Shane Ginsberg

Great time on the Embracing Erosion podcast w/Devon O'Rourke! We talked about: 🚀 How to scale a company from concept to 9-figure exit 🔄 How to break away from the traditional consulting model and apply product approaches ⏩ Why it’s important to iterate quickly and often with messaging 💸📈What signals are important to pay attention to when investing in startups and much more!

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Have you checked out Christopher Penn’s “Almost Timely News” newsletter? Today’s episode was a fascinating dive into the fractal use of AI to scale problem-solving from small issues to major challenges. For those unfamiliar with fractals, they are complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales. Chris brilliantly applied this concept by analyzing open positions at two Pharma companies to deduce their strategic priorities and blind spots. The insights were remarkable! This kind of innovative thinking aligns perfectly with our business strategy framework, providing powerful tools to transform our clients’ businesses. Check out the episode here: Chris Penn’s Episode #AI #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #PharmaIndustry #Fractals #ChrisPenn #AlmostTimelyNews #ProblemSolving #BusinessTransformation #StrategicInsights Would love to hear your thoughts on it!

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Presumably the next wave of CMOs will be super-savvy in terms of Social and Digital, right? How will that inform how they spend their marketing $$$ and their overall channel strategies? Hmmmmm. Check out this clip from my recent episode with the super social savvy Ly Nguyen, Head of Creative at Movement Strategy where we discuss what might be next. #socialcentric #digital #creativedirector #CMO

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The Rise of Fractional CMOs: A New Era in Marketing Leadership https://lnkd.in/gK6xab7n #fractionalcmo #saas #b2bsaas #startups

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Came across this post by CMO Steve Hardy that addresses spray-and-pray vs. sales/marketing aligned pipeline discipline. There needs to be more of this thinking. It is the path to sanity and to sustainable value creation in GTM. A good read.

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On the heels of the big Suno fundraise announcement today, I thought it would be timely to share this discussion around how AI will impact creative industries and talent from our recent panel at the Milken Institute Global Conference. As discussed, it is clear that Gen AI tools will greatly increase the number of people who experiment with creating content, most of whom could never have otherwise created this content and none of whom currently create this content professionally or commercially. This will 1,000,000x the amount of content produced and available for consumption. That said, I believe that general consumers will continue to gravitate toward the highest quality content. This goes for everything from written content, to music, to animation, film, and beyond. The idea that Suno song creation is replacing general music fans' time spent listening to music on Spotify or other DSPs is asinine. That said, it is clearly a fun tool to experiment with, allowing thousands of people who never could have otherwise created a song to create a song - I've used it quite a bit to prompt a handful of tech house kpop songs about living in Berlin. It will be interesting to see how much of their funding goes toward legal bills or more likely licensing the music which is currently being used to train their model. At Patron we’re most interested in companies looking to leverage Gen AI technologies to reshape how professional content creators build a business around their creative talent and output. We believe strongly that this represents a huge opportunity to turn static media formats into more interactive and replayable experiences, and to completely change how creative talent producing written content, webtoons/comics, songs, animation, video, and games can better earn a living off of their creative output. #MIGlobal #GenAI

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**Diverse Segments Represent Business Growth: Are CMOs Investing Accordingly?** I recently read an insightful article by my colleague Isaac Mizrahi, CEO of Alma on Forbes that delves into a critical question for today's marketers: Are CMOs investing appropriately in diverse segments? As we approach the second half of the year, companies are reassessing their business projections amid an uncertain macroeconomic scenario. With inflation and high interest rates impacting consumers, brands are seeking growth opportunities beyond price increases. Diverse segments present a promising avenue for growth. According to the latest U.S. Census report, Hispanic, African American, and Asian American consumers now represent 100% of the country's population growth and a significant share of business growth across various categories. Isaac's analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that between 2017 and 2022, total annual aggregate spending per household increased by 25%. Notably, the combined diverse segment experienced a 42% increase in expenditure, outpacing the non-Hispanic white segment, which grew by only 19%. Household purchasing power also surged, with the Hispanic segment growing by 46% to $1.3 trillion, the African American segment by 35% to $1.0 trillion, and the Asian American segment by 47% to $0.7 trillion. These segments now represent 30% of America's household purchasing power, up from 26% in 2017. Despite these numbers, many CMOs still view diverse segments as an extension of the general market, relying on single, broad-reaching ideas. However, connecting with diverse consumers requires a balanced mix of inclusive and culturally specific approaches, leveraging influencers, social media, and digital channels to amplify culturally relevant messages. Ignoring the significance of diverse segments, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, could be a costly mistake. These consumers demand recognition of their whole identity, including ethnic pride and belonging, influencing American culture in music, fashion, food, sports, language, and entertainment. Marketers must invest strategically in diverse consumer segments to achieve substantial growth and become market leaders. It's time to put marketing investments where the growth is. Which side will you pick? #Marketing #Diversity #BusinessGrowth #ConsumerTrends #CMOs #EthnicMarketing #hispanicmarketing

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The sports venture ecosystem is booming! New startups, huge growth verticals and emerging leagues. Knowing how to navigate it all takes a tremendous amount of first had experience and industry knowledge. Why it's important is because founder and investors want to know where to look for deals, capital availability and outsized returns. We have really carved out a unique swim lane at Champion Venture Partners. -We don't do startups. We invest in growth stage companies, post product market fit and ready to scale. -If you can't have some control in the outcome then you are just gambling. This is exactly why (just like other huge firms deploy KPMG or similar) we deploy a Sports Mgmt Co, lead by Kyle Auffray, to jump into the fray and add value, -We bring on the best talent in the industry that these companies couldn't normally afford. -We let retail investors play right alongside the big hitters in sports deals they only dream they could play in -Liquidity points that are unheard of in this space and a secondaries trading platform We know how to navigate it all and do a damn good job being experts in our industry. So if you are a growth stage founder, jump in here: https://lnkd.in/gQ-3DhQ9 If you are an investor want to know where to look, just reach out!

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Big things brewing in the venture studio world! 🚀 I've been heads down on 4 major projects that I'm excited to share with you: 1️⃣ A comprehensive financial model for venture studios with 490+ inputs, multiple strategies, and in-depth analysis capabilities. 2️⃣ A media network dedicated to venture studio content, including two podcasts (more details coming soon!) 3️⃣ The Universal Venture Studio Design Course - 30+ hours of content to guide you from idea to launch. 4️⃣ A best practices survey targeting 1500+ studio founders, including insights from both successes and failures. Each of these projects aims to advance the venture studio ecosystem and provide valuable resources for founders, investors, and enthusiasts. Which of these projects intrigues you the most? Let me know in the comments, and I'll share more details in upcoming posts! #VentureStudio #Entrepreneurship #Innovation

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In the bustling landscape of B2B, it's easy to be dazzled by the giants—the corporate giants that dominate headlines and boardrooms. Yet, amidst the noise, there exists a quieter, yet equally significant force: Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). While they may not command the same attention as their larger counterparts, MSMEs play a crucial role in driving B2B growth and innovation. With their agility and unwavering determination, these small-scale enterprises hold untapped potential within our economy. From supplying essential components to offering specialized services, these businesses form the intricate network of collaboration and partnership that underpins our global economy. Through strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, and resource allocation, we can harness the innovative spirit of MSMEs to drive collective success. #MSMEDay #B2B #SmallBusiness #Innovation #Empowerment #RajaAbbas #ReachFirst #SmallBusiness #Worktually #LocalBusiness #Canada

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By embracing a product mindset, organizations can generate up to half of their revenue from digital products. Discover the key findings in the IBV’s most recent study and learn how implementing product-focused technologies can boost efficiency and innovation. Stay ahead of the competition with AI. #AI #Product #Agile https://ibm.biz/BdmfFr

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WHAT IS A BRAND AND WHAT’S IN A NAME? THE ANSWER IS … EVERYTHING. A Brand is a name that represents the TOTAL GESTALT of an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts. Or, as Merriam-Webster defines gestalt, “Something that is made of many parts and yet is somehow more than or different from the combination of its parts”. But Brand “differentiation” is only part of the Brand. Indeed, most brands actually have no meaningful or competitive point-of-difference beyond their price and what they promise, say, or show to consumers in their advertising. In other words, basically parity products and services making parity claims in a “sea of sameness”. Yet, there are those rare and exceptional brands, such as BMW, that reflect the TOTAL GESTALT of their brand from many different aspects. Just say “The Ultimate Driving Machine” to anyone looking for a high-performance luxury car and they will say BMW. And that’s what a Brand is … a proven NAME and identity consumers instantly recognize, with the gestalt and differentiation we’re looking for when we want the best. 😎

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Prime Coalition has long taken a different tack to climate finance compared to its for-profit brethren. It makes the usual venture-style investments in startups through Azolla Ventures and also helps philanthropists direct their money to climate-related projects that it deems high impact. Trellis Climate follows the latter model with a focus on middle stages, where capital has grown scarce. #climatetech #climateVC #climatefinance

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As a new starter at Rampersand, it has been fascinating to sit next to Scott Dommett and eavesdrop on —sorry, listen to—him interviewing many, many founders. I was curious about how we determine which #startup ideas proceed through the initial meeting stages to the next step and onto #VCfunding, and he introduced me to the "WDWNTB" framework. It's rigorous and thoughtful and an excellent system for helping ensure we invest in the best companies in our ecosystem. Have a read!

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VENTURE STUDIO’S BUILD AND LAUNCH COMPANIES, DEMANDING A DYNAMIC STAFFING MODEL, AND RIGOROUS PLANNING CYCLE. The Nobody Studios venture studio operates in a way no one’s had the guts to try before. We solve problems creatively, accept risk, and experiment incessantly to drive progress. Our culture is built around testing, learning, and continually evolving in connection with the crowd. This is our engine for creating impactful companies with unprecedented speed and efficiency. The studio consists of a team of proven and experienced entrepreneurs who together drive progress at speed and with conviction. This is where true innovation shines. And the way we scale is to integrate category experts and leaders to carry the torch, always supported by the studio team. Interested in becoming a Nobody? Let's chat! #venturestudio #hiring

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🌱 For pre-seed/seed founders 🌱 The early stage vc markets have changed drastically -- but many founders don't truly understand how or how much things have shifted until its too late or they are deep into the fundraising process already. This recent Allocate pod lifts the veil on the pre-seed/seed 2024 markets. SO MANY GEMS are packed 💎 into the first 20 min, I had to listen twice. Key takeaways from pre-seed VCs I'm a big fan of Jenny Fielding of Everywhere Ventures, Kirby Winfield at Ascend (PNW represent!) & Nate Williams. 💎 The market in one word: 'turbulent' 💎 Fundraising bi-furcation; 2X founder building in AI (rounds take weeks) vs All Others (rounds take up to 6 months). 💎 "Leading VCs" (ie. first check in) are putting in a TON of work - building conviction & then helping founders fill the round. 💎 Up to 5 rounds pre-A; need lower early valuations to enable step ups 💎 Pre-seed entry valuations have corrected to $5-8M 💎 Round sizes have increased at pre-seed & seed for extended runway Many more insights in the full pod here: https://lnkd.in/gYf-DMr6 #venturecapital #preseed

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"The key to effective partnerships is thinking, 'What's in it for them?'" I loved this quote from Ira Goldfarb, who joined us for our Founders N' Funders Founders Dinner last night at the Alta Club in Salt Lake City. Ira has 40+ years of experience in helping create effective go-to-market strategies for startups. Some of the biggest names in tech bring him in to help solve their go-to-market challenges. We are fortunate to now have Ira as part of the Utah tech / startup ecosystem -- he is a wealth of knowledge, and we all benefited from his wisdom last night, along with the shared insights among a fantastic group of startup founders. 👏 Special shoutout to Timothy Lipton at Momentum Finance for organizing this event and helping us bring together such a powerful group of entrepreneurs. 🍽️Zack Oates🍕 - I am more and more impressed with you as a founder the more I get to know you! Congrats on closing your recent funding round for Ovation that affords you the additional resources to make massive improvements in efficiency for the entire restaurant industry! Marcus D'Ambrosio, founder of Adaract, is on the cutting edge of tech creating robotic innovations that add humanistic elements to robotic machines. Really impressive technical founder with excellent business acumen, who has entrepreneurship in his genes. Matthew Roberts -- It was so good to catch up with you!!! Everywhere I go, I hear people talking about Savvi Legal and PaperOS these days! As an early investor and advisor, I'm a HUGE fan of what Matt and Dan Roberts are building! Love seeing so many investors and funds using them for SPVs and fund admin. But it's even more exciting hearing about what is in the works!!!! 🚀 Nathan Davenport -- Founder of Nebu. I can't wait to get a couple pairs of the outdoor pants. I'll be placing my order this week! I'm always jealous when I see Tim wearing his. 🏔️ Check out https://nebuclothing.com! Eric Lo -- Founder of Krado Inc. is another exceptional founder! Congrats on winning a HUGE contract in the space! I know Tim is a direct investor and I'm an indirect investor in Krado. I love the enormous market potential of what you are doing to disrupt what has been an impenetrable market in the ag space! 🌱 Travis Shreeve, CPA -- Great to finally meet in person! I'm excited to intro you to Dan Tolbert who was involved in The Chosen and worked directly with Angel Studios. The Fablehaven movie series project you are heading up is super intriguing and impressive! 🐉 Jeff Handy -- Congrats again on the somewhat recent funding round for Qualiti. You got a great personal endorsement from Matthew Roberts and several others around the table. I can't wait for the whitewater founder adventures you and Matt were talking about!!! 🛶 Scott Cummings --- So great to see you there! I loved the discussion about your success in relying on fractional resources and experts! Thanks for sharing your insights! #FoundersNFunders

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