C. J. Gilbert from Jungle Studios talks about website essentials for Startups

Startup Website Goals Discussion

Mary and CJ discussed the importance of setting clear goals for a startup's website, with sales being a common objective. CJ emphasized the need to consider what the website should achieve for both the business and its customers, highlighting the value of including educational resources, information, and forms. They also touched on the process of creating and sharing content across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

Domain and Website Strategy Discussion

Mary and C discussed the importance of selecting a domain related to the company and creating an ideal customer profile to target effectively. They explored the technical aspects of building a website, such as determining the website's purpose, considering e-commerce capabilities, and deciding on additional features like membership programs or protected content areas.

Benefits of Hiring Professional Web Developers

https://jungle-studios.com/meet-cj

C advises that while building a website oneself is possible, hiring a professional is often beneficial, as a poorly designed website can negatively impact perceptions of a business's professionalism. They emphasize the importance of choosing a web developer with whom one can build a good relationship, ensuring they provide necessary training and access to backend systems. Mary and C agree that while tools like Canva and YouTube tutorials can be helpful, they are not substitutes for working with a skilled web developer who understands internet marketing.

Startups' Website Control Strategy

Mary discussed the importance of startups focusing on their own websites as the primary online asset they can fully control. She emphasized that while having a presence on other platforms is valuable for reaching potential customers, these platforms ultimately belong to someone else. Mary advised startups to use their websites as a hub to bring people back to their own network and email list for direct communication.

Website Best Practices for Startups

CJ Gilbert from Jungle Studios discussed the importance of regularly updating and backing up websites, emphasizing the need for fresh backups and security fixes. He highlighted that a common mistake startups make is focusing on aesthetics over clear messaging, and he noted that websites are dynamic, allowing businesses to adapt as they grow. CJ also advised startups to create a basic website with their picture, contact information, and answers to clients' main questions. Mary Scott from Business Riff encouraged startups to book a call for further support and concluded the segment.

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CJ’s Resources for You & Your Network:

https://jungle-studios.com/meet-cj

https://earnd.co

Randy Lieberman from Earnd talks about R&D Tax credits for Startups

Startup Tax Credits for Innovation

Mary Scott from Business Riff welcomed Randy Lieberman from Earned to discuss research and development tax credits for startups. Randy explained that these tax credits are stimuli promoting innovation in the United States, covering work from ideation to testing done by employees or contractors. He clarified that the credits can be applied against taxes, including payroll taxes, to stimulate innovation and competitiveness.

Tax Credits for Pre-Revenue Companies

Randy explained that companies can carry over tax credits for 20 years and use them to offset payroll taxes, even for pre-revenue companies. He clarified that these credits apply to wages paid to developers, independent contractors, and cloud development efforts, particularly in AI and software development. Mary understood that these credits could be valuable for companies in their fifth year of operation when profits are likely to be high.

Research Credits Application Process

Randy explained the process for applying research credits, which involves meeting with companies to assess their qualified research projects in hard sciences like AI, computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, and biology. They help companies calculate expenses, document efforts, and coordinate with CPAs for filings, with the added benefit that companies no longer need to capitalize expenses over five years due to recent legislative changes.

Startup Tax Credits and IP Protection

Mary and Randy discussed the importance of research and development tax credits for startups and emphasized the need for employment agreements with employees and independent contractors to protect intellectual property. Randy highlighted the significance of making structuring decisions early to ensure investments are well-placed and intellectual property rights are secured. Mary encouraged startups to book a call with her for further assistance and mentioned that they would provide information about Randy's company for interested parties.

What are R&D Tax Credits and How Do They Work.

https://www.earnd.co/what-are-rd-tax-credits-and-how-do-they-work/

This article is purposely presented in a Q&A format for easy navigation. I have also attached a sector-specific Insight focused on the Software and Technology sector as an example. We have Insights focused on other industry sectors available too, covering Aerospace & Defense, Agriculture, Consumer Packaged Goods, Energy, Manufacturing, Material Science, MedTech, and Transportation. In my Nolodex profile, I have a brochure detailing my company mission, value proposition, and several customer success stories.

https://blackdogventurepartners.com/

Scott Kelly from Blackdog Venture Partners talking about what investors want.

Mary Scott interviewed Scott Kelly from Black Dog Venture Partners to discuss investor pitch preparation. Scott emphasized the importance of matching the right investors to the startup's stage and having complete documentation ready. He outlined the different stages of investment, from pre-seed to growth capital, and explained the key components of a pitch deck, including the problem being solved, solution, pricing, team, exit strategy, and funding ask. Scott also mentioned that Black Dog Venture Partners focuses on technology, software, cybersecurity, and AI companies.

You can find our startup tools including Pitch deck template here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Xv9J6L78iIZQDpLGqwyLe4aSMuRDy9Wx?usp=drive_link

Websites https://vcfastpitch.com/ https://emergingmanagerspodcast.com/

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