10 Tips to Help Find Startup Investors

You've got an amazing idea but you need to find investors to make it happen. Unless you have been in the game for a while and already have been networking with people that are looking to invest, it might seem overwhelming when you are trying to get started.

You know your business is going to be successful once you get it off the ground but how are you going to make it happen?

Continue reading this article and we are going to give you tips on how to get investors for a startup.


Investors Are Out There

Before you get started looking for investors, you should know that they are out there looking for you, just like you are looking for them. There are people and venture capital (VC) firms actively looking for great ideas to put their money behind.

The following tips will help you find these VC startup investors and angel investors.


1. Be Prepared

You might not know when you're going to meet someone looking for an opportunity. Be prepared before you even plan on looking for investors. You never know when you might meet an angel investor or prominent VCs along with other well-connected individuals.

Figure out how much capital you need and be able to show investors exactly how you're going to get their money back. If you aren't prepared, you could miss out on a golden opportunity but if you are prepared, you might stumble upon an opportunity of a lifetime.


2. Just Make Progress

If you don't raise all of the money in the first round, that isn't a big deal. Once you get enough capital to get started — get started!

Work on getting your product together right away and sell other investors on being a part of the project by showing them how much progress you have made.


3. Look for Industry Specific Investors

You don't want to work with just anyone. You don't only want money. When you are looking for investors, you should look for people that are experts within your industry.

When you work with industry investors as your partner, not only can their money help you — their expertise can also help you. Finding people that have "been in the game" for a while will help you rocket ahead of any competition that might be going at it without help from someone in the industry.


4. Show Value and Take It Away

When you are looking for investors, you are more likely to get investors if you don't need one. If you know that you have a lot of other options, you can show the value of your company and take it away by nicely letting them know you have other options.


5. Don't Skip the Relationship

Investors want to invest with people they know, like and trust. While you don't have to know someone for years, it is helpful to build a relationship with people before you ask them for money.

Go out, be social and meet the people that can make a big difference in your business.


6. Minimize Risk

Investors don't want to invest with people that aren't sure about their projects and the level of risk. 

Investors want to know that you have minimized risk as much as possible.

Investors' goals are to get as big of a return as possible in the shortest amount of time.


7. Check for Similar Businesses

A simple way to find investors that are willing to put money into your type of business is to see who has done it before. Look at other businesses that are similar to yours and see who put money into those businesses when they were first getting started.

Many of these people already understand how these businesses work and understand the risks. Since they understand the risks and how they work, they are likely to be less worried about getting their return back because they already know how it is likely to go.


8. Understand that Investors Aren't the Only Way

When you know that investors aren't the only way to go, you won't come off desperate when you are talking to potential investors. Investors are one of the most expensive means of funding your startup.

Consider traditional loans and other means of funding before looking for investors.


9. Network, Network, Network

You never know who you know and who the people you know have in their network until you ask. 

Don't be afraid to let people know that you are raising capital. You might even find out that someone of the people are know are looking to put their money into something that is going to bring them a good return.


10. Know Your Stuff

Before you start pitching anyone, make sure you know your stuff. If you don't show how much of an expert you are when you are speaking to the potential investors, they are likely to pass you up. These investors don't want to spend time babysitting you so they can get their money back.

If you don't make a good first impression, they are going to go find someone else that does know what they are doing and put their money into their business.


Find Investors and Make a Difference

Now that you know how to find investors for your startup company, it is time to make a difference in the world with your new company. Companies that are truly successful make a positive impact on the world and that can be you.

Feel like you need some additional help and information? We have many other articles that can help you on your road to a successful business. Browse our site, find your favorite section, drop a bookmark and come back soon for more great reads.

5 Best Sources of Funds for Business Startups

Once you have researched the market and written a business plan, you will need to think about acquiring funds. The US Small Business Associate even provides a fillable PDF spreadsheet you can download to calculate your startup costs.

You can get the funding you need to help open your startup if you use the right sources.

Your company deserves a chance to take off. If you need help backing your startup, keep reading. Here are the five best sources of funds for business startups simplified.


1. Use Your Savings

This is one pretty obvious. There is no better place to look than in your bank account. If you have savings, you should use it to invest in your business first. The more money you are willing to put in, the more others will believe in you enough to invest, too.

Using individual savings is common for new business owners. If you don’t have savings, there are avenues you can take to create a business funding first.


2. Find Investors

Investors can come from all walks of life. You can network to find a silent investor who believes in your vision. Or, you can turn to loved ones who can afford to gift you the money.

By partnering up with an investor, you won’t have to worry as much about startup funds. However, many investors want to see you have a solid plan and have put in as much money as you can.


3. Crowdfunding Sources of Funds for Business

Crowdfunding involves seeking funds from fans and future consumers. You can find sites that make it possible to share your business plan and ask for donations. With enough outreach, you may be able to obtain the funding you need.

Crowdfunding doesn’t always work. You should try other funding sources to ensure you don’t miss promised deadlines.


4. Get a Side Gig

As much as you may not want to work for another person, getting a part-time job can help fund your business. You will have to manage your time wisely, but once your startup kicks off, you should be able to drop the temporary position.

Some side gigs you can try are writing, virtual assistant, customer service, or a position in your new field. You will continue your work skills while earning the money you need to be your boss.


5. Obtain a Loan

A term loan gives you a set amount with a repayment schedule and a fixed or floating interest. Many businesses use loans for real estate, equipment, inventory, and other startup costs. Obtaining a business startup loan will help you get where you need to be.

Term loans are considered secured loans. These small business start-up loans require collateral you could lose if you fail to pay. These are common for new businesses or those without credit.


Plan For Startup Success

Now that you have read about the best sources of funds for business startups, you’re ready to plan for success. Use what you learned here to get the money you need for your company. You can combine ideas for higher investment costs.

Your sources of funds for business startups are a crucial part of your company. Keep exploring our blog for the best financial advice and tips and learn more today!

7 Ways To Save Money For Your Business

Managing company finances can feel like a tough task. That is why it is sometimes a good idea to get back to the financial fundamentals. Think about the simple money math. For example, the more your company saves, the more your company makes in terms of profits. The lower your expenses and utilities are, the more your business saves. That is basic business profitability for any company. 

Increase Monthly Income And Save Money With This Company

Saving money for your business practicing frugal finance sounds simple, right? Cutting company costs is the simple and perfect solution to all your biz woes right?

But cutting costs for your company is not always that easy. Every company has to navigate different types of expenses to save money for your business. 

Where can you save money, and where should you leave things as they are for your business expenses? One of the easiest ways to start saving is by comparing electricity suppliers. If you live in certain areas,you have the power to choose your electricity provider. Comparing different rates and detecting potential savings is a must if you want to keep your company's expenses under control.

You are hopefully ready to save money for your business on all types of expenses to reduce overhead and improve profitability. It won't always be easy, but it will be necessary to pump up profit margins. And we are ready to help your company out with its fiscal fitness right here at Frugal Finance. 

Read on and discover 7 surefire ways to cut company costs and improve your bottom line. 

7 Ways To Reduce Company Expenses


1. Use Low-Cost Advertising Methods

Traditional advertising is expensive. Whether you are running a PPC campaign or buying space in relevant magazines, the costs add up quickly. The truth is most small businesses can't afford the level of advertising necessary to see worthwhile results.

That is why many are turning to more cost-effective advertising solutions. If you rely on your website to convert customers, then turn your attention to search engine optimization. By improving your site's ranking, you will get more eyes on your business and thus more customers.

Even brick-and-mortar locations can benefit from inbound marketing, such as creating informative articles and YouTube videos.


2. Reduce Your Job Requirements

Experienced workers expect larger salaries. And that experience doesn't always translate into additional profits for your company. When you are filling a vacancy in your business, ask yourself if you really need an employee with five years of in-person training.

By hiring recent graduates, for example, you can afford to pay them much less. Although they are lacking in real-world knowledge, they will have the education they need to fulfill the role. Just be sure you choose candidates who excel at learning on the job.


3. Take Advantage of Frugal E-Commerce Platforms

On the low end, creating an e-commerce website will cost you tens of thousands of dollars. That is an expense that not every small business can afford. And even if it is in the budget, is it really a wise purchase for an ecommerce company on a shoestring?

Don't disregard e-commerce options that are readily available. Your business can use sites such as eBay, Amazon, and Etsy to curate and distribute sales. Yes, they will take a little off the top, but you will still save thousands as you increase sales volume. 

Or just purchase a discount domain name with a frugal website host and start selling on WordPress or Weebly if it is cheaper than Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce options.

If you are really set on owning an e-commerce store, choose to go with a premade solution. These have limited functionality, but your budding business likely won't need the versatility of a custom option. One of the best premade solutions on the market is Shopify. 


4. Slash Shipping Costs

Turn to the mailroom when you need major cost-cutting strategies. Shipping rates can vary between services and parcel sizes. By shopping around or changing distribution methods, you can effectively lower your overhead.

Negotiating even a small rate change can lead to big savings. Imagine making an extra dollar every time you ship a product. And if you've never audited your mailing network before, you can likely save much more.

USPS postal rates increase every year. Search for cheaper shipping solutions to pass the savings on to your customers or grow your business. Or even consider using a reputable 3pl service that is cost-efficient.


5. Work From Home

The location of your business will have a major impact on your monthly rent. For example, a high end urban office will cost you an annual $14,800 per employee. But the question is, do you even need an office in the age of remote work and digital technology?

You may not need a physical space depending on your product or service. And if you don't, then why pay for one? Telecommuting is an easy way to keep a low overhead.

Many employees also enjoy the flexibility of working from home. In fact, you may be able to offer a lower salary with this incentive.

When an office space is a necessity for some positions, you can still have the others telecommute. Maybe you need warehouse workers to handle distribution. But does your accountant need the office space?

You can get a smaller office with fewer workers. And that means much lower rates.


6. Cut Unnecessary Types of Expenses

What kind of incentives are you dishing out for your employees? If things are getting tight, it may be time to re-examine that luxury coffee machine in the kitchen. Nobody likes their perks being taken away, but it's better than having to downsize the company and let people go.

And it is not just about incentives. Cut your power bill by hooking all electronics to power strips. At the end of the day, you can turn these off to avoid losing money to standby power.

Anytime you make a payment, ask yourself if the service is necessary. And if it is, ask yourself how you can find ways to cut costs.

Over time, these small changes can lead to big savings. This can't be overstated enough for small businesses or bootstrapped startups on a lean budget.


7. Negotiate Better Rates

Every business works with a variety of vendors, whether they are selling office supplies or product materials. You should know that your rates are never set in stone. One of the best ways to cut company expenses is to head to the negotiation table.

You have more power than you might think when it comes to cutting company costs. Many vendors are willing to lower their rates. For them, making less money is better than making no money.

Do your research beforehand to see what others are paying. Renegotiating doesn't carry a large risk, but you don't want to insult your vendors with a ridiculous request.


Types of Expenses: Know When to Save and When to Spend

In general, cutting certain types of expenses in business is worthwhile. But you can't cut everything, even if you are a fervent frugal finance enthusiast. Sometimes you will profit in the long run by investing in things that truly matter, such as your product, employees, and partners.

It may appear counterintuitive, but employee happiness can lead to increased productivity and retention. By paying more now, you will get more value later and save on certain types of expenses your company could be liable for. Sometimes you do have to spend money to make money, as long as it is done reasonably and frugally whenever possible.

For more advice for your small business, head to the business category on our Frugal Finance blog. Frugal Finance is crushing company costs worldwide!

What Is An LLC And How Does It Work?

There are now over 32 million businesses across the United States.

Due to the benefits owners get through asset protection, a good chunk of these businesses exist as Limited Liability Companies. While there are several other options on the legal structure you can pick for your business, what you settle on depends on your objectives.

If you are asking yourself, “What is an LLC and how does it work?” then here is a guide to help you understand this legal business structure better.


What Is an LLC and How Does It Work?

A Limited liability company is a business structure created by state law that exists as a legal entity that is distinct from its owners.

An LLC combines aspects of a sole proprietorship, a corporation, and partnership to create a structure that ensures the owners are not personally liable for its liabilities.

You can form an LLC to own certain assets (for example, real estate, houses, boats, vehicles, etc.) or use it to run a business.

The owners of an LLC are known as members. You can have a Single-Member LLC that’s owned by one person or a Multi-Member LLC owned by two or more people.

Once you pay a filing fee and successfully file the LLC formation documents with your state, you can become a member.

An LLC exists as a separate entity from its owners. As such, in the eyes of the law, you as the owner are not the same as the LLC. That is essential because it helps manage asset protection and is arguably one of the most significant benefits of an LLC.

For example, let's say you are a member of an LLC and happen to accrue a business line of credit worth $50,000,000 that goes unpaid beyond its tenor. When the lender decides to take legal action to recover their money, they will not come for your personal assets.

Instead, they will file a case against the LLC, and the entity will have to use its assets to repay the loan. In that sense, what you own as an individual remains safe.

When you own place assets or a business under an LLC, the ownership moves from you to the entity. Therefore, all legal documentation will show that the owner of the asset or business is the LLC.


How Do You Form an LLC?

When forming an LLC, you begin by selecting a business name for it. Don't forget that the name you choose must be in line with your state’s rules.

Once you have the name, you must prepare the Articles of Organization (known as Certificate of Formation or Organization in some states). You can file the documentation with the Secretary of State by mail or through some of the best online LLC formation service providers.

If you plan to conduct business in another state other than the one the LLC’s registered in, you will need to register in the state of interest. Just like when registering with your state, you will also need to appoint a registered agent for your LLC in the state you plan to operate in.

There are several regulatory and tax requirements you need to be aware of when forming an LLC. These are:

Employer Identification Number: The EIN is mandatory for Multi-Member LLCs, even if you don't plan on hiring any employees. In the case of a Single-Member LLC, an EIN only becomes necessary when you want to hire employees or choose to be taxed as a corporation.

Sales and Employer Taxes: There are cases where you will need to pay sales and/or employer taxes in LLCs. It is wise to consult a tax professional during the registration stage to discover what obligation you’ll be responsible for.

Business Licenses: Depending on your area of operation, there are licenses you may need to acquire from the state or local authorities. Consult the necessary state agencies to confirm all the licenses you need to get, so your LLC becomes compliant.

In many states, once your LLC is operational, you will need to file annual reports along with a filing fee.


How Do LLC Owners Get Paid?

When forming an LLC, every owner puts in something of value that will help run the organization. Typically, this is money or other assets.

Every member's contribution goes to their capital account and is a part of the total capital available. The capital account will show any changes in the LLC’s ownership.

Your capital account begins with your capital contribution, grows with your potion of the business income, and decreases due to withdrawals or business losses.

When the LLC makes a profit, your share goes into your capital account (as do any losses). You get paid out of your share of the profits through a business check, which reduces the amount in your capital account. That is referred to as a draw or distribution.


Do LLC Owners Get Taxed?

Since you are an owner and not an employee, you don't receive a salary. As such, what you get paid isn't directly taxed like a salary would be. The tax you pay is tied directly to your share of the profits or losses that the LLC makes.

However, this tax applies to your entire profit or loss portion, whether you withdraw it or not. Let's say you earn $10,000 in profits and only withdraw $2,000 from your capital account. You will still need to pay tax on the entire $10,000.

If you are a Single-Member LLC owner, taxation happens slightly differently. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats all Single-Member LLCs as sole proprietorships. Thus, any losses or profits the LLC makes pass on to you.

Consequently, you won’t need to file a separate tax return for the LLC, as in the case of Multi-Member LLCs. That is because all the LLC's income or losses will be reported on your personal federal tax return.


Protect Yourself From Personal Liability With an LLC

Many business owners are partial to forming an LLC because it protects their personal assets from any liabilities the business incurs. An LLC comes with other requirements you also have to pay attention to for it to succeed. Before forming one, ask yourself, “What is an LLC and how does it work?” To get a more in-depth understanding of how to operate under such a legal structure.

Are you looking for more ideas on how to start and run a business? Check out more of our company content for top tips that can make you a better entrepreneur.

How To Achieve Network Marketing Success

Do you want to succeed in multi-level marketing or direct sales? MLM is a competitive industry despite the growing number of companies and resources available to network marketers. Network marketing isn't always an easy profession, even if you do join one of the top MLM companies. 

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider working with an MLM or direct selling business successfully to increase your monthly income in 2025. 

Here are some simple but smart success tips for MLMers, affiliate marketers, and direct sellers

• MLM Is A Low-Risk Way To Start A Business

When you start a traditional business, you know that the process will get expensive. Those business expenses are almost entirely yours to bear, especially if you are a self-funded venture.

If you are successful, you will likely make up for the startup costs quickly. However, if the business fails, you are out the entire investment you made in the company.

With MLM companies in 2025, the risk is much lower. The cost to get started in an MLM is low, often requiring a regular monthly order of products and nothing else. Since you are likely already ordering those products for yourself, you are not going to lose money if your network marketing business doesn’t grow.

This direct sales network marketing business model makes it ideal for people looking to start a business without already having thousands of dollars saved up or wanting to take out loans to fund their company. There are top coffee MLM companies, beauty MLMs, fitness network marketing businesses, finance multi-level marketing ventures, and even tech direct selling organizations to consider joining for low costs.

It also depends on the country that you live in and the countries available with the network marketing business. For example, the top MLM companies in China would be a lot different than the top network marketing businesses in Australia. MLM businesses and economies differ along with laws and policies for commerce, although determined network marketers can usually find a way to succeed nonetheless.


• There Is No Cap On What You Can Earn From MLM Companies

When you work for an employer, your wages are set by your boss. You won’t earn more than the rate you agreed to unless you get a raise.

This means there is no real incentive to work harder or smarter except in the hope that you will get a raise or promotion in the future. Nothing is guaranteed and you will probably hit a glass ceiling or some other insurmountable obstacle in your career.

With an MLM business, there is no cap on what income you can make. The more successful you are and the more people who join the company underneath you, the more money you will make. As your team grows, your income will grow exponentially and instantly.

Instead of waiting for your employer to notice your achievements and recognize your contributions, you will see an increase in what you earn that month in network marketing. MLMers make more money

Even better, your MLMer income won’t stop increasing because the company thinks you are making enough for your position. In a top network marketing company, revenue will keep growing as long as you keep bringing more business in.


• You Will Sell Products You Believe In

If you are considering becoming a sales rep for an MLM company, you are likely familiar with their products. Ideally you have been using them for a while and already believe in them.

That is probably why you signed up for an MLM in the first place—you love the products the company offers and want to share those products with others.

When you love the products you are selling, it is easy to stay passionate about your business. The more passionate you are, the easier it is to put in the hours and focus on scaling your business.

You will also find it easier to talk about those products because you know just how awesome they are. That means you will experience burnout less often and can get excited about your job daily.


• MLM Has Minimal Overhead Expenses

When you start a traditional brick and mortar business, you are responsible for covering the costs of a building, inventory, insurance, and all those other daily bills that add up over the year.

When you become a sales rep with an MLM, your overhead expenses are as low as they can get. You don’t have to hold onto inventory unless you want to have products on hand for samples or one-off sales. You don’t have to pay rent on a commercial space or spend money on business utilities, maintenance costs, and ongoing repairs if you want to focus your finances on being the best MLM business.

Staying online frees up money to invest in growing your network marketer career. For example, paying for MLM training courses can help you grow your business faster. Investing in a professional website and marketing materials can help you increase your reach online for network marketing success or direct selling profits.

The more you have to invest in your business rather than covering overhead, the easier it will be to reach your goals. You can climb to the top of the MLM industry or affiliate sales with focus, perseverance, and education.


• You Can Work from Anywhere, Anytime With Network Marketing

As an employee, you are typically stuck working on-site at your company’s office or store. This means you can’t just travel or take time off in the middle of the day to run errands when stores are slow.

With an MLM business, you are instead free to work wherever you want, whether you are at home or on vacation. You are also able to step away from your computer or phone whenever you need to.

The only person you are answerable to is yourself when you work for a top network marketing business. Yes you want to be in constant communication with your upline and downline ideally, but you are truly your own boss in MLM, affiliate marketing, and direct selling.


• You Will Keep Earning With Multi-Level Marketing Even When You Are Not Actively Working

The key to MLM success is dedication when you are first starting your business. The amount you earn depends on how big your network marketing team is. The larger your multi-level marketing downline is, the more money you will make each month in passive income.

Getting new people signed up as direct sales customers or recruited representatives on your team takes time. Once you do, your team can recruit new members around the world, including MLM affiliates in Pakistan and India, will still get you paid and grow your top MLM business even when you are not actively working. That means earning powerful passive income daily, weekly, or at least monthly.


• MLM Companies Offer Ongoing Support

Top MLM companies know that the reason their products do so well and sell so frequently is because of their reps. They want to support you and give you the tools and information you need to market their products effectively.

Instead of having to invest in new logo designs or scientific studies, the multi-level marketing company will do it for you and share those end results with you as soon as they receive them. The best MLM companies in 2025 help support their independent reps, direct sellers, and recruiters. 

• MLM Success Isn't Immediate So Be Patient And Put In The Work

MLM is undoubtedly a powerful and frugal business model which companies use to distribute their products or services without any middlemen. The biggest question out there in the network marketing industry is, “how long does it take to become successful in MLM.” When you become IBO’s, or Independent Business Owners, we want to know the scoop, i.e. how much money can I make and how long does it take to make it as an MLMer. 

It is true that most aspiring MLM distributors are motivated by the income possibilities in the beginning of our MLM career, but our thoughts and motivation also matures into a higher purpose, usually by wanting to help other people become successful as well. Just be aware that it could take months to be successful, and even years for some MLM newbies. You may have to do multi-level marketing as a side hustle for some time before making it your full-time job for best business results.


Experience MLM Success for Yourself By Joining A Top MLM Company In 2025

Partnering with a top MLM company in 2025 is a great way to start a new online business. Making that network marketing business successful, however, requires dedication, hard work, and a passion for the products your selling.

MLM success isn’t the same for everyone. Some people want to earn a little extra cash each month. Others want to make a full-time living with a top network marketing or direct selling business. Whatever your goal is, aim to be successful in multi-level marketing.

Master MLM Money Making

Whatever your goals are, make sure you choose an excellent MLM company that you can believe in with products you want to use for years to come. Make it happen with MLMs and affiliate marketing opportunities in 2025!

Looking for more of the best tips to help you scale your startup network marketing business? Check out our latest posts on top MLM businesses and network marketing right now. We have the best direct selling and network marketing success tips you need!

4 Options To Start A Business With No Bank Loan

An inability to access finance kills off many great business ideas before they even get off the ground. It doesn't matter how great the idea might be, how original the concept is, or how many potential customers might buy your product or service - if you can't put together the money to get started, it is never going to happen. That is a major problem for freelancers and for people trying to leave the world of employment to set up on their own for the very first time. 

The first port of call for anyone looking for a business loan is a bank, but traditional banks aren't always very helpful. If you have no track record in business and, therefore, no way of demonstrating that your business can turn a profit, they are disinclined to lend. They are even less likely to lend if you have had personal issues with cash or credit in the past. You might have the best new business idea anyone's ever heard, but if you defaulted on a credit card three years ago, a bank almost certainly wouldn't give you the money you need to turn that idea into a reality. It sounds crazy, but it is true. 

Perhaps we’re being too hard on banks. After all, if a friend came to you asking for a $1000 loan on the basis that they might be able to pay it all back to you next year if their idea works out, would you give it to them? Lending for a new business is, from a bank’s point of view, like playing UK Online Slots. Most of the money that a player bets on an online slots game is lost. Occasionally you will get lucky and land a winner - and the winnings might even be far greater than the losses - but there is no way of knowing how the bet will turn out until you have placed it. If banks operated like online slots websites, they would all be out of business. They’re usually against high-risk lending, and that’s why it might serve both you and them better to look at an alternative means of financing your business - an alternative means like one of the options we’re about to outline below! 

1. Peer To Peer Lending 

This P2P route still involves borrowing money, but it cuts banks out of the deal. Peer to peer lending is a process that connects people wanting to borrow money with people - or perhaps even groups of people - who are in a position to lend it. Typically these people will be involved in or have an interest in the industry you’re looking to do business in, and so they are likely to have a better understanding of your business model than a bank would. 

Typically speaking, a peer to peer business loan comes with lower rates of interest than a bank loan. They're also open to people who've had credit difficulties in the past - although if you've had credit issues, you can expect your initial interest rate to be a little higher because of it. Go through a reputable broker rather than straight to an individual for your own protection, but there's no reason not to at least give this option a look. 

2. Crowdfunding 

Not every business or business model is suited to this method, but if yours is, this might be the easiest way to get your idea off the ground. Rather than approaching one company or one person for a large loan, you can take small amounts of money from hundreds - if not thousands - of people. The nature of your product or service is of vital importance here because it will have to be something people genuinely want and need for them to be motivated to contribute, but if you can spark their imagination, you might find that the public is more generous than you ever imagined. 

While this method would have been unthinkable a decade ago, it’s become increasingly common during the past five years and is likely to be more common in the years to come. Just remember that you’ll have to ‘reward’ your investors in some way, whether that means a free product or service in return for their investment or a longer-term share in your new company. 

3. Grants 

There might be a grant scheme available to people opening businesses within your chosen sector - and you might not even know it exists. In fact, it's more likely than there is a grant scheme available than there isn't - there are grants and similar programs available for almost every type of business imaginable. Finding the right one might take time, but it's time worth investing. 

Grants generally come from governments, and governments are keen to help small businesses get off the ground because they're the employers of the future. There will be paperwork to fill in, and you might be in for a long wait, but waiting until the money is secure and in place is often better than diving in with borrowed money and being under pressure to make repayments immediately. If you're unsure of where to look, make an appointment with a citizens' advice bureau or a similar service to assist you. 

4. Mortgaged Equity 

We imagine that part of the reason you’re interested in setting up a business alone is that you want to be your own boss. Because of that, bringing in a partner might not appeal to you - especially a silent partner who will take a percentage of your earnings, but won’t be doing any work after their initial investment. You might be able to raise the money you need by, for example, selling 20% of your business to a future investor, but you may not be comfortable with losing 20% of your ownership before you’ve even opened your doors. 

The way around this is to mortgage your equity. You could get the money you need by offering an investor ten, twenty, thirty, or whatever percentage of the company you need to sell to bring money in, and then agree on a deal where you buy them back out of the company over time. It is a form of lending, but there is usually no interest charged as part of the deal because the silent partner is taking a percentage share of profits. You would need to find the right investor to agree to this deal - but they are out there, and the only thing you lose by looking is time. 

Keep Company Costs Low

Other than all of the above, keep your costs low. Start from your bedroom if you can. Don’t hire anyone until you physically can’t keep up with orders on your own. Do as much as you can online and keep overheads low that way. Getting a new business through its first twelve months will be one of the hardest things you have ever done - but it’s possible, and you can do it!

How To Turn A Gaming Passion Into A Business

The mobile and video games industry is a billion-dollar business, with lucrative careers to be had. But how do you start your own business venture in relation to video gaming? 

Getting Started 

They say that knowledge is power, and if you are looking for a career in the gaming industry, or would like to start a profitable gaming business venture, you need to demonstrate a vast knowledge of all-things video and mobile gaming, with an eye for the latest trends. A great way to demonstrate your knowledge of gaming and increase your portfolio is through writing for technology and gaming magazines. 

Many people in the gaming industry first establish themselves as writers. There are many ways you can do this – start your own gaming blog or forum, where you can give advice and opinion on the latest releases, or write for gaming blogs and magazines. In order for your career to grow, you'll need good contacts in the industry, which is why getting involved in discussion, networking and writing for a platform that is shared with other gamers is important. An opportunity could be presented to you as a result. 

An example of a successful gaming expert who advanced her career through writing for gaming magazines is UK journalist Julia Hardy, who currently fronts O2's New phone, who dis? campaign reviewing the latest smartphones. Hardy started her career by presenting music show Rockworld, as well as writing for magazines such as GamesMaster, before being offered a contract with BBC Radio 1 as a gaming presenter, reviewing new releases and giving insight into the changing world of tech. 

Have a clear business plan Any business needs a clear plan for it to be successful in the future and survive the all-important five-year mark. Get a business professional or an accountant to help you draft a business plan based on your gaming venture idea. You should highlight your earnings projections, customer base, intended audience, operating costs, projected profits and marketing strategy. Once this is done, you can focus on getting funding to launch your business. You could use savings, take out a business loan or other commercial loan. 

Next, you will need to find software and hardware manufacturers, as well as supply vendors near your place of work. You can then contact these vendors and ask them about their wholesale pricing and ordering requirements before making purchases from them with your loan and getting your business started. The clearer the business plan, the more you are likely to succeed in your venture. 

Promote Yourself 

Marketing is everything if you want to grow a successful gaming business. Use social media as the powerful marketing tool that it is – create sites for your business on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Make new announcements and developments, post samples and demos of games that you may be developing, and send out press releases. Advertise new roles and hire staff. Network and attend gaming conventions to get yourself known in the industry. It goes without saying that your business also needs a stellar website with effective SEO to get it up the search engine rankings. 

Sell Your Development Services 

If your aim is to run a game development business, you need to bear in mind that it is a saturated market with a lot of competition. Who you hire for your business is important – you want to make sure that your staff have an eye to the future and are forever evolving their ideas that can make your business a successful rival to other development companies. 

If your business is a fledgling, start out by producing short, simple games for smartphones, other mobile devices and tablets, making these available through social media sites. You can also network and post these games on popular gaming forums, blogs and websites so that awareness of your brand spreads. Once you have begun to make a name for yourself, you can begin to sell other development services through your website and own social media sites. 

Develop An App Or Game 

Many people start a gaming business by developing a successful game or app, which then organically develops into a business venture over time. To give your game the most exposure possible, you can authorize your game to be sold across multiple platforms, which in turn should boost sales and the numbers of people that want to play it. 

Different online stores will cater to various kinds of player, so tell them who your intended audience is. If you sell on a platform such as Steam, you will need to adhere to the rules surrounding the sale of your game, and will likely have to pay a fee. The game will also need to be reviewed by the platform to ensure that it is safe for consumer use. By selling your game across multiple platforms, you have access to a community who may be interested in buying your game. 

If you are building a mobile app, a great way to make money is through monetization and micro-transactions. Keep this to a minimum however if you are developing a game for a console, as console players are less likely to tolerate monetization, while mobile players often expect it in apps.

4 Considerations When Starting A New Business

With the new year already begun, you might decide that now is the time to try something new, for example, start up your own business. When it comes to starting your own business, there are a lot of things that you need to take into consideration, and this can make it difficult to know where to start. 

In this article, we decided that we will discuss steps to consider when starting a new business in the new economy. If you think that this is something you would be interested in then, make sure that you keep reading for more information. 

4 Steps To Start A New Business Successfully

1. Decide On The Type Of Business You Want To Run 

When you are looking to start running your own business one of the first things that you need to consider is business ideas and the type of business that you want to run. This is because there are many different types of businesses that you could run such as an e-commerce site for clothing, equipment and more or you could run a business where you provide services. 

2. Create A Business Plan 

When it comes to starting a new business, another thing that you need to spend time doing is writing a business plan. This is because when you have a business plan you will be able to see how exactly you want to run your business, work out the costs and have something to follow as a guide so you can keep on track when running your business. 

3. Plan Out Your Website 

If you are looking to get your business off to a good start then, you should make sure that you consider planning out your website. It is important that you make sure you plan out your website and have a think of what you want to include and how you want it to work. This is because you want to have a good site that people will use so you can generate leads and sales. 

When it comes to your website, the way that it is designed is important and this is because this is what can bring you more customers and make your business successful. If you are looking for a site that has a good layout then, make sure you have a look at this site in greater detail and see if you can come up with some ideas. 

4. Make Sure You Have The Funds 

There is a lot of money and costs involved when it comes to starting your new business and as a result, it is important that you make sure you have the funds and can get the money that you need to set up your business. There are many ways that you can get the funds to set up your business so make sure you do some research and choose the best option for you. 

Start Planning Your New Business 

Overall, there are a lot of things that you need to take into consideration when starting a new business and, here, we discussed some of the things that you need to consider. Make sure that you read this article and keep it in mind to help you with biz building.

5 Cost Saving Ideas for Companies

"You have to spend money to make money."

Do you really believe that as a business owner or manager? 

JOIN THIS FRUGAL ONLINE BUSINESS RIGHT NOW

It is one thing to invest in things you need to keep your business running and another thing to spend money on unnecessary items.

Remember, you want your business to be profitable. If you are spending most of what you earn from sales, you are not going to see your bottom line improve. 

So aside from increasing sales, you will have to save where you can. Lucky for you, there are cost saving ideas for companies that will work for almost all types of businesses no matter the industry or location.

Here are 5 of the ways SMBs can save cash.


1. Find Ways to Go Green

Do you think other companies are going green just for PR? 

While being green is a good way to boost your brand, it is also a smart financial move. Think of how much you can save on utility costs by switching to LED light bulbs or moving to a green office space. 

Or how about working with green vendors who can pass on their savings to you? There is no doubt about it, going green will save you green.


2. Embrace Telecommuting

Saving money in business is easier if you can convert your workforce (or a percentage of it) to a telecommuting situation. That is money you don't have to pay in rent, electricity, hardware, and other ongoing operating costs. 

And don't worry. Going virtual doesn't mean your employees will slack off. In fact, they may even be more productive than your in-house staff.


3. Outsource What You Can

Rather than hiring new employees, consider outsourcing tasks you don't have expertise in. For example, managed services will take care of your IT needs so you and your staff can focus on your core activities. 

You can also outsource non-essential functions such as data entry, graphic design, taking calls, etc.


4. Buy in Bulk

There are ideas to save money at work that actually end up costing businesses more. Buying in bulk isn't one of them. 

Before you get in touch with bulk suppliers though, make sure to do an inventory of your office supplies and equipment first. Once you have a list of things you need, use an app or tool that will help you track prices.

Wait until you can enjoy deep discounts then buy what you need (in bulk, of course).


5. Experiment with Other Cost Saving Ideas for Companies

Even if they might seem unusual, it is good to try other cost-saving strategies. One example is DIY marketing or SEO. 

Sure, having an SEO expert or a marketing agency to help is great. But it is not an option for businesses who are tight on funds. If you can relate, you have no choice but to go the DIY route with your marketing. 

The good news is there are tons of resources online that can help if you want to DIY your SEO or marketing, at least until you can afford it. Then, once your business is doing a bit better, you can think about paying for SEO and digital marketing services. Just make sure to choose the right company to handle your online marketing needs.


Need More Business Advice? 

Now that you know some of the best cost saving ideas for companies, don't forget about the other side of the equation - making money.

For more money-making tips and advice, you can check out our business section, as well as our articles on investing and frugal finances.

How To Start A Subscription Box Business

If you have ever thought of getting a subscription box, now is the time to do it. When you learn or review all that come with starting a subscription box, you may really begin to wonder why you didn't do this before. Subscription boxes offer you the convenience of remote shopping at bargain prices while you get to try on your selections. 

It doesn't matter if you have a subscription box for groceries, perfumes, clothing, home decor, or anything in-between. Almost everyone has a subscription box to something with the earliest subscription box business dated back over fifteen years ago. The business was called the Sampler. 

It was called the Sample because if offered customers a little bit of everything that came from indie craft producers. The most famous subscription box that many people have heard of is called Birchbox. Birchbox began in 2010 and, since then, has done nothing but grow into a multi-million dollar company now in 2023. 

Read on and discover all you want to know about starting a subscription box business and discover all you may gain from a business model that didn't even exist twenty years ago. 

Starting A Subscription Box 

Subscription box business has grown so much in the past decade that McKinsey and Company have broken them down into three subsections for better tracking purposes. The sub sectioning of subscription box businesses occurred because the market has grown more than 100% in five years, and by the end of 2023, it is projected almost to double that number by the end of this year. 

Curation Subscription Box 

The curated subscription box business is businesses that represent around 55% of all subscription box business. These businesses send consumers a collection of new items for them to sample and use. Growing your business may never be more accessible than finding new items you can offer for whatever product you're selling and creating a curated subscription box you can offer potential customers. 

It not only provides customers with an incentive to purchase from you for full-size products, but it also helps build your brand even if they don't purchase anything from you yet. 

Replenishment Subscription Box 

The replenishment subscription box is the box service that sends continual replacements of the same type of products for a customer to try out. These boxes usually represent over 30% of all subscription boxes and are what many customers get hooked on when purchasing a replenishment subscription box service. Replenishment subscription box consumers use this type of service for replacing their razors, beauty supplies, baby necessities, and more. 

Access Subscription Box 

The access subscription box service provides customers or members with special discounts or high-end coupon perks for specific products they are offered. This subscription box service comes in around 13% of all subscription box services, but it's one of the ones that can also generate the most money in a short amount of time. 

All of the above subscription box services do have a higher churn rate than the consumer or customer that goes to the store to purchase an item. The ease of becoming a non-subscriber is part of the subscription box charm and why consumers often come back to get the same subscription box or one similar to it at a later date. 

Subscription Box Pricing And Billing 

Once you start a subscription box service, you already have the heavy lifting of your business plan done and ready to launch with one final financial tweak you want to determine before your official start date. One of the most important financial concerns and deliberations you need to consider is your billing subscription pricing options. This may seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised to find out how much the variables of what you want to offer, it's size, quality, quantity, brand, and more can affect the billing subscription pricing. 

Sometimes it is the pricing in a new subscription box company that can be the most overwhelming consideration you have to make. You know what you need to make for your business to grow and develop. It would be best if you searched for a billing subscription pricing option that offers unlimited products, plans, payment gateways, subscription plans, and many other extras that apply to your business. Once you find that billing subscription pricing company, you want to know what type of pricing options they have that you can do to work for your company. 

Subscription Box Business Plans 

Every subscription box business plan differs from the next one. Because of that, your business plan needs to have a financial or accounting model you can depend on to lead you well. Sometimes it's as easy as picking out the best accounting software system. 

Other times it is selecting a billing subscription pricing option that offers you everything from improving your accounting processes to tracking your growth and development as a business. Subscription box businesses of today have everyone jumping on their lucrative bandwagon from Disney to gourmet meal services. 

Unlimited Products, Samples And Items At Reasonable Prices 

After subscription box services launched a few years ago, retailers quickly realized they could get their latest and greatest products to you, get your opinion or increase their brand awareness and do it at bargain rates that storefronts couldn't give them. That's why trending products started moving from storefronts to your mailbox in what seemed the blink of an eye. 

Marketing outreach is never stronger than when it is being delivered to a potential customer's doorstep, especially if they joined a service to receive that item or product. It is a win-win for the retailer or subscription box business and the consumer. In the year 2023, it is also been a lifesaver from time to time because when consumers couldn't go out to the world, subscription box businesses came to them. 

So if you ever thought about starting a subscription box business, this is your moment and your opportunity. Chances like this in business rarely happen twice in a lifetime, so start the business you have always wanted to but never had the time to make happen. Right now, time and business await your next move, so make it count.

Frugal Financial News For The Now

There's always so much going on in the world of investing and the new economy. It can be hard to stay up to date with all the latest developments for businesses and investors, especially with all the inflation, disrupted supply chains, and employee scarcity many are facing. Here are the Frugal Finance news stories you need to know now:

Stocks ticked higher overall, despite a rocky week rumbled by fears that China's Evergrande could cause global turmoil if it can't pay its soaring $300 billion debt. And you thought your credit card bill was high! Last week, markets wobbled as Chinese property giant Evergrande missed an $83 million payment — and it’s just the tip of a $300 billion debt iceberg. Investors fear that Evergrande's collapse could cause a Lehman-esque global stock slump, and throw local markets into turmoil. If Evergrande defaults, its financial partners, including HSBC, BlackRock, and UBS, could lose big money. Investors are watching to see if Evergrande will come up with the cash during its 30-day grace period — or miss more payments. 

The US Treasury’s borrowing is limited by a “debt ceiling.” If it needs more cash, it asks Congress to raise the cap. Now, the US needs a higher ceiling to cover trillions worth of Covid expenses, but Congress can’t agree on a limit. If a deal doesn't happen, the US could default on its debts for the first time. Analysts say there’s a 20% chance of default, which could wipe out as many as 6 million jobs and $15 trillion in wealth.

Agtech fundraising continued its upward growth in Q2 of 2021. The Covid-19 pandemic caused a surge in funding for agtech startups addressing vulnerabilities in supply chains. Now extreme weather events are highlighting new challenges and driving investment in soil sensors, weather prediction services and aerial imagery that help growers mitigate the effects of climate change. A Q2 installment of Emerging Tech Research on agtech includes spotlights on private companies such as Benson Hill, Semios and CropX. The report also tracks major industry trends, covering funding records, exits, and developments in areas like insect farming and agriculture drones.

Boston's VC ecosystem is thriving. The Boston Massachusetts venture capital ecosystem is often grouped with Silicon Valley's, but the two could not be more different. Boston, home to world-class universities like Harvard and MIT, is fueled by life sciences. Since 2007, pharma and biotech startups have raised more capital than their software counterparts every year, sometimes by a 3-to-1 margin. But Boston's growing tech scene is a juggernaut in its own right with a thriving technology development scene. Boston's software startups are predominantly B2B-related, including hundreds of cybersecurity, network management, robotics, and AI-powered software companies. Boston and adjacent cities like Cambridge, Waltham, and Arlington MA are already enjoying a record year for venture capital, having surpassed their previous year's record for funding.

Fantasy soccer startup Sorare just hit a mind-blowing $4.3 billion valuation. SoftBank has led a $680 million Series B for Sorare, valuing the French fantasy soccer specialist at $4.3 billion. It's the largest-ever Series B in Europe, according to reports. Sorare offers a blockchain-based platform to let users trade digital sports cards. With the new funding, the startup plans to team up with the top 20 soccer leagues worldwide and expand to include other sports. The round is the second-largest deal in VC gaming this year, behind Epic Games' $1 billion funding round in April. Sorare has 600,000 registered users on its platform and has licensed players from over 180 soccer organizations. Atomico, D1 Capital, Eurazeo and other backers participated in the round, as did existing investors Benchmark, Accel and Headline.

Private equity companies were recently rethinking sports investing strategy after fans, teams cry foul In August, CVC Capital Partners agreed in principle to acquire a minority stake in Spain's La Liga soccer league, but not every team is happy about it. Private equity's push into professional sports investing initially appeared to be a slam dunk. But investors have recently faced increasing pushback from players and fans as they attempt to establish themselves in the elite world of pro sports team and league ownership. In August, Real Madrid filed suit against CVC Capital Partners and Spain's La Liga after the firm struck a deal to acquire a 10% stake in the league's commercial activities for around €2.7 billion (about $3.2 billion). The All Blacks rugby team and New Zealand Rugby Players Association have voiced opposition to a deal that would see Silver Lake buy a minority stake in the league. With the PE industry becoming more active in fighting a negative public perception, executives must now ask whether pursuing professional sports investments is worth the possible reputation implications. Interestingly enough, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney somewhat recently bought 100% of a smaller Welsh football club the Red Dragons and have had excellent public relations results and approved by fans.

Private funds might have to give up a bigger share of their profits In the US, Democratic lawmakers have floated a proposal that could not only increase tax rates on so-called carried-interest profits but also extend the length of time general partners must hold an asset before they can benefit from a favorable tax rate. Carried interest is the cut (typically 20%) that GPs get on the money returned to investors after a liquidity event. In principle, it gives managers incentives in a way that benefits limited partner investors like pensions and endowments. Alongside the management fee, a 2% annual fee on capital managed by a fund, carried interest is an important component of the "2 and 20" fee structure that underpins private funds. It also represents a lot of potential tax revenue. Under the current system, carried interest earned is treated as capital gains. This means managers typically only pay a federal tax rate of 23.8%, which comprises the 20% net capital gains tax plus a 3.8% net investment income tax, instead of the 40.8% top rate. This is provided that the fund has held onto an asset for more than three years (until the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, that threshold was one year). This rarely poses a challenge for the private equity asset class, where typically the holding extends well beyond three years. But some Democratic lawmakers want to extend that to five years. What's more, that holding period may need to be even longer than five years for the manager to qualify for the preferential tax treatment. Cécile Beurrier, a tax lawyer with Debevoise & Plimpton, explains that under the proposals in the US, the clock won't start ticking until the fund is fully deployed. "This is a very important nuance in the context of a fund that lasts eight to 10 years, because usually in the first couple of years the fund is in ramp-up mode, so it usually is not substantially invested until the end of the investment period of maybe three to five years." This is a problem for fund managers, especially when it comes to investments made during this ramp-up period. 

According to recent financial data, US buyout firm holding periods have been getting shorter. The median time has fallen from 6.2 years in 2014 to 4.9 years so far in 2021. For venture capital in the US, meanwhile, median holding periods—dated from the first VC round—have risen from 4.8 years to 5.5 years in the same period. But even if holding periods were to trend downward in the coming years, many investments could still likely fall outside preferential tax treatment. What's more, it could influence when managers decide to exit a startup company.

Private equity and politics potentially prohibit profits. Politicians on both sides of the Atlantic who have long argued that the government should carve a larger slice out of private equity and venture capital profits could be closer to getting their way. The end result could not only eat into private equity profits but could even undermine an important tool for aligning the interests of fund managers and their investors. Some 27% of venture capital, corporate venture capital and private equity firms lost a partner or key recruit in 2021.

From 2010 to 2020, the median late-stage valuation of VC-backed companies tripled in the four most active hubs across the US: New York, Boston, Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. That increase is significantly higher than the next six most active US VC areas, indicating that factors such as an ecosystem's cost of living, employee compensation, commercial real estate prices and availability of talent have a major influence on deal size and valuation metrics.

India has produced 41 unicorns to date—including edtech giant Byju's and ridehailing company Ola, which is reportedly planning to raise $1 billion in its upcoming IPO. More than 40% of the companies on that list were minted in 2021 alone, according to new data. And, in light of the Chinese government's heavy-handed approach to private enterprises, investors' excitement around India is unlikely to abate soon.

Did you know that 28% of transgender respondents in a recent survey said they had postponed medical care in order to avoid discrimination? The LGBTQ community represents a largely underserved segment of the US population. This inequity can be attributed to several factors, including unequal care opportunities, fear of discrimination and lack of insurance coverage. Our latest installment of Emerging Tech Research delves into the growing LGBTQ-focused healthtech sector and highlights emerging startups that provide gender-affirming treatments, mental healthcare and family-building services for these individuals.

The logistics specialist Transfix is expected to go public soon via SPAC. Transfix, an online platform that connects freight shippers with truck drivers, has agreed to go public via SPAC at an enterprise valuation of $1.1 billion. The blank-check company is sponsored by G Squared, a late-stage firm and primaries and secondaries investor that had previously backed the New York-based logistics specialist. G Squared managing partner Larry Aschebrook told media outlets earlier this year that the firm intended to take a portfolio company public via its SPAC. G Squared is one of a number of venture firms that have formed blank-check companies with the goal of targeting an existing investment. While this may seem like a conflict of interest, these deals are not prohibited if specific guidelines are met. SPAC deals where a firm is involved on both sides of the transaction have the potential to be very lucrative because the proceeds from selling the private company and the "promote" for managing the SPAC are both realized by the firm. The first such transaction to be cleared by regulators was SmartRent, which went public last month via a SPAC sponsored by Fifth Wall, a property tech-focused VC firm that had previously invested in the company via one of its funds.

Why are investment firms scooping up life insurers as well-established companies leave the industry in droves? Here's the history. With "no technology and no experience," Chinese real estate developers are being forced to enter other markets in the face of high costs and low profits for builders. In big steps for accessible footwear, Nike designers have made it halfway to a completely hands-free shoe.

Last quarter, Bed Bath & Beyond's sales of bathroom and home organization products surpassed pre-pandemic levels, doubling from last year. Cue: BB & B raised its annual sales expectations, and expanded its DoorDash partnership to offer more delivery. We’ll see if the bedding icon saw a back-to-college boost when it reports quarterly earnings Thursday. Fashion vs. #Flation means consumer spending surged this spring when shoppers “revenge spent” on new outfits and plane tickets after a couch-bound year. While boosted unemployment benefits have ended, $300 / month child tax credits are now getting doled out. Experts expect spending to keep rising, but prices are also continuing to rise. We’ll see if "revenge spending" has continued when inflation-adjusted consumer spending numbers drop soon.

The Wall Street Journal got its hands on some juicy Facebook-internal docs, and the bad headlines have been snowballing. Controversies include: a secret Facebook moderation program that exempts celebs from usual posting restrictions, and a test initiative that pushed positive news stories about Facebook.com to users. The latest shocking revelation: The Facebook Company has extensive internal research showing that Instagram is toxic for teens. Criticism of social media's impact on mental health has been building for years, amplified by documentaries like The Social Dilemma and vocal lawmakers. What's notable about Facebook is the scale of the problem. Facebook researchers consistently found that Insta is harmful for a significant percentage of users — especially young girls. 32% of teen girls said that when they felt bad about their bodies, Instagram made them feel worse. 6% of American users who reported suicidal thoughts traced those desires to Instagram. For British users, it was 13%. +178%: Suicide deaths for children ages 10 to 14 nearly tripled from 2007 to 2017, when social media saw mass adoption. The paradox is that the most problematic social app features also seem to drive the most engagement — along with profits and stock prices. Last quarter, FB's revenue soared, and profit nearly doubled to $9.5 billion. Snap and TikTok are also experiencing strong growth, largely thanks to young users who are growing up with these apps: 40%+ of Instagram users are 22 and younger. Snap reaches 90% of US 13- to 24-year-olds. And 60% of TikTok users are between the ages of 16 and 24. Despite all the bad PR, social companies' revenue engines are thriving. Extensive regulations exist to protect our physical health like the FDA for food and drugs, and the NHTSA for driving. But we don't have many guardrails to protect mental health. If social giants start seeing regulatory and public criticism hit their balance sheets, an inflection point could force change. Already, lawmakers are pressing Facebook to abandon its plan to launch Instagram for kids.

Universal Music shares soared 40% last Tuesday after going public, as the $53 billion music giant competes to make a soundtrack for the digital economy. Mine: Ford partnered with "urban mining" company Redwood Materials to recycle its EV batteries from cars like the Mustang Mach-E. IRL: Amazon reportedly plans to open physical department stores that feature QR codes, touch screens, and techy dressing rooms. The goal: end "retail ghosting."

Robinhood's IPO Access has already seen the launch of 7 IPOs with 556,180 investors joining in on initial public offering investment share purchases. Robinhood customers have been getting their hands on company shares purchased at the IPO price, and HOOD investors have profited powerfully! When they introduced IPO Access, we wanted to give our customers the opportunity to invest in companies that go public. And we want to invite you to discover some of those upcoming IPOs as well. Check out the IPOs currently in flight with IPO Access on Robinhood.com or the Robinhood mobile app.

IPOs can be risky and speculative investments, and may not be appropriate for every investor. See our full risk disclosure here. Customers will be required to have sufficient cash in their account to cover the 120% buying power hold in order to place a Conditional Offer to Buy (COB). There is no guarantee that requests for IPO shares will be fulfilled. All IPO requests are subject to availability – requests are filled randomly the morning of the company’s IPO. Learn more about our allocation process here. No offer to buy the IPO shares can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until the registration statement has become effective, and any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time prior to notice of its acceptance given after the effective date. All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. This is not a recommendation of a security or investment strategy. Robinhood Financial LLC is a registered broker dealer (member SIPC). Robinhood Securities, LLC provides brokerage clearing services (member SIPC). Robinhood Crypto, LLC provides cryptocurrency trading. All are subsidiaries of Robinhood Markets, Inc. ("Robinhood"). 

Speaking of Robinhood, they now have an option to grow your cryptocurrency investments even greater. Crypto recurring investments are here! Sit back and watch your coins stack up, commission-free. Starting today, you can buy your favorite coins (or fractions of them) automatically, on a schedule you choose, with as little as $1. It is a great way to grow your crypto holdings over time while reducing your exposure to market volatility. You simply create a recurring investment with these steps. 

Here’s how it works: Make sure your Robinhood mobile application is updated to the latest version in your Apple App Store or Google Play store. Choose a crypto coin you want to buy in the app—bitcoin, ethereum, dogecoin, litecoin, and more Tap Market order and select Recurring investment Set an amount, customize your schedule, and choose a payment method You’re set! You can edit or cancel your recurring investment at any time, and you’ll always be notified before your next order is placed. Learn more about recurring investments in our Help Center. 

Want Robinhood cryptocurrency wallets? Well you are now in luck! As of a few days ago, you can start joining the crypto wallets waitlist. With wallets, you’ll be able to send your coins to your other crypto wallets and receive supported cryptocurrencies into your Robinhood Crypto account. Be one of the first to get access! Here’s how HOOD is saying it works: Join the waitlist. Secure your spot in line with a couple taps Invite friends and move up the list. Jump the list by half for every friend that you successfully invite to Robinhood. Learn more Take a look behind the scenes. A handful of Robinhood customers will get an early peek at what they're building, and they will share their thoughts on our blog they are committed to making crypto more accessible and easier to use for everyone. Learn more about wallets and join the waiting list to secure your spot in line.

You can simplify your audit preparation with Vanta. Vanta is the easy way to get SOC 2, HIPAA or ISO 27001 compliant. More than 1,500 fast-growing companies trust Vanta to automate their security monitoring and prepare for compliance audits—in weeks instead of months. Vanta helps restore trust in internet businesses by giving startups an easy-to-use toolkit to improve—and prove—their security. Simply connect your tools to Vanta, fix the gaps on your customized dashboard and then work with a Vanta-trained Certified Public Accountant to complete your audit.

The number of female founders in asset management hasn't changed much in the past 30 years. Värde Partners co-founder Marcia Page wants to fix that. For 100-year-old Betty Reid Soskin, being the oldest active ranger in the US National Park Service is only the latest chapter. As the trial for disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes continues, "Bad Blood" author John Carreyrou discusses Holmes' defense strategies and the likelihood that he'll be called as a witness. Why more startup CEOs are moonlighting as VC investors. It's no secret that bitcoin isn't environmentally friendly. A look at how some sustainable alternatives are aiming to challenge the cryptocurrency's dominance. When Apple's offices reopen, the company expects its employees to be at their desks at least three days per week. That policy is creating an unexpected battle within the tech giant. Google is in a similar situation with requiring hybrid work or requisite back to office policies.

"We are seeing venture capital firms increase total cash compensation across the board, most notably among associates and managing general partners, indicating VCs are willing to pay a premium to recruit and retain top talent." 

—Jody Thelander, founder and CEO of compensation data provider J.Thelander Consulting.

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