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The Founder Roundup
Smarter business cards, AI for Construction & securing African ecommerce
We’re baaaackk. I’m so glad to be back in your inbox with the Founder Roundup after many long weeks.
After kicking off our voting cohorts a few weeks ago, we featured the first winners last week. You’ll find a roundup of these companies below (hence the name!).
If you haven’t submitted your company yet, I hope you consider it! We’re getting thousands of eyes on the candidate companies each week, and just getting started. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to respond to this email.
– Luke
ICYMI
News from around the ecosystem
The Backseat Startup Podcast
In the most recent episode of the Backseat Startup, we had Brad Dominy of Neucards on the show. A Reddit user asked how OpenAI (and AI generally) will affect startups. Brad and our new host Andrew gave their thoughts.
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The Roundup
Revolutionizing Networking with Digital Contact Cards
The Problem 🤕
Neucards is solving the hassle of managing outdated contact information and the challenge of keeping connections updated in today's networking-centric world.
The Solution 🔨
Their solution is a revolutionary digital contact card platform that simplifies contact management and empowers users to control their information.
How it Works ❓
Users create personalized digital cards with essential contact details, which can be easily shared via email, QR codes, or NFC tap tags, and updates are automatically reflected for those who have the card.
Traction 📈
Since their launch, Neucards has gained significant momentum in the market, especially at real-life events, where they've showcased the app and received valuable feedback.
How you can help 🤝
To get involved, head over to Neucards, download the app, and create your own digital business card to start connecting with others in a smarter and more secure way.
Be excited about what you do and enjoy every success, no matter how small.
Revolutionizing Construction With AI
The Problem 🤕
SORT IT AI is solving the pain point of up-to-date cost comparison and estimation in the construction industry for small and medium-sized companies.
The Solution 🔨
Their solution is an AI-powered platform that quickly costs construction projects by comparing materials and product prices from different merchants.
How it Works ❓
The platform's AI automates estimations by recognizing objects in floor plans and associating prices with them.
Traction 📈
Despite challenges due to shifts in the UK's political landscape, SORT IT AI has made progress in beta testing with paying customers, moving closer to their target revenue, and forming partnerships.
How you can help 🤝
You can support SORT IT AI by checking out their website and referring anyone in the construction industry looking for innovative solutions.
If you struggle with failing, then being a founder is not for you…
Empowering African SMEs in the Ecommerce Landscape
The Problem 🤕
Tudu is solving the challenges for African SMEs by providing a user-friendly platform for them to sell products online and receive secure payments.
The Solution 🔨
Their solution is a social commerce platform with an escrow system, ensuring a secure and reliable shopping experience for both buyers and sellers.
How it Works ❓
Tudu works by allowing SMEs to register easily, create attractive product listings, and utilize the trusted platform for secure transactions, while buyers can leave reviews to build trust within the community.
Traction 📈
Tudu has achieved remarkable success with substantial vendor growth, positive feedback from users, and an empowering impact on SMEs in Africa.
How you can help 🤝
Readers can get involved by signing up as sellers or buyers on Tudu Africa's platform, contributing to the growth of African ecommerce, and sharing their platform on social media.
The journey of entrepreneurship is really tough and can be lonely sometimes but the last thing you want to do is give up. Find an internal locus of motivation and form a formidable team of positive people who believe in your vision. Have FAITH!
Community Corner
From our friends at Resolute Future: Welcome to the Entrepreneur Ecosystem - where founders can connect with mentors, and resources designed to help you build and scale your business. With access to software, professional services, finance, marketing & development resources, our ecosystem is the perfect place to connect with like-minded individuals and turn your ideas into a reality.
From our friends at Day One: Join an upcoming cohort of the Day One Fellowship- a 3-month program that combines coaching, access to mentors and expert advisors, and a diverse yet tight-knit community of peers - all specifically designed for pre-seed founders who are navigating the path toward product-market fit. In the program, you'll go deep with a founder coach who will work with you weekly to guide you through the idea maze, enabling you to cut through the complexity and ambiguity of the early stage, focus on the right actions, and make critical decisions that will get you to PMF. Apply today, and use the code SFD250 for a $250 discount off the program fee.
Startup law on a startup budget. There's a big gap in the market between the cost of legal services and startup's budgets. It is imperative that startups build upon a strong legal foundation. However, most startups can't afford the $600+ hourly rate that most major law firms charge. That's where Cuvée Counsel comes in: Whether you need help with a single legal matter, or are looking for a fractional General Counsel, we're here to help. No Biglaw rates, no opaque fees. I charge $150 per hour and specialize in helping startups navigate the legal hurdles of early-stage companies. Let me know how I can help you.
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Referring not your thing? The Founder’s Second Brain (and other tools) are available on our digital product store! Subscribers can take 25% off with promo code TFRAUG25.
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