Author: Neuralnexus

With a heritage that dates back to the year 2000, when it first began backing European teams, Paris-based early-stage fund Alven has established itself as a reputable player in the venture capital landscape. Having invested in unicorns such as Qonto, Dataiku, Algolia, Stripe, and Ankorstore, Alven now boasts €2 billion in assets under management.

However, yesterday is history, and today marks a new chapter for Alven with the launch of its sixth fund. The fund has already hit a hard cap of €350 million, exceeding its initial target of €300 million, making it one of the largest early-stage funds operating out of France. This significant milestone comes after more than 70 exits, including recent sales such as Sqreen to Datadog, Cardiologs to Philips, and Frichti to Gorillas.

A Global Reach with a Local Touch

While Alven is known for its Francophile approach, the fund has also established a presence in London, which it plans to expand. As part of its strategy, Alven will deploy funds across Europe, as well as support European founders operating in the U.S. in relevant sectors.

"We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs," said Charles Letourneur, co-founder of Alven. "This also applies to investors in Alven. Not only have our existing LPs continually invested in us, but we’ve also welcomed a number of new investors who want to be part of the French Tech success story."

Diversification into New Growth Areas

Alven recently launched Operation3, a talent program aimed at web3 entrepreneurs. The fund will now focus on new growth areas, including:

• Web3: Alven has invested in Kaiko, a market data provider for digital assets.
• Developer and Data Tooling: Mindee, a document parsing tool for developers, is one of the notable investments.
• Climate Tech: MyTraffic (physical location data analytics), Carbonfact (a carbon footprint API), and Stoik (data-driven cyber insurance) are some of the key players in this space.

In an interview with TechCrunch, partner François Meteyer emphasized the importance of hiring talented individuals to build a successful VC firm. "We’ve been consistently hiring what we think is the next generation of successful VCs, first in France, and then in Europe," he said.

Rising to the Challenge

Given the potential recession looming on the horizon, I asked Meteyer about his thoughts on just-in-time groceries. He replied, "We have seen many M&A in the past, and we’ll see more and more. We think just-in-time groceries is going to continue to matter — it will be about price."

A Strong Network of LPs

Alven’s success can be attributed to its strong network of Limited Partners (LPs), who have trusted the fund with their investments. "Our LPs trust us, and every backer from our previous fund invested again in this new fund," Meteyer said. "And then we decided to extend the LP bases and bring more global institutions in as LPs."

Conclusion

With its sixth fund now up and running, Alven is poised to continue its mission of supporting innovative startups across Europe and beyond. As the venture capital landscape continues to evolve, Alven’s commitment to new growth areas such as web3, crypto, and climate tech will undoubtedly be a key factor in its success.

About Alven

Alven is a Paris-based early-stage fund that has been backing European teams since 2000. With €2 billion in assets under management, the fund has established itself as a reputable player in the venture capital landscape.

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Introduction

On December 21, Rocket Lab announced a massive contract worth up to $515 million for the design, manufacture, delivery, and operation of 18 space vehicles. The company revealed today that the mystery customer behind this deal is the Space Development Agency (SDA). This revelation comes as no surprise, given the SDA’s extensive network of military satellites, known as Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA).

The Contract Details

In a regulatory filing from December 21, Rocket Lab stated that it would be working with an unnamed U.S. government customer to design, manufacture, deliver, and operate 18 space vehicles. The SDA has now confirmed that the contract is for a portion of their vast network of military satellites known as PWSA.

The contract is worth a base amount of $489 million, with additional opportunities totaling $26 million. This deal represents the largest in Rocket Lab’s history, with the bulk of the work to be carried out over the next three years.

Rocket Lab’s Role in the Project

Under this new award, Rocket Lab will deliver and operate a prototype constellation consisting of 18 satellites in two orbital planes of nine satellites each. The company has stated that it will not be providing the communications payload for these satellites, with details on the provider remaining undisclosed.

"We welcome Rocket Lab as the newest member of Team SDA and our third performer on the T2TL-Beta program," said Derek Tournear, SDA director. "Their selection as a new prime and bus provider demonstrates SDA’s dedication to our mission, which includes development of a growing, innovative marketplace necessary to sustain SDA’s proliferated architecture on two-year spirals."

Rocket Lab’s Expertise in Spacecraft Development

Rocket Lab is leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain for this project. The company will be using much of its own subcomponents, including solar panels, star trackers, reaction wheels, and avionics, to build the satellites.

"This contract is the culmination of a thoughtful and deliberate investment in our space systems business," said Adam Spice, Rocket Lab CTO. "It’s why we either acquire key space technologies or invest in them organically, as a means to deliver industry-leading quality performance and schedule."

The Significance of This Deal

This deal marks a significant milestone for Rocket Lab, not only due to its record-breaking value but also because it demonstrates the company’s growing expertise in spacecraft development. With this contract, Rocket Lab will be operating 40 satellites under backlog by the end of the project.

Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck noted during the press conference that the company is committed to making significant investments in its space systems business, which has led to this major breakthrough.

Looking Ahead

The SDA has already awarded contracts for 72 T2TL Beta satellites, worth a total of $1.5 billion, to Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. This new award for Rocket Lab represents the company’s entry into the PWSA program and its commitment to supporting the SDA’s mission.

Rocket Lab will be operating these satellites through 2030, with an option to extend operations until 2033. The project is expected to bring significant benefits to the U.S. military, providing a more robust and innovative architecture for their space-based capabilities.

Conclusion

The announcement of Rocket Lab’s record-breaking contract has generated significant interest in the space industry. With its expertise in spacecraft development and commitment to supporting the SDA’s mission, Rocket Lab is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of space-based capabilities.

As the U.S. military continues to invest heavily in space technology, companies like Rocket Lab will be at the forefront of this effort. With their innovative approach and dedication to delivering high-quality performance, Rocket Lab is well-positioned for continued success in this rapidly evolving field.

Rocket Lab’s Entry into PWSA Program

The Benefits of This Deal

This deal represents a significant milestone for both Rocket Lab and the SDA. The benefits of this partnership are numerous, including:

• Improved Space-Based Capabilities: The PWSA program is designed to provide the U.S. military with more robust and innovative space-based capabilities.
• Increased Efficiency: By leveraging Rocket Lab’s expertise in spacecraft development, the SDA can reduce costs and improve efficiency in its operations.
• Enhanced Collaboration: This partnership demonstrates a commitment to collaboration between industry leaders and government agencies, driving innovation and growth in the space sector.

The Future of Space-Based Capabilities

As the U.S. military continues to invest heavily in space technology, companies like Rocket Lab will be at the forefront of this effort. With their innovative approach and dedication to delivering high-quality performance, Rocket Lab is well-positioned for continued success in this rapidly evolving field.

The partnership between Rocket Lab and the SDA represents a significant step forward in the development of space-based capabilities. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more exciting developments from companies like Rocket Lab.

In today’s competitive startup landscape, creating an effective pitch deck is crucial for securing funding and attracting investors. With the rise of pre-seed founders, there has been a notable shift in pitch decks, with a focus on brevity and directness. In this article, we’ll delve into the latest trends and provide guidance on crafting a compelling pitch deck that resonates with investors.

The Shift towards Brevity

Recent data from DocSend reveals a significant trend: pre-seed founders are creating shorter decks with fewer slides, yet still managing to convey their message effectively. According to Justin Izzo, research lead at DocSend, "Founders are ditching the narratives around purpose, problem, and solutions. Instead, they’re heading right into ‘why now,’ here’s our product, and here’s how we’re going to monetize that product." This abrupt approach is a response to investors’ decreasing time spent reviewing pitch decks.

The Statistics Speak for Themselves

• Founders are sending 16% more decks than last year, making it essential to make every minute count.
• VCs spend almost 20% less time reviewing pitch decks (2.5 minutes vs. 3.2 minutes).
• Pre-seed founders who create shorter decks have a higher success rate in securing funding.

Crafting an Effective Pitch Deck

An effective pitch deck should strike the perfect balance between brevity and substance. Here’s a breakdown of the essential slides to include:

Slide 1: Introduction

• Introduce your company and its mission.
• Grab the audience’s attention with a hook or statistic.

Slide 2: Problem Statement

• Clearly articulate the problem you’re solving.
• Provide context and relevance.

Slide 3: Solution Overview

• Introduce your product or service.
• Highlight key features and benefits.

Slide 4: Market Opportunity

• Explain the target market and its size.
• Outline the competitive landscape.

Slide 5: Traction and Milestones

• Showcase any notable achievements or milestones.
• Demonstrate progress towards your goals.

Slide 6: Business Model

• Describe your revenue streams and growth potential.
• Provide a clear understanding of your cost structure.

Slide 7: Team

• Introduce key team members and their backgrounds.
• Emphasize their relevant experience and qualifications.

Slide 8: Funding Ask

• Clearly state the amount you’re seeking to raise.
• Outline the intended use of funds.

Slide 9: Use of Funds

• Provide a detailed breakdown of how you plan to allocate funds.
• Prioritize key areas such as product development and marketing.

Slide 10: Conclusion and Next Steps

• Recap your pitch and reiterate your company’s mission.
• Provide a clear call-to-action for investors.

Key Takeaways

When creating an effective pitch deck, remember:

• Keep it concise and focused on the essentials.
• Use visuals and storytelling to convey your message.
• Tailor your deck to your target audience and industry.
• Practice and refine your presentation skills.

By following these guidelines and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, you’ll be well-equipped to create a pitch deck that resonates with investors and helps you secure the funding you need to succeed.

Facebook is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to create up to five separate profiles tied to a single account. This move marks a significant shift away from the traditional single-profile approach, which has been in place since Facebook’s inception.

According to Facebook spokesperson Leonard Lam, the test aims to provide users with more flexibility and control over their online presence. "To help people tailor their experience based on interests and relationships, we’re testing a way for people to have more than one profile tied to a single Facebook account," Lam said in an email to TechCrunch.

How Multi-Profile Feature Works

The multi-profile feature allows users to create additional profiles that can be used for specific purposes. For instance, a user might want to dedicate a separate profile to their friends and family, while another profile is focused on connecting with coworkers or industry peers.

Users will be able to switch between their different profiles in just a few taps, making it easy to manage multiple online personas. However, Facebook emphasizes that additional profiles must still adhere to its policies and guidelines, including rules around identity verification and impersonation.

Key Features of Multi-Profile Feature

Here are some key features of the multi-profile feature:

• Multiple Profiles: Users can create up to five separate profiles tied to a single account.
• Unique Profile Names: Each profile can have its own unique name, username, and profile picture.
• Switching Between Profiles: Users can switch between their different profiles in just a few taps.
• Policy Compliance: Additional profiles must still comply with Facebook’s policies and guidelines.

Benefits of Multi-Profile Feature

The multi-profile feature offers several benefits for users, including:

• Increased Flexibility: Users can tailor their online presence to specific groups or interests.
• Improved Organization: Users can organize their content and connections into separate profiles.
• Enhanced Personalization: Users can create profiles that reflect their various identities and relationships.

Challenges and Limitations

While the multi-profile feature offers many benefits, it also presents some challenges and limitations. For instance:

• Policy Enforcement: Facebook must ensure that users comply with its policies and guidelines across multiple profiles.
• User Metrics: The company’s user metrics, such as monthly and daily active user totals, will not be affected by the introduction of additional profiles.

Why Facebook is Introducing Multi-Profile Feature

Facebook’s decision to introduce the multi-profile feature is part of a broader effort to drive engagement on its platform. By allowing users to create multiple profiles, Facebook aims to encourage users to post and share more content with others.

The company also notes that additional profiles can be used to connect with others around specific topics or interests. For example, a user might want to create an additional profile focused on sustainable design, where they can follow their favorite brands and connect with others who share their passion.

Meta’s Metaverse ID System

Facebook’s shift towards multi-profiles comes as the company continues to experiment with new technologies and features, including its metaverse ID system. This system aims to provide users with a seamless and secure way to access various Facebook services across different devices.

However, Meta has also announced plans to phase out Facebook logins for its metaverse platform, raising questions about the future of single-profiles on Facebook.

Conclusion

Facebook’s introduction of the multi-profile feature marks a significant shift away from the traditional single-profile approach. By allowing users to create up to five separate profiles tied to a single account, Facebook aims to provide users with more flexibility and control over their online presence.

While there are challenges and limitations associated with this feature, it also offers several benefits for users, including increased flexibility, improved organization, and enhanced personalization.

Only time will tell if the multi-profile feature is successful in driving engagement on Facebook’s platform. However, one thing is clear: Facebook is committed to innovation and experimentation, and this new feature is just one example of that commitment.