{"id":7621,"date":"2024-10-01T15:27:00","date_gmt":"2024-10-01T15:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/off-balance-51\/"},"modified":"2024-10-01T15:27:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T15:27:00","slug":"off-balance-51","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/off-balance-51\/","title":{"rendered":"Off Balance #51"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\ud83d\udc4b\ud83c\udffe Hi friends!<\/p>\n

Even as autumn descends, it seems like we\u2019re starting to see some green shoots in the venture ecosystem, a bit of life – or to put it more bluntly, a bit of cash coming back into the system – fingers crossed we start seeing a bit more activity so we can see 2024 out with a bang \ud83e\udd1e\u00a0\ud83e\udde8\u00a0<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget, I\u2019ll be speaking at Niyo Fest<\/a> this Saturday where I\u2019ll be talking about Levelling the Playing Field: The Gender Finance Gap – come join me in Birmingham for a celebration of technology, culture and community \ud83d\udcaa\ud83c\udffe<\/p>\n

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As you know, I\u2019m well underway writing about all the things I\u2019ve learned from the last couple of decades as founder, CFO and CEO, so sign up for early access to Off Balance – The Book<\/a> and feel free to share with anyone else you think might enjoy it \ud83d\ude04. I\u2019m setting myself the target of getting through a large portion of it whilst I\u2019m away in Italy during August – wish me luck!<\/p>\n

Now let\u2019s get down to business\u2026<\/p>\n

\ud835\udddb\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude04 \ud835\uddd9\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf1\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddf9\ud835\uddf6\ud835\ude01\ud835\ude06 \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf8\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddee \ud835\uddf4\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf9 \ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude04 \ud835\ude01\ud835\uddfc \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2\ud835\ude00\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb \ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude01\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf2 \ud83d\udcc8<\/h1>\n

In this week’s episode of Nothing Ventured, I sat down with Alokik Advani<\/a>, Managing Partner at Fidelity International Strategic Ventures<\/a>, building and investing in fintech businesses and technologies that are strategic to Fidelity International. <\/p>\n

Alokik\u2019s career has spanned over two decades in finance setting up a strategic investment unit for Merrill Lynch in Europe after which he spent a decade building out Goldman Sach\u2019s Strategic Investments team and practice in Hong Kong before joining VC firm Eight Roads as the MD for Fintech Strategic Investments.<\/p>\n

In this episode we covered:<\/p>\n

\u2192 \ud835\udde7\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddd8\ud835\ude03\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddf9\ud835\ude03\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 \ud835\udde3\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfd\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb \ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddf3 \ud835\uddd6\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\udde9\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude01\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddd6\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddf6\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf9: Alokik discussed the common misconceptions surrounding CVCs, often labeled as “dumb money” or slow-moving entities. However, he emphasised that strategic investors can bring significant value beyond just capital. By aligning incentives and actively participating in the growth of startups, CVCs can foster meaningful partnerships that drive innovation and revenue potential. This shift in mindset is crucial for founders to understand as they navigate their funding options.<\/p>\n

\u2192 \ud835\uddd8\ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddef\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf4 \ud835\uddd7\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude04\ud835\uddfb \ud835\udde5\ud835\uddfc\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf1\ud835\ude00: In today’s market, many startups face the reality of down rounds. Alokik encouraged founders not to dread this scenario but to view it as an opportunity for recalibration. By focusing on building sustainable businesses with solid fundamentals\u2014like achieving $100 million in ARR rather than chasing billion-dollar valuations\u2014founders can create long-term value. This perspective shift can help startups weather economic uncertainties and emerge stronger.<\/p>\n

\u2192 \ud835\udde7\ud835\uddf5\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\udddc\ud835\uddfa\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddff\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfb\ud835\uddf0\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddf3 \ud835\uddd7\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddee\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfc\ud835\uddfb \ud835\uddf6\ud835\uddfb \ud835\udde9\ud835\uddf2\ud835\uddfb\ud835\ude01\ud835\ude02\ud835\uddff\ud835\uddf2 \ud835\uddd6\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddfd\ud835\uddf6\ud835\ude01\ud835\uddee\ud835\uddf9: Alokik highlighted the need for flexibility in investment duration, especially in a rapidly changing market. Traditional 10-year fund structures may not suit all startups, particularly those in sectors experiencing significant shifts. Fidelity’s approach allows for a longer-term view, enabling them to support companies that require more time to realize their potential. This adaptability is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that startups have the runway they need to succeed.<\/p>\n

We also spoke about:<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd11 Whether corporate ventures only provide the dumb money and over pay?<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc69\ud83c\udffe\u200d\ud83d\udcbc Strategic investors are now involved in 20% of deals or more.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcc9 Why you shouldn’t dread the downround<\/p>\n

\u23f3 How startups can outlast the 10 year fund structure.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcb8 Why if it isn\u2019t easy to realise returns, everything slows down.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd2f The mindset shift required to becoming the $100m ARR company rather than the $1bn company.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc22 Alokik\u2019s contrarian advice – Slow down and take your time sometimes.<\/p>\n

Check it out on YouTube!<\/p>\n

Else listen on Spotify<\/a> or Apple<\/a><\/p>\n

If you have any feedback, or if there\u2019s something you\u2019re desperate to see me include, just reply to this mail or ping me online – I\u2019m very open to conversations. <\/p>\n

If you like what I\u2019m putting out, do give me a follow on LinkedIn<\/a>, Twitter<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

(If you are trying to connect with me on LinkedIn, maybe read this post<\/a> I wrote and make sure to start your request with \u201cOff Balance\u201d and, more importantly, tell me why you\u2019d like to connect \ud83d\udcaa\ud83c\udffe) <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to like, rate and subscribe to Nothing Ventured on Apple, Spotify or YouTube, it really helps more people see what we\u2019re doing – you can find links to these (and more including my Office Hours) right here<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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This edition of Nothing Ventured is brought to you by <\/span>EmergeOne<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

EmergeOne provides fractional CFO support to venture backed tech startups from Seed to Series B and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n

Join companies backed by Hoxton, Stride, Octopus, Founders Factory, Outlier, a16z and more, who trust us to help them get the most out of their capital, streamline financials, and manage investor relations so they can focus on scaling.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a CFO working with venture backed startups and want to join a team of incredible fractional talent, drop us your details <\/span>here<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a growing startup that knows it needs that strategic financial knowhow, drop your details <\/span>here<\/a><\/span> to see how we can support you as you scale <\/span>\ud83d\ude80<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

As always, my office hours<\/a> are open, if you\u2019d like to chat about anything finance, tech or venture releated, just grab some time \ud83d\ude0a. <\/p>\n

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Gif by americangods on Giphy<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

I hope you found Off Balance #51 valuable. As always, I\u2019d love to get your feedback and understand the sort of topics you would love to hear about.<\/p>\n

Just hit reply to this mail or drop me a line at hello@emergeone.co.uk<\/a> and let me know \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n

\ud83d\ude80And that\u2019s a wrap for this edition of Off Balance – I\u2019d appreciate your feedback so just reply to this email if you\u2019ve got something you\u2019d like to say.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udce8 If you think someone else might love this, please forward it on to them,<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfa7 Finally, if you\u2019re a fan of the Nothing Ventured<\/a> podcast, please don\u2019t forget to like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your pods – it really helps us spread the word.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s it from me so until next time\u2026<\/p>\n

Stay liquid \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n

Aarish<\/p>\n

Get your news where Silicon Valley gets its news \ud83d\udcf0<\/h3>\n
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That\u2019s why a lot of them (including investors from a16z, Bessemer, Founders Fund, and Sequoia) trust this free newsletter.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a five minute-read every morning, and it gives readers the information they need ASAP so they can spend less time scrolling and more time doing.<\/p>\n

Subscribe for free<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\ud83d\udc4b\ud83c\udffe Hi friends! Even as autumn descends, it seems like we\u2019re starting to see some green shoots in the venture ecosystem, a bit of life – or to put it more bluntly, a bit of cash coming back into the system – fingers crossed we start seeing a bit more activity so we can see […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7621","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-lowdown","category-off-balance"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7621","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7621"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7621\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7621"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7621"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/emergeone.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7621"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}