Get insights, ideas & thought pieces across business, creativity & venture.
5 Mistakes brands make when targeting Gen Z
Targeting Gen Z? You need to look beyond surface-level trends, assumptions and personal biases. Otherwise, you risk creating a disconnect between your brand’s marketing strategy and the authentic interests of Gen-Z consumers.
Read moreAs a startup, how much should we spend on marketing?
As a rule of thumb start-ups (1-5 years old) should spend 12-20% of gross or projected revenue on marketing. Bear in mind that the total marketing budget will need to be split across strategy, creative ideas, marketing subscriptions and media.
Read moreThe power of Generative AI: unlocking creativity and efficiency
In today's digital age, the possibilities seem endless when it comes to leveraging technology to enhance our lives. One such technological advancement that has been gaining significant attention is generative AI
Read moreWhat is the metaverse and are we living in it?
The metaverse hype is dead. When Mark Zuckerberg first announced Facebook would be renamed to Meta in October 2021, interest in virtual worlds skyrocketed. Now, in 2024, it’s safe to say that interest in ‘the metaverse’ has been entirely eclipsed by AI.
Read moreWe've shaped the virtual world, is it shaping ours?
Showcasing a cross-section of companies from different industries, all of which are blending our realities with the virtual for the better. From art to charity to biology, these brands work in many ways to improve the world around us or, at the very least, entertain us
Read moreMarketing growth strategies to propel Your startup's business growth
As a startup founder, you understand the importance of growth for your business. But in a competitive market, how do you ensure that your start-up stands out and achieves sustainable growth? The answer lies in implementing effective marketing growth strategies.
Read moreMy top tips for an effective MarTech implementation
Implementing MarTech effectively requires careful planning and execution. As the ex-COO of NGX, I have a proven track record in scaling businesses and optimising MarTech strategies. Here are some of my best practices to ensure successful MarTech implementation and scaling for your e-commerce business.
Read moreUnleashing the power of a well-designed pitch deck: insights on how to captivate startup investors
Statistically, only about 1 percent of pitch decks attract investors and land investment money. Of course, part of this equation is finding the right investors, whom your idea will resonate with, but even when you've found them, expect that your pitch deck will get less than three minutes of their time.
Read moreThe rise of AI in startups: A look into the growing trend of VC backing
Artificial Intelligence has rapidly emerged as a disruptive force, transforming industries and revolutionising the way businesses operate. This transformative technology has not only captured the attention of entrepreneurs and innovators but has also become a hotbed for VC investor backing.
Read moreHow to choose the right MarTech for scaling an e-commerce business
With the ever-expanding digital toolbox at our disposal, it can be quite bewildering to determine which marketing technology (MarTech) tools best suit your business. However, by harnessing the right MarTech stack, you can fine-tune your e-commerce operations, simplify processes, and drive your business towards profitable growth.
Read moreWhy a fractional CMO is the best idea for VC startup portfolio growth
The pay-as-you-go model for marketing strategy is a smarter way to inject some highly experienced and quality thinking into your startup portfolio, without the huge price tag, strain on resource to find the right people, or commitment to full-time hires.
Read moreCan early-stage VCs get a new lens on startup deal flow for more informed decisions and faster ROI?
Early-stage VCs often make decisions on investments based on cold hard facts and figures. But what if there was another lever to evaluate startups that could give additional insight into the conviction of marketing plans and ROI, by seasoned marketing experts, who have spent half their lives working in ad agencies?
Read moreBeing brave: the art of brand v performance marketing
If you’re looking to grow your start-up and gain a competitive edge, it’s not enough to focus solely on performance marketing
Read moreWhat makes a good investor pitch deck?
Over the last 3 years, I have reviewed more than 100 startup pitch decks from seed to Series A and anything from HealthTech to Audio apps. Here are my insights on 3 key indicators of a strong pitch deck
Read moreDefensibility for startups: why building your brand is important
In today's competitive business landscape, startups face numerous challenges. One critical aspect that can set them apart from the competition and ensure long-term success is building a strong brand. Branding goes beyond just creating a logo or tagline; it encompasses the perception, reputation, and recognition of a company in the market - it is crucial for its survival and growth.
Read moreHow do you find and pitch the right early-stage VC firm?
Identifying the right early-stage VC firm for your startup is a strategic decision that can significantly impact the trajectory of your business. Understanding the investment thesis and portfolio of a VC firm can provide insights into whether the firm is the right fit for your startup's stage of development and industry vertical.
Read moreFuelling innovation and growth: the crucial role of creativity in business
Creativity is the ability to think and act in ways that are original, imaginative, and innovative. It involves connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, thinking outside the box, and finding new solutions to problems. It is the spark that ignites the fires of innovation and fuels growth in businesses.
Read moreThe power of agile leadership and marketing in startup growth
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of startups, having an agile leadership and marketing team is crucial for sustainable growth and success. Startups face numerous challenges and uncertainties along their journey, and the ability to adapt quickly and make informed decisions can make all the difference
Read moreMastering the art of persuasion: a pitch deck fit for Sequoia
As an entrepreneur, mastering the art of persuasion is crucial for securing investment in your startup. One of the most effective tools in your arsenal is the investor pitch deck. To get it on point, you need the knowledge and insight to create a persuasive and compelling investor pitch deck that will captivate potential investors and propel your startup to success.
Read moreUnveiling the secrets of what early-stage VCs look for in a startup
Early-stage Venture Capital (VC) funding is a critical source of capital for startups in their initial phases of growth. Understanding the motivations and expectations of early-stage VC firms is essential for startups seeking funding
Read more