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The Costly Mistake You’re Probably Making

Mistake

In the fast-paced world of business, entrepreneurs often juggle countless responsibilities—customer service, marketing, operations, finances, and more. Amid this whirlwind, it’s easy to overlook critical details. But there’s one mistake that, if left unchecked, can silently drain thousands of dollars from your business every single month: not tracking and analyzing your business data consistently.

The Hidden Cost of Operating in the Dark

Imagine driving a car without a dashboard. No speedometer, no fuel gauge, no warning lights—just blind hope that everything’s running smoothly. That’s essentially what happens when a business doesn’t regularly monitor its metrics. Whether it’s website traffic, conversion rates, customer acquisition costs, churn rates, or inventory turnover, failing to track key performance indicators (KPIs) means you’re making decisions based on guesses, not facts.

Over time, this lack of visibility leads to poor financial choices, missed growth opportunities, and inefficient operations—all of which quietly chip away at your bottom line.

Missed Opportunities Multiply Fast

Let’s say your business spends $10,000 per month on digital advertising. If you aren’t analyzing performance metrics, you might not realize that 40% of that spend is going toward channels or audiences that aren’t converting. That’s $4,000 wasted every month—$48,000 a year gone simply because no one took a closer look at the numbers.

Now multiply that across other areas—inefficient software subscriptions, unproductive employees, overstocked inventory, or underpriced products. Each small oversight adds up, creating a massive leak in your profitability.

Why Businesses Avoid the Data Dive

Many business owners know they should be paying more attention to their numbers. So why don’t they?

  • Lack of time: It feels like there are always more pressing fires to put out.
  • Intimidation: Data analysis sounds complicated, especially for non-technical founders.
  • Overconfidence: Some assume their intuition or past experience is enough to guide them.
  • Poor systems: Without tools that clearly present data, it’s easy to avoid looking at confusing spreadsheets or outdated reports.

But avoiding the numbers doesn’t make the problem go away. In fact, it almost guarantees you’ll continue bleeding money without realizing it.

How to Fix It (Before Next Month’s Money Is Gone)

Fortunately, fixing this costly mistake doesn’t require a massive overhaul—it just takes commitment and a few smart systems:

1. Identify Your Core Metrics
Every business is different, but a few metrics are nearly universal: profit margins, customer lifetime value, acquisition cost, churn rate, and conversion rate. Define which numbers matter most for your specific goals.

2. Automate Data Collection
Use tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, QuickBooks, or Shopify analytics—whatever matches your operations. Automation ensures you’re always working with real-time, accurate data.

3. Set a Monthly Review Rhythm
Block time every month (or every week, if possible) to sit down and review your data. Look for trends, inefficiencies, and red flags. Make this a non-negotiable part of your leadership duties.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If data isn’t your strength, hire or consult with someone who can help. A fractional CFO, data analyst, or business coach can offer game-changing insights that more than pay for themselves.

Bottom Line: Numbers Don’t Lie

Many businesses don’t fail because of a lack of passion or even product demand. They fail because they didn’t watch the numbers closely enough to steer the ship in time. That one mistake—not tracking and analyzing your data—might already be costing your business thousands every month. But the good news? You can correct it today.

Start small, stay consistent, and get curious about your numbers. When you treat your data like an asset, it will start working for you—and your bottom line will thank you.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Mura Funded $6M to Transform Field Service Operations with AI

Operations

Mura is a New York City-based developer of an invisible automation platform designed to streamline workflows within existing systems. The company’s platform integrates to provide the benefits of artificial intelligence without adding unnecessary complexity, featuring compatibility with pre-existing systems, automation capabilities, and lightweight implementation, enabling industries to enhance efficiency and optimize their operations.

Mura was funded $6 million, led by Level One Fund and Lerer Hippeau, with participation from angels and other investors. Seed funding round to revolutionize commercial field service operations using artificial intelligence.

Founded in 2024, Mura is building an AI-driven platform designed to streamline and optimize the day-to-day operations of commercial field service teams. These teams, which include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and maintenance contractors, often face fragmented workflows, outdated legacy systems, and a lack of real-time visibility. Mura aims to solve these issues with an intelligent system that automates dispatching, scheduling, reporting, and communications.

The company’s platform leverages natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analytics to provide real-time decision-making tools. Field technicians and back-office staff can coordinate more efficiently using Mura’s mobile and cloud-based solutions. According to the company, early adopters have reported significant time savings and increased job completion rates since implementing the software.

The $6 million capital injection will be used to expand the engineering and product teams, enhance go-to-market efforts, and accelerate the development of proprietary AI models tailored explicitly for field operations. The company is also planning to scale its customer success team to support a growing base of enterprise clients across North America.

The commercial field service market, estimated at over $80 billion in the U.S. alone, has long been dominated by a mix of analog systems and enterprise software that is often too rigid or expensive for mid-sized contractors. Mura aims to fill that gap with flexible, intelligent tools that require minimal setup and adapt to the unique workflows of each business.

Mura’s product currently supports automated job dispatching, technician tracking, customer notifications, invoicing, and real-time analytics. Upcoming features will include AI-generated work summaries, predictive maintenance suggestions, and integrations with existing ERP and CRM platforms.

As AI continues to make inroads into traditional industries, Mura’s approach exemplifies a larger trend of “applied AI” — using machine learning not for futuristic applications but to solve real-world problems in overlooked sectors. With its fresh funding and ambitious roadmap, Mura is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation in the field services industry.

By: K. Tagura

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Startup Valuation: How It Changes Before and After Funding Rounds

Startup Valuation

Startup valuation is one of the most crucial yet misunderstood concepts in the world of entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just curious about how companies are priced, understanding how startup valuation works before and after funding rounds can give you valuable insights into business growth and financial strategy.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what startup valuation is, the factors that influence it, and how it changes through each stage of funding.

What Is Startup Valuation?

Startup valuation is the process of determining how much a startup is worth at a given point in time. This valuation is typically done before and after a funding round to set the terms of investment and equity ownership.

Valuation is especially critical because it affects how much equity a founder must give up in exchange for capital. A higher valuation means less dilution for the founders and early investors, while a lower valuation might mean giving up more ownership for the same investment.

Pre-Money vs. Post-Money Valuation

Before diving into the mechanics, it’s important to understand two key terms:

  • Pre-Money Valuation: The value of the startup before new funding is added.
  • Post-Money Valuation: The value of the startup immediately after new funding is added.

The formula is simple:

Post-Money Valuation = Pre-Money Valuation + New Investment

For example, if a startup has a pre-money valuation of $5 million and raises $1 million in funding, its post-money valuation becomes $6 million.

How Valuation Works Before Funding Rounds

1. Idea and Seed Stage

At this early stage, startups often have little or no revenue, so traditional valuation metrics like earnings or cash flow don’t apply. Instead, investors rely on factors such as:

  • Strength of the founding team
  • Market potential
  • Product or prototype
  • Traction (e.g., user growth, early revenue)
  • Comparable startups in the same industry

Valuation at this stage is often negotiated and driven more by storytelling and potential than hard numbers. Seed-stage startups typically have valuations ranging from $1 million to $6 million.

2. Series A and Beyond

As startups progress into Series A, B, and later rounds, valuations become more data-driven. Investors look at:

  • Revenue and revenue growth
  • Gross margins
  • Customer acquisition cost (CAC) vs. customer lifetime value (LTV)
  • Market traction
  • Competitive advantage
  • Financial projections

Valuation methods may include:

  • Discounted Cash Flow (DCF): Projects future cash flows and discounts them to present value.
  • Comparable Company Analysis: Compares the startup to similar publicly traded companies or recently acquired startups.
  • Scorecard or Risk Factor Summation: Combines multiple factors to assess risk and opportunity.

How Valuation Changes After Funding Rounds

Every time a startup raises a new round, its valuation changes based on the capital invested and the company’s perceived progress.

Example Scenario:

Imagine a startup with the following trajectory:

  • Seed Round: Raises $1 million at a $4 million pre-money valuation → Post-money valuation = $5 million
  • Series A: Raises $5 million at a $10 million pre-money valuation → Post-money valuation = $15 million
  • Series B: Raises $20 million at a $30 million pre-money valuation → Post-money valuation = $50 million

At each stage, if the startup meets or exceeds milestones (such as revenue targets, market expansion, or product development), its valuation typically increases. This is because investors are willing to pay more for a company that has reduced risk and demonstrated traction.

Dilution and Ownership

One key effect of funding rounds is dilution. When new shares are issued to investors, the percentage ownership of existing shareholders (including founders) decreases.

However, if the valuation increases significantly between rounds, the value of each shareholder’s stake may still rise despite owning a smaller percentage.

For example, a founder may own 50% of a company worth $1 million. After raising funds and getting diluted to 30%, their stake is still worth more if the company’s valuation has increased to $10 million.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how startup valuation works is essential for both founders and investors. Before funding rounds, valuation is mostly about potential, vision, and market size. After funding rounds, it’s about performance, metrics, and risk-reward dynamics.

By grasping the nuances of valuation and funding mechanics, founders can better negotiate deals, plan growth strategies, and protect their equity. Meanwhile, investors can make smarter, more informed decisions about where to place their capital.

As the startup evolves, so does its value — and managing that journey effectively can make all the difference between a good idea and a successful business.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Top Investment Trends in 2025 for Startup Founders

Investment

Staying ahead in the startup world means keeping a close eye on where the money’s flowing. As 2025 unfolds, the investment landscape is evolving fast. Venture capitalists, angel investors, and institutional players are shifting focus to meet new market demands and future-proof their portfolios. If you’re a startup founder, here are the top investment trends in 2025 every startup founder should watch—and why they matter.

1. AI-First Everything

Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a buzzword—it’s becoming the backbone of innovation across industries. Startups integrating AI for automation, customer service, predictive analytics, and personalization are seeing higher investor interest. With tools like generative AI, LLMs, and machine vision reaching mainstream usability, VCs are actively funding AI-native startups solving real-world problems.

2. Sustainable and Green Tech Solutions

Sustainability is now a priority. Investors are doubling down on climate tech, carbon capture, renewable energy, and sustainable supply chains. Founders aligning their mission with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals are getting a leg up, especially as regulatory frameworks worldwide begin to mandate greener practices.

3. Fintech Evolution and DeFi 2.0

Traditional banking models are being disrupted at an accelerated pace. In 2025, decentralized finance (DeFi 2.0) and embedded finance are gaining traction. Startups offering secure, transparent, and user-friendly financial solutions—especially in underbanked markets—are catching the eye of forward-thinking investors.

4. HealthTech and BioTech Acceleration

Post-pandemic momentum in HealthTech hasn’t slowed. From wearable diagnostics to AI-driven drug discovery, health-related startups are in high demand. Preventative care platforms, mental health apps, and personalized treatment solutions are areas attracting major funding.

5. Remote Work Infrastructure & Future of Work

Remote work is now a permanent fixture. Startups focusing on productivity tools, digital collaboration platforms, and virtual team engagement solutions are booming. Investors are keen on innovations that support hybrid workforces and cross-border collaboration.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the smart money is going where tech meets purpose. The top investment trends reveal a growing preference for AI integration, climate responsibility, decentralized systems, and solutions enhancing everyday life. Startup founders must position themselves within these emerging trends to attract serious capital and long-term backing.

Pro Tip: Always back your innovation with a clear use-case, robust data, and a scalable vision. Investors in 2025 are looking not just for novelty, but for resilience and adaptability in a fast-changing world.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Algoma Secures $2.3M to Streamline Real Estate Deals

Real Estate

Algoma, a NYC-based developer of a forward-thinking digital platform designed for feasibility, pre-construction process, and automating the integrated and repeatable delivery of sustainable buildings. The company’s platform combines automation with mass timber, resulting in rapid architecture and engineering designs by streamlining processes, to achieve quick delivery, reduce costs and enhance returns for real estate developers, enabling developers to leverage mass timber for swifter construction delivery while effectively eliminating embodied carbon emissions.

Algoma was funded $2.3 million led by Zacua Ventures, with participation from SOSV, Iron Prairie Ventures, DOMiNO Ventures, Compose VC and angel investors. Algoma plans to invest the funds in expanding its engineering team, enriching its product suite, and advancing its web platform.

Algoma is on a mission to simplify and streamline how real estate deals are managed online. Its web platform acts as a centralized digital hub for real estate agents, buyers, sellers, and other stakeholders to coordinate, document, and close deals more efficiently.

The real estate sector has long been criticized for its reliance on outdated systems and disjointed workflows. Many deals are still handled through a patchwork of emails, spreadsheets, PDFs, and phone calls — often resulting in delays, missed details, and added costs. Algoma’s web platform is designed to eliminate those inefficiencies by offering a single dashboard that connects all parties and automates common tasks.

With tools for contract management, document sharing, scheduling, compliance tracking, and real-time communication, the platform is already gaining traction among boutique brokerages and mid-sized real estate firms across Canada and the U.S. Early users report faster deal cycles and fewer errors, helping them close more transactions with less friction.

According to industry research, the global real estate software market is projected to grow to $18.7 billion by 2030, driven by increased digitization and demand for more efficient property management tools. Algoma positions itself at the center of this transformation by targeting the high-friction segment of deal management.

The company’s roadmap for the next 12 months includes launching AI-powered assistants for agents, more customizable workflows for brokerages, and a mobile app version of the platform. Additionally, Algoma is exploring partnerships with national real estate associations to further integrate its tools into everyday agent practices.

Beyond product development, Algoma will use the funding to grow its customer success and sales teams, with the goal of expanding into new U.S. markets by Q1 2026. The company currently operates out of its headquarters in Toronto, with a remote team spread across North America.

As the real estate industry continues its shift toward digitization, companies like Algoma are positioning themselves to be the connective tissue that powers the next generation of property transactions. With fresh funding and a clear vision, Algoma appears well-prepared to make that vision a reality.

By: K. Tagura

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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The Legal and Financial Foundations Every Startup Needs to Get Right

Legal

Starting a business is an exciting journey filled with innovation, passion, and dreams of success. But before diving headfirst into launching your product or pitching to investors, it’s critical to establish the legal and financial foundations of your startup. These fundamentals are the bedrock of a sustainable and scalable business. Overlooking them can lead to costly mistakes, legal disputes, or even the failure of your venture.

Here’s what every startup founder needs to get right from day one:

1. Choosing the Right Business Structure

The first step in establishing your startup is selecting the most appropriate legal structure. This decision impacts everything from how you’re taxed to your personal liability and how you raise capital. The most common options include:

  • Sole Proprietorship – Simple to set up but offers no personal liability protection.
  • Partnership – Suitable for two or more founders, but still leaves personal assets exposed.
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Offers flexibility and protects personal assets.
  • C-Corporation – Preferred for startups seeking venture capital due to ease of issuing shares.
  • S-Corporation – Offers tax benefits, but with restrictions on shareholders.

Tip: Consult a startup attorney or CPA to determine the best fit based on your growth plans.

2. Registering Your Business and Trademarks

After selecting a structure, register your business with the appropriate state and federal agencies. This step legitimizes your operations and helps with tax filings. Don’t forget about intellectual property:

  • Register your business name and logo to prevent others from using it.
  • Apply for trademarks if your brand identity is crucial to your business model.
  • Secure domain names and social media handles to protect your online presence.

3. Drafting Clear Founders’ Agreements

When co-founders are involved, a written Founders’ Agreement is essential. It outlines:

  • Ownership percentages
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Decision-making processes
  • Vesting schedules
  • Exit strategies

Having these terms in writing prevents future conflicts and protects relationships.

4. Building a Solid Financial System

Before your startup makes its first sale, set up robust financial practices:

  • Open a dedicated business bank account
  • Choose accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero
  • Hire a part-time bookkeeper or CPA to manage your finances

Track all expenses and income from day one to avoid cash flow surprises and stay compliant with tax regulations.

5. Understanding Tax Obligations

Taxes can be a major pain point if not managed correctly. Depending on your business structure and location, you may owe:

  • Income tax
  • Sales tax
  • Payroll tax
  • Self-employment tax

Stay on top of deadlines and consider hiring a tax advisor to navigate the complexities.

6. Obtaining Necessary Licenses and Permits

Different industries and locations require specific licenses and permits. Examples include:

  • Health permits (for food businesses)
  • Professional licenses (for consultants)
  • Seller’s permits (for retail)

Failure to obtain the right licenses can lead to fines or forced shutdowns.

7. Protecting Your Team with Contracts and Policies

Whether hiring employees or contractors, legal documentation is a must:

  • Employment agreements outlining roles and terms
  • Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect sensitive information
  • Independent contractor agreements to clarify non-employee relationships

Also, establish HR policies early on—like vacation, harassment, and remote work policies.

8. Getting Insurance Coverage

Startups often overlook insurance, but it’s crucial for risk management. Common types include:

  • General liability insurance
  • Professional liability insurance
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Cyber liability insurance

A small premium today could save you from a massive financial loss tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Laying a strong legal and financial foundation may not be the flashiest part of building a startup, but it’s one of the most vital. By addressing these elements early, you position your business for smooth scaling, better investment opportunities, and long-term success. If you’re unsure where to begin, reach out to legal and financial professionals who specialize in startups—they’re worth every penny.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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ClearVector Funded $13M to Advance Identity-Focused Cybersecurity

Identity

ClearVector, a Reston, VA-based developer of an identity-driven security system designed to help organizations protect themselves in a cloud-native and cloud-first future. The company’s platform offers information support, one-click remediation, a real-time notification facility, activity status, and others, enabling clients to be prepared for a breach well in advance.

ClearVector was funded $13 million Series A funding round, aimed at accelerating the growth and capabilities of its identity-driven cybersecurity platform. The new investment was led by Scale Venture Partners, with participation from Okta Ventures, Inner Loop Capital, and existing angel investor Menlo Ventures, in conjunction with the funding. Ariel Tseitlin, Partner at Scale Venture Partners, will join the Board of Directors.

Founded in 2020, ClearVector protects organizations from modern threats by continuously monitoring and controlling identity and access across cloud-native environments. Unlike traditional perimeter-based models, ClearVector’s platform focuses on identifying and mitigating risks at the identity layer, which has become a top attack vector in recent years due to the widespread adoption of remote work and cloud technologies.

ClearVector CEO and co-founder John Laliberte said they built ClearVector to give enterprises real-time visibility and control over how identities behave across the entire environment. With this funding, they’re scaling to meet the growing demand for zero-trust and identity-first security.

The new capital will enhance product development, expand go-to-market strategies, and grow the company’s engineering and customer success teams. ClearVector plans to double its headcount over the next 12 months, with a strong focus on hiring experts in cloud security, machine learning, and behavioral analytics.

ClearVector’s platform uses a combination of behavioral analytics, real-time policy enforcement, and machine learning to detect and respond to anomalies in identity usage. This includes everything from excessive privilege escalations to suspicious lateral movements, often precursors to serious breaches. The company supports integration with major identity providers and cloud platforms, making it easier for customers to adopt identity-first security without overhauling their existing infrastructure.

Several mid-sized enterprises in the technology, financial services, and healthcare sectors have already adopted the platform. According to Allen, customer feedback has driven the company’s rapid iteration and feature development.

The cybersecurity industry has seen a surge in funding over the past few years as organizations grapple with a growing number of sophisticated threats. According to Gartner, identity-related attacks account for over 80% of breaches, making identity protection a top priority for CISOs worldwide.

ClearVector’s funding comes at a time when security budgets are under more scrutiny, but decision-makers remain committed to tools that improve resilience without increasing complexity. The startup’s identity-first model offers a targeted, efficient way to reduce risk without adding unnecessary friction to users and operations.

Looking ahead, ClearVector plans to expand its product capabilities into new areas, including non-human identity monitoring, advanced threat simulations, and integration with broader XDR (Extended Detection and Response) ecosystems. ClearVector is well-positioned to be a key player in the next generation of cybersecurity, starting with identity at its core.

By: K. Tagura

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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Investors Psychology During Startup Pitches

Investors

When entrepreneurs walk into a room to pitch their startup, they often believe that the numbers, the slide deck, and the business model will carry them to success. While those are essential, there’s another layer many overlooks: the psychology of pitching. Understanding what investors really think during your pitch can make or break your fundraising journey.

Let’s pull back the curtain and explore the subtle mental evaluations, emotional triggers, and subconscious judgments investors experience as you present your big idea.

1. First Impressions Form Fast—Within 7 Seconds

The first few moments of your pitch are critical. Investors often make snap judgments about your confidence, credibility, and leadership potential before you even dive into your business model.

What they’re thinking:
“Can I trust this person to lead a company?”
“Do they seem competent, passionate, and authentic?”

Pro tip: Walk in with confident body language. Smile, make eye contact, and speak clearly. Establish presence before you even start talking.

2. Emotional Resonance Matters More Than You Think

Humans are wired to connect through emotions, and investors are no exception. A pitch that lacks emotional storytelling can feel robotic and forgettable.

What they’re thinking:
“Do I feel inspired by this vision?”
“Will others believe in this as passionately as the founder does?”

Pro tip: Use a compelling origin story or customer success narrative to bring your vision to life. Make the investor feel the problem—and your solution.

3. Investors Look for Coachability, Not Just Confidence

While self-assurance is key, overconfidence can be a red flag. Investors prefer founders who are open to feedback and show a growth mindset.

What they’re thinking:
“Will this person listen to advice?”
“Are they stubborn or adaptable?”

Pro tip: Show that you’ve evolved the business based on input or data. Mention feedback you’ve implemented—it demonstrates humility and maturity.

4. They’re Constantly Assessing Team Strength

A stellar idea is only as strong as the team behind it. Investors evaluate not just the CEO, but the founding team’s dynamic and execution ability.

What they’re thinking:
“Can this team deliver?”
“Is there a strong technical lead or marketing co-founder?”

Pro tip: Introduce your team clearly, even in solo presentations. Highlight key team members’ strengths, past successes, and how they complement each other.

5. Financials Must Show Potential, Not Perfection

You don’t need perfect numbers—you need believable ones. Investors know forecasts are estimates, but they’re looking for thoughtful, data-backed projections.

What they’re thinking:
“Is this founder financially literate?”
“Do the projections make sense or seem exaggerated?”

Pro tip: Walk them through how you arrived at your revenue estimates. Use industry benchmarks and comparable case studies to build credibility.

6. They’re Judging the Market More Than the Product

You may love your product, but investors prioritize market opportunity. A great product in a small market won’t excite them as much as a decent product in a huge, growing market.

What they’re thinking:
“How big is the total addressable market?”
“Is this a scalable opportunity?”

Pro tip: Highlight trends, underserved markets, and potential future expansions. Show that your business can grow fast and wide.

7. Investors Want to Know the Exit Plan

Even if it’s early days, investors want to understand how they’ll eventually get a return. It’s not greedy—it’s just their job.

What they’re thinking:
“What’s the likely exit scenario?”
“Will I get 10x return within 5-7 years?”

Pro tip: Mention realistic exit possibilities—acquisition targets, IPO potential, or similar exits in your industry.

Conclusion

Understanding the psychology of pitching helps you tailor your message not just to impress, but to connect. Investors aren’t just assessing your business—they’re reading you as a founder. Master the subtle cues, emotional beats, and mental filters at play, and you’ll move from just another pitch to an unforgettable opportunity.

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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CodeAnt AI Funded $2M to Boost Code Review Automation and Software Security

Software Security

CodeAnt AI, a San Francisco, CA-based, developer of a devtool platform intended to enforce clean code practices in software security. The company’s platform automatically detects and fixes code issues to automate code quality checks and security vulnerability detection, write cleaner, more maintainable, and less error-prone code without the need for manual review and correction, enabling development teams to enhance code reliability, reduce technical debt, and accelerate delivery cycles.

CodeAnt AI was funded $2 million led by Y Combinator, VitalStage Ventures, and Uncorrelated Ventures, with participation from DeVC, Transpose Platform, Entrepreneur First and angel investors. The funding will be used to expand the engineering team, invest in machine learning research, and grow enterprise partnerships across North America and Europe.

CodeAnt AI has set out to address one of the most time-consuming and error-prone aspects of software development: manual code reviews. The company’s AI-powered platform uses large language models and deep learning techniques to analyze code submissions in real-time, identifying security vulnerabilities, logic errors, and code style violations before human review even begins.

Amartya Jha the founder of CodeAnt AI said, that code reviews are critical for catching bugs and enforcing best practices, but they’re often tedious and inconsistent. Their  platform acts like a supercharged reviewer, giving developers immediate, actionable feedback while ensuring that no critical security flaws slip through the cracks.

According to Jha, the AI can understand both the syntactic and semantic structure of code, making it capable of identifying subtle vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed in peer reviews. This includes common issues such as injection flaws, race conditions, and insecure authentication logic. By embedding security analysis directly into the review process, CodeAnt aims to reduce the average time it takes to detect and fix vulnerabilities—currently estimated at over 200 days, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report.

The company’s early adopters include fintech startups and mid-sized SaaS firms who have reported improved code quality and a 30–40% reduction in time spent on code reviews. The platform felt like having a senior engineer with a security background reviewing every pull request.

In addition to bug detection, CodeAnt AI’s tool offers real-time collaboration features for engineering teams. Developers can ask the AI for suggestions, request explanations for flagged issues, and even get auto-generated test cases based on code context. The platform currently supports JavaScript, Python, Go, and Java, with Rust and Kotlin integrations in development.

To further its mission, CodeAnt plans to launch a beta program for enterprise clients in Q3 2025, offering integrations with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket. The company is also investing in explainable AI (XAI) to ensure transparency in how its recommendations are generated, a key concern for larger organizations seeking to maintain compliance and accountability.

As the AI arms race continues in the developer tools space, CodeAnt AI’s fresh funding and clear focus on security-first review automation positions it as a notable player to watch. With software vulnerabilities remaining a top concern for organizations worldwide, the startup’s goal of making every line of code safer may resonate beyond engineering teams—reaching the desks of CISOs and CEOs alike.

By: K. Tagura

Who we are: Funded.com is a platform that is A+ BBB accredited over 10+ years. Access our network of Angel Investors, Venture Capital or Lenders. Let us professionally write your Business Plan.

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EdgeRunner Funded $12M to Bring Offline AI to the Battlefield

EdgeRunner

EdgeRunner AI is a Seattle, WA-based developer of a generative AI platform designed for domain-specific AI for the warfighter, defense community, and regulated enterprises. The company offers a platform for on-device AI agents, ensuring data privacy, security, and performance across various hardware platforms. Thus, it enables defense professionals and regulated enterprises to enhance operational efficiency while safeguarding sensitive data.

EdgeRunner AI was funded $12 million, led by Madrona Ventures, with participation from seed lead Four Rivers Ventures. New angel investors HP Tech Ventures and Alumni Ventures joined, bringing the total funding to $17.5M. Matt McIlwain, Managing Director at Madrona Ventures, will join EdgeRunner AI’s board of directors.

The new funding will accelerate the deployment of EdgeRunner’s “edge AI” systems—tools that run advanced machine learning models on local hardware, eliminating reliance on cloud computing or constant connectivity.

At its core, EdgeRunner is solving a problem that’s long plagued defense and tactical operations: how to run robust AI systems in environments where internet access is unreliable or nonexistent.

Edge AI refers to artificial intelligence that runs on devices rather than in distant data centers. This allows for real-time decision-making in the field, whether it’s identifying threats via drone footage, parsing local radio chatter, or guiding autonomous ground vehicles—all without a data uplink.

EdgeRunner’s hardware and software stack is designed for these harsh, bandwidth-constrained conditions. The company’s flagship product, Praetorian, is a compact, ruggedized AI module that can be mounted on drones or vehicles or carried by soldiers. It runs large language models (LLMs) and vision systems directly on-device, allowing for autonomous sensor data analysis and instant recommendations.

Until now, most military AI has relied heavily on cloud infrastructure or large server deployments, often far from the field. EdgeRunner is flipping that model. Its edge devices process data locally, improving speed and reliability and adding a layer of operational security by keeping sensitive data off networks.

The U.S. Department of Defense has already shown interest. EdgeRunner is currently piloting its systems with several defense agencies under small-scale contracts, and Schiavo said the company is actively expanding these partnerships.

While the initial focus is defense, EdgeRunner sees potential for its tech in disaster response, border security, and even space missions—any scenario where latency is critical and connectivity can’t be guaranteed.

The $12 million injection will help EdgeRunner double its engineering team, expand its testing programs, and refine its product suite. According to Red Cell Partners, the investment is not just about a promising startup—it’s about reshaping the way critical AI systems are deployed.

As the Pentagon and allied forces look to modernize their tactical capabilities, companies like EdgeRunner may be the key to unlocking battlefield-ready AI without a signal to function.

EdgeRunner’s funding marks a significant vote of confidence in the future of offline AI. With battlefields, borders, and crisis zones growing more complex, the ability to bring high-performance AI to the edge isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic imperative.

By: K. Tagura

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