Dan Whaley

It was an awesome time in Portland representing MintPass with Melissa Leventhal at TravelCon! 🙌 Here are a few takeaways after 3 days of chatting with travel creators of all kinds ⬇ ⬇ ⬇ 1️⃣ Making it as a startup travel creator is TOUGH 😓 And why wouldn’t it be? Getting paid to travel the world is the dream. The reality is that platforms are now saturated with this content vertical, and it’s becoming more and more difficult to separate oneself such to break through the noise and grow a following. 2️⃣ The game is skewed toward those who have already made it 🏆 The travel creator landscape is quite top-heavy heavy where those who were there early to build an audience continue to do well with guaranteed brand deals. Smaller creators long for unique, alternative tools to even the playing field and aid in community growth outside of the usual social platform algo hacking. 3️⃣ The new way to get attention is to niche down 🔎 Less is more in community growth when your community is hyper-focused on a particular niche. As the landscape becomes more and more competitive, travel creators are focusing more on finding their unique content vertical to differentiate themselves. We talked some cool ones across areas of geography, wellness, budget, luxury, family, solo, and so many others. 4️⃣ Web3 doesn't matter 🤷‍♂️ This one was obvious, but I’m reminded again that our means for delivering value is arbitrary and rather the value itself is what matters. Most of those with whom we chatted were not web3 users, but they were intrigued by the value that our web3 platform can deliver. Value = Adoption. Go figure.‍ As we aim to build MintPass into a tool for travel tastemakers, it was awesome to chat with and get direct feedback from the creator persona who often has the best recs to share, but lacks the proper tools for sharing and building a brand off of that credibility. 🤝 Thank you to all who provided insights for us. ❤️ Back to work. 👷‍♂️ #traveltech #startups #creatortools‍‍‍

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Ever wondered where the perfect balance between tranquility and innovation lies? For me, it’s Seattle. Unlike the Bay, Seattle has a more serene environment that’s perfect for focusing on building products and businesses. The city’s vibe encourages deep work and creative thinking, free from the overwhelming hustle. But let’s be honest, Seattle’s founder and investor communities aren’t as vibrant as those in SF. Yet, this city holds a special place in my heart – a blend of my love for startups and the charm of Seattle. I believe in Seattle’s potential and I’m on a mission to help ignite its startup community. From connecting with fellow founders to engaging investors, let’s come together to build something extraordinary here. Seattle has all the ingredients to be a startup hub – talent, innovation, and a supportive ecosystem. What it needs is a spark. Let’s be that spark.

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A SAFE and convertible note had a baby and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati was the midwife- out popped the D-SAFE! 👶🏽🎉 A new #climatetech funding instrument was announced by Elemental Excelerator last week. One of the company’s main goals is to support smaller, up and coming companies during the awkward “Scale Gap” phase between #VC funding and natural growth. It’s called the #DSAFE (Development Simple Agreement for Future Equity) and it aims to aid the process by giving companies a small amount of cash to overcome initial risks and expenses during the developmental stages of a product launch or company. How does it work? D-SAFE has a redemption clause meaning companies can choose to have their payments offered as a loan or convert to equity at the investor’s discretion. Funders and companies will have clear communication and expectations about where the money is going and how it will be applied to either the company or the projects at hand. Financiers and companies will work together with more #transparency, and that’s a great boon for #startups and VC alike. As of this month, Elemental has already invested using D-SAFE in eight different companies, including Dimensional Energy and Origen — both companies investing in innovative and out-of-the-box solutions to environmental issues! Seems like a win-win on the surface. What do you all think about the D-SAFE? Alfredo Coppola Momoka Ueda Tim Wagner Stephen D. Torres Olya Irzak Natsuho Toyama Noriya Tarutani Shin Ogawa

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Wondering what Regenerstive Design is and how to implement it? Excited to lead this important conversation. Please join me! Grateful for Portland Design Thinkers for hosting this series. #innovation #planetpositive #naturebasedsolutions #regenerativearchitecture #regenerstivedesign #impactinvesting

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Mindful mountain biking is more than just a personal hobby for me—it aligns with my passion for transitioning into the realm of climate change solutions. Check out this insightful read on Nature's Heart-Shaped Wave to dive deeper into the connection between our actions and the environment. #climatechange #climatechangesolutions #climatepolicy #nativeplants #biodiversity #vote #nature https://lnkd.in/gQnsiYVJ

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We got deep and a little emotional on this episode! Thanks Nicolas W. for sharing your story and taking the time to share beyond most on this episode!

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Congratulations Paul Lambert, Bill Kee, and the entire Quilt team! It’s exciting to see Quilt making remarkable strides in advancing room-by-room heat pump based heating and cooling systems that are both accessible and great looking. The innovative approach not only promises significant energy efficiency but also aligns with crucial #health and environmental goals. Fossil fuel-based home heating systems are incredibly inefficient and expensive to install and operate. This has become a health issue in addition to a climate issue.  Many households struggle without proper air conditioning or heating during extreme weather conditions, which are becoming more frequent and severe. Quilt's solution of low-profile, ductless installations and room-by-room control is not just a leap in HVAC technology—it’s a leap towards healthier living spaces and a healthier planet. https://lnkd.in/gkic3nKP

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Generations in the Wild - KEY INSIGHT: Growing demand for well-developed campgrounds! As co-founder at Outdoorsy, I've always believed in staying closely attuned to what families want from their vacation experience. So our strategy to invest in owning and operating campgrounds was a great way to get to know our guests, face to face. This is even more important as 🌲the $1 trillion outdoor industry is evolving faster than ever and why we launched ‘Generations in the Wild’, Outdoorsy’s inaugural independent research report, which delves into the values and preferences of four generations of RVing American families. 🏕️ One standout discovery is that developed campgrounds are in high demand in 2024. In fact, 8 of 10 families prefer them. The challenge? America’s best RV parks are often booked months in advance. What exactly defines a well-developed campground? We think Outdoorsy Bayfield does a pretty good job of hitting all the marks. Think: ✨ Top-notch facilities: Spotless showers, bathrooms, outdoor kitchens, and inviting community areas. 🌿 Seamless online booking to the outdoors: From pools and pickleball courts to fishing, nature trails and dog friendly areas, easy access to nature for the whole family makes all the difference. 👩‍💼 Friendly, available staff: A warm Outdoorsy welcome and helpful assistance go a long way in creating a memorable stay. 🌟 Additional perks: Well-stocked general store, great WiFi connection, onsite food options, and enticing swag add extra flair to the camping experience.. What's the bottom line? The outdoor industry is evolving, and developed campgrounds are poised to steal the spotlight. Please 🔍 dive into our Generations in the Wild Travel Report to stay ahead of the curve in the outdoor industry #Outdoorsy #OutdoorIndustry #CampingTrends #ThoughtLeader #GenerationsInTheWild 🏕️

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Very impressed with the Wevo Energy story and I share those feelings. It is never easy facing all challenges and complexities. #Podcast #StartupJourney #SolarEnergy #Entrepreneurship #WEVO #SolarEdge #Acquisition

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Hey folks, I think you might be aware that what we're building at DeepCast includes a podcast discovery and exploration platform for listeners at www.deepcast.fm. We also recently unveiled www.deepcast.pro -- a promotions, marketing, and monetization platform for podcasters (and folks like networks and agencies who support them). "You make the shows, let us help you with what comes after." Shows claimed and processed via DeepCast Pro are also published for listener consumption on DeepCast. High value all around! If you're a podcaster, claim your show at www.deepcast.pro to get started. Free speaker-labeled transcripts for all your episodes as well as generated insights for each (key takeaways, quotes, topic & keyword sets, summaries, and more) plus many more features—and growing daily! We're shipping fast over here! (Thanks to Rachel Perez Hosna Qasmei Kim Burgaard Benjamin Moon Rachel Magana Hari Ramachandran!)

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The 4 California's Circular Economy Champions of this week! #climatetechquartet #20. As a Californian, I'm always excited to spotlight the #sustainability startups that call the #GoldenState home. This week, we've got a Climatetechquartet of innovative companies crushing it in the circular economy game. Let's take a look at the four #startups of this week: Brimstone https://www.brimstone.com/ HQ: California, USA, Founders: Cody Finke, Ph.D. and Hugo Leandri Brimstone is revolutionizing the cement industry by producing industry-standard cement using carbon-free calcium silicate rock instead of traditional limestone. This innovative approach significantly reduces the carbon footprint of cement production, addressing one of the largest sources of industrial CO2 emissions and providing a more sustainable solution for the construction industry. Novoloop https://www.novoloop.com/ HQ: California, USA, Founders: Miranda Wang and Jeanny Yao Novoloop transforms post-consumer plastic waste into high-performance materials, including their proprietary XIRC® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). By creating a closed-loop system for plastics, they're tackling plastic pollution head-on and promoting resource conservation. Vericool Inc. https://lnkd.in/gD2XHcg9 HQ: California, USA, Founder: Darrell Jobe Vericool Packaging is at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions. They offer eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials like styrofoam, helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint without compromising performance. unspun™ https://www.unspun.io/ HQ: California, USA, Founders: Walden Lam, Kevin Martin, and Beth Esponnette Unspun is reimagining the fashion industry with its on-demand, custom-fit jeans. Using 3D body scanning technology and automated manufacturing, they create perfectly fitted jeans while eliminating overproduction and reducing waste in the notoriously resource-intensive fashion sector. Curious about more early-stage company updates in the climate tech sector? Stay in the loop on the latest innovations. #circulareconomy #climatetech #GreenStartups #california #Innovation #cement #fashion #plasticwaste #packaging #growthinflection

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What are Nature-Based Restorative Solutions? Nature-based restorative solutions are strategic initiatives that leverage natural processes to address environmental, social, and economic challenges. At FloCard, we're actively engaged in these solutions through dynamic partnerships and innovative technologies that ensure effectiveness and sustainability. One of our notable collaborations is with the SERVE Council, a tech-enabled, ESG-driven organization dedicated to environmental conservation and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Raosaheb Samrat, Yuvraj Seth and his team at grassroots have pledged for #BetterPlanetTogether Together, we are working on several impactful projects: 1. Serve Trees Project: This initiative combines digital and blockchain technology to enhance tree plantations' monitoring and transparency. By facilitating real-time data access, we ensure that every tree planted is accounted for, contributing to more significant environmental recovery and community trust. 2. From Seeds of Hope to Fruits of Opportunity: In partnership with SERVE Council, FloCard supports the free tree-sapling program, empowering rural communities through sustainable tree farming. This program distributes high-value species suitable for local climates and markets, provides comprehensive training on sustainable planting and care, and connects participants with market opportunities. This approach not only combats biodiversity loss but also boosts local economies by creating stable, sustainable livelihoods. 3. SERVE Livelihood - Micro Entrepreneurship Development & Livelihood Enterprises Development: Our joint efforts extend to fostering micro-entrepreneurship, providing tools and training that enable community members to start and sustain their green businesses. This initiative supports economic empowerment and sustainable development in tandem with environmental conservation. 4. Distance Learning Innovators Alliance: This alliance, supported by FloCard and SERVE Council, bridges distance learning and innovation, offering a platform for remote learners to connect, collaborate, and grow their entrepreneurial ventures. It’s an ecosystem designed to foster networking and development among those who might otherwise lack access to traditional educational resources. Through these initiatives, FloCard is a participant and a driver of nature-based solutions, ensuring that every project is impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our commitment to advancing corporate sustainability and empowering communities. Join us in protecting biodiversity and nurturing a green economy. Follow https://lnkd.in/dKJ8aBQS

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I’m excited to publicly share something that has been in the works for a few months at the 9point8 Collective. We’ve launched our Virtual Studio! This is a program for early-stage companies that provides the coaching, development and venture-building tools they need to find traction and scale. The program is modeled off of the venture-building processes found inside #VentureStudios, which have delivered 2X IRR and exit 45% faster than traditional #VC-backed #startups over the last 10 years. Some of the secret sauce to this is that studios have found a way to validate strategies early on, de-risk execution, preserve and extend limited runway, and create efficient business models very fast. We at 9point8 are seasoned studio builders and are on a mission to bring this value to founding teams as they navigate their startup journeys. What we’ve done with the Virtual Studio is distill these key processes and techniques, add in our own expertise and best practices, and package them into a program which meets start-ups where they are. We are now opening up our Summer 2024 Cohort, slated to begin in July. Space is limited, so I’m sharing the opportunity with my network before we fill the cohort. Here are the details: -It’s a 3-month program which takes the founder through the key phases of venture-building and de-risking (refining target market, product-market fit, economics and financials, planning, and fundraising). -Founders can expect to achieve greater focus, improved operations and increased marketability to customers and investors. -The end results include collaboratively-drafted operational plans, commercial / investment pitch decks, and elevated management practices within the founding team. These draft off frameworks from 9point8's proprietary venture-building process: Targets Over Everything. -It’s built for founders facing (or approaching) a critical inflection point, where fresh perspectives and strategic management levers are critical. These might include fundraising preparation, new product launch, market expansion, and post-MVP scaling efforts. Why did we build this program? Because building a new company is really hard. 90(!) percent of startups fail, and even moderate risk reduction can create a huge lift to survival rate and eventual returns. The studio model is proven to drive greater venture success; our virtual program is extending that success to more and more teams. The program is highly collaborative and hands-on, so we only take on a few companies at a time. This is a great opportunity for founders who are looking to level-up their abilities when it comes to unlocking traction, growth, and an express lane to superior returns. If interested, please reach out immediately as we expect the program to be fully enrolled very soon! Blair Merlino Evan Allen Neal Ghosh

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Shout-out to founders. Shout-out to the teams and individuals that commit to and push founder-led businesses forward. Building something meaningful is hard. Sometimes you have to play a role that does not come naturally because that’s what the business requires at the moment in time. Other times you have to make decisions that come with uncertainty and the best you can do is just figure it out…quickly. We’ve built RevBoss for 10 years, but we are in the process of re-building it for the 3rd time because that is what is required of us to deliver value to our clients. Will it be hard? Yes. Will it come with a bunch of bumps and bruises? Yes.   Will everything be okay at the end of the day? Absolutely. RevBoss exists to grow B2B founder-led businesses. I’m gearing up to talk with Adam Robinson, CEO of a founder-led business, RB2B, who also is in the business of helping B2B businesses grow. Join us on Aug 13th as we’ll be chatting about growth at founder-led companies and how to build a growth engine that works: https://lnkd.in/eVyJQjpC PS - excited to share our RevBoss journey more publicly, so feel free to follow along if you're interested.

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June 8th is World Oceans Day, a concept started in 1992 to encourage and inspire collective action to support healthy oceans and a stable climate. As with Earth Day, there’s something slightly ironic about honoring something so incredibly vast – 71% of our planet – via a single commemorative day.   Too often, we focus on singular, isolated acts like cracking down on illegal fishing or sinking seaweed to sequester carbon in order to protect the ocean.   But at Third Nature Investments, we see a greater opportunity to support ocean-based activities that are sustainable and regenerative, in order to transform the ocean from a victim of our deleterious behavior to a source of new beginnings, and to truly usher in a modern and thriving 21st century economy that drives business and planetary success.   This month in a new blog series, we’ll be spotlighting three of our portfolio companies – Atlantic Sea Farms, Sway, and Keel Labs -- that are at the heart of the ocean economy (specifically the seaweed economy), building innovative businesses that are in true partnership with our mighty blue ocean.   Check out our intro to the series now and stay tuned in the coming weeks for subsequent blogs. https://lnkd.in/eD8HaWDA #WorldOceansDay #seaweedeconomy #earthsystemsinvesting #climatechange

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Should we prioritize people, or tech innovation in our large-scale development projects? The strategy's slowly shifting to people. And that’s exactly how California Forever CEO Jan Sramek wins over skeptics like Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway. Not bad. “There’s a lot of baggage that tech has created in building new cities that, unfortunately, we are at the receiving end of”, explains Sramek. So smart cities and tech libertarian network states aren't the focus here. Quite the contrary. He calls the project (in this context) “really, really boring.” The focus: ∙ More housing ∙ Walkable cities ∙ Affordable by design* ∙ Improving the country for residents *(housing prices to start at $400k) I recently covered California Forever, dubbing it a future ‘Tech Utopia’ given its massive Silicon Valley backing. So it’s exciting to see Sramek's positioning and skillful handling of the grilling. Is the era of the smart city over due to its 'baggage'? Time will tell. More on California Forever and other visionaries designing new cities from scratch here: https://lnkd.in/e9-i386q Full interview: https://lnkd.in/eMnT8QhU #futureofcities #urbandevelopment

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Hiring alert! One of our newest MKT1 portfolio companies is hiring a founding marketer. nodaFi is vertical SaaS that understands a wedge-in strategy. The team is scrappy and values marketing--and really understands their ICP - facilities managers. If you're based in the Bay Area and interested in helping bring a tech-first approach to an industry that operates with pen & paper, take a look. The founders are awesome (cc Jacob Pandl & Michael Loyda) JD link in the comments.

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🌍💡 Embracing Interoperability: The Evolution of Carbon Markets 💡🌍 The landscape of carbon markets is rapidly evolving, with a significant shift towards fungibility and interoperability. What does this mean? We (at the SoHo Global Climate Fund) spoke with leading climate fund manager, Charles Bedford of Carbon Growth Partners, to shed light on this important trend in the carbon markets. It's about creating seamless connections between compliance and voluntary markets, allowing for the exchange and recognition of carbon credits across borders and sectors. This trend marks a pivotal moment in our collective efforts towards combating climate change. By enabling carbon credits to be fungible and interoperable, we're fostering a more efficient and scalable approach to carbon pricing and emissions reduction strategies. Companies and organizations now have greater flexibility to participate in markets that align with their goals. #CarbonMarkets #ClimateAction #Fungibility #Interoperability #Sustainability #Innovation #GlobalImpact

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