All Posts in "VENTURE BUSINESS"

The Verifen Story: Why We're Building More Than a Lending Company

 

The Verifen Story: Why We’re Building More Than a Lending Company

 

 

The Shared Experience: A Flawed System

 

Every great business story begins by identifying a problem. For the founders of Verifen, the problem wasn’t a lack of funding options for small businesses; it was a lack of good options. They saw a landscape defined by two frustrating extremes. On one side stood the traditional banks: slow, impersonal, and risk-averse institutions that denied the vast majority of small business applicants for reasons like imperfect credit, unconventional business models, or simply not fitting into a rigid underwriting box. Entrepreneurs would wait weeks, even months, only to be turned away with little explanation.

On the other side was the “Wild West” of alternative finance, dominated by Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) providers. They offered speed, but at a devastating cost. They preyed on the desperation of business owners, trapping them in cycles of high-cost debt with confusing terms and aggressive, cash-flow-draining repayment schedules. The founders saw hardworking entrepreneurs, the backbone of the American economy, being forced to choose between a closed door and a trap door. This was the shared experience, the fundamental flaw in the system, that sparked the idea for Verifen.

 

The Struggle: Redefining the Relationship Between Capital and Business

 

The challenge was immense: how do you build a company that can offer the speed and accessibility of modern fintech without adopting the predatory practices that define so much of the industry? How do you

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Ronnie Jackson by — July 29, 2025 in CAPITAL FINANCE
How CMMC Could Affect Your Next DoD Contract Opportunity

The way companies win Department of Defense (DoD) contracts is changing, and it’s not just about having the right solution or lowest bid. The CMMC framework is quickly becoming a deciding factor, especially for companies aiming to stay competitive in regulated industries. If you’re eyeing your next DoD contract opportunity, understanding how the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification could shift the playing field is no longer optional—it’s a strategy move.

Early CMMC Levels Grant Access to DoD Opportunities

Even companies at the beginning stages of their cybersecurity journey can benefit from early CMMC certification levels. Level 1, for instance, is designed to cover basic cyber hygiene and is a requirement for contractors handling Federal Contract Information (FCI). Being certified at this level demonstrates your organization has the minimal protective measures in place, which opens the door to a wide range of entry-level DoD contracts that don’t require handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

What is CMMC doing at this early level? It’s acting like a gatekeeper. By having this foundational layer in place, contractors position themselves ahead of peers who haven’t yet made the commitment. For smaller firms or those new to DoD work, this could be the crucial step that moves a proposal from the discard pile to the consideration phase. And with increasing demand for CMMC compliance from federal agencies, early adopters are more likely to see recurring opportunities and build strong government relationships.

Level 2 Validation Unlocks New Contract Eligibility

Once your company moves from Level 1 to Level … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — July 5, 2025 in Web Hosting
Switching To Cloud Hosting: Simple Guide

Most website owners stick with one web hosting service due to the hassle of migration. The risk of losing the data or experiencing downtime discourages most of them from making a switch. Although web hosting migration can be daunting, with the right planning and guidelines, it can be handled smoothly.

In this piece, we will understand how to switch to cloud hosting in India. Businesses that want to switch to cloud hosting stress-free with minimal downtime while maintaining performance should keep reading.

Step-by-Step Guide to Switching to Cloud Hosting

1.      Assess Your Cloud Hosting Needs

Before migrating to cloud hosting, it is important to understand what you need. You need to understand how your website is currently performing and whether you have any themes or plugins that are not compatible with the cloud.

Then, understand your database size and whether there is something that needs cleaning up. Also, understand traffic patterns when you peak traffic to learn how you can schedule migration to avoid disruption.

2.      Choose a Reliable Cloud Server Provider

Some of the critical elements to keep an eye on to get a secure cloud hosting service include:

  • Scalability

When it comes to secure cloud hosting service, although you get scalability, you need to understand what kind of scalability your provider offers. When you understand this, you will be able to match your growth and performance needs.

  • Support

Go for a cloud hosting service provider that has reliable and approachable customer support along with uptime of around … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — May 21, 2025 in Web Hosting
Differences between general partners and venture partners in VC firms

General Partners (GPs) and Venture Partners (VPs) are both senior-level roles within a venture capital (VC) firm, but they have distinct responsibilities, levels of commitment, and compensation structures. While GPs are the core, full-time leaders who make final investment decisions, VPs are typically part-time or project-based professionals who provide specialized expertise.

General Partner (GP)

A General Partner is a full-time, permanent member of the VC firm’s leadership team. They are the true decision-makers and carry the ultimate responsibility for the fund’s performance. Their role is comprehensive, spanning the entire lifecycle of a fund.

  • Fund Management: GPs are responsible for raising capital from limited partners (LPs), such as pension funds and endowments. They manage the fund’s capital, oversee operations, and are legally and financially liable for the fund’s actions.
  • Investment Decisions: They lead the investment committee, making final “yes or no” decisions on which startups to fund. They also determine follow-on investments and sit on the boards of portfolio companies to provide strategic direction.
  • Compensation: GPs earn a combination of an annual management fee (typically 2% of the fund’s assets) and a share of the fund’s profits, known as carried interest (often 20%). Their compensation is directly tied to the overall success of the fund.

Venture Partner (VP)

A Venture Partner is a more flexible, often part-time role. VPs are brought in for their specific expertise, network, or deal-sourcing abilities without the full-time commitment and responsibilities of a GP.

  • Deal Sourcing & Advising: A VP’s primary role is to find promising
… READ MORE ...
Ronnie Jackson by — April 24, 2025 in Venture Partners
How to Pitch Your Startup to Venture Partners Successfully

Pitching to venture capitalists (VCs) is a high-stakes event. It’s not just about presenting a business plan; it’s about convincing seasoned investors to believe in your vision, your team, and your ability to execute. While every VC firm has its own unique investment thesis, a successful pitch relies on a few core principles that resonate across the board.

Here is a guide to mastering the art of the VC pitch and making a lasting impression.

1. Start with a Compelling Story, Not Just Data

Before you dive into the numbers, grab their attention with a powerful narrative. VCs hear dozens of pitches a week, and the ones that stand out are those that connect on an emotional level.

  • Hook Them in the First 5 Minutes: Don’t bury the lede. Start with a vivid description of the problem you are solving, either through a relatable anecdote or a shocking statistic. Make them feel the pain point.
  • The “Why Now?” Moment: A great idea isn’t enough. Explain why the timing is perfect for your solution. Is there a new technology, a shift in market behavior, or a regulatory change that makes your company uniquely positioned to succeed today? This demonstrates your strategic foresight.
  • Show, Don’t Just Tell: Use a live demo or a video of your product in action. This makes your solution tangible and proves that you have a working prototype, not just a concept.

2. The Pitch Deck: Your Visual Narrative

Your pitch deck is the backbone of your presentation. … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — March 22, 2025 in Venture Partners