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Upside.fm is a micro-venture capital firm and podcast network founded in 2018 by Eric Hornung and Jay Clouse. The organization aims to highlight startup ecosystems outside of Silicon Valley, particularly in underserved regions of the United States. The founders were inspired to create a platform that showcases early-stage founders in cities like Columbus, Ohio. Upside.fm has produced over 200 podcast episodes featuring interviews with founders, investors, and community builders, providing insights into startup investing and the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
Currently, Upside.fm focuses on early-stage investments, primarily in pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. The firm has engaged with 128 companies across 71 different cities, showcasing a diverse portfolio. The organization operates with a unique model that combines media coverage and investment, allowing them to connect startups with potential investors and community builders. Their commitment to fostering growth in various startup ecosystems is evident in their extensive podcast content and community engagement.
Upside.fm primarily invests in early-stage companies located outside traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Their investment strategy encompasses a variety of sectors, including consumer, fintech, healthcare, edtech, climate, AI, biotech, commerce, logistics, and media. The firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, providing check sizes that align with early-stage funding needs. Upside.fm emphasizes fostering growth in diverse startup ecosystems across the United States, particularly in regions that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital.
The organization seeks to elevate the voices of founders, investors, and community builders through its podcast network, which serves as a platform for discussing investment opportunities. Upside.fm looks for founders who demonstrate resilience, creativity, and a strong understanding of their market. Their deal structure preferences include a focus on media exposure and community engagement, which they believe are critical for the success of their portfolio companies.
Upside.fm has featured interviews with 128 founders from 71 different cities, showcasing a diverse array of companies. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to these companies, the podcast has highlighted 45 investors and 48 community builders, further emphasizing the network's commitment to showcasing diverse startup ecosystems. The extensive reach of the podcast allows for a broad representation of early-stage companies, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs outside of Silicon Valley.
Eric Hornung - Co-founder and co-host of the Upside.fm podcast. Eric has a background in financial advisory in New York and was instrumental in drafting the initial fund pitch deck before pivoting to the podcast format. His expertise lies in understanding startup ecosystems and early-stage investing.
Jay Clouse - Co-founder and co-host of the Upside.fm podcast. Jay is based in Ohio and has a strong focus on highlighting startups in the Midwest. His experience in the startup community enables him to connect with founders and investors effectively.
To pitch to Upside.fm, founders should reach out via email at eric@upside.fm. It is important to include a well-structured pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and alignment with Upside.fm's investment focus. The firm appreciates concise and clear communication, so founders should aim to be direct in their presentations.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. Upside.fm values warm introductions, so leveraging connections within their network can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
As of April 2023, Upside.fm has produced over 200 podcast episodes, featuring interviews with 128 founders, 45 investors, and 48 community builders from 71 different cities. The podcast continues to serve as a platform for discussing investment opportunities and showcasing diverse startup ecosystems across the United States.
In recent months, notable episodes have included discussions with companies like Powerspike and Foodnerd, further emphasizing Upside.fm's commitment to highlighting startups outside of Silicon Valley.
What are Upside.fm's investment criteria?
Upside.fm invests in early-stage companies, specifically in the pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages. They focus on sectors such as consumer, fintech, healthcare, edtech, climate, AI, biotech, commerce, logistics, and media. The firm prioritizes startups located outside traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley.
How can I pitch to Upside.fm?
Founders can pitch to Upside.fm by reaching out via email at eric@upside.fm. It is advisable to include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, and how the startup aligns with Upside.fm's investment focus.
What makes Upside.fm different from other investors?
Upside.fm combines venture capital with a podcast network, providing media exposure and insights into startup ecosystems outside of Silicon Valley. This unique approach allows them to connect portfolio companies with potential investors and community builders.
What is the geographic scope of Upside.fm's investments?
Upside.fm focuses on early-stage companies across the United States, particularly in underserved regions such as the Midwest, Mountain West, and Southeast.
What kind of support do portfolio companies receive?
Upside.fm provides media exposure through its podcast network, connecting portfolio companies with potential investors and community builders. They also offer insights into the startup landscape, which can help founders navigate challenges and opportunities.
What is the typical check size for investments?
While specific check sizes are not disclosed, Upside.fm primarily invests in early-stage rounds, which typically range from pre-seed to seed-plus funding.
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