Savant’s Post

Excited to share my first published research paper, just presented at ICIS 2024 in Bangkok! Together with my co-author Oliver Vetter - who supervised my Bachelor’s thesis, which evolved into this study - we explored how investor ecosystems influence the success of AI startups. We found that AI startups have different ecosystem requirements from conventional startups, and that the established pecking order for investor selection may need reassessment. Check out the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/dYCsGA3d Many thanks also to Software and Digital Business Group @ TU Darmstadt for supporting me in this project, and for the fun times in Bangkok!

🚀 This week we launch our CODE Tech Founders Accelerator, a bootcamp bringing some of MENA’s top early stage entrepreneurs to London for six weeks of in-person programming and networking. The CODE Tech Founders Accelerator, run in the UK in partnership with Founders Factory and Imperial College London, forms part of an international program operated by the Saudi Arabian Center of Digital Entrepreneurship. The 21-strong cohort includes companies disrupting logistics, fintech, climate tech, and deep tech—from short haul cargo drones to material nanotechnology. ⭐️ CODE is aimed at promoting digital entrepreneurship and innovation in Saudi Arabia and MENA, as well as building connections between their startup ecosystems and the UK & Europe Over the six weeks, founders will gain direct access to Founders Factory’s operations team for a range of workshops, masterclasses, and 1-2-1 surgeries, designed at giving founders critical insights into commercialising and scaling their business.  henry lane fox | George Northcott | Nick le Fevre | Ellie Slaght | Lee Bernasconi | Levi Young | Jacob George | Olly Betts #accelerator #fintech #climatetech #deeptech

Remarkable Tech 2024 Accelerator - For More Inclusion + Accessibility for All BRAVO to Remarkable Tech 2024 US Accelerator Cohort's of companies and leaders who are creating businesses that will help global citizens with and without disabilities. Check out these companies and leaders (from Molly Lazarus (Levitt)'s post yesterday): Making Space - Keely Cat-Wells; Sophie Morgan Leantime (Techstars '23) - Gloria Folaron; Marcel Folaron; WheelPad L3C - Julie Lineberger; RJ Adler; Luella Strattner We Hear You, Inc - Pierre Paul; Bethanie Couri,; Jamal Stevenson; Big Karma - Pascal Clarysse Shout-out to Remarkable Tech's Molly Lazarus (Levitt) and 🍇 Emma Earley who run the US and global accelerator cohorts that are leveling up next-gen disability tech companies to build a more inclusive and accessible world. As a Business Mentor, I can't wait to meet with one or all these start-ups. #RemarkableTech #2024Accelerator #AccessibilityHelpsEveryone

Unlock Innovation with PitchLab Shifts such as the rise of artificial intelligence and other groundbreaking technologies are not only transforming industries but also introducing a new level of unpredictability into global economies. With digital advancements driving winner-takes-all dynamics, businesses must adapt to a rapidly evolving competitive landscape. Change is no longer just faster—it’s fundamentally different. Staying ahead requires more than awareness; it demands proactive strategies and bold action. Now is the time to leverage innovation as a driving force for growth, and PitchLab is here to help you seize that opportunity. With PitchLab, you can: 1. Access a pipeline of vetted startups aligned with your strategic goals. 2. Accelerate innovation by running fast, structured pilot programs. 3. Drive growth by connecting with startups ready to solve your toughest challenges. 4. Culminate in a live pitch event where your executives can see and engage with the most promising startups. Unlock the Power of PitchLab Today

It's TODAY folks - 1pm UK / 2pm CET The why, what and how of 3 min pitches on stage. Yes, scary for most - until you have the playbook. That's what I'll share today. Good luck to all participants! #pitch #investors #fundraising #fundraising-bootcamp

Are you a prospective founder in the deeptech space? Or do you have an idea in AI, Insurtech or Healthtech? Or maybe you don't have an idea... but you'd like to join someone that does?    Register for Techstars Startup Weekend (July 26th - 28th) to learn what it really takes to innovate, disrupt, and start a company from people who’ve been there before - https://lu.ma/xh1th285   This event is brought to you by Techstars in partnership with the Queen's University Belfast and QUBIS Ltd, the commercial arm of Queen's.    Techstars Startup Weekend is a 3-day long event designed to foster startup innovation at a record pace while connecting the local startup ecosystem and developing long-term support networks for all our aspiring founders. In just 54 hours, participants will get a chance to create a new team, ideate and validate their concept, receive mentorship and pitch your idea to a panel of judges.    What you need to attend: ➡️ Your good humor, open-mindedness, creativity and ideas. ➡️ You do not need a startup idea to attend the event – you can either join forces with someone who has an idea, or simply ideate a new one with your team! ➡️ Your laptop, or any technological device you may need to work effectively throughout the weekend. ➡️ Your motivation! This will be an incredible experience. What you will get out of the experience: ➡️ Meet inspirational like-minded entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem stakeholders of the Northern Irish ecosystem. ➡️ Form a team, test and iterate on a startup idea, receive mentorship and advice from seasoned mentors, and pitch in front of a panel of experts to receive feedback. Get the full startup experience in only 54 hours! For more information, click here - https://lnkd.in/ebN6ESng #StartupWeekend #QueensUniversity #Techstars #Belfast #QUBIS #TSWDeepTechBelfast   Emilie Vallauri | Georgie Phillipson | Sebastian Turano | Oko Davaasuren | Emily Skinstad | Katie Smith | Brian McCaul | Chris McClelland | Paul Donachy | Kat Maguire | Louise Magee |

Building Momentum in MEDC's Innovation Ecosystem! In November 2024, McKinney Economic Development Corporation expanded its Innovation Fund, increasing the maximum grant for early-stage startups from $50K to up to $200K. This move strengthens McKinney's position as a top destination for business growth and innovation. Key benefits: 🔹 Up to $200K in non-dilutive funding for qualifying startups 🔹 Tailored incentives for companies relocating to McKinney 🔹 Over 931 local jobs created through the fund since 2020 Learn how the Innovation Fund is helping shape the future of McKinney's tech and AI landscape. Discover More at: https://lnkd.in/dditT4E #McKinneyEconomicDevelopment #InnovationFund #StartupSuccess

I'd love to see more Startups in AI apply for our Level Up Program. The cherry on top is that it's free of cost! If you know anyone that would benefit from this, feel free share it with them. #AI #Amii #Startups

Do you want customers and investors lining up for your startup? Let’s make it happen! Join the Challenger AI Q&A session, where I’ll be moderating a discussion on how Challenger AI can help propel your startup to the next level. Get valuable insights into the Challenger AI acceleration program, hear from successful alumni, and ask your questions directly to the program organizers. Here’s what you’ll learn: ▶︎ The structure of Challenger AI 3.0 and the purpose behind each part of the program; ▶︎ How the mentorship process works and how to make the most out of mentorship that Challenger AI offers; ▶︎ The essential knowledge and skills startups gain during the program; ▶︎ How Challenger AI prepares startups for investor pitches. When: Nov. 14, 5:30 – 6:45 pm EET Where: Online Registration is required: https://lnkd.in/dd8CaSJ4 Learn more about Challenger AI acceleration program and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eEVVsPGN

"𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬". 𝐌𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐩 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 2024 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. Being on this evaluation panel is a role I take very seriously. It demands not just a critical eye but also empathy, intuition, and a deep commitment to seeing others succeed. I draw on my experience in leadership coaching, strategic advisory, and community engagement to ensure that we select teams who are not just dreamers but doers—ready to create lasting, positive impact. Startupbootcamp is the #1 startup accelator in Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle-East, Australia and Latin America. My heartfelt thanks to Giovanni Vaccari, Managing Director Netherlands and Sabina Basariyeva, Global Head of Relations and Startup Growth- for their exceptional leadership, involvement, and purpose-driven approach. Over the course of three days, from 27th to 29th August 2024, 60 startups pitched their ideas, and on 30th August 2024, 30 startups were selected. Here’s why this selection process is demanding: Vision Alignment: Just as a CXO must align with the company’s vision, it’s crucial to find founders whose mission resonates deeply with the accelerator’s goals. This alignment isn’t just strategic—it’s emotional. Strategic Insight: The founders must demonstrate a clear and compelling Customer Value Proposition and a robust Business Model. Problem Significance: It’s about understanding the relevance and impact of the solution—ensuring they are tackling issues that truly matter. Purpose-Driven Leadership: Leadership goes beyond managing teams; it’s about inspiring others through resilience and purpose. Environmental & Social Impact: Carefully assessing the potential environmental and social effects of the startups, ensuring that their growth is aligned with positive, sustainable change. Throughout this evaluation and selection process, I’ve reflected on some invaluable lessons: The world needs more #visionaries, and I’m inspired by how #Startupbootcamp offers a springboard for them to succeed. We must create secure professional and personal #environments where people can thrive. #Storytelling and #Collaboration are two superpowers we should all work to enhance. Being open to receiving and giving #feedback is essential for growth. Always strive to #give more than you ask for—this is the foundation of true leadership and impact. In the end, it’s about more than just choosing the right ideas. It’s about identifying and nurturing the right people—the ones who have the vision, heart, and tenacity to turn those ideas into something transformative. Congratulations to all the participating startups Best Wishes, . . Sagar Chandni | #leadership #wellbeing #vision #authenicity