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Why Joining an Accelerator Could Be a Game-Changer for Your Startup
Manage episode 473736432 series 3568219
Content provided by Jayla Siciliano. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jayla Siciliano or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
What do Postmates, Airbnb, and Twitch all have in common? They’re wildly successful startups that got a major boost by joining accelerator programs.
Now, you don’t need to be chasing unicorn status to benefit from an accelerator. There are countless programs out there, each with different benefits, requirements, and growth expectations—so finding the right fit for your business is key.
So, why join an accelerator? The short answer: being prepared is the best way to get funded. Accelerators push you to get your ducks in a row—fast. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what I’ve seen founders do well (and not so well) when it comes to joining and making the most out of accelerator programs.
I’ve been through an accelerator myself, and I’ve mentored at several across Southern California. I can confidently say that the right accelerator, paired with real effort, can change the game for your startup.
A good program should offer:
Strong mentorship
Access to seasoned founders and industry experts
A direct line to investors
Bottom line: if you’re serious about growing your startup and raising money to grow, joining an accelerator might be the best decision you ever make.
In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡 How to find the right accelerator program 📈 What you can expect to gain ⚠️ What mistakes to avoid 💥 And how to truly maximize your experience
About Your Host
Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!
Connect:
Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/
Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/
Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.
52 episodes
ShareManage episode 473736432 series 3568219
Content provided by Jayla Siciliano. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Jayla Siciliano or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
What do Postmates, Airbnb, and Twitch all have in common? They’re wildly successful startups that got a major boost by joining accelerator programs.
Now, you don’t need to be chasing unicorn status to benefit from an accelerator. There are countless programs out there, each with different benefits, requirements, and growth expectations—so finding the right fit for your business is key.
So, why join an accelerator? The short answer: being prepared is the best way to get funded. Accelerators push you to get your ducks in a row—fast. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what I’ve seen founders do well (and not so well) when it comes to joining and making the most out of accelerator programs.
I’ve been through an accelerator myself, and I’ve mentored at several across Southern California. I can confidently say that the right accelerator, paired with real effort, can change the game for your startup.
A good program should offer:
Strong mentorship
Access to seasoned founders and industry experts
A direct line to investors
Bottom line: if you’re serious about growing your startup and raising money to grow, joining an accelerator might be the best decision you ever make.
In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡 How to find the right accelerator program 📈 What you can expect to gain ⚠️ What mistakes to avoid 💥 And how to truly maximize your experience
About Your Host
Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!
Connect:
Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/
Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/
Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!
The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.
52 episodes
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Seed Money
1 How to Build a Community Around Your Startup w/ Ash Lonare 1:06:30
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIn a competitive fundraising environment, traction is everything. Investors want to see proof that people care about what you’re building, and few signals are stronger than an active, engaged community. When customers gather around your product, share ideas, support each other, and drive word-of-mouth growth, you’re not just building a loyal user base. You’re creating an ecosystem. And that makes your startup far more attractive to investors. A well-built community is proof of demand, trust, and staying power, three things investors look for before they write a check. It shows that people aren’t just buying your product. They believe in your mission, engage with your brand, and want to be part of what you’re building. In this episode of Seed Money, we’re joined by Ash Lennar, founder of Odd Circles, a cutting-edge platform that helps startups and brands build high-impact communities at scale. Odd Circles has powered more than 300 communities worldwide, including one used by none other than Seth Godin. Ash shares how founders can use community as both a growth engine and a credibility signal, especially when fundraising isn’t going to plan. Topics Covered: How Odd Circles grew to power over 300 real-world meetups The biggest mistakes founders make when pitching to investors Why bootstrapping might beat fundraising in a competitive market How to build a community even if your product isn’t “community-based” What consumer brands, SaaS startups, and even food companies can learn from Ash’s approach Leveraging community to generate revenue and investor traction How to grow community engagement beyond social media noise Guest Bio Ash Lonare is a speaker, the Founder and CEO of Odd Circles, and host of The Founders Podcast. Odd Circles streamlines community and event management with world-class support, making it easier for you to monetize your events with direct payouts at a fraction of the cost. Connect with Ash on LinkedIn . About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!…
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Seed Money
1 A Founder’s Guide to IP Protection: How to Use Patents, Trademarks, Copyright and More w/ Raymond DiPerna 1:01:50
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedPatents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights: if you’re building a startup, these aren’t “nice to haves,” they’re mission-critical. Locking down your intellectual property protects your ideas, your company, your product. And it makes your startup more attractive to investors. Whether it’s your brand name, your technology, or your trade secrets, different types of IP protection help you avoid costly legal pitfalls, prevent copycats, and preserve your company’s value as you scale. Too many founders wait until they’ve gained traction to think about IP. But that can be a costly mistake. Without the right protection in place early, you could lose rights, get hit with a cease and desist, or scare off potential investors during due diligence. In this episode, we break down the essential types of IP, what they are, why they matter, and how to make smart, early decisions to protect what you're building. I'm joined by Ray DiPerna, a veteran IP attorney with over 25 years of experience helping startups and high-growth companies protect and monetize their intellectual property. Ray shares why founders should think about their IP as early in the process as possible, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Topics Covered: What counts as IP and what investors expect to see protected The real cost (and strategy) behind patents and “patent pending” Trademark pitfalls that can derail your startup’s brand How to handle IP created by employees and contractors How to monetize your IP through licensing or enforcement How to protect trade secrets, source code, branding, and more What to know about copyright for websites, images, and creative assets How to prioritize legal spend when funds are limited Today my guest is Ray DiPerna, who is an IP attorney admitted in California and New York. The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice regarding a specific situation, it’s always best to consult with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your specific facts and circumstances as each case is different. Ray works with clients in a variety of industries. If you’re interested in learning more about IP law or his work, you can find more information at the below contact information. This communication may be considered attorney advertising under the rules of certain jurisdictions. Guest Bio Raymond DiPerna is the founder of DiPerna Law. After over two decades of representing high profile clients in their intellectual property matters at prestigious law firms, including his role as a long-time partner at a prominent IP boutique, Ray founded and transitioned his practice to the DiPerna Law Firm, P.C. This enables Ray to take on a wider variety of projects and advise his clients more cost effectively. Coming from Biglaw at Sheppard Mullin, Ray works closely with specialized counsel in other law firms to provide his clients with high quality legal services in the areas of IP, data privacy, and corporate law. More specifically, Ray advises corporate clients, startups, and individuals with regard to product development, protection, and enforcement in the software, computer, mechanical, and electrical technologies. These technologies include the fast-growing and increasingly prominent areas of AI and machine learning. Ray’s practice includes advising clients with respect to all areas of IP, including patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright, as well as data privacy. Ray’s practice also includes drafting and negotiating license, ownership, and technology transfer agreements, as well as collaboration agreements and NDAs. Ray has 25 years of experience in preparing and prosecuting patent applications, including utility and design patents, both domestically and internationally. Visit https://www.dipernalaw.com/ for more information, and connect with Raymond on LinkedIn . E-mail: info@dipernalaw.com Phone: 858-987-4228 About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow, and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 What Investors Really Look For w/ Mike Sherbakov 48:50
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedMany founders have a killer product, a passionate team, and traction, but they don’t realize that investors are really betting on THEM. The truth is, your projections don’t need to be perfect, your deck doesn’t need to be perfect. But you need to do the things that most people won’t do to stand out. You need to show that you are strategic, thoughtful, and aligned with your growth narrative. In this episode, we dive into what actually matters to investors and how early-stage companies can use financial storytelling to build trust and get funded. I’m joined by Mike Sherbakov, former Marine, serial entrepreneur, and General Partner at The Veteran Fund, an early-stage venture firm investing in founders from the military community. We talk about how founders should approach pitching investors at the seed stage, how different industries require different metrics, and why, at the end of the day, investors are betting on the founder, not just the numbers. Topics Covered: Why veterans make great founders How The Veteran Fund evaluates early-stage opportunities How to project your financials without a finance background Why entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone (and how to know it’s for you) Top tools and resources for startup benchmarks Guest Bio Mike Sherbakov is the CEO of Greatness Ventures, supporting impact-driven leaders and brands. He has led the business accelerator to thousands of investor members and hundreds of companies in their impact portfolio. Their venture philanthropy arm has built homes in underdeveloped communities since 2014 and continues to lead impact trips open for the community to join. He serves as General Partner at The Veteran Fund, a pre-seed venture capital fund in Silicon Valley, and Director of San Diego’s Founder Institute, the largest early-stage startup accelerator in the world. Mike has previously founded three startups (HMS Fitness, Karuna Towels, Greatness Media), helped grow two companies from 0 to $ 20 M+ valuations (Wildfire and NurishMe), and consulted with large companies including Fitbit, lululemon athletica, Equinox, and Qualcomm. He served on active duty as a United States Marine, graduated Magna Cum Laude from San Diego State University, has traveled to 58 countries and counting, and believes that our greatness is not what we have but what we give. To learn more, visit https://veteran.fund/ . Resources fi.co/benchmarks https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterjameswalker/ About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow, and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 Why Handshake Deals in Business Go Bad with Devan Gonzalez 49:30
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWhy do handshake deals in business go bad? I get it, it starts with good intentions, you're grinding to raise money, and when a friend or family member shows interest, it feels like a lifeline. So you say yes. Sometimes that verbal commitment feels rock solid. And then a surprise cash injection seems too good to question. But this is exactly why handshake deals in business go bad: no clear expectations on either side are written down. It happens, founders move forward based on trust, without clear terms, contracts, or accountability. And when things go sideways (which they often do), you're left with confusion, tension, and potentially a serious mess. In this episode, I’m joined by entrepreneur, CEO of Strive 11 International, and host of The Mindset Cafe Podcast, Devan Gonzalez. He’s sharing his personal experience with handshake deals, explaining why handshake deals in business go bad, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you’re already in one. Topics Covered: How to use recap conversations to protect yourself How to formalize a handshake deal Why podcasting is a powerful networking tool for founders Mindset secrets of highly successful people Guest Bio Devan Gonzalez is an entrepreneur, the CEO of Strive 11 International, and the host of The Mindset Cafe Podcast. Strive 11’s mission is to help improve fitness enthusiasts' lives beyond their personal health and fitness. The Mindset Cafe Podcast is your go-to source for growth mindset development and overall personal development, and transformational content! Visit https://www.devangonzalez.com/ for more information. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 Common Mistakes In Seeking Funding: Traction vs. Capital w/ Josh Payne 50:35
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIf you ask seasoned investors what the common mistakes in seeking funding are, chances are you're making at least one of them — maybe without even realizing it. That mistake? Being so focused on raising capital that you forget to keep building traction in your business. Yes, it's easy to do when you "feel" like you need the funding to get to the next step, but you cannot stop pushing ahead. It could take you 6-12 months to close the funding you need, especially at the pre-seed/seed stage, and it's extra important to get creative and continue showing real traction during this time. This "raise money now, build later" mindset can be a major red flag for investors. They want to see driven founders with great ideas, but they don't want to see you more fixated on the check than progress. So, instead of putting all your energy into capital and fundraising, make sure hitting the next milestone despite capital constraints is a top priority and point of conversation during your pitch. What are the other common mistakes in seeking funding? What is Seed Strapping, and why is it a better strategy for founders today? Why do so many founders feel disillusioned after a successful exit? In this episode, I'm chatting with startup founder, advisor, investor, and creator of the viral Seed Strapping framework, Josh Payne. He shares common mistakes in seeking funding that keep investors like him from writing that check. Topics Covered: Seed Strapping and why it might be the best option in 2025 Why investors want a founder with skin in the game Why prioritizing fundraising before traction is a red flag Why Josh felt disillusioned after his exit (and how he overcame it) How to balance family with running a demanding startup Guest Bio Josh Payne is a Speaker, Advisor, Author, and General Partner at OpenSky Ventures. He invests in, advises, and builds capital-efficient, high-growth, profitable SaaS and Consumer businesses. OpenSky Ventures has invested in Levanta, Siena, Intro, Reactiv, Magic Mind, Fishwife and more. Josh is also the founder of Onward, a company that helps brands provide a premium customer experience at no cost. Connect with Josh on LinkedIn . About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast, where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 Red Flags in Investor Deals: Watch Out For This Before You Say Yes 21:02
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedFinding an investor and getting the funding you need is a huge win, BUT it’s not the whole story. There can be red flags in investor deals that founders need to watch for and navigate. The truth is: not every investor is right for you, and not every deal will favor you. Some investors might do more harm than good and even screw you over in the end. Some deals come with hidden strings, controlling terms, and long-term consequences that can derail your business. To sniff this out, you have to get good at spotting red flags in investor deals and conversations. And most importantly, always fully understand what you’re signing up for. The good news is that investors with the wrong motives are often easy to spot (if you know what to look for). It comes down to what they say (or don’t say) or how much control they want in exchange for their check. Sometimes, spotting a bad-fit investor or red flags in a deal is as simple as trusting your gut and listening to that little voice saying something isn’t quite right. What are some immediate signs that working with an investor would be the wrong fit? How do you make sure you’re not signing a deal that will screw you over in the future? In this episode, I share some warning signs to look out for when you meet with investors and questions you should ask every investor who expresses interest in your business. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 Avoid These 2 Mistakes- Straight From The White Lotus 13:16
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedAs much as I avoid real life drama with all my might, I’ve been guilty of falling into some of these White Lotus character traps in business. Yes it’s a show about people who are conflicted and struggle through their emotions and relationships (among other many things), but it actually has some solid lessons that can be valuable in the startup/fundraising process. From Belinda desperately holding onto an investor's maybe, to Saxon who wraps his whole identity up in his business. Ahem… sound familiar? There are some moments that hit close to home. Why is it so dangerous to zero in and “hope” one investor will come through? And how do you avoid that? In this episode, I share 2 valuable lessons that popped up watching what is arguably one of the best series on MAX. Well, that is, if you like that cringey, luxury, drama, murder, kind of thing. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 How Much Equity Should You Give Up in a Seed Round? What Founders Need to Know 23:04
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedOn every Shark Tank episode, one of the most intense moments is when the founder and the investors start talking valuation—how much the company’s worth and how much equity the founder’s willing to give up. Figuring out how much equity you should give up in a seed round is a huge decision, and with it comes some serious consequences. No wonder it’s nerve-wracking, especially if you’re facing it for the first time. On one hand, you want to snag that funding and land a solid investor, but on the other, you don’t want to give away too much control too soon. You want to prove your business has value, but not so much that it scares off a great investor. Plus, you need just the right amount of investment to get the ball rolling, but still leave room for future funding rounds. It’s gets tricky! AND… there are ways to avoid setting a valuation all together which is the best option when you’re able to do so. If you do have to set a valuation, what’s the right balance? How much equity should you give up in a seed round? Can you dodge the whole valuation talk until later? In this episode, I’m diving into how much equity you should give up in a seed round, how to settle on a valuation, and when to defer that valuation discussion till later. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/…
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Seed Money
1 Why Joining an Accelerator Could Be a Game-Changer for Your Startup 25:04
25:04 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked25:04
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWhat do Postmates, Airbnb, and Twitch all have in common? They’re wildly successful startups that got a major boost by joining accelerator programs. Now, you don’t need to be chasing unicorn status to benefit from an accelerator. There are countless programs out there, each with different benefits, requirements, and growth expectations—so finding the right fit for your business is key. So, why join an accelerator? The short answer: being prepared is the best way to get funded. Accelerators push you to get your ducks in a row—fast. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what I’ve seen founders do well (and not so well) when it comes to joining and making the most out of accelerator programs. I’ve been through an accelerator myself, and I’ve mentored at several across Southern California. I can confidently say that the right accelerator, paired with real effort, can change the game for your startup. A good program should offer: Strong mentorship Access to seasoned founders and industry experts A direct line to investors Bottom line: if you’re serious about growing your startup and raising money to grow, joining an accelerator might be the best decision you ever make. In this episode, you’ll learn: 💡 How to find the right accelerator program 📈 What you can expect to gain ⚠️ What mistakes to avoid 💥 And how to truly maximize your experience About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 How NOT to Approach Investors: 7 Things That Will Ruin Your Pitch 15:07
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIf you’re pitching investors and you’re struggling to get the response you hoped for, you might be approaching them the wrong way. Or maybe you're gearing up for a big pitch and want to avoid missteps… There are common mistakes I see entrepreneurs make all the time, and today we're discussing the top 7 things NOT to do when pitching investors. Some of these mistakes might seem minor, but they can make a huge difference between getting the funding you need or missing out on a valuable opportunity. Listen closely and stay tuned until the end, because these tips could save your next pitch. Remember any missteps will make you lose time, momentum and most importantly, investor interest. Taking the time to perfect your approach makes it more likely that you get your desired outcome: dollars to drive your business forward. So what mistakes will derail your investor pitch? How do you make a great first impression and ace the due diligence process? What character trait do all investors want in an entrepreneur? In this episode, I’m diving into how not to approach investors and sharing 7 things that will definitely sabotage your success in the pitching process. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 Investor Pitch Dos and Don’ts: Critical Steps Founders Can’t Miss w/ Triet Nguyen 49:21
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWhen it comes to getting investors to fund your early-stage startup there are some key funding mistakes you want to avoid. Many founders fail to make progress because they miss the mark at the ground floor and they lose critical momentum in those early investor discussions. Seed stage VC’s are evaluating numerous factors and some of them are surprisingly basic. From tracking financial metrics to basic paperwork, investors are looking for a founder who can clearly communicate where their company is at and the vision of what their company can be. What red flags will get your pitch deck shot down instantly? What do founders need to know before they go out looking for funding? What financial metrics are Seed Stage VC’s looking for? Today, we’re hearing straight from a VC investor who evaluates tons of startups. Triet Nguyen the Principal at Render Capital shares his story and what makes a startup a compelling investment. Topics Covered; Triet’s journey to becoming a Venture Capitalist (it’s not the usual story) How to de-risk your startup What makes VCs replace a startup founder How to build trust through transparency Guest Bio Triet Nguyen is the Principal at Render Capital. He is a former founder turned venture capitalist who focuses on investing in early-stage startups that democratize emerging technologies for legacy and traditionally underserved industries, particularly those outside the major tech hubs of New York, Boston, and San Francisco. Visit https://www.render.capital/ and email triet@render.capital . About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 Milestones Matter: How to Prove Your Startup is a Smart Investment 19:21
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedInvestors invest in progress not ideas. When an investor is evaluating hundreds - even thousands of pitch decks, this critical piece could be just the thing that makes you stand out. An investor is more likely to fund a startup if it’s poised for growth and it clearly shows in the pitch deck. That’s where milestones come in - most founders miss this piece and it could be just the thing that prevents you from getting that critical follow up meeting. An investor needs to see right away that your startup is a smart investment, so your pitch deck needs to include a clear snapshot of an upward trajectory (wait let’s clarify that, it needs to be an ambitious yet realistic upward trajectory). The idea is important but more important is showing what milestones will lead to an increased valuation over time. The milestones you put on your pitch deck need to show scalability, risk reduction, and evidence of traction. In this episode, I share why milestones matter, and which milestones you need to put on your pitch deck to appeal to investors. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 Before You Raise Capital Know Your Strengths and What You Really Want 18:22
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedWhen most of us are starting our companies, we’re laser focused on the financial goals, finding investors and getting start-up capital. Yes we might be passionate about the product, but we don’t necessarily take the time to consider if this business actually aligns with our personal goals, and what we want our lives to look like. But I’ve learned from experience that focusing on the business goals and not the life goals will come back to bite us later. We’ll build, build, build and then once we’re far down that path, we’ll realize “wait a minute, this isn’t what I wanted..” What if we could avoid this from the start, and build a business that intersects with our ideal personal life from day one? It’s much harder to switch gears down the road, so if we take tactical steps to figure it out on the front end, we save ourselves a lot of stress later. How do we answer that question, if we could do anything, what would we do? How do we avoid setting business goals that will negatively impact our personal goals? In this episode, I share the process and tactical steps that helped me figure out what I really wanted my life to look like, the strengths test I took to figure out what I’m good at, and how I built a business that works with my strengths, interests and most importantly, my life. Strengths Finder Test Dan Negroni About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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Seed Money
1 How to Use Foundersuite to Get Your Startup Funded Faster w/ Nathan Beckord 42:54
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Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedGetting on an investor’s radar, perfecting your pitch, and ticking all the boxes to get funded feels like a tall order for early stage founders. You need to have a story that cuts through the noise of thousands of other startups. You need to build a network of potential investors who align with your business and industry. You need a competitive pitch that wows investors. Because there’s so much involved in getting funded, the earlier you can plan your approach, the better. It’s never too early to start looking at who can fund you and nailing your pitch…but where do you even begin? For a startup founder, it can be hard to figure out which facet of getting funded comes first. That’s where Foundersuite comes in. This platform pulls all the resources you need into one place, and makes each step of the fundraising process more efficient. In this episode, I’m joined by the founder and CEO of Foundersuite, Nathan Beckord. After raising $21 billion for other entrepreneurs, he knows a lot about what it takes to get funded. Nathan shares strategies and hacks that will help you get funding faster. Topics Covered; The current state of startup fundraising How to pitch your startup via Zoom Why you need to have a teaser pitch How to get funded before you even pitch Guest Bio Nathan Beckord is an entrepreneur, CEO of Foundersuite and Fundingstack and host of How I Raised It. As a startup funding expert who has raised over $21 billion, Nathan has helped startups, VCs, and advisors raise capital faster. Visit https://foundersuite.com/ for more information, and listen to the podcast on your platform of choice. About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/…
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Seed Money
1 Avoid Digital Chaos: Low-cost ways to stay digitally organized using Google Workspace w/ Adrienne Farrow 30:46
30:46 Play Later Play Later Lists Like Liked30:46
Play Later Play Later Lists Like LikedIf you’re a startup founder, the last thing you need is a dumpster fire of a digital workplace. You can’t find critical documents. You’re missing important emails. You constantly find yourself double booked. A lack of digital organization isn’t just a minor annoyance, it can really slow your business down. How do you create a sense of digital peace and efficiency? The Google Workspace ecosystem is a low-cost way to solve our digital chaos. Most of us are familiar with the Google Tools that we use in our day-to-day lives, but we might not realize all the things Google can do for our startups. What are some Google tools that help entrepreneurs run their businesses efficiently? In this episode, I’m joined by Google Tools guru, Adrienne Farrow. She shares how to use Google to save precious time in our businesses. Topics Covered; How to set up your email for maximum efficiency The power of Google Workspace How to use Google Slides for pitch decks Guest Bio Adrienne Farrow is a Google Specialist, Digital CEO and Digital Product Specialist. She is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and online business owners leverage technology to work smarter, not harder. Adrienne believes that with the right systems and knowledge, you can transform your Google Workspace from a digital jungle into a productivity powerhouse. Her mission is to ensure that you're not just working in your business, but letting your business work for you. Adrienne is here to help you systematize, optimize, and innovate using Google tools, so you can focus on what truly matters – growing your business and living your best life. Website: https://www.adriennefarrow.com/ Free Resource: https://shop.adriennefarrow.com/drivehacks/ About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect: Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/ Please rate, follow and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/ ! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show! The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.…
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