Batch #15 Bootcamp Highlights #1

A new wave of ambitious founders has entered Fusion Accelerator, bringing fresh ideas and a strong drive to innovate. Batch 15 is filled with entrepreneurs determined to challenge norms and push boundaries in various industries.

An Eye-Opening Start with Tal Slobodkin

Our launch featured an insightful session with Tal Slobodkin , Partner at StageOne Ventures , who gave our founders an exclusive glimpse into the decision-making process of VC funds. From initial meetings to in-depth due diligence and final investments, he analyzed how funding decisions are truly made.

Key Takeaways:

?? The standards are higher than ever - investors seek startups that prove their worth early on.

?? Exits are larger but less frequent, making big wins crucial.

?? Ownership structure plays a vital role – most VCs aim to secure around 20% equity in their portfolio companies.

?? Trending investment areas: AI security, #FinOps, and AI-powered Security Operations Centers.

?? Due Diligence on VC Funds Matters: Founders should evaluate potential investors just as much as investors evaluate them. Key questions to ask:

1?? Is this a good fit, and do I like the partners?

2?? Is the fund ready?

3?? Have they made suitable investments in the past?

4?? Do their founders love working with them?

5?? Can they truly add value beyond the check?

For founders, fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint. Understanding investors' thoughts, motivations, and financial models can transform a missed chance into a winning deal.

Mastering the Art of Pitching

For six years, storytelling expert Ori Luzia has been helping our founders refine their narratives to make them more compelling and impactful.

Batch 15 had the opportunity to participate in an interactive storytelling workshop where they practiced pitching and received invaluable feedback on effectively communicating their startup vision.

Key Lessons from the Workshop:

1?? Relatability Creates Connection: When investors personally relate to a problem you present, it strengthens engagement and increases interest. Authenticity is key – a forced story will be immediately noticeable.

2?? Customize Your Message: Your pitch should adapt to your audience. Tailoring your message to different backgrounds ensures stronger resonance.

3?? Keep Your Structure Clear: Your audience doesn’t know what’s coming next, so guide them through a well-organized and logical journey. A structured narrative keeps them engaged.

4?? Show the Present, Paint the Future: If your product isn’t fully developed, focus on what exists now while illustrating a compelling vision of where it’s headed.

5?? Match Your Energy to the Room: Your voice should command attention. Speaking too softly can cause your audience to disenga e quickly.

6?? Avoid Overloading with Technical Details: Investors and customers don’t need to see the entire technical breakdown – they need to grasp the value and impact of your solution.

Learn from those who have walked this path before

The Fusion Alumni Panel was a standout session, offering Batch 15 founders firsthand insights from program graduates: Adele Adam , Idan Shem Tov , Michael Peled and Omer Gold . These experienced entrepreneurs shared their journeys, answered pressing questions, and provided candid advice.

The key takeaway? Use Fusion as a platform! Alumni emphasized that this is the perfect opportunity to refine your pitch, stay focused, and make the right connections. Identifying decision-makers and choosing the right strategy can make all the difference in accelerating startup success.

Laying a Solid Legal Foundation

Batch 15 is moving full speed ahead, tackling one of the most fundamental aspects of startup success: legal preparedness.

In our Startup Legal 101 session, led by our longtime friend Guy Lachmann, founders explored the crucial legal steps every startup must address early on.

Some of the topics we discussed:

?? Preventing co-founder disputes before they even arise.

?? Intellectual property protection – securing copyrights and patents.

?? Setting up a firm legal foundation.

?? Tax considerations startups should keep in mind. And plenty more essential insights every entrepreneur needs.

Huge thanks to our mentors and to Pearl Cohen for their warm hospitality and continuous support! ??