
How Gymtrack Raised Its First $750K (Step-by-Step)
Gymtrack’s founders recount how they secured their first $750,000, detailing a step‑by‑step fundraising playbook that began with a modest grant and culminated in a 500 Startups accelerator investment. The team deliberately set a low initial target—about $250,000—leveraging a $50‑$100 k grant that matched angel contributions. By repeatedly hitting 80‑90 % of each goal, they created a sense of urgency that coaxed “last‑minute” investors to close the round. A pivotal catalyst arrived when co‑founder Lee met a 500 Startups founder at Montreal’s Startup Fest. Within days the company joined batch 10, received a $75,000 check, and used the accelerator’s brand to convince local Ottawa angels to commit the remaining capital. Gymtrack’s experience underscores how early credibility, strategic networking, and incremental targets can amplify fundraising velocity for startups outside traditional hubs, offering a replicable model for founders seeking seed capital.

Backing What's Next: A Conversation with Serena Williams | Global Conference 2026
The Global Conference 2026 panel featured Serena Williams discussing her evolution from tennis legend to venture capital founder of Starfire Ventures. Williams described how a lifelong curiosity about technology and business led her from angel investing in 2014 to raising...

The One Man Accelerator at The Four Seasons & Why VCs Can Be Sharks | Josh Browder
In this interview, Josh Browder explains his "one‑man accelerator" model, where he invests in sub‑$5 million‑valued startups and houses the founders in a Four Seasons‑adjacent residence until they secure a seed round. The approach blends capital with intensive, day‑to‑day mentorship, turning...

Entrepreneurs First April '26 Demo Day in San Francisco
Entrepreneur First (EF) marked its two‑year San Francisco demo‑day anniversary, unveiling a fresh $200 million fundraise that lifts its portfolio valuation to $17 billion – an eight‑fold increase over five years. CEO Alice emphasized EF’s “talent‑investing” approach, selecting founders twice, first as individuals...