Amidst the shifting dynamics of the tech industry, a noticeable discrepancy has arisen between founders and investors. In 2023, global venture capital funding experienced a drastic 50% decrease from the previous year, with the exception of investments in AI. Additionally, the majority of incubators and accelerators are failing to generate significant projects and value, while growth capital remains trapped within outdated high-valuation models. In this landscape, the FoundersDAO open innovation ecosystem and community of entrepreneurs emerge as a transformative force.
Matthieu Ruatti, a venture capital investor with a cross-border focus and one of the co-founders of FoundersDAO, remarks, “Tech times have changed. DeepTech innovations hold immense promise, yet there is a growing disconnect between entrepreneurs and investors, resulting in missed opportunities for progress.” Jean-Christophe Ramos Galver, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with successful exits such as NextPerf (acquired by Rakuten), CibleClick (acquired by United Internet), PricingAssistant (acquired by ContentSquare), who spearheaded the establishment of FoundersDAO, goes on to emphasize, “The current model of innovation financing is inadequate in addressing global challenges ranging from the diversity of innovations to capital efficiency, integration of collective intelligence and AI technologies, digital sovereignty, emerging capital hubs, as well as priorities such as transparency, compliance, operational risk management, emphasis on cash flow, impact orientation, and global reach. FoundersDAO aims to provide comprehensive solutions to these pressing needs, one step at a time.”
Against the backdrop of prominent tech entities like Silicon Valley Bank and WeWork encountering substantial hurdles, FoundersDAO is committed to rectifying the deficiencies within the innovation financing ecosystem. Their overarching goal is clear-cut: to revolutionize the landscape of venture capital and innovation funding for the benefit of entrepreneurs.
Developing the Ecosystem
The establishment of an ecosystem led by founders has been progressing since its inception in 2015, as they have systematically introduced various elements that make up the current infrastructure. Initially focusing on AI and Blockchain technology in Switzerland, FoundersDAO has diversified its presence to include France, Luxembourg, the UK, as well as the UAE and the Gulf region. This network now links founders and contributors from over 30 countries, aiming to establish a global hub for expansion across continents.
Founders Ventures
Functioning as the DeepTech startup studio and VC fund within the ecosystem, Founders Ventures aims to generate tech solutions suitable for worldwide adoption, enhancing their effectiveness to support the realization of FoundersDAO’s mission. With adherence to the core values of the ecosystem, it has established a lineup of 15 early-stage startups encompassing various sectors such as sales, human resources, marketing, finance, sustainability, tokenization, healthcare, hospitality, technology, etc., led by diverse teams of experienced entrepreneurs. This initiative is now advancing even further, enabling decentralized venture capital and transitioning project acceleration and mentorship into a digital realm.
Founders.One platform
At the core of FoundersDAO lies Founders.One, a comprehensive digital center for tech entrepreneurs and startup ventures. The platform, known as a FinTech SaaS in its live Beta Version, strives to facilitate the rapid and efficient growth of startups worldwide. It aims to offer founders the tools needed to build, finance, and expand their businesses, as well as provide investors and tech enthusiasts with access to cutting-edge innovations and reduced financial risks.
Founders.One enables founders to:
– Create a network of supporters and investors for both private and public funding
– Utilize AI-driven recommendations for market strategies, financing options, and project execution
– Expedite project development and delivery by leveraging the platform’s technological resources and skilled professionals
– Easily manage accounting and financial matters through tailored financial solutions
– Streamline their administrative tasks by handling reporting, company incorporation, subsidiary establishment, accounting procedures, and compliance efforts.
The Early adopters are enthusiastic about it: “my virtual coach, the ideal partner for entrepreneurs to execute effectively”, “AI mentorship is a game-changer”, “it establishes a connection between my startup and its expanding community”, and more. Consequently, the platform is gaining momentum.
Founders.One’s web platform is accessible to founders worldwide, regardless of their project’s developmental stage: from the conceptual phase, exploring new market opportunities, forming the founding team, developing the minimum viable product, onboarding initial users/customers, refining the tech design or go-to-market, expanding the customer base, to global growth. They emphasize the upcoming introduction of a grant program aimed at fostering positive innovation globally and endorsing outstanding ideas or implementations that can expedite the advancement of an open innovation economy.
By harnessing AI and Blockchain for a competitive advantage
FoundersDAO sets itself apart by integrating AI and Blockchain technologies into its ecosystem to enhance efficiency and readiness for scalability. It comes as no surprise with their internal R&D team guided by a Mathematics and AI PhD holder, Julien Audibert, collaborating with IT/blockchain experts working closely with renowned science and research institutions across Western Europe. As an illustration, their AI engine, which stands out as the first specialized Generative AI for startups, will sift through vast datasets containing market trends, project information, and investor profiles to offer tailored advice and facilitate connections between founders and investors. They passionately highlight its dual role as a digital-twin expert co-founder alongside a proactive investment bank.
Multi-utility innovation through the FNDR Token
FoundersDAO has introduced the FNDR Token as a catalyst to align and encourage all participants within the ecosystem to drive global advancements. This unique approach to tokenomics distinguishes it from conventional investment platforms. Described as a cross-chain multi-utility token, the FNDR Token is designed to seamlessly integrate and elevate various aspects of the ecosystem. By enhancing utility across different platforms and services, it acts as a versatile medium of exchange that fosters an interconnected digital economy.
Overcoming initial hurdles
The journey of creating this ambitious project was not devoid of challenges. Drawing on their diverse international backgrounds, the founders of FoundersDAO had to bring together a skilled and innovative team, shape a market-fit vision, develop solutions based on needs and technological foundations, and identify the appropriate regulatory framework and public policies to expedite their endeavors. FoundersDAO, now operating across borders between the Western World and rapidly-growing tech hubs, emphasizes the importance of being both pro-business and adhering to high compliance standards.
FoundersDAO team also offers valuable guidance for tech enthusiasts seeking to have a profound influence on the industry. Their key advice emphasizes the importance of being essential to the mission, engaging closely with the target audience, continuously pushing boundaries to improve, and crafting indispensable solutions in collaboration with clients. Entrepreneurs are urged to dream big, act swiftly, and utilize the support of mentors, communities, and resources that expedite progress and business growth.
Global Tech Hubs: Future Contributions
Playing a pivotal role in fostering innovative tech communities worldwide, these visionaries are dedicated to establishing diverse local networks encompassing founders, creators, supporters, and financial backers on every continent. The tech framework of FoundersDAO is the driving force behind these communities, facilitating their connection and promoting digital advancement for widespread positive change. Their mission is to surpass the limitations of existing companies and platforms, striving to enhance value, impact, and efficiency while embracing a variety of emerging innovations and financial centers.
The initial group of contributors, comprising accomplished tech entrepreneurs and industry leaders, holds a key position in shaping the strategic direction of FoundersDAO. Leveraging their extensive knowledge and experience, they mentor young entrepreneurs, assist in project development, and foster rapid growth, all while gaining exposure to cutting-edge innovations. With an inclusive approach, they call upon seasoned entrepreneurs from different global regions to join forces and establish a transformative business network that transcends borders. Their shared goal is to establish a global benchmark for innovation ecosystems characterized by privacy, autonomy, compliance, innovation, decentralization, and sustainability.
The vast addressable market consists of 80 million digital age entrepreneurs and investors globally. The World Economic Forum predicts a surge in this population to 200 million by 2030, and to 1 billion by 2035.
FoundersDAO has ambitious plans in the coming months and years to bring meaningful projects and communities to the platform, and to enhance its marketplace offering, aiming to establish a virtuous cycle of innovation and remain at the forefront of market trends. Their strategy involves adding financial services capabilities alongside their existing social, tech, and company-building components, effectively forming “a private investment bank catered to entrepreneurs and cross-border innovations.” The community is envisioned as a group led by trailblazers and original contributors, all bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table with the mission to accelerate the shift towards mutually beneficial digital economies that promote a better future by harmonizing Humans and Nature through open technologies. While the first focus of the FoundersDAO team lies on specific market segments, all industries stand to benefit from the cutting-edge technologies developed within this organization, as well as from the shared expertise and interests among members.
FoundersDAO stands out for its innovative financing strategies that aim to transform the tech sector. By prioritizing effective implementation, maintaining a global perspective, and committing to significant contributions, this forward-thinking team is set to redefine the realms of technology startups, venture capital, and financial backing. Find FoundersDAO on LinkedIn and Twitter, or visit foundersdao.io