership. Private equity services also help publicly listed companies become private by completely replacing previous owners. 

Professional teams hired by private equity firms work on market trend analytics by outsourcing investment research and creating appropriate reports. An investment research report depicts the advantages and risks associated with each portfolio management decision. 

Investing in private equity is financially riskier than traditional investment vehicles. Therefore, private equity funds use tried and tested investment strategies to redistribute risks. An experienced fund manager will use investors’ capital for private equity opportunities with an excellent ROI. 

How Does Private Equity Work? 

Private equity services can charge 2% of assets as management fees. Otherwise, they require 20% of gross profits if company ownership undergoes a thorough structural change. 

Passive investors are known as limited partners (LPs) who do not affect the company’s decisions and policies. However, general partners (GPs) can determine managerial and executive strategies, affecting how the company operates. 

Investment research outsourcing assists private equity firms in networking with more investors and optimizing their strategies for different industries. Besides, each investor can contribute to financial improvements by mentoring the company owners. 

Therefore, private equity benefits the company by enriching its knowledge base with the recommendations made by veteran investors. 

Types of Private Equity Investment Strategies 

1| Venture Capital 

Startups require financial assistance to launch their products and services or expand their production capabilities. Venture capital (VC) helps them secure capital resources and business management intelligence. After all, venture capitalists often have a personal connection with the startup ideas they support. 

Venture capitalists use private equity services to evaluate investment decisions and a new company’s growth potential as part of their risk mitigation efforts. They share their knowledge with inexperienced young leaders at startups to increase efficiency and build stronger teams. 

VC financing involves investing up to 10 million USD in different startups. So, successful investments in well-performing startups will balance the risks originating from the less stable business models of other firms. 

2| Leveraged Buyouts 

LBO means leveraged buyout, and private equity services utilize borrowed capital to acquire company ownership through this investment strategy. Additionally, a company’s assets are collateral for the respective debt. 

This strategy helps private equity funds leverage their investments without committing financial capital directly. While the borrowed money attracts interest, the ROI of highly efficient companies can easily offset the repayment outflows. Many private equity firms have acquired new companies through multiple rounds of leveraged buyouts. 

PE professionals often employ the LBO strategy when privatizing a public enterprise. Privatization results in decreased regulatory obligations and enhanced operational freedoms. Later, new ownership will implement policies to make the public enterprise more efficient and marketable. 

You may also notice how LBO-based corporate acquisitions divide the company into segments with a narrower industry focus. Doing so makes selling the company and settling the debt obligations more flexible. 

Conclusion 

Unlisted companies explore unique outsourcing services to identify fundraising opportunities via extensive investment research. Private equity is a practical financial instrument that helps businesses generate the capital necessary for business expansion. 

Simultaneously, general partners acquire decision-making authority and empower startups with business development insights. Therefore, private equity supports the companies on two frontiers: financial assistance and managerial mentorship. 

A leader in investment research outsourcing, SG Analytics helps investors and business owners successfully deploy data-driven fundraising activities. Contact us today to obtain analytical support for deal sourcing, target screening, and excellent business modeling. 

[poipoipoi-2016]

@youzicha

#trying to understand wtf is happening to svb because uh. i want my salary

The business model of banks

The way banks work is that they take in deposits and make loans.

So I put money in a bank, but ALSO I took money out of a bank to get a car loan which let me buy the car that I used to commute to work to pay off the car loan. And also drive to Death Valley. GOOD little car. Could go from Vegas to SF on a tank of gas.

What this means from a bank's perspective is that your bank balance is a problem and the loans they make are assets. Because you took in $20K of deposits and then gave me an $18K car loan that I paid back at $400/month for 5 years. And at the end of 5 years, you will have taken $18000 and turned it into $24000.

And if one person asks for $2K back, you have $2K. And if someone(s) a year from now asks for $10K back, you have:

$2K in cash

But also the $4800 in cash I paid you last year. Minus the amount of money you spent last year running the actual bank.

The money used to found the bank (The Equity)

The ability to shop around and say "Poi is going to pay us $400/month every month for the next 4 years and if he stops doing that, you get a gently used Chrysler 200 to sell. How much are you willing to give us for that cashflow?" <- THIS IS THE PROBLEM

So as long as you are:

Liquid, meaning that you can give people their money back when they ask for it

Solvent, meaning that if EVERYONE asked for their money back, you'd sell off all the loans you'd made, give them their money back, and also have a >$0 pile of cash to go Scrooge McDuck in after you shut down the bank.

you get to keep existing.

If you're liquid, but non-solvent and somehow manage to hide it, this is called Bernie Madoff. But also "The Bank of Japan in 2023".

If you're solvent, but non-liquid, someone rolls up and buys your assets for "The value of your liabilities and also this Snickers Bar" and that's a pretty standard action.

And if you're non-liquid and insolvent, uh look crypto is weird but go look at FTX. There's a list of creditors and several months or even years from now, you'll get a fraction of your deposits back based on the recovery value of the underlying assets.

What specifically happened to SVIB

So you are a bank in 2019. And specifically, you are the Bank of Startups. And startups are very bad loan risks and also have giant piles of VC checks so they don't actually need loans.

$200 Billion of VC checks in fact. Which they gave to you. And because you're a good bank, you put $20 Billion in the cushion fund and now you have to figure out how to use $180 Billion to generate enough money to keep running the bank.

Unfortunately, it's 2019 and all the liquid risk-free assets pay 0.08% and that's not enough money to pay your bank tellers. So you make a (in retrospect dumb, in practice I'm not sure it's dumb enough I scream just at SVIB) decision to put it into:

A bunch of Treasuries that pay 1.5% or so

A bunch of mortgage-backed securities which are default risk-free b/c of post-2008 reforms. If someone forecloses, the government pays you back at par.

Corporate bonds which are risky but hey that's why you charged 5% right?

So these are illiquid, but they're not like... that illiquid and if interest rates ticked up a percentage point, a 5-year bond with 3 years to go is still like 98% of face value, it's totally fine.

And now you have $4-6 Billion/year to pay your bank tellers with and also improve that cushion.

And if you don't do these things, Silicon Valley Investment Bank does not exist. CHASE BANK does not exist. This was a prerequisite to having banking services in this country post-2008 in literally 0 interest rate environments.

And then the Fed goes on a historically unprecedented interest increase. So your 1.x% bonds are now competing in the market with 5% bonds and your 2.6% mortgages are competing with 7% mortgages and hoooo boy.

A 2.6% $400K mortgage pays you $20K/year and is currently worth $260K at 7%. $180 Billion of assets marked down to ???? Billion. 7 years to break-even and your bank tellers need to get paid.

Now for most banks, this isn't a problem. They're an actually profitable Bernie Madoff by design as a feature. They can't give everyone their money back, but they don't have to. And the bonds are paying up and the mortgages are paying up and 5% nominal GDP growth isn't a lot, but it's something and of course, you're making NEW loans at 7% so if you can just keep paying 0% interest on bank deposits and keep pulling in 7% interest loans, you'll make it out of the next few years, and you're suddenly solvent again.

Except for you.

Because you are the Bank of Startups.

And when interest rates went up, VC funding went down. So you have these perfectly good businesses (for now at least) that are constantly and continuously drawing down on their bank accounts.

And remember, this isn't 1982. You're only making 2%. Your cap ratio is 5%. All those mortgages paying in 5% of book value every year and if you get out over your skis, you cease to exist. You're going to hear the words "Duration Risk" a lot and this is that.

So you try to do an equity raise. You'll sell the rights to some of that 5% cashflow (and remember, it's increasingly 7% interest/10% cap which is slightly more exciting) in exchange for the money you need NOW TODAY to pay out your withdrawals.

At which point Andreesen goes "Uh what my friends?", tells all of his buddies to pull their cash, and $42 Billion gets withdrawn in less than 24 hours. Leaving $160 Billion behind.

And now we remember that bank accounts over $250,000 (IE: One paycheck at a $6.5 Million payroll company) aren't technically FDIC insured.

Lessons Learned

And the thing is that I really can't just blame SVIB here. They got stuck in a pretty terrible trap caused by the US Government. And the US Government likes it when you buy Treasuries and likes it when you buy and SVIB was, more or less, doing the things you as a society wanted them to do.

And the Federal Reserve explicitly destroyed them for it.

Don't get me wrong, they were weird. But I'm not sure they were weird enough especially given the constraints of 2019-2021 that I can just go "Eh, screw them". Spread that blame AROUND.

And any bank that can survive a FORTY PERCENT drawdown in the value of the underlying assets.... isn't a bank. At least not as we mean it here in 2023. The Fed's stress tests involve a 'severely adverse scenario' where 10-year US Treasury yields are at 0.7% (and only get to 1.5%). They're currently at 3.6%.

The second set of lessons that we learned today goes like this:

There are lots and lots and LOTS of reasons that small or medium businesses might temporarily or permanently want more than $250K in raw USD cash in a bank account at some point. This is now a banking risk. (There's some tricks you can play if you're really large, but those also have limits)

However, if you bank at Chase Bank (or any other bank on the too-big-to-fail list), you are infinitely insured. Because CHASE BANK is backed by the entire combined firepower of the US Government and banking sectors. If Chase Bank stops existing, the nukes have fallen.

So why would I ever use a local bank for anything at all ever again? At which point you now get another round of contagion in the system where everyone gets out of these regional banks. Because remember, EVERY BANK IN THE WORLD INCLUDING THE BANK OF JAPAN is now insolvent.

Because they were destroyed for the crime of "Doing exactly we wanted them to do". Oh sure, in a risky sort of way, but see that note above about the Fed Stress tests.

Where "What we wanted them to do" involved buying government debts

Are you uh... 100% absolutely certain you want to be teaching those lessons? That if you buy US Treasuries, you will be destroyed for your crimes? That if you use a regional bank and they are destroyed for their crimes of making loans to the Feds, your business dies with it?

[tumblingyeti]

A brand mythology that brought a startup into the heart of the nation’s children

I thought for my first belated post, I’d talk about a story of rebranding from an Indonesian start up where I spent four years as VP of Product and reflect how Go-jek’s branding story touches on the concepts of brand mythology and equity, brand architecture, and even friction.

A bit of context

Go-jek was founded in 2010 and is on-demand “super-app” platform that started as motorcycle ride-hailing but now one of the largest SEA tech giants, providing more than 20+ services extending beyond transportation to logistics, food-delivery, grocery-delivery, digital payments and lending, entertainment, e-commerce, and more.

Brand mythology

Go-jek’s registered company name reads “Aplikasi Karya Anak Bangsa” which translates to “an application that is the work of the nation’s children.” This tagline resonated with many people in Indonesia; the fourth-most populous country in the world which was in the midst of the smartphone revolution and which had yet to produce a “unicorn” (tech company valued over $1Bn). By using this tag line as part of their brand mythology, it allowed the company to become more than its on-demand transport and delivery products. It sought to enter the consumer psyche as something that they can be proud of. Go-jek aspired not just  to be the story of a company but a story of the nation. The emotional implication was that using the services would feel like an act of patriotism.

Exhibit 1: Photos below show the tag line “Karya Anak Bangsa” as well as the Indonesian flag (and colors, red/white) featured prominently on advertisements as well as the Gojek driver jackets.

The following excerpt from a 2018 blogposts describes this well “There is pride in what GO-JEK has done in Indonesia. And when you talk to Indonesian’s about GO-JEK, you will notice a particular phenomenon: The brand is theirs, their home-grown star, a reflection of a new era in technology.” Source: Medium Blogpost (2018) - “Why Go-Jek is the operating system of Indonesia”

Brand equity and extensions

The mythology as well as smart use of words, was in-part, one of the reasons why Go-Jek was able to expand from 3 services to 20+ within a span of three years. Subsequent product launches included Go-Car (car ride-hailing, think Uber/Lyft), Go-Food (food delivery), Go-Beauty (on-demand haircuts and beauty services, beauticians would come to you!), Go-Pay (peer-to-peer transactions, digital wallets, and more) and so-forth. Because Go-Jek had so much brand power and recognition, there was a lot of built-up trust and it reduced the hurdle for consumers to try out new services immediately after they were launched, even if it was in a completely new vertical. For example, one may not think that a company you trust to get you from place a to b is one that you might also trust to get you a good haircut or one that you may trust with sending money or taking loans.

I personally find it hard to imagine if Uber or Lyft launched a peer-to-peer transaction or money lending service in the US that their brand equity would carry over and consumers would try out those new services. I think if this happened, this would end up like the failed brand extensions that we discussed in class (e.g. the fate of Bic’s perfume and Levi’s suits).

This brand mythology was not a one-time play but a strategy that we continued to invest in as a company. In 2018, eight years after the company was founded, Go-jek launched a campaign titled #AnakBangsaBisa (translates to: Children of the Nation Can) to celebrate the 73rd independence day of Indonesia. Source: Gojek Blog

And in the Youtube comments of the campaign video, we can glean that the emotional impact of national pride is still very much alive:

This perspective of brand mythology / equity / extensions adds a new dimension to my previous reflections on our work at Gojek. What I thought was more of a branding strategy for recruiting and “feel-good” emotional aspect with using our services may have also played a significant role in enabling us to extend to so many different services in such a short time and become the “super-app” that it is today.

Final thoughts on friction

In 2019, Gojek did a rebranding with a new logo, a new look, and new in-app landing page. The new company mission was to “remove friction from people’s lives.” Refer to the LinkedIn post below by one of the CEOs at the time announcing the new homepage. Source: LinkedIn.

In thinking how this squares with the discussions in our last class. In a country where life is chaotic (ask any Indonesian or person who has been to Jakarta, the capital city, and chaotic will be an adjective that is certain to come up), daily life is fraught with friction. In that sense, I do believe that the overall mission to remove friction was aspirational and is still relevant.

However, when thinking of the work I did day-to-day as a product manager considering today’s era of surveillance capitalism, and given the lessons learned in our last class, I am becoming increasingly more cognizant that removing friction in the design of products and applications should not be done at the expense of the user’s agency and should not exploit their resources including their data, time, and money. Sources: “The Age of Surveillance Capitalism” by Shoshana Zuboff and Renee Richardson Gosline’s MIT Sloan 15.846 Branding lecture.

[sharensharma]

Angel Investing in Tech: Top Strategies for Early-Stage Startups

The tech industry is a breeding ground for innovation, with new ideas constantly emerging and disrupting established markets. For those with a keen eye for potential, angel investing in tech startups offers a thrilling opportunity to be at the forefront of progress while reaping potentially high returns. However, navigating the world of early-stage startups requires a specific skillset and a well-defined strategy. This blog delves into the top strategies for angel investors seeking to back the next big thing in the tech space.

Understanding Angel Investing

Before diving in, it's crucial to understand the basics of angel investing. Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals who provide financial backing to early-stage startups in exchange for equity ownership in the company. Unlike venture capitalists (VCs) who manage funds from institutions, angel investors invest their own money and often take a more hands-on approach. This can involve mentorship, industry connections, and strategic guidance alongside the financial injection.

Why Tech Startups?

The tech sector boasts a unique allure for angel investors. Here's why:

High Growth Potential: Tech startups often have the potential to scale rapidly, offering the possibility of significant returns on investment.

Disruptive Innovation: Early-stage tech companies can revolutionize entire industries, allowing investors to be part of shaping the future.

Direct Impact: Angel investors can directly influence the growth and trajectory of a promising startup, fostering a sense of personal connection to the venture's success.

Top Strategies for Angel Investors in Tech

Now that you're familiar with the landscape, let's explore the key strategies that will set you up for success as an angel investor in tech startups:

Develop a Niche:  The tech industry is vast.  By focusing on a specific sub-sector that aligns with your interests and expertise (e.g., fintech, cybersecurity, AI), you can gain a deeper understanding of market trends, identify promising opportunities, and conduct more effective due diligence.

Conduct Thorough Due Diligence:  Investing in early-stage startups is inherently risky.  Mitigate this risk by conducting thorough due diligence on potential investments. This involves meticulously evaluating the startup's business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, financial projections, and most importantly, the team's capabilities and vision.

Focus on the Team:  The team behind the idea is paramount. Look for passionate, competent founders with a proven track record and a clear vision for their startup's future.  Assess their ability to execute, adapt, and lead the company through challenges.

Understand the Investment Landscape:  Stay informed about current trends and valuations in your chosen niche.  Research typical investment rounds for early-stage tech startups and be prepared to negotiate terms that are fair for both you and the founders. Familiarize yourself with "how to invest in startups for equity" to structure your investments effectively.

Embrace Patience:  Building a successful tech startup takes time.  Be prepared for a long-term investment with a horizon of 5-10 years before seeing significant returns.

Build a Network:  Connect with other angel investors in your area or industry.  Sharing knowledge, experiences, and deal flow can significantly enhance your investment decisions. Angel investment network India, like many others globally, offer valuable resources and connections for angel investors.

Finding Tech Startups to Invest In

Identifying promising tech startups can be challenging. Here are some effective strategies:

Attend Industry Events:  Pitch competitions, conferences, and meetups are excellent platforms to meet promising founders and get a firsthand look at innovative ideas.

Leverage Online Platforms:  Several online platforms specialize in connecting startups with angel investors.  These platforms allow you to browse startups based on industry, stage, and funding requirements.

Network with Incubators and Accelerators:  These organizations provide resources and support to early-stage startups.  Building relationships with them can give you access to a pipeline of promising tech ventures.

Angel investing in tech startups presents a unique opportunity to be part of the future while potentially reaping significant rewards. By following the key strategies outlined in this blog and diligently researching "tech startups to invest in," you can increase your chances of success in this exciting investment domain. Remember, a successful investment journey requires a blend of calculated risk, deep due diligence, and a commitment to supporting passionate founders in building the next generation of tech giants.

Krystal Ventures Studio can be your gateway to this world of possibilities. As a platform that connects the startups' needs and investor's interests, Krystal Ventures Studio can streamline your search for promising tech ventures and facilitate meaningful connections with the next big thing in the tech space.

[krystalventures]

Tech Startups to Invest In: The Top Opportunities for Savvy Investors

Introduction:

In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, the tech industry has emerged as a hotbed of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. With groundbreaking advancements and disruptive ideas shaping the future, tech startups to invest in has become an enticing prospect for savvy investors. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top opportunities for those seeking to capitalize on the exciting world of technology and highlight one particular investment firm, Krystal Ventures, that holds promise for prospective investors.

AI-Powered Solutions:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing numerous industries, and investing in AI startups can yield substantial returns. From advanced machine learning algorithms to natural language processing, startups harnessing the power of AI are transforming sectors like healthcare, finance, and transportation. Companies like Sentient Systems, utilizing AI for predictive analytics, or SentiMed, developing AI-driven healthcare diagnostics, are just a couple of examples of promising ventures in this space.

E-Commerce Disruptors:

The rise of e-commerce has forever changed the way we shop. As traditional retail models continue to adapt to the digital era, investing in e-commerce startups presents a lucrative opportunity. Innovative companies like EcoMart, a sustainable online marketplace, or ShopSavvy, a mobile app that enables consumers to compare prices across various online retailers, are poised to redefine the e-commerce landscape.

Clean Energy and Sustainability:

With the increasing demand for renewable energy and sustainable practices, investing in tech startups focusing on clean energy is not only financially rewarding but also contributes to a greener future. From solar energy solutions to smart grid technologies, companies like SolarX or CleanGrid Systems are making significant strides in revolutionizing the way we generate, store, and distribute clean energy.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency:

Blockchain technology, known for its decentralized and secure nature, has gained immense popularity in recent years. Investing in startups exploring blockchain applications and cryptocurrencies presents an opportunity to capitalize on this transformative technology. Companies like BitSecure, providing blockchain-based cybersecurity solutions, or CoinTrade, an innovative cryptocurrency exchange platform, are paving the way for a decentralized future.

Healthtech Innovations:

Advancements in technology have had a profound impact on the healthcare industry. Investing in healthtech startups can lead to significant financial gains while improving patient care and outcomes. From telemedicine platforms like MedConnect to wearable health monitoring devices such as LifeTracker, these startups are at the forefront of transforming healthcare delivery and revolutionizing the patient experience.

Conclusion:

As the tech industry continues to expand and innovate, investing in startups within this realm presents a wealth of opportunities for savvy investors. From AI-powered solutions to e-commerce disruptors, clean energy ventures to blockchain applications, and healthtech innovations, there are numerous promising areas to explore. When considering tech startup investments, it is essential to conduct thorough research and due diligence. However, for those seeking guidance and expertise, investment firms like Krystal Ventures provide valuable support and a wealth of experience in identifying and nurturing promising startups. With their deep industry knowledge and network, Krystal Ventures could be an excellent option for investors looking to enter the exciting world of tech startup investments. So, if you're looking to be part of the next big thing, consider exploring the possibilities offered by Krystal Ventures and embark on your journey towards financial growth and technological innovation.

[joyxjwang]

How to build brand mythology for D2C brands?

In my VC career before Sloan, investing in D2C was an investment thesis for many VC investors. The driving powers of that trend include the high flexibility in manufacture, the slow innovation in product design from the incumbents, and the booming social media and efficient digital marketing allowing new brands to accumulate customers with less resources.

I have made several investments in this field, and looking at their growth trajectory, I still have confusion about how can those new brands build mythology via what kind of communications with the customers. I raise this question because, as startups, most of the energy from the founding teams and the capital are allocated to the product design and manufacture and the digital marketing to drive sales and customer base growth. And the digital marketing channels for the e-commerce merchants are mainly Amazon and social media such as Tiktok and Facebook. Amazon is such a pain for them because the platform recommend mechanism doesn't help with the building of brand mythology at all. The differentiators of brands are not easy to stand out and only the price and some reviews are helpful for moving the needle. And for media like Tiktok, the marketing related videos have to attract audience attention within seconds, which is also not an effective way of the communication of brands with their target customers.

With all the frustration, most of the D2C brands are just focusing on selling, without knowing much about what does the customers profile look like and their behaviors especially in retention and churn rate, as well as the reasons behind. Most of the startups are hanging there as they still are able to drive the sales growth, but very few of them have built any brand equity. To put it in a very straight forward way, if they increase price to somewhere higher than the incumbents' comparable products, a great portion of the customers will go back to the latter very fast. During our discussion with the founders, I suggested them increase exposure in the offline, brick and mortar stores, which I believe is a way to increase the touch points and communication opportunity with the customers. But in markets like China, their target customers are making most of their purchasing online, and the costs in the offline channels are even higher than the online channels. Therefore, most of the D2C model companies are struggling, leaving investors like me doubting if they even have a brand. How should new comers in the market to build their brands, mitigating through the digital world?

[mariacallous]

To achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, we have to increase the amount of capital invested in climate tech by 590 percent, says Daria Saharova, managing partner at VC World Fund, a European venture capital firm specializing in climate tech. While European funds, including the UK’s, have €19.6 trillion ($21.1 trillion) under management—and invested €19.6 billion in 2022—that’s not enough. We need to invest at least €1 trillion every year.

The good news? “Europe is leading the world in patent applications for climate technology,” she says. “Twenty-eight percent of all patents in this field originate in Europe, so almost one-third of the technology needed is created here.”

The problem, Saharova warns, is the misalignment between emissions and venture capital. Forty-eight percent of VC investment in 2022 was into mobility technology, such as e-scooters. Mobility accounts for only 15 percent of emissions, while more polluting industries like manufacturing, food and agriculture, and the built environment are underfunded. “Eighty-five percent of emissions receive only 52 percent of funding,” according to Saharova.

This matters, she explains, because personal behavior change will reduce only 4.3 percent of emissions. Technologies already in the market will account for 49.8 percent—meaning technologies under development and in need of investment will need to fill in the rest. “Forty-six percent of emissions will be reduced by technology that’s yet to be developed, and this is the tech we desperately need,” she says. “And we need venture capital.”

Venture capital has had its fingers burned in this area before, she points out. “Between 2008 and 2013 there was a lot of investment and a lot of failures. So right now, R&D accounts for 35 percent of investment, private equity 37 percent, and venture capital just 13 percent of climate tech funding.”

There’s a huge opportunity for VCs—as the fast rise of late-entrant private equity shows. The return on new investment in climate tech between 2015 and 2019 stands at almost 22 percent. But how do VCs pick the right investment areas when they often lack the skills?

“We need a crystal ball for a tech product’s sales, the target market, the tech’s influence on that market, its climate footprint, and interrelations with other solutions—in particular, some serious climate science,” she explains. “That’s a long list.”

World Fund has developed a benchmarking system called the Climate Performance Potential, or CPP, which is gradually filtering through to academia. It’s a blend of comparing the potential a startup has to avoid or reduce emissions, a willingness to ignore the startup’s own predictions, and its ability to look at the Total Addressable Market (TAM), which World Fund calls the Total Avoidable Emissions. This pairs a team’s ability to execute with an almost competitive product in a climate-effective technology bucket to understand the order of magnitude that your multiple can achieve.

“This model is focused on the technology rather than the company, so it can be applied to large organizations as well,” she explains. “It allows us to measure the carbon market for a technology compared to others by 2040. We need more private capital and public capital, and this model makes it easier for them to predict success.”

[investment2024]

Unlocking Value: The Rise of Fractional Ownership and Asset Tokenization

Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of finance and investment, two concepts are gaining significant traction: fractional ownership and asset tokenization. These innovative approaches are reshaping how individuals and institutions engage with and invest in a wide array of assets. Let's delve into the intricacies of these concepts and explore the transformative potential they bring to traditional markets.

1. Understanding Fractional Ownership Fractional ownership involves dividing the ownership of an asset into smaller, tradable units. Breaking Down Barriers: Traditional high-value assets like real estate or fine art become accessible to a broader audience. Democratizing Investments: Individuals can now invest in premium assets without the need for substantial capital. 2. The Rise of Asset Tokenization Tokenization Defined: Asset tokenization is the process of converting ownership rights into digital tokens on a blockchain. Enhancing Liquidity: Tokenization facilitates the trading of fractionalized assets in a secure and transparent manner. Smart Contracts: The role of programmable contracts in automating processes like revenue distribution and governance. 3. Advantages for Investors Diversification: Fractional ownership allows for a more diversified portfolio, even with limited funds. Liquidity Boost: Tokenization brings increased liquidity to traditionally illiquid assets. 24/7 Accessibility: Digital tokens enable trading and ownership transfers around the clock, irrespective of geographical constraints. 4. Challenges and Regulatory Landscape Security Concerns: Addressing cybersecurity issues and ensuring the safety of digital assets. Regulatory Frameworks: The evolving regulatory environment and its impact on fractional ownership and tokenization. Educational Imperative: The need for widespread understanding and awareness among investors and regulatory bodies. 5. Real-world Use Cases Real Estate: Tokenizing real estate unlocks new investment avenues and simplifies property transactions. Art and Collectibles: Bringing liquidity to the art market by allowing investors to buy and sell fractionalized ownership of valuable artworks. Startups and SMEs: Enabling access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises through tokenized equity. Conclusion The fusion of fractional ownership and asset tokenization represents a paradigm shift in the way we perceive and interact with valuable assets. As technology continues to advance and regulatory frameworks adapt, these concepts are poised to reshape the investment landscape, unlocking opportunities for a broader spectrum of investors.