Problem-Solution Fit

Agenda

Recording for Class Announcements & Feedback Theory Frameworks Examples Application Assignment

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Video Conferencing, Web Conferencing, Webinars, Screen Sharing

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise video communications, with an easy, reliable cloud platform for video and audio conferencing, chat, and webinars across mobile, desktop, and room systems. Zoom Rooms is the original software-based conference room solution used around the world in board, conference, huddle, and training rooms, as well as executive offices and classrooms. Founded in 2011, Zoom helps businesses and organizations bring their teams together in a frictionless environment to get more done. Zoom is a publicly traded company headquartered in San Jose, CA.

https://pdx.zoom.us/rec/share/vzr2EwRsyMWXCJxgoaFR5KpY-VDwaXSHgO_5UW2Lxbp3V-F1pznvQW02r79ttXBq.JOalp2gU51VX-OH_?startTime=1729204395000

Announcements & Feedback

Feedback about the class

I'll start connecting volunteers to VCs

Rehma Tirmizey

Mason Monetti

Olivia Brimhall

Aaron Mcintire

Kari Doherty

Emily Dinh

Jess Tannenbaum

Elias Foley

Org	Focus	Contact	Students
TiE	-	Jill Jeske	Mason, Olivia
AoA	-	Katie Rice	Jess, Elias
E8	Climate	Karin Kidder	Aaron, Emily
Dreamward	BIPOC, Techincal	Jesse Posey	Rehma, Kari

Anyone want to share about their thesis?

Theory

Abaca Venture Levels

Level

Typical Funding

Problem and Vision

Value Proposition

Acquirer IPO

We're a global leader in solving the problem and continue to address it.

We're recognized as the best solution to this problem.

VC: Series C, D+

We're beginning to tackle additional higher-level problems.

Customers are replacing competitors with our product.

VC: Series B, C

Our vision is clear, and we can expand on future opportunities.

The majority of our customers buy our product repeatedly.

VC: Series A

Our vision is clearly defined and grounded.

We're selling beyond the first repeat customers.

VC: Seed + Angel

Our solution is delivering results, with evidence of impact.

Our initial product is finding consistent traction.

Angel Friends & Family

We can explain and measure the problem, showing how to solve it.

Customer feedback indicates our solution works well.

Angel Friends & Family Personal Credit

We have evidence to support that our solution solves the problem.

We have evidence that customers will pay for our solution.

Friends & Family Personal Credit

We've identified a problem and developed a solution for it.

We have a few potential customers showing interest.

Friends & Family Personal Credit

We have a vision for how to solve the problem we're focused on.

We have identified potential customers.

Frameworks

The YC Startup Directory | Y Combinator

A list of companies YC has funded across many verticals including hardware, edtech, biotech, healthcare, developer tools, consumer and enterprise, to name a few.

https://www.ycombinator.com/companies

THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership.

https://sdgs.un.org/goals

Examples

Rocket Lab

On Monday, Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck will be presenting from Menlo Park in slot 1.

https://www.bvp.com/memos/rocket-lab

Velo3D

On Monday morning, Velo3D co-founder and CEO Benny Buller will present from Menlo Park.

https://www.bvp.com/memos/velo3d

Application

Pick a tag (e.g., YCombinator, industry) and illustratively complete the assignment together.

Invest in founders building the future | Wefunder, Home of the Community Round

Get equity and front row seats to the startups and small businesses you love—for as little as $100.

https://wefunder.com/

Invest in founders building the future | Wefunder, Home of the Community Round

StartEngine: Invest in Startups Online

On StartEngine, everyday people can invest and buy shares in startups and early stage companies.

https://www.startengine.com/?utm_term=startengine&utm_campaign=Search+|+US+|+Branded+|+(OWN)&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=7735338962&hsa_cam=14636106221&hsa_grp=128798484202&hsa_ad=570741938834&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-354030730920&hsa_kw=startengine&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw68K4BhAuEiwAylp3kjzImurd1jbBYuWIWK9MUKAXTOQ4CQ62IzRWa59k1GElm2s1rBcgqxoCDygQAvD_BwE

Honeycomb Credit | Funding that is fast, fair, and local

Honeycomb Credit provides a platform for growing local businesses to borrow money from everyday investors. By launching an offering on Honeycomb, business owners can share their future financial success with customers, fans, and their community, while getting the funds they need to keep growing.

https://www.honeycombcredit.com/

The YC Startup Directory | Y Combinator

A list of companies YC has funded across many verticals including hardware, edtech, biotech, healthcare, developer tools, consumer and enterprise, to name a few.

https://www.ycombinator.com/companies

Portfolio: Startup Companies We've Grown | Techstars

Since 2006, we've connected more than 3,700 startup companies in various industries across the globe with the resources they need for success.

https://www.techstars.com/portfolio

Assignment

Go to WeFunder and identify 20 startups that fit your thesis

If you can’t find enough startups, consider expanding your thesis

Optional: Draft an investment memo section that describes what methods you used (e.g., search terms, industry tags) to align your thesis to the WeFunder deal flow.