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190: Startup Struggles, Funding Trends, and Global Entrepreneurship with Kevin Holmes
Manage episode 436467934 series 2794947
In this podcast episode, Kevin, the founder of Founders Network, shares his journey from an MBA graduate to creating a thriving peer mentorship organization for tech startup founders. Founders Network, established in 2011, supports 650 members across 25 chapters worldwide, focusing on connecting founders with support, capital, hosting retreats, and fostering a high-touch community. Kevin further reflects on his early experiences in the startup world, contrasting the dynamic and exhilarating environment of a startup with the more rigid corporate world. He emphasizes the unique challenges founders face, such as the intense commitment and the hidden costs of startup life, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships and building a supportive community.
He also mentions 3 "unicorn" startup founders who are a part of Founders Network.
Solomon Hykes - Docker
Hubert Palán - Product Board
Ricardo Amper - Incode
Kevin shares more insights on the Founders Network Fund and how “Founders Network members have started 2000 companies; the top 10% raised $200M+ in funding and the top 20 have generated $20B in value.”
The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of startups over the years, the role of Silicon Valley, and the global expansion of tech ecosystems. Kevin emphasizes the value of Founders Network as an authentic community where founders can share experiences, seek support, and not face the startup journey alone. The episode concludes with insights into the core values of humility, authenticity, and reciprocity that define the network and its members.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:Exploration of Silicon Valley’s unique support ecosystem for tech founders.
Discussion on the rise of tech hubs in Lisbon and India, and the globalization of the tech scene.
Advice on scaling startups with US venture market insights and leveraging senior US talent.
Introduction to the Founders Network Fund, a $5 million initiative for early-stage tech founders.
Analysis of startup valuations, especially in the AI sector, and geographical influences on funding.
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:Kevin Holmes LinkedIn Company Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/966432
Founders Network Website - https://foundersnetwork.com/
FN Fund Website - https://foundersnetworkfund.com/
Alcorn Immigration Law:Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
102 episodes
Manage episode 436467934 series 2794947
In this podcast episode, Kevin, the founder of Founders Network, shares his journey from an MBA graduate to creating a thriving peer mentorship organization for tech startup founders. Founders Network, established in 2011, supports 650 members across 25 chapters worldwide, focusing on connecting founders with support, capital, hosting retreats, and fostering a high-touch community. Kevin further reflects on his early experiences in the startup world, contrasting the dynamic and exhilarating environment of a startup with the more rigid corporate world. He emphasizes the unique challenges founders face, such as the intense commitment and the hidden costs of startup life, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships and building a supportive community.
He also mentions 3 "unicorn" startup founders who are a part of Founders Network.
Solomon Hykes - Docker
Hubert Palán - Product Board
Ricardo Amper - Incode
Kevin shares more insights on the Founders Network Fund and how “Founders Network members have started 2000 companies; the top 10% raised $200M+ in funding and the top 20 have generated $20B in value.”
The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of startups over the years, the role of Silicon Valley, and the global expansion of tech ecosystems. Kevin emphasizes the value of Founders Network as an authentic community where founders can share experiences, seek support, and not face the startup journey alone. The episode concludes with insights into the core values of humility, authenticity, and reciprocity that define the network and its members.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:Exploration of Silicon Valley’s unique support ecosystem for tech founders.
Discussion on the rise of tech hubs in Lisbon and India, and the globalization of the tech scene.
Advice on scaling startups with US venture market insights and leveraging senior US talent.
Introduction to the Founders Network Fund, a $5 million initiative for early-stage tech founders.
Analysis of startup valuations, especially in the AI sector, and geographical influences on funding.
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:Kevin Holmes LinkedIn Company Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/966432
Founders Network Website - https://foundersnetwork.com/
FN Fund Website - https://foundersnetworkfund.com/
Alcorn Immigration Law:Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
102 episodes
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