Rare Founders: How one entrepreneur turned his failed startup into a community empowering platform

Founded & Grounded

Experiencing the collapse of a startup can be devastating, yet for Vasily Alekseenko, it was the catalyst for change.
After witnessing the dark side of fundraising, Vasily took matters into his own hands. Rare Founders was born with a simple mission to connect founders and investors.
This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of networking, pitching, investment, and the magic that happens when founders come together to uplift one another.
We discuss the importance of diversity in the investment landscape, the significance of community, and the future of early-stage funding.
Key Takeaways
- How to be more resourceful and do more with less. Focus on creative solutions and confidence in your vision
- How to overcome your insecurities and pitch with confidence
- Fun as a foundation. How to inject fun into your startup and gamify life as a founder
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Proudly sponsored by our wonderful partners:
National Protective Security Authority - NSPA: The Secure Innovation campaign helps you take steps to protect your business from hostile threats. Don’t leave it too late. Use the link to download the quick-start guide now:
NPSA.gov.uk/innovation
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hexafinance.co.uk/contact
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1. Introduction to guest Vasily Alekseenko and Founded & Grounded Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Discussion on Ollie's unique approach to business and Rare Founders (00:01:35)

3. Switching focus to Rare Founders: mission, monetization, and future plans (00:05:57)

4. Sharing experiences and the concept behind Vasily's events (00:14:45)

5. Sponsor: National Protective Security Authority - NPSA (00:21:29)

6. Sponsor: Hexa Finance (00:21:55)

7. Discussion on confidence, humility, and fun in entrepreneurship (00:23:09)

8. Building a unique business, understanding your business's 'moat', and importance of community (00:31:30)

9. Vasily Alekseenko's journey: lessons from a serial entrepreneur and the struggle of doing too much too fast (00:36:03)

10. Realities of diversity and inclusion in startups, and the impact of representation in startup funding (00:44:48)

11. The future of Rare Founders, and predictions for the world of early-stage funding (00:56:06)

12. Being resourceful in startups without funds and shifting into an abundance mindset (01:07:10)

13. Listener interaction: questions, challenges, and responses (01:13:21)

14. Introduction to next episode's guest - Bonnie, founder of SOS Dance Global (01:15:57)

15. Reminder to follow the podcast for updates (01:16:49)