Dear Startup Investor,
We have eight startups in our portfolio. Four have completed their fundraising. And most of the other four are getting close.
So instead of giving you the latest developments on our portfolio holdings, we’re doing something a little different this month.
We’re highlighting the four companies still raising funds.
We’ll remind you why we made the recommendation in the first place. Then give you the latest updates on their fundraising progress. And explain again how you can place an investment (if you haven’t already done so).
Plus, we’ll touch briefly upon what these companies have done recently.
First up is Wefunder…
Why we recommended it: We like portals that take both profit and protection seriously. Wefunder showcases outstanding startups while erecting some of the strongest barriers I’ve seen against companies intent on sowing mischief.
Latest: Just this week alone the portal closed funding on four of its listed companies. Wefunder continues to demonstrate that the site attracts plenty of money and high-caliber startups.
Fundraiser Status: They’re almost there. Investment commitments are just under $1.8 million. They’re aiming for $2 million.
How to Invest: Register on Wefunder’s site here: https://wefunder.com/signup. Then go to the Wefunder.com/wefunder. You’ll see a green “invest” box on your upper right. Click on it. It’ll take you to this page. You should also click on the document (WeFund LLC Subscription Agreement), which asks you to confirm that you are an accredited investor. Follow the instructions from there.
Now let’s turn to Ansa…
Why we recommended it: Its messaging system is fast and versatile. But what really got us excited was its NSA-proof technology. It uses military-grade encryption. And the keys to unlock encrypted messages are stored on the phone instead of the server. “Without an encryption key, [deleted messages] are literally impossible to recover,” says founder Natalie Bryla.
Latest: In the past month, Ansa has upped usage by five times.
Fundraiser Status: Natalie and her cohorts have raised $545,000 so far, or 72% of their $750,000 targeted amount.
How to Invest: First, confirm your accredited investor status with RockThePost. Then go here to find Ansa on the site. Click the green rectangular box on your right that says “Invest” and you’re on your way.
SpeechTrans is next…
Why we recommended it: In our original recommendation we called it “the class act among the new translation companies.” We believed it then and we’re even more convinced now. The number of languages covered (45)… its high degree of accuracy… and its high-powered partners elevate SpeechTrans above its competitors.
Latest: It just came out with a Bluetooth wristband that works with all SpeechTrans products via smartphones, PCs and tablets. It can also be used to make and receive phone calls hands free.
Fundraiser Status: Targeted $1 million. Has raised $250,000 so far. But also has a couple of “soft” commitments in place that would hike the amount to well over half a million.
How to Invest: Just click on this investment-pipeline link. It’ll take you through the investment process step-by-step including confirmation of your accredited investor status.
Last company still raising is StackIQ…
Why we recommended it: It’s everything we look for in a startup. Great product, great team, great prospects. A big market that’s getting bigger. Plus proprietary solutions that fix problems.
Latest: Just added Alcatel-Lucent as a customer.
Fundraiser Status: Already over its minimum target of $1,250,000, having raised $1,470,000. Its maximum target is $2,150,000.
How to Invest: First, sign up with OurCrowd at https://www.ourcrowd.com/ Investor/Create. Then click “Browse Startups” and then StackIQ. Under “Ready to Invest,” click “I’m interested,” and enter an amount. You’ll also need to answer a few questions and verify that you’re an accredited investor. Call OurCrowd’s Audrey Jacobs at 1.858.546.4316 if you run into any problems.
Sincerely,
Andy Gordon
Startup Investor Portfolio
