Crunchbase’s annual report predicts more challenging times ahead. Read Here.
Surf’s Up? The current wave of funding is to continue but there is optimistim that the industry is moving past its initial hype cycle and toward more durable businesses. 2024 could see the beginning of a second wave of AI startups that are more verticalized, focused on specific sectors, and that move away from AI wrappers, building layers on top of technologies from companies like OpenAI and Google. This is a move away from Big Tech and might lead to more ethical uses of the technology. The point of this being my lead topic in my new newsletter RealmIQ+, is that last years insight was all about adoption and education, this year, it seems, is about this next wave. New companies, New startups, New solutions to the many problems that now haunt Big Tech. That is why RealmIQ is expanding our services to include access to investors for AI Startups.
The Genesis of a Vision
Since 2017, my journey began in the dynamic world of startup consulting, closely working with founders and angel networks. It was an eye-opening experience, witnessing firsthand the myriad challenges these budding enterprises faced, especially in securing funding. I observed a striking pattern: while numerous entrepreneurs presented their visions to rooms brimming with potential investors, a mere 10% who consistently engaged, demonstrated progress, and fostered relationships managed to secure the lion's share of the funding. This observation was a catalyst for a realization – startups needed more than just an idea; they needed a guiding hand in crafting compelling fundraising documents, forging crucial introductions, and maintaining vital investor relationships.
CurtDoty.co: Laying the Foundations
At CurtDoty.co, my new consultancy at the time, and responding to this need, I founded Startup Accelerator, specializing in branding and marketing services tailored for founders. Our focus spanned diverse and cutting-edge fields such as Web3, Social Media, Cybersecurity, Death-tech, Ad-tech, Health/Wellness, and Auto-tech. Through our efforts, we helped these startups not just in branding and marketing but also navigated the often-turbulent waters of fundraising.
Joining New Mexico Angels and Beyond
In 2019, my role expanded as I joined the New Mexico Angels as an advisor and mentor. Here, I began reviewing a wider array of startups, and our network flourished, extending to Colorado and California. This expansion brought me into contact with a variety of investment groups, enriching our ecosystem.
The Advent of RealmIQ and the AI Revolution
With the advent of AI, I perceived an unparalleled opportunity and launched a new division – RealmIQ. This venture was more than just a business move; it was a commitment to championing AI at events nationwide. The birth of the RealmIQ: SESSIONS podcast, themed around conversations on AI with global leaders, marked our deep dive into the AI universe. Immersing myself in this realm, I encountered numerous AI startups with groundbreaking products, yet many were unprepared for the nuances of investor engagement in this nascent market.
RealmIQ: AIccelerator – Bridging Dreams and Reality
Recognizing this gap, in 2024, we rebranded our Startup Accelerator to RealmIQ: AIccelerator, with a renewed focus on connecting AI startups with investors. Our aim was to harness the zeitgeist of this burgeoning field, offering a bridge between revolutionary AI concepts and the investors eager to support them.
A Global Network Vision
Today, our ambition stretches far beyond our initial scope. We envision building an expansive network of investor networks, not just in the United States but globally, with a target of 8,000 accredited investors. This network will serve as a nexus, empowering AI startups and investors alike, facilitating growth, innovation, and success in a field that is reshaping our world.
Join Us in This Journey
As the founder of RealmIQ, I invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Together, let's shape the future of AI and be part of the story that defines tomorrow.
– Curt Doty, Founder, RealmIQ
Conference Highlight
CES comes roaring back this week and if you can’t make it (neither can we) there will be a team of TechCrunch reporters and experts on the ground in Las Vegas to give you the biggest news out of the consumer electronics show. AI is all over the show. (Sorry Web3!)
Though CES’s influence has ebbed and flowed over the years, we’re still expecting a bunch of announcements, especially when it comes to companies trying to capitalize on the AI boom. Monday featured press conferences from big names like Nvidia, Samsung, Honda and more.
Hardware Editor Brian Heater will cover up and coming hardware startups, in addition to innovations in robotics, hardware and AI. Senior Editor Devin Coldewey is joining to cover the AI hype.
Product Review
Use Case: Final Round AI is a real-time interview coaching tool designed to assist interviewees, providing features like transcription, personalized assistance, and mock interviews.
Features: It includes real-time transcription, resume revision, cover letter generation, interview Q&A flashcards, and modular capabilities for comprehensive interview preparation.
Pricing: Plans range from a free trial to "God Mode" at $49/month billed annually. The pro plan costs $99/month, providing a set number of credits for interview sessions.
Experience: I found this easy to use and a game changer for those in the job market, especially coders.
Lastly: Check out my interview with the co-founder Michael Guan on YouTube. Click here.
Our New Website
If you have clicked on any of the links yet, click on this one to see our new dedicated site for RealmIQ. From promoting our podcast, to selling workshops, to building investor relationships with founders, our service offerings are growing and needed to bust of out CurtDoty.co.
Our new RealmIQ Mentor
Jennifer Stivers joins us with her subject matter expertise in the use of ethical AI. She comes from a marketing background, worked at Apple and is a fellow creative. Her mantra "Think before you Act" is a cautionary tale for prompting and much more.
© 2024 Curt Doty Company LLC. All rights reserved. RealmIQ and MediaSlam are divisions of the Curt Doty Company. Reproduction, in whole or part, without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Publisher is not responsible for any AI errors or omissions.