Mega Rounds, Microlearning, and Mastering Your Pitch

Exploring the trends shaping startups and venture capital in 2025—from mega funding rounds to the rise of microlearning and the art of the perfect pitch

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1. Welcome

Dear Reader,

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Startup VC Insider newsletter—your hub for collaboration and big ideas. Entrepreneurship and venture capital are team sports, and together, we’re here to connect, inspire, and support one another. Let’s dive in!

2. Weekly Spotlight

?? Verdiva Bio’s $410M Series A: Europe’s Mega Round One of Europe’s largest funding rounds is proof that:

• Mega rounds are back.
• Europe remains competitive despite the chatter about lagging behind the U.S.

Why it matters: Verdiva Bio ticks all the VC boxes:

1?? Large TAM (target addressable market).

2?? CEO with a Unicorn exit.

3?? A unique solution for oral drug administration.

4?? Clear exit strategy.

?? Watch the full video here.

3. What Do You Want to Learn?

Four years ago, I asked this question and saw incredible engagement. Now, I’m revisiting it:

• Podcasts seem out.
• Microlearning is in (think: 30-60 second video clips).

What’s your preference? Short videos? Blog posts? Something else? Drop a comment or DM me!

4. VC Perspective

?? The Risk of Raising from Tier 1 VCs

Tier 1 VCs might push startups toward unsustainable growth to achieve 20x returns. When it works, everyone wins. When it doesn’t, startups collapse.

?? See why the ‘go big or go home’ approach can backfire.

?? Focus on One Idea During Pitches

Don’t divide your pitch between three ideas. Instead, focus on the one with:

• The strongest customer pain.
• A proven market willing to pay.

?? See the video as to why choosing only 1 is a good idea.

5. Entrepreneur Corner

?? Value-Based Pricing Is Your Secret Weapon Understanding the value you unlock for customers is critical. It ensures you’re not leaving money on the table.

? Unlike Sonos, You Can’t Afford Missteps Big brands survive mistakes thanks to loyal customers. Startups don’t have that luxury—deliver value consistently or risk losing them.

?? Focus on the Solution, Not the Product Nobody cares about your technology or product. They only care about the problem you solve. As the saying goes: "If you have limited resources, focus on the customer." For tech founders, this isn’t always intuitive, but it’s crucial.

?? The Importance of a Quick ‘No’ Don’t waste months chasing uninterested investors. Push for timely decisions and move on if they aren’t excited.

6. Common Ground / Industry Trends

?? Do You Have a Proper Logo? Big brands invest billions in branding. You don’t need to—but a clean, professional logo is non-negotiable. Fiverr can get you started for $5.

?? Quantum Startups Face a Talent Shortage My 2025 deeptech prediction is coming true: Google and Meta are attracting talent that might otherwise fuel quantum innovation.

?? Share your take on the quantum talent challenge.

7. Ask Alex

Q: What’s the difference between Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Public Equity? ?? Read and watch my breakdown here.

Want your question featured? Reply to this email or reach out on LinkedIn or TikTok!

8. Detours

?? Should the UK Consider a Wealth Tax? A ￡260Bn opportunity exists if the UK adopts Spain’s model. While I’m not advocating for it, overtaxing ambitious entrepreneurs isn’t sustainable.

?? Join the debate—it’s heating up in the comments!

9. Closing Thoughts

Thank you for reading and for your continued support.

Let’s make 2025 count!

Best,

Alex

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