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Tag: fundraisers

  • Celebration, Resilience and Creative Brilliance: Inside the Museum of the African Diaspora Afropolitan Ball

    Corinne Dixon, Pandora Thomas and Nicole Dixon. Photo: Drew Altizer

    The crown jewel of this year’s Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week was the Museum of the African Diaspora’s Afropolitan Ball—a glittering, high-octane gala that raised more than $1 million for the institution’s programming. The black-tie fête once again drew a mix of power players from art, fashion, entertainment and philanthropy, all converging at the San Francisco Ferry Building to see and be seen while celebrating MoAD’s 20th anniversary.

    Spotted in the cosmopolitan crowd were artists Mildred Howard, Zully Adler, Cheryl Derricotte, Mikael Owunna, Marta Thoma Hall, Ayana V. Jackson, Gustavo Nazareno, Ramekon O’Arwisters and Lava Thomas; curators Francesco Dama, Ashara Ekundayo and Yasmin Lambie-Simpson; and gallerist Jeremy Patricia Stone. Also in attendance were San Francisco Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington, political powerbroker Willie L. Brown Jr., arts patron Irwin Federman, multihyphenate creator Joy Ofodu, philanthropist Mary Graham, director and screenwriter Maya Forbes and China Forbes, lead singer of Pink Martini. The latter are sisters, MoAD board members and daughters of board vice chair Peggy Woodford Forbes, founder and former CEO of Woodford Capital Management. (Supporting MoAD, it seems, runs in the family.)

    Mary Graham. Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

    Kicking off the evening’s festivities, event chair Eric McDonnell took the stage to spotlight MoAD’s achievements over two decades before Woodford Forbes honored the museum’s founding board, including Belva Davis, inaugural board president and the first African American woman television reporter on the West Coast. MoAD executive director and CEO Monetta White then unveiled the museum’s new mandate. “We step boldly into the future with a new mission, to place contemporary art and artists of the African Diaspora at the center of the global cultural conversation,” she said. “This is not just a statement, it is a charge. A charge to lift up the voices of artists from the African Diaspora and to make sure their contributions are not at the margins, but at the very center of culture.”

    Once the speeches concluded, auction specialist Naomi Lewis rallied the glitterati to raise their paddles for experiences including a Donum Estate wine tasting and a private dinner with White and curator Key Jo Lee. A spellbinding performance by Alonzo King LINES Ballet followed—offering a preview of its upcoming collaboration with Grammy-winning artist Esperanza Spalding—before DJ Novena Carmel took over the balcony, spinning a genre-spanning set that kept guests dancing late into the night.

    Eric McDonnell, Monetta White, Ralph Remington and Key Jo Lee

    Eric McDonnell, Monetta White, Ralph Remington and Key Jo Lee. Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography

    Naomi Lewis

    Naomi Lewis. Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

    Maya Forbes and China Forbes

    Maya Forbes and China Forbes. Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography

    Mikael Owunna

    Mikael Owunna. Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

    Ayana Jackson, Gustavo Nazareno, Lava Thomas and Yasmin Lambie-Simpson

    Ayana Jackson, Gustavo Nazareno, Lava Thomas and Yasmin Lambie-Simpson. Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

    Robin Washington and Carl Washington

    Robin Washington and Carl Washington. Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

    Toye Moses and Alma Robinson Moses

    Toye Moses and Alma Robinson Moses. Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography

    Willie Brown and Monetta White

    Willie Brown and Monetta White. Photo: Drew Altizer

    Luke Liss, Peggy Woodford Forbes and Shana Simmons

    Luke Liss, Peggy Woodford Forbes and Shana Simmons. Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography

    Brandin Vaughn and Gustavo Nazareno

    Brandin Vaughn and Gustavo Nazareno. Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

    Joy Ofodu

    Joy Ofodu. Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography

    Chuck Collins, Paula Collins and Ralph Remington

    Chuck Collins, Paula Collins and Ralph Remington. Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography

    Concepcion Federman and Irwin Federman

    Concepcion Federman and Irwin Federman. Mahelly Ferreira for Drew Altizer Photography

    Key Jo Lee, Lava Thomas, Ashara Ekundayo and Richard Beavers

    Key Jo Lee, Lava Thomas, Ashara Ekundayo and Richard Beavers. Photo: Drew Altizer

    Naomi Lewis and Ramekon O’Arwisters

    Naomi Lewis and Ramekon O’Arwisters. Photo: Drew Altizer

    Charisse Howse and David Howse

    Charisse Howse and David Howse. Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

    Celebration, Resilience and Creative Brilliance: Inside the Museum of the African Diaspora Afropolitan Ball

    Christa Terry

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  • Hundreds of people will sleep at the Phillies ballpark on Nov. 20. Here’s why.

    On a November night a few weeks after the baseball season ends, the outfield at Citizens Bank Park will be filled with people in sleeping bags.

    The Phillies are partnering with Covenant House, a nonprofit that provides services for young people experiencing homelessness, for a “sleep out” fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 20, when participants will stay at the ballpark from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

    MORE: Estate that was George Washington’s headquarters during Revolutionary War hits market for $3.3 million

    “It’s not a slumber party. It’s not a camping trip. It’s not pretending to be homeless,” said Colleen Veldt, Covenant House’s vice president of peer-to-peer fundraising. “It’s really a very strong act of solidarity to call attention to this issue and to raise money.”

    Covenant House operates in 19 states and five countries providing shelter, housing support and other resources to people ages 16-21 who are on the street or have been victims of human trafficking. The organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Pennsylvania and wanted to revisit a yearslong partnership with the Phillies, who once had former managers Charlie Manuel and Larry Bowa spend a night on the street in Center City to raise money for the nonprofit.

    Covenant House, based in New York City, once had a sleep out at Yankee Stadium with about 250 people on the field overnight. The organization hopes to bring about 750 people to Citizens Bank Park this year, making it the largest sleep out event to date. Covenant House also will host events nationwide the same night, including smaller sleep outs at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.

    “The premise of the event is that you’re giving up your bed for one night so that a young person facing homelessness can have a safe bed at Covenant House,” Veldt said.

    Covenant House estimates more than 4.2 million young people experience homelessness in the United States each year, including more than 10,000 children and youth in Philadelphia and over 46,000 statewide. Many young adults lose their safety nets when they age out of the foster care system. Others struggle with mental health and legal issues. Some lack basic documents needed to access housing and other necessities.

    “It’s a less visible population than the adults who are facing homelessness, and that’s really part of the issue,” Veldt said. “Young people are really good at flying under the radar. They have really been let down by the adults and institutions in their lives, so they’re hesitant and afraid to come forward to ask for help. They couch surf and try to make it on their own as long as they can.”

    People who want to participate in the sleep out at Citizens Bank Park must be at least 13 years old and will need to raise a minimum of $1,000 using Covenant House’s fundraising portal. Those who sign up for the event can customize their pages and share links on social media, in group texts and by email to raise money.

    “Our team gives weekly coaching tips to try to make it as easy as possible for them,” Veldt said.

    On the night of the sleep out, Covenant House will provide participants with a sleeping bag, a cardboard box and light refreshments. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event will go on rain or shine. Based on the weather or the amount of space occupied in the outfield, some people will sleep in covered areas of the ballpark concourse. There will be access to bathrooms and Covenant House staff will be available to offer emotional support.

    “It’s meant to be uncomfortable. It’s a challenge,” Veldt said. “It’s not homelessness by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s not usually a comfortable night.”

    The morning after the sleep out, Covenant House leaders and alumni who once stayed at the organization’s shelters will hold a reflection period for people to talk about their experiences. Holding the sleep out on Thursday is an intentional way to help people understand the difficulty of going to work or school after a night without their usual comforts. 

    “You get a full, immersive experience in our work, our mission and our world when you come to our events,” Veldt said.

    Covenant House has a 24/7 youth crisis center and shelter in Germantown that serves about 300 people every year. The nonprofit also has additional beds at other locations in the city, a mobile outreach unit and a transitional housing facility serving youth in York.

    Veldt said the Covenant House’s goal is to bring in more than $1.5 million from the sleep out event at Citizens Bank Park. All proceeds from the event will support young people in Pennsylvania, and those who wish to participate in the sleep out virtually from another location also are invited to sign up. 

    “We want people to know that this is a really pressing issue and that there is something they can do to help,” she said.

    Michael Tanenbaum

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  • JD Vance returns to Bay Area for another Silicon Valley fundraiser

    JD Vance returns to Bay Area for another Silicon Valley fundraiser

    With Election Day less than a month away, Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, is set to return to the Bay Area on Wednesday for yet another fundraiser in an effort to bolster the Republican campaign war chest in the final stretch of the race for the White House.

    According to the event invitation, the fundraiser will take place in the evening in Woodside, an affluent town on the Peninsula. However, few other details were provided.

    The cost of attending the event is steep: $50,000 per couple will grant access to a roundtable discussion, photo opportunity and reception, according to the invite. For individuals, participation in the roundtable, a photo and reception access is priced at $25,000. A photo opportunity with access to the reception costs $15,000, and general admission is set at $3,300 per person.

    Woodside is renowned for its sprawling estates, many owned by Silicon Valley’s wealthiest residents.

    The host of the fundraiser remains unclear. A spokesperson for the San Mateo County Republican Party said she did not have information regarding who is hosting the event.

    This visit is part of an ongoing push by Vance and his running mate at the top of the ticket, former President Donald Trump, to raise funds in the Bay Area, a region known for its deep pockets for both the GOP and Democrats, despite its largely liberal electorate.

    Trump has made several trips to the area recently, attending high-dollar fundraisers with some of the region’s wealthiest donors.

    Last month, Trump was the guest of honor at a fundraiser held at the Woodside home of tech billionaire Tom Siebel, who is related to Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

    In June, Trump raised $12 million during an event at the home of San Francisco billionaire David Sacks. Vance, for his part, appeared at a fundraiser hosted by crypto billionaire Mike Belshe at the Four Seasons in East Palo Alto in late July.

    The region is a hotbed for political fundraising for both parties. Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris, a Bay Area native, campaigned in San Francisco in August and again last week, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential hopeful, was in Sacramento on Tuesday as part of a West Coast fundraising tour.

    California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson said of Walz’ visit, “Walz trades one failed California Democrat for another as Gavin Newsom hosts him to raise campaign cash in Sacramento.”

    Ryan Macasero

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  • White Dudes for Harris Was a ‘Rainbow of Beige’ That Raised Almost $4 Million

    White Dudes for Harris Was a ‘Rainbow of Beige’ That Raised Almost $4 Million

    Photo: White Dudes for Harris

    Waiting for the White Dudes for Harris stream to begin, I had a question: How long would it take to see a top knot? I did not have to wait long, for the first white dude — Ross Morales Rocketto, the founder of White Dudes for Harris — had the signature late-millennial white dude cut. “We know the silent majority of white men aren’t MAGA supporters,” Rocketto said, urging white guys around the nation to heed their call and donate to Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic candidate for president as of just last week.

    Rocketto, a progressive organizer and Deloitte alum, was quick to address the uncomfortable name of the group he co-founded to raise money for the vice-president’s campaign. After an estimated 40,000 Black women gathered on Zoom to fundraise for Harris last week — followed by a White Women for Kamala event that broke Zoom —Rocketto stated that a white guy fundraiser was necessary: “We created this place to listen.” Then the white guys began talking.

    The three-plus-hour stream was a mix of white male politicians, white male celebrities, white male labor leaders, and one Black man — Working Families Party national director Maurice Mitchell, who called in from the New York Mets game. Mitchell kicked off the event, telling the white guys on the stream that “silence equates to agreement” and that they must “get in formation” in the coalition to defeat Donald Trump. He was followed up by not just a white dude, but the white dude.

    “I gotta laugh because I accepted the invitation not for being white, but because I’m a dude you know?” said actor Jeff Bridges, who pushed back on a philosophical point on the messaging from the campaign that Democrats must “fight” for democracy. “It’s not so much a fight, but a surrender to higher thoughts of how we want the future to turn out,” Bridges said. “That’s just my opinion, man.”

    It’s hard to follow up on the energy of the dude from The Big Lebowski. Rather than try, they went with Pete Buttigieg next. “I’m a policy guy,” he said. Unlike Bridges, the Transportation secretary said that he has never put much stock in “vibes” — but added that the “vibes are incredible” since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race.

    Throughout the night, the stream swapped back and forth between political figures and celebs. Singer Josh Groban discussed the “constant education” of listening to women, followed by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, who discussed the “disrespect of women” embedded in the Republican Party. The West Wing actor Bradley Whitford joked about the “rainbow of beige” on the call on Monday night, followed by the co-chair of Harris’s campaign Mitch Landrieu, who called on white guys to “just show up.” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker played the role of both politician and comedian, making at least three jokes involving J.D. Vance and a couch.

    It was a strange night — an affinity group of liberal white guys talking about their identity and their relationships to women. Actor Josh Gadd and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz cited their status as fathers of daughters. Business professor Scott Galloway identified as a “man who protects and provides that is what we do.” (Galloway also pledged $50,000 in exchange for Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who was also on the call, to say: “I’m Luke Skywalker, I’m here to rescue you.”) Actor Sean Astin described his “absolute reverence for women” and Michigan Senator Gary Peters advised white men to “worship our loved ones.” But overall, the messaging was focused. To quote from the crowd, Harris offers a new vision of “hope” and economic investment, compared to a Republican Party led by an “adjudicated rapist” and his “weird” VP candidate, J.D. Vance.

    The tone was like a star-studded public radio fund drive that was really easy to make fun of — and was a definite throwback to the 2016 Democratic effort to get as many celebrities as possible to rally the base. But if money was the whole point, it looks like it all worked out. With 60,000 individual contributions, the stream raised more than $3.9 million before it was over. Hey, it’s an ad buy, right?

    Matt Stieb

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  • Kehlani Raised $555,000 for Gaza, Sudan, and Congo

    Kehlani Raised $555,000 for Gaza, Sudan, and Congo

    Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

    Kehlani is putting her money where her mouth is after supporting Palestine in her music video for “Next 2 U.” The performer raised over $555,000 in aid for Gaza, Sudan, and Congo with merch from the new single. “This song is about protection, something that institutions have failed to do for the people of Palestine, Congo, and Sudan,” she wrote on Instagram. “No one got us the way we got each other. Me & my team feel overwhelmed with gratitude for yall showing out for this fundraiser.” Kehlani sold T-shirts that were made in Bethlehem and screen-printed in Ramallah, both on the West Bank. Along with benefitting Palestinian families amid the Israel-Hamas war, the proceeds also go to families in Sudan, which is experiencing a civil war, and Congo, which is facing attacks by armed rebel groups. “We’re blessed to play a small part in a growing tide towards the truth about Palestine,” Kehlani continued. “We’re invincible together and I feel so inspired by y’all.”

    Justin Curto

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  • Jason Kelce to bartend again in Sea Isle City to raise money for Eagles Autism Foundation

    Jason Kelce to bartend again in Sea Isle City to raise money for Eagles Autism Foundation

    He’s bested Dominik Mysterio at WrestleMania, cruised the Philly area in his new Tesla Cybertruck and lost his Super Bowl ring in a kiddie pool of chili, and now, we know Jason Kelce’s next retirement move: celebrity bartending.

    This hobby is actually an old one for the former Eagle, who has slung drinks in Sea Isle City for the past three years to raise money for the Eagles Autism Foundation. He’s set to return for another round at the Ocean Drive bar on Wednesday, June 26.

    MORE: Leslie Odom, Jr. to perform in Philadelphia next month

    Kylie Kelce teased the return on her Instagram Story, posting photos tagged at the Yacht Club of Sea Isle City and a short video of an empty bar with the text “IYKYK 6/26.” The Ocean Drive confirmed the date, but further details are not available at this time.

    Last year’s event, which included a raffle and auction, raised more than $375,000 for the Eagles Autism Foundation. The slate for the 2024 bash may be TBD, but if past festivities are any indication, you could chug a beer with Kelce — or at least watch him enter the scene with a tray of Jell-O shots and the “Rocky” theme on blast.

    Team 62 Fundraiser

    Wednesday, June 26
    Ocean Drive
    3915 Landis Ave, Sea Isle City, NJ 

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    Kristin Hunt

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  • Los Gatos chef brings her passion for nutrition education to fundraiser

    Los Gatos chef brings her passion for nutrition education to fundraiser

    From affluent patrons of Chez Panisse in Berkeley to seventh-graders at Fisher Middle School in Los Gatos, Chef Kerry Billner has cooked for all types of people.

    Billner made the switch to working in food service and nutrition departments for school districts in the South Bay when her kids were born and she was looking for more consistent hours and a reliable schedule. As director of child nutrition for the Los Gatos Union School District, her days no longer consist of the restaurant grind, but she still gets to exercise creativity in school kitchens in addition to the administrative work she does around nutrition.

    “I’ve kind of fallen in love with it; it’s got this 50/50 balance of running around the kitchen and being creative and helping the cooks to make beautiful food, and then this whole nutrition and administrative follow-up that I really love doing as well,” she said.

    Now, the San Francisco California Culinary Academy alumna and San Jose native will use her skills for a new cause on March 8 : West Valley Community Services’ 13th annual Chefs of Compassion fundraiser.

    The fundraiser comes as the Cupertino-based nonprofit celebrates its 50th anniversary and will support the services it provides, including a food pantry and assistance in finding affordable housing for residents of Los Gatos, Saratoga, Cupertino and West San Jose.

    Billner will be competing along with chefs Katie Voong of Mayan Kitchen in Sunnyvale and Apurva Panchal of Rooh in Palo Alto to put together a multi-course meal for fundraiser attendees using ingredients solely from West Valley Community Services’ pantry.

    Each chef is responsible for a different course, with Billner in charge of dessert. The chefs put together their respective dishes and then pass the recipes along to a catering company that will re-create them on a larger scale for the fundraiser. A panel will judge the dishes based on taste, appearance and creativity and award an “audience favorite” based on attendees’ votes.

    As an advocate for local foods and plant-based alternatives, Billner knows that good food can come from humble ingredients as easily as expensive ones. Hence, the cardamom-infused pear tart she crafted for the dessert course, inspired by the canned pears she saw in West Valley Community Services’ pantry.

    But she’ll just as easily sprinkle edible flowers onto her seventh-graders’ avocado toast as she’ll include canned pears in a catered meal, keeping true to her fine dining roots while serving children, the toughest food critics around.

    “Most American desserts are really high in sugar and really high in fat, which of course I love,” she said. “But working in schools, it’s like you’re constantly having to be restrictive of those items but still create flavor.”

    Chefs of Compassion starts at 6 p.m. at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View. Tickets are $185 per person or $1,850 for a table of 10 at chefsofcompassion.org.

    Isha Trivedi

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  • 3 Essential Factors Your Startup Should Consider If You Want It to Bloom | Entrepreneur

    3 Essential Factors Your Startup Should Consider If You Want It to Bloom | Entrepreneur

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Venture capital funding has always been a complex and highly competitive landscape where startups and established businesses alike vie fiercely for investor attention and financial backing. And in recent times, this state of things has only grown progressively worse.

    Over the past two years, global markets have observed a continuous fall in venture capital funding. In Q1 2023, the figure reached $76 billion, less than half the amount recorded in 2022 ($162 billion). Funding into the fintech sector amounted to just $23 billion in the first half of 2023. At the same time, the number of funding rounds dropped by 64% compared to the same period in 2022.

    The investor sentiment is waning, and to survive in this grim climate, startups must be capable of rapidly adapting to changes and possess a sensible MVP capable of attracting investors and customers alike. These are the foundation upon which a business is built and from which it can improve based on evolving customer needs and emerging market trends.

    Let’s look at how companies can adapt their operations in a challenging environment where investors are becoming more cautious and their funding scarcer.

    Adapt your startup to the realities of the BANI world

    Before we get into the detailed recommendations on what parts of your business you should focus on when seeking investment opportunities, I believe it important to point your attention to a more overarching matter. Namely, the modern-day business landscape in which companies find themselves operating.

    In today’s rapidly changing global environment, any startup founder must know the BANI world and understand its nuances and rules. BANI stands for “Brittle, Anxious, Non-Linear, and Incomprehensible,” representing the key characteristics of the current business environment.

    Today’s world is prone to sudden disruptions and shocks that can significantly impact businesses and their activities. As such, leaders must learn to anticipate potential risks and build resilience within their organizations. To maintain an efficient business in times of uncertainty and volatility, leaders need to monitor market dynamics constantly, understand the ongoing trends and adapt their strategies accordingly.

    In short, understanding the modern realities is essential for heads of startups to successfully steer their companies towards growth and secure investments from stakeholders who value adaptability and foresight. It is particularly important for startup founders, as such businesses already tend to start their journeys in a financially vulnerable position. Failing to acknowledge the aspects of the BANI world may leave them ill-prepared to face disruptions, competition, market shifts and other threats.

    By taking care to keep an eye on these complexities, on the other hand, founders can make more informed decisions and adjust their business strategies accordingly. This can build their organizations more resiliently and attract investments by showcasing their ability to thrive in a rapidly changing and challenging environment.

    Now that we have cleared up the BANI world issue, let’s take a closer look at the actions that startup founders can take when fundraising. Based on personal experience, I recommend focusing on three main aspects of your business when you’re planning to engage with promising investors.

    Related: How to Adapt in a Rapidly Changing Economy

    1. Grow your revenue rather than your turnover

    When the market is going through a boom, investors tend to look at how rapidly a company can grow and capture its share in the market. But in today’s business landscape, it is more important for them to understand that a company can endure and survive in harsh circumstances. And survive for a long time, at that. If you have the capacity to be profitable on top of that, then all the better for you.

    Make sure to demonstrate this fact openly and proudly, as it would make a lot of sense for investors to invest in you to drive this success further and get their share of the profit from it.

    Related: We Can’t Rely on Venture Capital Funding to Build a Just and Thriving Entrepreneurial Economy. Here’s What to Do Instead

    2. Pay attention to your company’s data and analytics

    Showcase figures that would indicate to investors that your business is viable and that they can invest in it safely. In my own company, for example, we demonstrated how much we managed to reduce costs while boosting revenue simultaneously. Things like that give investors the information that you can operate effectively, which worked to great effect for us.

    3. Show that you can make responsible financial decisions

    If investors are to put their money into your startup, it would put their minds at ease to know that you can invest said money competently and precisely. More specifically, under the current market conditions, pouring funds into things that yield a quick result is necessary. You are required to be able to adapt to market trends and make quick decisions that provide quantifiable outcomes.

    Fundamentally, the most important thing is to demonstrate a set of skills and tools that would indicate to investors that your business can maintain itself regardless of the outside conditions in a market filled with uncertainty.

    Related: How to Think Outside the Box and Craft a Values-Aligned Investment Offering

    Data-driven decisions give businesses the power to grow

    By staying updated on industry developments, customer preferences and the competitive landscape, businesses can identify opportunities and adapt their strategies to stay ahead of the curve. This requires strategic thinking, flexible problem-solving skills and a willingness to take calculated risks. It falls to the company leadership to monitor performance and make informed decisions that would enable their business to maintain a level of success attractive to investors.

    Greg Waisman

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  • Entrepreneur | How to create effective explainer videos for funding

    Entrepreneur | How to create effective explainer videos for funding

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Explainer videos are one of the most potent tools that startups can use to secure seed funding.

    What? Yes. Explainer videos have emerged from just being marketing material. Do you know that most video game, online card game and board game companies use explainer videos dedicatedly to raise funds?

    Why?

    Explainer videos have the magic to deliver the in-person game-playing experience to the investors(as well as customers), where they can visually understand the addictive factor and the ‘can-go-viral’ side of the games.

    Ok. You may have already seen those emotional explainer videos where NGOs explain their charitable side, their entire workflow and the impact it’s driving. Those videos wow everyone, especially the donors. Similarly, your potential investors just want to understand some of the simple attributes of your product or service.

    Related: How to Start Using Explainer Videos (Infographic)

    Is there a real demand for your product? Is it market fit? Can it turn more heads gradually? Is there an X-factor that sets your product apart from its competition?

    And, the best way to explain all these? A well-designed explainer video, hands down.

    Statistically, around 59% of senior executives, veterans and tech pundits who make the major decisions prefer explainer videos to any other form of content that explains a business model.

    That’s where explainer videos come into the seed funding scenario

    Firstly, explainer videos have become an essential tool for startups seeking seed funding. They provide a visually appealing and easy-to-understand overview of a company’s product or service and allow investors to grasp the business’s potential quickly.

    Secondly, the use of animation, graphics, and narration in explainer videos makes complex ideas simple and appealing, which can help startups stand out from the competition and effectively communicate their unique value proposition.

    Furthermore, explainer videos can demonstrate a company’s ability to effectively market its product and show its understanding of its target audience. In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive startup ecosystem, explainer videos are a must-have tool for startups looking to secure seed funding.

    Related: The Secrets to Making an Explainer Video Stand Out

    Importance of explainer videos in seed funding

    Explainer videos are now a vital part of entrepreneurs’ early funding procedures. They support the clear, concise and aesthetically appealing communication of the concept underlying the good or service.

    The videos act as a primer for potential investors, helping them to comprehend the value proposition and growth potential immediately. Additionally, they allow entrepreneurs to distinguish themselves from the competition and gain investors’ trust by showcasing their creativity and storytelling abilities.

    Additionally, explainer videos promote a startup’s passion and energy, which makes it simpler to get seed funding and draw in potential investors.

    So, how does a strong explainer video helps you to get seed funding in the cutthroat startup environment of today? This is how:

    • Improve understanding of the business concept.
    • Showcase your product’s USP.
    • Demonstrate market potential.
    • Build credibility and trust.
    • Harness a Competitive Advantage.

    How to create effective explainer videos for funding

    Focus on these fundamental factors:

    • Clear messaging: The video should clearly communicate the problem that the startup is trying to solve and how their product or service solves it.
    • Simple visuals: The visuals should be simple, visually appealing and easy to understand, even for those with little prior knowledge of the industry.
    • Engaging narration: The narration should be engaging, clear, concise and effectively convey the video’s key messages.
    • Highlighting Unique Value Proposition (UVP): The video should highlight the startups’ unique value proposition and explain why their product or service differs from what’s already available in the market.
    • Demonstrating proof of concept: The video should demonstrate the proof of concept, showing how the product or service works and its potential impact.
    • Showcasing the team: The video should showcase the startup’s team and their expertise, highlighting their ability to execute their business plan.
    • Short length: The video should be short, ideally under 2 minutes, and straight to the point to hold the viewer’s attention.
    • Professional quality: The video should have good lighting, sound, and animation to look polished and professional.

    Related: How Your Business Can Make Professional-Grade Videos on a Bootstrapped Budget

    Real-world examples of startups that used explainer videos

    Dropbox: The popular file-sharing and storage company used an animated explainer video to effectively communicate their business idea and secure seed funding from investors. The video, which has been viewed over 20 million times, provided a simple and engaging way for Dropbox to demonstrate the value of its product.

    Airbnb: Airbnb used an explainer video to help secure seed funding for their business. The video highlighted traditional travel accommodations’ pain points and how Airbnb solved these problems with its unique platform. The video effectively communicated the company’s value proposition and helped secure seed funding from investors.

    Square: Square, the mobile payment company, used an animated explainer video to effectively communicate their business idea and secure seed funding from investors. The video provided a simple and engaging way for Square to demonstrate the value of its product and helped secure seed funding from investors.

    Slack: Slack, a team communication platform, used explainer videos to demonstrate its product’s benefits and attract potential investors. The videos effectively communicated Slack’s unique value proposition and helped simplify the complex concept of workplace communication and collaboration.

    Last words

    Lastly, explainer videos are clearly essential for startups seeking seed funding. They humanize your branding and enable you to foster the human-like communication effect that influences your potential investors.

    They also allow startups to showcase their creativity, storytelling skills and vision for the future. By incorporating an explainer video into the seed funding process, startups can greatly increase their chances of securing funding and setting the stage for long-term success.

    Vikas Agrawal

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  • How To Raise Money For Your Startup

    How To Raise Money For Your Startup

    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Raising money for a brand-new startup idea can be challenging, especially in a tough economy. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can find the funding required to realize your vision. Let’s explore some of the most effective methods and tools available to entrepreneurs who want to raise money to create their own new businesses.

    Have an “investors pitch”

    An investor pitch is usually a PDF with around ten slides. It tells a story about who the company is, the service or product they offer, the problem in that market and the solution your company presents. It also shows your company traction and includes more information about your team, your staffing projections, and the potential revenue an investor can get if they back up your idea.

    I recommend the book “The Lean Startup,” by Eric Ries to anyone starting a new company. It is a great starting point to understand some essential terms you’ll need to know, such as “minimum viable product.”

    Related: 13 Tips on How to Deliver a Pitch Investors Simply Can’t Turn Down

    A business plan

    A strong business plan must be in place. Your business plan should concisely describe your concept, target market, sources of income, and projected financial results. A thorough explanation of how you intend to use the money you raise to expand your company should also be included. Potential investors will have an easier time comprehending your vision and developing confidence in your capacity to carry it out if you have a well-written business plan.

    I commonly get a question: “how many years of projections should my business plan include?”

    My recommendation is to include at least five years. I usually pay close attention to the first three, and year number four and five can be a little more ambiguous or focus on the bigger picture. Why? Because so many things are expected to happen within the first three years, years four and five are likely to include changes, evolutions, or pivots.

    Grow your network

    The next crucial step is to network and develop connections with potential investors. A wide variety of investors, including venture capitalists, angel investors and crowdfunding platforms, are likely available in any city. Even if they’re not, recur to virtual platforms to connect with them (think LinkedIn or Zoom meetings.)

    Get to know your connections and nurture those relationships. By establishing connections with potential investors, you can learn more about their investment preferences and modify your pitch to better suit their needs. Additionally, you can get insightful criticism and guidance on enhancing your business plan and raise the likelihood that you’ll get funding.

    When considering investors, I often tell them I’m looking for “strategic partnerships,” which means I’m looking for an investor who will not only provide capital but also leverage their knowledge in the matter or their connections to push our plans further.

    Related: Five Ways To Raise Money To Launch Your Own Startup

    Attend startup events

    Startup events and pitch competitions are excellent places to meet and develop relationships with potential investors. Attend as many events as possible where interactions with investors may occur. Get to know like-minded individuals who are also doing the same, and exchange ideas and what has worked for you.

    Platforms for crowdsourcing are another method of raising money. Through websites like Kickstarter, Indiegogo or GoFundMe, crowdfunding enables business owners to raise money from many contributors. Crowdfunding can be a great way to attract investors for your startup and create a network of people who share your vision.

    Related: 6 Steps to Planning a Free Startup Event and Making a Splash

    Think outside the box

    You can also request loans and grants from governmental or nonprofit organizations for a more conventional strategy. Chances are the city where you live offers opportunities or services that may help push your business forward.

    For example, the New York City Economic Development Corporation provides a range of services and tools for business owners looking to establish or expand their operations in the city. Additionally, they offer Small Business Services (SBS), which facilitates access to funding and other resources for small businesses.

    Consider all options available

    Consider equity crowdfunding, for instance, which enables you to raise money in exchange for company equity. Alternatively, think about bootstrapping your company, which entails self-financing your start-up by reinvesting profits and reducing expenses.

    Preparing for different outcomes and being open to new opportunities is important because raising capital is a process. Not all startups will raise the same amount or in the same way. My biggest advice is to approach meetings fully knowing and understanding your business plan. But most importantly, approach all meetings with enthusiasm and positive energy. More often than not, investors vest in a team or a person before they invest in an idea.

    Rodolfo Delgado

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  • Please Join Us: ANDRUS’ 13th Annual Golf Fore Kids

    Please Join Us: ANDRUS’ 13th Annual Golf Fore Kids

    Press Release
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    updated: Apr 25, 2017


    Westchester County, New York, April 25, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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    ANDRUS’ 13th Annual Golf Fore Kids outing will take place on Monday, June 5 at Siwanoy Country Club in Bronxville, N.Y. At last year’s event, over $150,000 was raised to help children and families through more than a dozen sites around Westchester County and support ANDRUS partnerships with local school districts.​

    Co-chairs James Black of Blackstone Heating & Air Conditioning and Steve Condon of Benjamin F. Edwards are delighted at the early support from sponsorships and registrations. The Marty and Iris Walshin Foundation, Bleakley Platt, East Hill Cabinetry, Mercer, Mark and Jody Rollins, Barbara and Ed Smith, and Sterling National Bank are the first of many sponsors to support Golf Fore Kids 2017.

    “Golf Fore Kids has become an ANDRUS tradition, and we are always thrilled to see the familiar faces that come to make a positive impact on our organization. Last year, ANDRUS was able to welcome many new faces as well, including one of our standout students from the Minibike Program. I continue to be amazed at the level of generosity of our friends, and their willingness to share the ANDRUS story with others truly makes the difference. We hope to have an even bigger turnout this year as we welcome all for our 13th annual outing!”

    Bryan R. Murphy, ANDRUS President & CEO

    The Golf Fore Kids event, held at the newly redesigned course at Siwanoy Country Club, will be complete with 18 holes of golf, a buffet luncheon, cocktails, dinner, and live and silent auction components. For more information on sponsorships and registration, visit www.Andrus1928.org.

    About ANDRUS
    ANDRUS nurtures social and emotional well-being in children, families, and communities by delivering a broad range of vital services and by providing research, training, and innovative program models that promote the standard of excellence for professional performance in and beyond our service community.

    With programs on campus, in schools and within community-based settings throughout Westchester County, the nonprofit reaches almost 4,500 children and families each year from the New York Metropolitan area. ANDRUS also operates the Andrus Center for Learning and Innovation (ACLI) and the ANDRUS Sanctuary Institute, which has provided training and consultation to over 350 organizations worldwide in the use of a trauma-sensitive model for treatment and organizational change. Visit www.Andrus1928.org to learn more.

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    Source: ANDRUS

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