Excelestar Ventures LLC

Excited to announce our founding partner Tasneem Dohadwala has won Startup Boston’s Investor of the Year! The award is a true testament to the success of the incredible founders and teams driving innovation in the startup community in Boston and beyond. Learn more about Tasneem and our mission here at Excelestar Ventures below: https://lnkd.in/eRn9sztP

The gender gap in AI isn't just a pipeline problem—it's a reflection of old power norms in a new industry. While women are leading in AI applications across critical sectors like education, customer service, and HR, they often go unrecognized in the broader AI narrative. The AI frenzy has largely focused on research-heavy solutions led by familiar male tech figures, leaving practical, user-focused innovations, often spearheaded by women, underappreciated. As Brooke Hartley Moy, CEO of Infactory, points out, "The underlying technology may be new, but the gender power imbalance is not.” We must move beyond the "tech bro" culture that has long dominated and ensure the next generation of AI leaders includes everyone. Read more of Brooke Hartley Moy’s commentary for Fortune: https://lnkd.in/gg4DRRBw

Excited to announce our founding partner, Tasneem Dohadwala sat down with Tom Salemi of DeviceTalks Weekly podcast!! Tune in as she shares her journey in #VentureCapital, #entrepreneurship and the #medtech space, providing valuable advice on being intentional while building a strong VC portfolio: https://lnkd.in/d6f8CdRC #DeviceTalks #MedicalTechnology #WomeninMedTech #MedTech #TechPodcast

The #funding cliff is widening: early-stage startups now face a record 28-month median gap between Series A and B rounds. This delay is a significant shift from the faster timelines seen in previous years. While some sectors like AI are exceptions, raising large rounds quickly for most startups means facing extended waits, putting pressure on those that thrived during the 2021 funding boom. Learn more in Joanna Glasner’s article for Crunchbase: https://lnkd.in/gntntHqu

The launch of Archetype MedTech, a medical Innovation management consultancy, marks a significant milestone for investors backing #MedTech and medical device innovation startups. With around 75% of MedTech innovations failing to reach the market, Archetype MedTech's expertise in navigating the complex approval process is set to be a game-changer. This new consultancy offers investors increased confidence in the potential for successful market entry, ultimately enhancing the value and viability of their #MedTech portfolios. As market approval becomes more attainable, the potential for breakthrough #medicaldevices to impact patient lives is greater than ever. Learn more in Oliver Johnson’s article for Med-Tech Innovation News: https://lnkd.in/eTCJcX-b #MedicalDeviceInnovation #Consultancy #Innovation #TechBreakthroughs

Less than a month until our founding partner, Tasneem Dohadwala will be speaking on the ‘Data Disco: Designing Your Business Model for Success’ panel alongside John Calabrese at Startup Boston Week! We hope you will join her as the entire startup community in #Boston and #NewEngland come together for inspiring keynotes, cutting-edge workshops, powerful networking, and game-changing insights. Don’t miss out – grab your free ticket right now to attend her session in-person at Suffolk University (or online!) taking place on September 11 @ 10:15 am ET: https://lnkd.in/gwx7HNVc #SBW2024 #BostonTechEvents #Startups

Protecting innovation is crucial for early-stage #startups, but navigating intellectual property can be challenging, especially with tight budgets. Below are a few practical steps to effectively protect innovations while managing costs: ◽Prioritize Based on Your Business Type: Tailor your IP strategy to your industry by focusing on branding for B2C businesses, patent protection for life sciences, and trade secrets for tech companies. ◽Protect Trade Secrets Practically: Use technical measures like disabling USB ports or blocking access to cloud storage. ◽Be Cautious with NDAs: Combine NDAs with practical security measures for stronger protection. ◽Secure IP Ownership: Ensure that all IP created by third parties (developers, designers, etc.) is assigned to your company with a written agreement. ◽Careful with Public Disclosures: Avoid discussing patentable ideas publicly until consulting with a patent attorney. ◽Think Before Branding: Consider trademark protection early in the branding process. Learn more in Marta Zaccagnini’s article for EU-Startups: https://lnkd.in/dBUmCbWe

How is the venture capital landscape shifting in 2024? With firms expected to raise less than $200 billion—a nearly 50% drop from 2021—#VCs are navigating a new reality. Downsizing, slower promotions, and fierce competition for deals are reshaping the industry, leaving younger #investors frustrated and office politics on the rise. As the market corrects itself, many are reconsidering their future in #VentureCapital. What does this mean for the industry's trajectory? Read more in Sri Muppidi’s article for Business Insider: https://lnkd.in/gPqvu9-h

Women in Tech: Meet Cheri Ackerman, Co-Founder and CEO of Concerto Biosciences. Cheri is at the forefront of biotech innovation, using her expertise to create groundbreaking products that harness the complexity of the microbiome for health and agriculture. With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from University of California, Berkeley and postdoctoral work at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cheri has developed high-throughput technologies for viral detection and microbial ecology. Her journey from NIH Postdoctoral Fellow to leading a #biotech startup showcases her dedication to scientific advancement and entrepreneurial spirit. Let’s celebrate Cheri’s passion for science and leadership in tech as she sets a powerful example for women aspiring to make their mark in the industry! #WomeninTech #MedTech #ScientificAdvancement #FemaleEntrepreneurs

Compliance in #MedTech isn't just about meeting regulations - it's a powerful driver of innovation. The belief that regulation is stifling innovation in the MedTech industry is a common one, especially among those frustrated with the FDA's rigorous requirements. However, Erez Kaminski offers a different perspective in an article for STAT, arguing that it’s not regulation itself, but outdated compliance practices that are slowing progress. Read more below for a deeper dive into how compliance can be a catalyst for innovation: https://lnkd.in/gGnRvNcz