by Colaeb

We're thrilled to share an exciting update on Colaeb (pronounced collab), the platform that connects businesses with the resources they need to accelerate growth. As our platform turned four years old this week, we reflect on our achievements and look forward to the next phase of our journey.

**Colaeb's First 4 Months Performance of 2024:**
In the past four months, Colaeb has made remarkable progress in establishing itself as a trusted and invaluable resource for businesses all over the world. We have successfully helped numerous companies, enabling them to launch multi-product strategies faster, better, and easier than ever before.

Our platform, which leverages software and our own intellectual proprietary, empowers companies with existing distribution and end-customer relationships to expand their product capabilities without the need for extensive in-house resources. By leveraging Colaeb, our customers tap into embedded partners and unlock revenue capture opportunities, enhance customer retention, and accelerate speed to market. We've heard hundreds of testimonials for example from Ibrahim, Jeremy, Aleksandra, Terry, and John ~ and are excited to continue helping others!

**Turning 4 Years Old:**
This week marks a significant milestone for Colaeb as we celebrate our fourth anniversary. Over the past four years, we have witnessed tremendous growth and have been privileged to serve a diverse range of businesses across industries. It is through your trust and support that we have reached this point, and we are immensely grateful for the opportunity to work with each and every one of you, from content creators like Jabez, to some of the largest organizations in the world!

**Next 4 Years ~ The Go-to Business Growth Platform**

Looking ahead, we are more determined than ever to realize our vision of becoming the go-to platform in every business' marketing and strategic stack of tools. We are confident that Colaeb will continue to be at the forefront of empowering businesses to thrive and succeed.

We are committed to enhancing our platform, expanding our network of partners, and providing our customers with exceptional service and support. Our customers success is our success, and we look forward to continuing this journey together!

Thank you for being a part of the Colaeb community. We value your partnership and are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.

If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to assist you every step of the way.

Wishing you continued success, Collaborate and Elevate!

by Colaeb

It's no secret that Taylor Swift has been crushing it! She currently has FIVE albums in the Top the 20 on billboard!

The renowned singer-songwriter who has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics have captivated millions of fans worldwide. Swift's career has been marked by her ability to seamlessly transition from country to pop music, showcasing her versatility and artistic growth. Her songs often delve into personal experiences and relationships, resonating with listeners on a deep and relatable level. Swift's talent extends beyond her music, as she has also proven herself as a skilled storyteller through her music videos and live performances. With numerous accolades and record-breaking sales, Taylor Swift remains a trailblazer in the music industry, inspiring a new generation of artists with her authenticity and unwavering dedication to her craft.

Colaeb is a platform dedicated to helping businesses thrive and succeed. In this article, we have curated the latest 2024 outlooks from the top Wall Street investment banks and asset managers.

​Gain valuable insights from industry leaders such as Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, UBS, iShares, J.P. Morgan, S&P Global, Fidelity International, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, BNP Paribas Asset Management, and Lazard. Discover the macroeconomic trends, thematic perspectives, election impacts, and strategic outlooks that will shape the business landscape in the coming year. Get ready to unlock the secrets to growth and stay ahead of the competition with these valuable insights.

Goldman Sachs (Macro): Insightful Overview: 
https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/macro-outlook-2024-the-hard-part-is-over.html​

BlackRock (Thematic): Future Trends: https://www.blackrock.com/us/financial-professionals/insights/2024-thematic-outlook​

UBS: The outlook for equities in 2024: https://www.ubs.com/global/en/wealth-management/insights/insights-display-adp/global/en/wealth-management/insights/chief-investment-office/house-view/daily/2023/latest-10112023.html​

iShares (Thematic): Three themes to get investors off the sidelines: https://www.ishares.com/us/insights/2024-thematic-outlook#artificial-intelligence​

J.P. Morgan (Election Impact): 3 thoughts on the year ahead: https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/outlook/market-outlook/2024-elections-3-thoughts-on-the-year-ahead​

S&P Global M&A: Mergers and Acquisitions: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/blog/the-big-picture-2024-ma-industry-outlook​

Fidelity International: Global Insights: https://www.fidelityinternational.com/editorial/article/the-economy-in-2024-something-will-give-87af1a-en5/​

Goldman Sachs Asset Management: Asset-Focused Perspectives: https://www.gsam.com/content/gsam/dk/en/advisers/about-gsam/news-and-media/2023/goldman-sachs-asset-management-releases-investment-outlook-for-2024.html​

BNP Paribas Asset Management: Stepping into a new reality: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/investment-outlook-2024-stepping-into-a-new-reality/​

Lazard: Strategic Outlook: https://www.lazard.com/media/qo1hdfy1/global-outlook-2024.pdf

Image Source. Written by Phil Haslett:

​Yesterday, Accenture announced that it plans to acquire Udacity. Terms were not disclosed.

Based on some data from EquityZen, a couple observations:

Udacity had raised $174M in equity financing:

Dec 2011: $7M Series A
Oct 2012: $17M Series B
Sep 2014: $35M Series C
Nov 2015: $115M Series D (at a reported $1B valuation)

All $174M had a 1x liquidation preference. Series D had priority over Series A-C.

Udacity had *also* raised $75 million in debt, led by 💪 Hercules Capital, Inc. 💪 (a well-known lender to venture-backed startups). The debt was due in September 2024.

Debt terms: Prime + 4.5%, Floor rate 7.75%, PIK interest 2%, 3% Exit Fee

What does that mean for an exit?

🎂 Think of it like that cake scene from Office Space. Accenture sponsored the cake, and then people get in line to receive a slice. Here's the order:

Hercules (the debtholder) goes first. They get their $75M.
Series D investors go next (they get money back before other investors). They get $115M.
Series A-C investors are next.
Then, employees/founders get what's left.

Now, without knowing the price tag of the deal, it's hard to tell how much money each group got. One can assume, however, that Udacity sold for less than the amount they raised in debt/equity ($249M). (recent rumors pegged an exit at closer to $100M, link in comments)

If ^^ is true, then employees/ex-employees likely got zero for their equity holdings**. 🍩

🤔 So how'd this happen? One possible scenario:

Udacity last raised equity in Nov 2015, and was judicious with that $115M. They waited FIVE YEARS to raise again, suggesting a business model that only really needed to burn $20M/year. When Udacity raised $75M in debt, they likely had a business that was close to profitability (otherwise a lender wouldn't be interested).

⏩ Fast-forward four years, the $75M debt is coming due in September 2024, growth has stalled. No equity investor wants to put in more money.

🔚 So, you find a home for the company. A buyer that will keep the vision of Udacity intact, even if it means a 💩 outcome for common stock holders.


** It's worth highlighting that there's likely some form of management/employee incentive plan for the 230+ Udacity team-members that are joining Accenture. This can come in the form of new equity grants, milestone bonuses, and performance bonuses. No viz into what that looks like her.

by Brian Gease
​
​Imposter Syndrome, an enigma that has hindered countless individuals, is a foe that Manny battled head-on. Today, he stands as a beacon of inspiration, ready to share his story, lessons, and wisdom, offering a lifeline to those seeking liberation from self-doubt. Prepare to be captivated by Manny's remarkable journey as he conquers Imposter Syndrome and emerges victorious.

They say the path to self-belief is an ongoing expedition, and Manny couldn't agree more. Imposter Syndrome, a phenomenon plaguing high-achievers with self-doubt about their intellect, skills, or accomplishments, has haunted many for generations. But Manny discovered that the key lies in taking action, embracing challenges, and refraining from shedding tears over setbacks. His secret? Devoting himself to the pursuit of excellence, serving his customers and clients with unwavering dedication, and fostering open and healthy communication within his team. Over time, a profound sense of empathy and gratitude washed over him as he realized the unwavering support he received from the people, businesses, and brands that believed in him. Manny also discovered his true passion and honed his talents, focusing on what he loved most. It became a perpetual journey of growth and learning.

Before we delve deeper into our conversation, let Manny introduce himself and shed light on his current endeavors, which have become a catalyst for transformation.

Manny is a visionary who finds immense joy in propelling businesses and creatives towards their goals. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of marketing and technology, he has honed his skills to perfection. In 2017, Manny joined forces with the brilliant designer Lenny Burkett and co-founded Stopwatch Creative. This venture allowed them to collaborate with extraordinary startups, professional athletes, and renowned enterprises.

However, during the tumultuous year of 2020, amidst a global pandemic, Manny's entrepreneurial spirit soared to new heights. He embarked on a new venture, Colaeb, a software company that serves as a bridge, connecting businesses with a plethora of resources. From attracting new customers to securing investments, mentorship, and more, Colaeb has become a game-changer for companies worldwide. But it doesn't stop there. Manny's passion for making a difference led him to extend his support to artists, social entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations.

One such collaboration was with Terry Green, the visionary behind Think Make Live Youth in Columbus. Through his partnership with Manny, Terry's organization experienced unprecedented growth, empowering young minds and fostering creativity. Manny also lent his expertise to The Wave Columbus, a non-profit organization dedicated to positively impacting local communities. Together, they forged a powerful alliance, creating ripples of change that reverberated far and wide.

Throughout his journey, Manny has identified three qualities that have proven to be the holy grail of personal development. These qualities are an unwavering eagerness to learn, an insatiable curiosity to explore uncharted territories, and an unyielding grit that fuels consistency. According to Manny, these traits are the catalysts for perpetual progress, and he encourages every aspiring professional to embrace them wholeheartedly.

So, who is Manny's ideal client? It's a captivating mix of creatives, passionate business owners, and visionary enterprises yearning to amplify their brand's reach. Whether you're an artist seeking to unleash your creative potential or a social entrepreneur determined to ignite change, Manny and his team at Colaeb are poised to help you. They possess the expertise to propel your marketing efforts to new heights, uncovering unique insights and connecting you with a vast pool of customers. If you're exploring advertising options on platforms like Google or Instagram, Colaeb is the perfect companion to supercharge your existing strategies.

Manny's journey from grappling with Imposter Syndrome to becoming a force to be reckoned with in the business realm is nothing short of awe-inspiring. His unwavering dedication to his craft and his genuine desire to uplift others have propelled him to great heights. As you embark on your quest for success, let Manny's story serve as a guiding light, reminding you that with determination, self-belief, and unwavering support, you, too, can conquer any obstacle that stands in your way.

by Colaeb

Raising capital is a crucial step for founders looking to fuel their business growth, allowing them to secure funding from investors to scale their operations and bring their vision to life. It's important to have a good pitch deck, data room, and traction to strengthen chances of raising.

​Here are 20 resources that founders can explore to navigate the world of capital raising:

(1) No Warm Intro required investor list: https://airtable.com/appS9cG0ccqmQM111/shrsDIW1FMuA5cI9P/tblaahhCCc2v0065Q/viwdm9nLc4Aj3sHJO?blocks=hide

(2) VC Fund Database for Early-Stage Startups (by Shai Goldman): https://www.airtable.com/universe/expFo1yNQPYwhey5n/vc-funds-for-early-stage-startups​

(3) Active VCs list: https://airtable.com/appYlRDIZLwvRPsRh/shrkohpeE2AO2ldeq/tbl5Q8N7NuW22z5Bt?backgroundColor=cyan&viewControls=on

(4) Active Pre-Seed Investors: https://airtable.com/appXJdMe8st7T8K7q/shrSPNzYoSRhJBCbv/tbl216CjzNssfsDpB?backgroundColor=gray&viewControls=on​

(5) The Ultimate List of 750+ Seed Funds (by Matt Estes): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1VVr-z3ujLzWZGHX3-3C9C9dBVtnjALa3_cr1xGlDPmE/edit#gid=0​

(6) US Founders who invest in others as Angels: https://airtable.com/app3iFeihxOixsUlf/shrhhH3j52CyXkIP9/tblpqS8tBdY8kzmxX

(7) SaaS Angel Investors (globally): https://airtable.com/app3iFeihxOixsUlf/shruI4jrfruuYyT87/tblVgubAZM7rDibub

(8) Flowlie: A Fundraising Hub for early stage founders: A Digital Analyst for angel and VC investors: ​www.flowlie.com

(9) List of Family Offices investing Pre-Seed: https://airtable.com/app3iFeihxOixsUlf/shrWjYGLAHKETll5B/tblOCFaxHvjb8etrV​

(10) US Women Angels List (by Lolita Taub): https://airtable.com/appytsOoxXWmjvQ2R/shrzWIHSoK0gvE82D/tble9siT6RDtZNc39​

(11) New VC funds at / below $200M in size by Shai Goldman: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ebGZ6-ivf_3woBGC4Kz_3217DhjGsefoRu_5iP3nuFQ/edit#gid=0​

(12) Investors, accelerators, and resources supporting underrepresented founders and funders (from Anna Phan): https://www.airtable.com/universe/expzgDgsO8QLDmvdt/list-of-investors-accelerators-and-resources-supporting-underrepresented-founders-and-funders​

(13) 4WARD VC Ultimate Climate Investor List: https://4ward.vc/climate-investor-overview/​

(14) FoodTech Investors List (by FoodHack): https://airtable.com/appXQfiwpHFCoRunu/shrV2xlxgzUycjA6S/tblozf5EEO1yt66kh​

(15) Worldwide ICO or crypto angel investors: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SJEYef7U3j75d9Z4t967Ta6jlRVQcubGJqy-gPuWFY4/edit#gid=313669489​

(16) African angel investors: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1I0pbsz5Zfsnlp821UM4fcwgVxk4ojMw2SQl5ktIzxQ0/edit#gid=1049589623​

(17) Angel Investors from diverse backgrounds: https://airtable.com/app3vlECCxsoA0I2Q/shrNoRaOvuL9YPGd1/tblqGWGDzEwf8OnGL​

(18) Active Investor list by Trace Cohen (398+ Angels): https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tugiIXvkprHMrtLX15GC5ZryXX2g0y3RQzmP7B2KCFw/edit#gid=577007066

(19) Mountside Ventures’ List of Angel Networks: https://www.mountsideventures.com/investor-network​

(20) Open VC: Raise funds for your startup from 5,000+ investors: https://www.openvc.app/

Get expert advice, connect with growth partners, and reach your target audience on colaeb.com