WT3 Podcast

5 Essential Terms Every Founder Should Know In one of our episodes, we had the privilege of hosting Sebastian S. from Schaeffler's corporate venture capital arm. He shared crucial knowledge that every founder needs before approaching investors. Here's a breakdown of the five essential terms you should understand: 1. Investment Vehicles. Familiarise yourself with different ways to raise money, such as SAFEs (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) and convertible notes. These instruments determine how investors provide capital to your startup. 2. Share Types. Learn the distinction between preferred shares and common shares. This knowledge is crucial as it affects investor rights and your equity structure. 3. Participation Rights. Understand how participation rights in preferred shares work. These rights can significantly impact the distribution of proceeds in case of a liquidity event. 4. Option Pools. Educate yourself about employee stock option pools. These are essential for attracting and retaining talent in your startup. 5. Negotiation Basics. Be aware of what you're negotiating. As Sebastian expertly puts it: "If you are absolutely clueless and go into a negotiation, there is a high chance that the negotiation will not end in your favour." Remember, being informed is your best defence in negotiations. Whether you're in Web3, blockchain, or any innovative tech space, this knowledge is power. Check out the full episode, available on X, Spotify & YouTube for more invaluable insights on navigating the startup funding landscape. What's your biggest challenge in understanding startup funding terms? Share below! #WT3Podcast #StartupFunding #VentureCapital #EntrepreneurshipTips

The Art of Pivoting - Crucial Lesson for Entrepreneurs Ian Foley of Infrastructure Ventures shares a powerful insight into the startup journey - knowing when to pivot or abandon an idea. Ian recounts his experience with a potential neobank for the charity sector: - Identified a problem. Charities paying high fees for international transfers - Developed a solution. A neobank tailored for the charity sector - Conducted customer interviews. Spoke with 20+ charity executives - Key realisation. The market wasn't ready, and acquisition would be challenging The lesson? Listen to your customers early and often. Sometimes, the most valuable decision you can make is to pivot or walk away from an idea that isn't resonating with your target market. Key takeaways: - Validate your ideas through customer interviews - Be prepared to pivot based on market feedback - Understand the difference between a good idea and a viable business Are you working on a startup? Have you ever had to pivot or abandon an idea? Share your experiences in the comments! Don't miss the full episode, available now on YT, X & Spotify! #WT3Podcast

Decoding Web3 Market Size - Beyond the TVL Hype In a snippet from our What The Three podcast episode 013, we dive deep into the intricacies of calculating market size in the Web3 space. Here are the key takeaways: - Total Value Locked (TVL) is still a widely referenced metric, but it's not the whole story. - Comparing similar tokens and use cases provides valuable insights into market potential. - Understanding utilisation and growth patterns of established companies offers a solid starting point. - Venture investors look at market share potential and similarities to existing successful projects. - User retention and potential growth around tokens are crucial factors in market sizing. But here's the burning question: How can Web3 startups accurately predict their market size in such a dynamic and evolving space? Neil Thakur of Teknos Associates breaks down the metrics that matter and shares insider knowledge on how VCs approach market sizing in the crypto world. This snippet is just a taste of the valuable insights waiting for you in our full episode. Don't miss out on the complete discussion about Web3 valuations, tokenomics, and startup strategies. Tune in to the full episode available on the channel! #WT3Podcast

3 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read In our latest #wt3podcast episode, Alexandre F. of SwissBorg shares his desert island picks for aspiring entrepreneurs. Here's the ultimate reading list to kickstart your business journey: "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill - Master your mindset and harness the power of your subconscious - Create the right wavelength to attract opportunities "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey - Learn principles and values for effective leadership - Progress from dependence to independence to interdependence "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie - Develop crucial social psychology and relationship skills - Apply your personal growth to connecting with others Alex's key takeaway: "Invest in oneself, invest in understanding yourself, your strong points, your weaknesses, and then finding someone who can complete the other part of the puzzle." Want more insights on culture, partnerships, and community building in Web3? Don't miss our full episode with Alex Fazel, available on X, YT & Spotify! #WT3Podcast

Foundational Business Practices for Web3 Startups In the fast-paced world of Web3 and blockchain, making the right decisions can mean the difference between groundbreaking success and missed opportunities. But how do successful CEOs navigate these choppy waters? In this clip of WT3 podcast episode 011, we sit down with Intu CEO James Bryant Bourque who shares a game-changing perspective on decision-making: "Think about it from your board's perspective, even if you don't have a board. Did this person, this founder, this CEO make the best possible decision in this context?" Key takeaways: - Adopt a board's eye view for strategic decisions - Balance emotions with practical considerations - Embrace collaborative decision-making to inspire your team - Navigate ethical grey zones with integrity James emphasises: "I'm a huge fan of collaborative decision making. I think it's probably the greatest trick to inspiring instead of leading." Whether you're a Web3 veteran or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your leadership game. Full episode available on X, YT & Spotify! Don't miss out on more strategies for startup success in the decentralised future. What's your take on collaborative decision-making in startups? Share your thoughts below! #WT3Podcast

The AI Revolution - A Double-Edged Sword? In this clip of an episode of WT3 Podcast, we dive into the fascinating and sometimes frightening world of AI and its intersection with Web3 technologies. Alex Puig presents three potential futures for AI: - A utopian helper, improving lives for all - A dystopian threat, potentially ending humanity - An indifferent force, viewing us as insignificant The key to ensuring a positive outcome? It might just lie in the decentralised, open-source nature of Web3. Our discussion highlights the critical importance of: - Community-driven AI training - Open-source algorithms for transparency - Leveraging Web3 to create trustworthy information systems As AI continues to advance, we face the risk of exacerbating existing inequalities. But could Web3 technologies offer a solution by democratising access to AI and ensuring data integrity? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on society. Tune in to the full episode, available on X, YT & Spotify, to explore these ideas in depth and join the conversation about shaping our collective digital future. What are your thoughts on the role of Web3 in guiding AI development? Share your perspective in the comments below! #WT3Podcast

Startup Finance 101 - The Ferrari Can Wait In episode 009 of our podcast, we tackle one of the most critical aspects of startup success- financial management. Our guest, Ockert Loubser, drops some truth bombs that every founder needs to hear: - Optimise your cash flow like your business depends on it (because it does!) - Avoid unnecessary expenses. That fancy tech or flashy car can wait - Spend raised capital ONLY on what it was intended for - Turn every dime twice. Scrutinise each expense thoroughly - Beware the 'successful founder' trap. A new Ferrari doesn't equal a thriving business The episode is packed with real-world examples, including a cautionary tale of a founder who splurged on a Ferrari while asking for payment terms. It's a stark reminder that appearance and reality in the startup world often don't align. Ockert emphasizes the importance of frugality and strategic spending, especially in the early stages of a startup. Remember, it's not about how much you spend, but how wisely you allocate your resources. This sneak peek is just the tip of the iceberg. Tune in to the full episode, available X, YT & Spotify, for a deep dive into building a sustainable tech empire, navigating startup challenges, and gaining invaluable entrepreneurial wisdom. Don't miss out on this game-changing advice that could make or break your startup journey! #WT3Podcast

Revolutionize Your Sales Approach: The Power of "Outcome of the Outcome" In our latest podcast short, sales expert Ross Mackenzie drops a truth bomb that could transform your business: It's not about your product; it's about what becomes possible for your client. Key takeaways: - Clients don't buy widgets; they buy possibilities - Focus on what becomes available or joyous for your client - Enthusiasm, integrity, and commitment are crucial, but not enough - The real sale happens when you help clients envision their future success This shift in perspective can be the difference between a "maybe" and an enthusiastic "yes!" from your prospects. Want to dive deeper? Don't miss our full episode, "Secrets of a 3.5 Billion Salesman: How to Talk Sales & Value Propositions," on X, YT and Spotify. Ross shares more game-changing insights that could elevate your sales game to new heights. How are you focusing on the "outcome of the outcome" in your sales conversations? Share your thoughts below! #WT3Podcast

Are You Prepared for Fundraising? In our latest #WT3Podcast episode, we dive deep into the crucial knowledge every founder needs before approaching investors. Our guest, Sebastian S. from Schaeffler's corporate venture capital arm, shares invaluable insights. Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know: - Understand different investment pools and vehicles (SAFEs, convertible nodes) - Learn about share types (preferred vs. common) - Grasp concepts like participation rights and option pools - Be aware of what you're negotiating - ignorance can cost you! Remember, being informed is your best defence in negotiations. As Sebastian expertly puts it: "If you are absolutely clueless and go into a negotiation, there is a high chance that the negotiation will not end in your favour." Whether you're in Web3, blockchain, or any innovative tech space, this knowledge is power. Don't miss our full episode dropping this Thursday for more invaluable insights on navigating the startup funding landscape. What's your biggest challenge in understanding startup funding terms? Share below! #WT3Podcast

3 Phases of a Winning Go-to-Market Plan In our latest #WT3Podcast short, we dive deep into the essentials of a successful go-to-market (GTM) strategy for Web3 projects. Kelsey McGuire of Shardeum breaks down the process into three critical phases: 1. Audience Segmentation & Value Proposition - Clearly define your audience segments - Identify the specific value you provide to each 2. Engagement & Project Introduction - Share broader ideas related to your niche - Gradually introduce your project without hard selling 3. Education & Action - Provide valuable, educational content - Guide users on how to get started with your project Key Takeaway: Always prioritise providing value to your audience. When you focus on education and genuine engagement, your community will naturally grow and support your project. Don't miss the full episode where we explore more Web3 Marketing Strategies, Community Building & Product Validation techniques, available on X, YouTube & Spotify! #WT3Podcast