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SteelSky Ventures’ Maria Toler on Leading One of the Largest Women’s Health Funds

4 mins read
steelsky ventures

SteelSky Ventures is one of the largest venture capital funds focused on women’s healthcare. The firm manages $73 million in total assets under management and has invested in some of the most innovative companies in the women’s health space.

In this interview, Maria Toler, Founding and Managing Partner of SteelSky Ventures shares insights into the firm’s journey to becoming a leader in women’s health venture capital, its strategies for supporting portfolio companies, and its commitment to inclusive and equitable solutions.

steelsky ventures

Becoming one of the world’s largest women’s health funds is a significant achievement. Could you share insights into the journey and strategies that led SteelSky Ventures to reach this milestone?

Embarking on this incredible journey, my entrepreneurial spirit has been evident since childhood, from running lemonade stands to founding Collegeboxes, a student storage company acquired by U-Haul. As a serial entrepreneur, the disparity in venture capital funding for women’s health entrepreneurs spurred me to establish a fund that supports groundbreaking companies. Achieving this required resilience, tenacity, and support from a mission-aligned ecosystem.

How does SteelSky Ventures foster the growth of its invested companies beyond providing capital?

At SteelSky, our sustained support extends beyond capital. Through the SteelSky Scale program, we collaborate closely with portfolio company founders on strategic introductions, financing strategies, and talent acquisition. We facilitate discussions among founders on industry trends, recently hosting a panel on M&A.

Our Scale program has enabled portfolio companies to secure transformative partnerships and collectively achieve valuations exceeding $5 billion.

Ensuring inclusivity and equity in women’s healthcare, how does SteelSky Ventures address the diverse needs and experiences of women?

To enhance access, care, and outcomes in women’s health, we prioritize investing in founders employing diverse approaches to problem-solving. This allows us to source and scale companies driving real innovation in overlooked and underserved communities. For instance, our portfolio company Mae addresses the Black maternal health crisis with a culturally competent care marketplace tailored to Black women, increasing access and improving outcomes.

What advice would you offer entrepreneurs seeking investment from SteelSky Ventures in the women’s healthcare sector?

SteelSky partners with passionate founders innovating in women’s health. We invest in Series A companies with product-founder fit, demonstrated solutions to critical women’s health issues, and readiness to collaborate with leading healthcare institutions.

Examples from our portfolio include Midi Health, addressing menopausal care, Origin, a leader in pelvic floor physical therapy, and Twentyeight Health, providing telemedicine for reproductive healthcare.

For other venture capital firms aiming to make an impact on women’s health, what advice would you give?

To impact women’s health, assemble a diverse team providing a comprehensive perspective on disruptive areas. SteelSky’s all-female team and ecosystem of advisors and advocates have been foundational to our success. Diverse leadership fosters innovation and understanding of the nuanced challenges in women’s health, driving meaningful impact.

by Tony O. Lawson

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AskAscend’s Legacy-Centric Approach to Virtual Business Support

10 mins read
askascend

Alakesha Murray is the President and CEO of AskAscend, a New York-based company specializing in virtual assistance services.

With nearly 25 years of experience working for large corporations and institutions in New York City, Alakesha brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the world of virtual assistance.

ask ascend

What inspired you to start this business?

For nearly 25 years before I launched my business, I worked for large corporations and institutions in New York City.  I jokingly say that I’m ‘cursed’ with a staunch work ethic and drive that makes it impossible for me to dedicate anything less than my “all” to every project I’m engaged with.

So, my time spent working in the entertainment industry (I was an NBC Page, and later worked in Corporate Communications at CBS Corp), at an Ivy League University, and for a large construction and property management company, frequently found me dedicated to churning out the best product possible for the organization.

Like so many of us, I worked long hours year after year hoping to gain approval from the higher-ups, seeking validation of my worth in the form pay-raises and elevated titles.  Over time, however, I realized the true beneficiary of my hard work was almost always the institution…leaving me feeling burnt out, invisible, and unfulfilled. Believing that I could put my skills – and, more importantly, my energy – to better, more meaningful use, and, quite honestly, wanting to spend more quality time with my family, I began setting the groundwork to launch Ascend Management Services, and its subsidiary, AskAscend Virtual Assistance.

I asked myself, “What if I could work with creative and visionary individuals and organizations who are in genuine pursuit of their aspirations?” Assessing my 2+ decades of professional experience, from advising to management, administration, and operations, and everything in-between, I stepped out on faith to build a business that offers much needed quality support to other motivated small business owners, non-profit organizations, and busy people everywhere (even graduate students!) who are striving to grow into their greatness.

What sets AskAscend apart from other virtual assistance providers?

AskAscend Virtual Assistance is a New York-based company that believes in “legacy,” specifically supporting the creation of legacy for an individual or an organization.  We believe anyone who takes the time to launch an enterprise or make life-altering choices like going to graduate school, must have a vision in mind, a goal they seek to achieve, a reason for taking the leap of faith into an unknown, where there are no guarantees.

Through a series of in-depth conversations, we endeavor to uncover our potential clients’ reasons for pursuing those goals, not only to understand the kind of support they need but to inform them how we may be able to assist in ways they might not have considered previously, as well as to determine if we are a good fit for collaboration.

We are particularly interested in those who seek to create positive change in their communities, local and beyond because in doing so, it shows they are hoping to make a positive impact on society, in the hopes of leaving it much improved than before, leaving a legacy.

Whether a non-profit that offers grants to organizations fighting gun-violence, a business that works with others to develop DEI initiatives, or a graduate student pursuing a law degree, each is in pursuit of a “greater good” if you will.  This is the type of clientele we work with.

What types of industries and clients does AskAscend typically serve, and how do you tailor your services to meet their specific needs?

We serve all industries, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and individuals. Our Virtual Assistants are curated to meet the needs of the client, and vetted to ensure they possess the skills required to do the work efficiently.

Working around our client’s schedules, we determine their needs and develop a project schedule. Sometimes, things come up that a client didn’t realize they needed help with, and we jump right in to tackle it. For example, recently, we helped a client identify caterers in another state for a business meeting for which we were originally only managing RSVPs and participant communications.

However, when the client asked us for help in this area, we set to work contacting and coordinating catering for the event. We also make use of tools that are meant to help businesses thrive, like LinkedIn’s Sales Navigator, for example.  We’re currently conducting research for a client who uses this system to identify contacts and connect with targeted audiences.

For other clients, we’ve helped manage their CRM systems or provided initial support and training so that they can manage the system independently. There are many business tools out there, so we stay flexible and informed in order to meet our client’s needs, staying within their budget.

Can you share some success stories or examples of how AskAscend has significantly improved the operations or efficiency of businesses or non-profits you’ve worked with?

One of our clients, a non-profit, was launching a new website, and needed to ensure that all the data that existed within the existing website (headshots, bios, etc.) were successfully captured, logged, and migrated to the new site, in collaboration with their website developer. Our team carefully combed through the existing site and ensured a smooth migration of data and the successful launch of their new website.

A client we’ve been working with for several years has benefitted from our observation of their operations, particularly with regard to the work of their project managers, and the realization that a better, more streamlined onboarding process for their project managers was needed in order for them to initiate work on the projects they were hired for. This was not part of the original scope of work, but after some time, and as our client’s client base grew, and more project managers were needed, it was apparent that consistent operations training and a robust onboarding process were crucial to the expansion of the business. The final result was the creation of their Operations Manual and several Standard Operating Procedures documents as well as other deliverables.

We recently assisted a local Harlem-based business owner by interviewing volunteers for a community event and serving as a point of contact for them in preparation for the event, hosting several meetings with the approved volunteers to ensure awareness of protocols and answer any questions they had. This allowed our client to focus on the many other tasks that needed tending to.

Currently working with a Law student who wants to maximize the law school experience beyond the classroom. We’ve learned that a law student’s schedule can be incredibly packed! Not just with courses, but networking events and club activities as well.

Realizing the value inherent in the extracurricular activities, the student sought us out to make the most of his time by building and maintaining a contact database of students, professors, practicing lawyers, and even judges that he’s met over time, and managing his calendar of activities and meetings, and the creation and training of a task management system so that he could keep track important deadlines and follow ups.  By all accounts, the system we set up for him is working well.

Visit AskAscendva.com or email at Grow@AskAscendVA.com

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Driving Change: Shekel Mobility Raises $7 Million to Revolutionize African Car Trading

4 mins read
shekel mobility

Shekel Mobility, a B2B trading platform tailored for car dealers in Africa, has secured a $7 million seed investment in its latest funding round. This financial backing comprises $3.2 million in equity and over $4 million in debt, with Ventures Platform and MaC VC leading the investment round.

The primary goal behind this infusion of capital is to fuel the expansion of Shekel Mobility’s operations into new African markets while fostering the development of innovative products and services within the platform.

Nigeria, recognized as the largest market for used cars in Africa with an estimated value of $10 billion, serves as a focal point for Shekel Mobility’s operations. Positioned as one of the key players in this lucrative market, the company stands poised to capitalize on the continuous growth of Nigeria’s economy.

The Nigerian used car market boasts a significant scale, with an annual sale of over 1 million used cars. Forecasts from a 2022 Statista report suggest a prospective escalation of the Nigerian used car market to a value of $1.3 billion by 2025.

However, despite this burgeoning demand, Africa’s car ownership remains notably lower than the global average, standing at fewer than 45 cars per 1000 people. To address this gap, emerging startups like Autochek and Moove have aimed to cater to consumer and driver needs. Yet, a critical need persists for solutions designed specifically for vehicle sellers in Africa, a void effectively filled by Shekel Mobility.

The existing market landscape in Africa remains predominantly offline and fragmented, presenting challenges for both buyers and sellers, including a lack of transparency, difficulty in sourcing suitable cars, and complex paperwork procedures.

Shekel Mobility has strategically positioned itself to tackle these obstacles by offering a centralized online platform that directly connects buyers and sellers. The platform features an array of tools empowering buyers to easily locate their ideal vehicles, leveraging detailed listings, 360-degree photos, and immersive virtual reality tours.

Since its inception, this Y Combinator-backed startup has reportedly facilitated transactions exceeding $56 million. By contributing to the expansion of over 1,400 auto dealerships and facilitating sales involving 7,000 cars, Shekel Mobility has demonstrated its impactful presence within the market.

The linchpin of the startup’s growth lies in its flagship offering, Shekel Credit. This unique service furnishes immediate financing to auto dealers, granting credit limits of up to $200,000 for vehicle acquisitions, typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

Under this financing structure, the dealer contributes 30% of the total cost, such as $3,000 for a $10,000 car, while Shekel covers the remaining 70% as a loan to the dealer. Upon selling the vehicle to the end customer, typically within a three-month period, the dealer reimburses Shekel, encompassing the loan interest and transaction fees associated with the car sale.

Marlon Nichols, the founder and managing partner at MaC Venture Capital, expressed enthusiasm regarding the investment round, highlighting Shekel Mobility’s potential to revolutionize and stimulate growth within Africa’s automotive industry. Nichols emphasized how the team enables substantial financial movement within the Nigerian economy while simultaneously providing affordable automobiles to locals.

by Tony O. Lawson

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Black Owned Essentials for November 2023

2 mins read

We’re thrilled to unveil our Black Owned Essentials for November 2023. This collection continues our commitment to showcasing remarkable Black-owned brands across various industries.

We invite you to explore the diverse range of products and services offered by these exceptional businesses. Whether you’re seeking stylish apparel or nourishing skincare, you’re sure to discover something that resonates with your personal style and preferences.

Black Owned Essentials for November 2023

Actually Curious

Actually Curious is a conversation card game that uses the science and psychology of trust-building and emotional connection to bring people closer together.

Piper Wai

PiperWai is a personal care brand that specializes in aluminum-free, natural deodorants. They are best known for their activated charcoal deodorant, which has been featured on Shark Tank. PiperWai products are also vegan, cruelty-free, and made with non-toxic ingredients.

Commit Haircare

Commit Haircare is a hair care brand that specializes in natural hair care products. Their Spring To Life Oil is a blend of penetrating and revitalizing oils that ensure scalp health, moisture retention, and stronger strands.

Nude Barre

Nude Barre is an American lingerie and hosiery brand that offers a wide range of products in shades to match all skin tones.

KAHINDO

Black Owned Essentials for November 2023

KAHINDO is an ethical luxury fashion brand based in New York and made with love in Africa. The brand embraces original prints and vibrant colors, paying homage to the rich heritage of African fashion while incorporating a modern aesthetic.

Herb N Eden

Herb’N Eden creates all-natural soaps, skincare products, and body care products including essential oils, botanicals, and clays that are gentle on the skin and effective at nourishing and protecting it.

McMullen

Black Owned Essentials for November 2023

McMullen is an all-inclusive concept shop for luxury fashion featuring emerging and established designers from around the world. The store is located in Oakland, California, and offers a curated selection of clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home goods.

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N’abali Kids: Weaving Cultural Heritage into Every Stitch of Sleepwear

3 mins read
N'abali Kids

Once upon a time, in the vibrant tapestry of global cultures, a husband and wife set out on a remarkable journey to create something extraordinary.

Jean and Caroline, the visionaries behind N’abali Kids, embarked on a quest that seamlessly blended culture, comfort, and dreams into the very fabric of children’s sleepwear.

Their story began with the arrival of their firstborn, JD. Gifted with baby clothes made from the soft and luxurious bamboo viscose fabric, the couple found themselves enchanted. Yet, a desire lingered – to adorn their son in designs that reflected the rich cultural heritage of their ancestral land in Nigeria.

Jean, a proud Haitian American, and Caroline, a Nigerian American, had exchanged vows in Imo State, Nigeria, years before. The artisans they encountered while designing their wedding outfits in Owerri left an indelible mark on their hearts. It was this cultural connection that sparked the inspiration for what would become N’abali Kids.

As parents, Jean and Caroline couldn’t escape the profound influence of their personal experiences on N’abali’s designs. Caroline’s upbringing in Nigeria, surrounded by the diverse styles and patterns of West Africa, especially Ankara, became the heartbeat of their creations. The couple collaborated with expert Ankara designers and aspired to partner with Nigerian Design Schools for future collections.

In running their business, Jean and Caroline seamlessly harmonized their skills. With a background in supply chain, Jean took charge of negotiations, strategy, and execution. Caroline, as the Head of Design, sourced partners, influencers, and designers, infusing the brand with a long-term commitment to social entrepreneurship in her hometown.

Their journey since mid-2020 was not without challenges. Navigating factory closures during the pandemic and grappling with soaring supply chain costs tested their resolve. Yet, resilience became their greatest ally. Focused on building a manufacturing node in West Africa, specifically harnessing the abundant bamboo resources in Nigeria, the couple aimed to turn challenges into opportunities.

n'abali kids

The crowning moment of their narrative is the N’abali Kids Kickstarter campaign. More than just a fundraiser, it’s a quest to validate the business, engage with a community of like-minded parents, and gather invaluable feedback for the future. 

The story of N’abali Kids is an invitation to join a journey of dreams, cultural celebration, and the joy of creating a legacy for generations to come. If you, too, find resonance in this tale, become a part of the N’abali Kids community.

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Demystifying Luxury Copywriting: Insights from Delesia Watson

11 mins read
Delesia Watson

Delesia Watson, the founder of Life is Deleesh, a bespoke copywriting studio dedicated to luxury and premium brands, takes center stage in this interview. With a unique blend of her passion for writing and a profound understanding of the luxury industry, Delesia sheds light on her entrepreneurial journey and shares invaluable insights into the world of copywriting.

Delecia Watson

What inspired you to start Life is Deleesh?

It was 2019, and I had spent nearly three years in a toxic work environment. I desperately needed a change, so even though I didn’t have another job lined up, I decided to cut my ties.

I had faith that no matter what, I was going to be okay. When I tell you I immediately felt free! As I began to think and pray about my next steps, it occurred to me that I could combine my love for writing with my luxury industry insights to form a business: copywriting for luxury brands. Based in New York City, we serve clients worldwide.

More than 90% are women-owned and -led small businesses. Our clients are visionaries. They often know what they want to say, but not how to say it. We help them define and refine their messaging to reflect the quality of their brands and engage their target audiences.

What makes your copywriting studio different from others?

At Life is Deleesh, it’s about more than beautiful words. Our mission is to illuminate the world through captivating content and unforgettable brand experiences. From luxury car services to viral beauty brands, our clients entrust us to craft compelling narratives that resonate with the discerning tastes of their clientele.

Can you share a success story of a client who has seen significant results from your copywriting services?

While it should never be an afterthought, copywriting is only one aspect of a successful business. Remarkable brands fuse innovative marketing strategy, stellar design, and compelling copy. I can never take full credit for any of my clients’ success, but I have been able to help one client add up to $1 million in monthly revenue.

In your experience, what common misconceptions do business owners have about the role of copywriting in their marketing efforts?

There are a few! One misconception is that professional copywriting is just about words. Many business owners (especially newer ones) underestimate the strategy behind it, so they don’t invest in it. They often don’t even budget for it because they figure they can do it themselves. Technically, they can.

They know their businesses better than anyone. But it’s often better to offload that information and pass copy projects off to a professional copywriter. It not only saves the business owner time but also energy. And it frees them up to focus on other aspects of the business that they’re more passionate about. In short, copywriting isn’t just about writing; it’s about crafting messages that resonate with your target audience and drive desired actions in a way that is unique to your brand.

But with that said, don’t think that copywriting is purely sales-oriented. That’s another misconception. Copy can also serve to educate, entertain, and build brand identity. Some of your favorite brands use copy to stay top of mind while you ride the subway, drive to work, or check into your resort. It’s not always about direct sales. Copywriting is also not a one-time task but more of an ongoing process.

Successful brands continually adapt and refine their messaging to stay relevant. Because even if you’ve been in business for 100 years, you don’t have to sound like it. And while I love my design partners, good design does not compensate for poor copy. It absolutely enhances copy, but it can’t replace weak messaging. Both are integral for a strong brand.

Delecia Watson

What are some of the best ways for luxury and premium brands to use copywriting to attract and retain customers?

It’s important to know that people buy when the conditions are right. And the conditions are logic, emotion, and urgency. It’s challenging to nail all three, but the most profitable luxury brands do. Logically, consumers want to know if there will be a return on their investment, whether it’s an unforgettable experience, a coaching program that takes them to the next level, or the resale value of their handbag.

They also want to feel important or that they’ve achieved a sense of status by being associated with a certain brand. That’s emotion. And finally, they’re often moved to make a purchase when there is a short window for them to be able to invest. This could be a limited inventory and knowing they’ll be one of few with an item.

We’ve also seen luxury brands implement waiting lists for customers to even be able to purchase a product. If you can use messaging to weave those three conditions together, you’ll do well to attract and retain customers. As a luxury copywriter, I also help my clients retain customers by using strategic storytelling to convey a first-class approach across all their brand touchpoints.

Let’s say you’re a guest at a hotel and they’ve left you a personalized welcome note with a complimentary bottle of champagne. However brief the note, it was intentional and elevated your stay. You feel seen, thought of, and cared for. Good copy goes beyond websites, social media, and ads in public places. Wherever customers interact with your brand, you want them to know it’s your brand.

Lastly, luxury brands can highlight their sustainability efforts and ethical practices. More and more luxury consumers are intentionally seeking out brands that contribute positively to both society and the environment.

With the upcoming holidays, what are some specific ways that luxury and premium brands can use copywriting to boost sales and increase revenue?

For product-based businesses, gift guides. Brands often enlist my help in positioning their products as ideal gifts for the holidays. These can live on your blog (and attract new customers with search engine optimization) and be shared with your subscribers over multiple emails. It even helps to segment them for different recipients, such as “Gifts for Her” or “Luxury for Him.”

Another idea is to bundle products most frequently bought together and give them a catchy new seasonal name. The cherry on top is holiday-themed packaging so it’s giftable (and more sustainable) sans the wrapping. If you have enough lead time (perhaps for Holiday 2024), it’s the perfect opportunity to release limited-edition products. Like a gingerbread-scented soy candle or winter home accessories.

I’ve also seen many service-based businesses use scarcity as an incentive during the holidays. A financial consultant could announce a limited number of consultations before prices increase in the new year. The same goes for a photographer with brand shoots or a designer with branding packages. If possible, sweeten the deal with add-ons that elevate the customer experience, like a complimentary spa package when a guest books three or more nights at your boutique hotel.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of gratefulness. Sending a “happy holidays” or year-end email is one of the best ways to remain top of mind. Handwritten notes are even better, depending on how many clients you serve annually. Start by thanking them for their business and sharing milestones you reached together. These should fit the nature and personality of your brand. “We sent you 1200lbs of fabric in 2023” works for a personal stylist.

For a financial consultant, “Your revenue has grown by 33% since we joined forces.” And if you’re in a major city, offer complimentary shipping until just a few days before major holidays. Then use branded copy to inform guests across all your platforms.

If your business could use luxury copy support for the holiday season and beyond, my team can help.

Visit www.deleesh.com or inquire at hello@deleesh.com.

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Reside in Opulence: Our Poconos Paradise for the Weekend

2 mins read

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Poconos, our recent weekend getaway was nothing short of extraordinary. The winding roads that led us to our destination were adorned with the vibrant fall colors of the trees, painting a breathtaking natural canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows.

reside in opulence

The exceptional rental property, spanning 5,577 sq ft, was a testament to luxury and tranquility. The four cozy bedrooms and three well-appointed bathrooms, each equipped with custom bathrobes, slippers, and towels, added an extra layer of comfort to our stay. Reside in Opulence truly went above and beyond to ensure every detail was considered.

In my opinion, the coolest part of the property was its massive basement, which has been converted into an entertainment zone. Our daughter and her friend were totally hooked on the movie theater area, with its comfy reclining seats and big smart TV screens. They had a blast with their movie nights and arcade games.

When I wasn’t honing my pool skills down in the basement, I was enjoying some quiet time and relaxing in the master bedroom. Additionally, the master bedroom featured its cozy nook with a large TV, ideal for my personal movie nights. This place was truly all about having a good time and unwinding!

Surrounded by the stunning autumn colors, we had a magical moment with nature, spotting graceful deer munching nearby. The chilly weather outside made our indoor fun even cozier. We got into a few games of Monopoly, a fun way to school the younger ones about money and ownership.

Our three days were filled with relaxation, laughter, and unforgettable moments. This escape was the perfect blend of luxury, fun, and educational experiences, making it an ideal retreat for anyone seeking to recharge and unwind in this stunning mountainous region.

BOOK HERE to secure your stay at Reside in Opulence.

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Jnane Tamsna’s New Year’s House Party: A Cultural Extravaganza

4 mins read
Jnane Tamsna's

Get ready for an extraordinary experience as Jnane Tamsna invites you to an African Heritage New Year’s House Party, set to take place in the captivating city of Marrakech from December 28, 2023, to January 2nd, 2024.

This curated event promises an enchanting journey deep into the heart of African heritage, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and style.

Jnane Tamsna's

A Grand Welcome:

December 28th – Day 1

As guests arrive, they are greeted with a warm and breathtaking welcome. The festivities commence with a rooftop soirée featuring drinks and dinner, set against a backdrop of beautiful bonfires and a panoramic view of the palm tree canopy gracing the hotel’s grounds. Paying homage to the Senegalese roots of the hotel’s owner, Meryanne Loum Martin, the buffet menu and home-infused cocktails showcase rich Senegalese flavors and recipes.

Jnane Tamsna

Daily Delights

December 29th – Day 2:

The journey begins with a guided tour of the historic Medina, where guests explore iconic sites, including the Saadian Tombs and the newly opened architectural gem, the MAP. Afterward, a rooftop lunch at MAP provides breathtaking views. The afternoon offers free time for guests to discover the city, with personalized recommendations from the hotel’s Conciergerie. The day concludes with an exquisite dinner at Palais Soleiman, a 19th-century palace celebrating Moroccan craftsmanship. 

December 30th – Day 3:

Day three is filled with adventure, starting early with a hot air balloon ride over the stunning Moroccan countryside. Lunch is served in the mountains at Kasbah Bab Ourika, followed by visits to Anima, a sculpture garden, and Nectarome, an aromatic farm offering a traditional bread baking class. As the sun sets, guests gather for drinks on the rooftop terrace of the Nobu Hotel, followed by a magical jungle dinner party set on an estate adorned with hundreds of plant varieties. The night continues with drinks and dancing at Bo Zin, a lively restaurant lounge.

December 31st – Day 4:

The morning is free, allowing guests to prepare for the grand New Year’s Eve celebration. A costume and accessory corner provides the essentials for extraordinary party outfits. After a delightful lunch at Jardin du Lotus, guests embark on a visit to the Medersa Ben Youssef, a 14th-century Koranic school, and the verdant Secret Garden. The evening brings a unique desert camp experience at the hotel, complete with a “1001 nights” theme, camel rides, live music, and more. The night culminates with a gala dinner featuring an iconic long candlelit table nestled amidst lush trees. The celebration continues with an after-party at the owner’s private residence, complete with DJ sets and surprise performances.

Jnane Tamsna

January 1st – Day 5:

New Year begins with a spectacular and festive garden brunch, BBQ, and a pool party with live jazz. Workshops and activities, including pottery, weaving, and henna, offer engaging experiences. The evening is left open for guests to explore the city, with the Conciergerie available for restaurant and activity recommendations.

January 2nd – Day 5:

The second day of 2024 starts with a serene breakfast in the hotel’s dining room, offering a moment of reflection on the incredible journey that has been experienced. Departures take place throughout the day, and the Conciergerie remains at guests’ disposal, providing recommendations for activities and spa treatments for those with later flights.

As the event concludes, the memories forged during these six days are sure to remain etched in the hearts and minds of all who attended, echoing the spirit of Jnane Tamsna’s commitment to celebrating the rich tapestry of African heritage.

For questions and to secure your spot, email requests@jnanetamsna.com. 🥂

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Jon Gosier’s FilmHedge is Democratizing Access to Film Investing

10 mins read

Jon Gosier is the Founder and CEO of FilmHedge, a financial lending platform for TV and film producers. FilmHedge provides solutions for both film financiers and producers looking to borrow.

In this interview, Gosier discusses his inspiration for creating FilmHedge, the company’s business model, and his goals for the future. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of the film and TV industry and the emerging technologies that are shaping its future.

filmhedge

What inspired you to create FilmHedge?

I’d been working in tech and VC for about 10 years and I’d learned how long it can take for a tech investment to pay out (usually 5 to 10 years), if ever as the fail-rate of seed-stage startups is like 99%.

After selling a company back in 2017, with a lot of new money to invest, I started to think about different asset classes to get involved in. I put some money into a movie, a $10 million sci-fi film called SKYLIN3S that repaid me my money with 15% interest in around 7 months. 

I couldn’t believe it. I have companies that I invested in in 2010 that I still haven’t seen a dime from! After that, I was convinced that scaling Film/TV lending was a huge opportunity I had to pursue.

Can you explain how FilmHedge’s business model and how it benefits filmmakers and investors?

FilmHedge is one of the largest and fastest growing private financiers of Film/TV productions. 10% of all major Film/TV productions in the United States apply for FilmHedge lending (Data source: MPAA, Box Office Mojo).

The real problem we solve is for institutional and accredited investors who want to allocate capital to Film/TV but in a risk-mitigated way. 

FilmHedge is a private credit platform, a lender, to TV and Film producers who need liquidity. We evaluate their productions based on pre-sales, distribution agreements, or tax incentives – all deals any filmmaker can negotiate before they even pick up a camera. If any of those are in place, FilmHedge advances up to $20 million in cash to a producer.

Our model is simple, if there’s a sales contract or tax incentive that’s worth say $5 million to the producer or production company. We’d advance say $4.8 million to the producer. When the receivable pays out, it pays us back instead of them.

Because we only offer debt, this allows producers to retain equity (the most valuable part of their ownership). So the problem we solve for TV/Film producers is we help them retain ownership and be more profitable. 

What criteria do you use to evaluate potential investment opportunities in the entertainment sector, and what strategies do you employ to mitigate risk?

A lot of inexperienced Producers think the way to make a movie is to ask as many rich people as they can find to invest money and hope for the best. This is incredibly risky and there’s very little recourse for an investor if they give a lot of money to a producer who may not do the right thing, or who may even do the right thing but ends up making a movie that isn’t ever distributed to the public.

In both scenarios, the investor is simply out their money. 

FilmHedge is a platform where films are financed after thoroughly being de-risked. Our team has been behind more than 35 feature film productions starring A-list talent, with budgets ranging between $5 million and $35 million. We’ve had zero defaults, incurred zero losses, and all of those films have made their way to places like Hulu, Netflix, Apple, Paramount, and national and international theatrical distributors.

We apply bank-grade underwriting and risk mitigation and apply it to independently financed productions.

This allows our institutional and accredited investors the opportunity to do something they normally wouldn’t have the risk tolerance for, financing Film and TV. 

How has the film and TV industry changed in recent years?

Business is booming. There has seriously been no better time in the history of Hollywood to be a creator. There are more places than ever for people to distribute content, to consume content, and more ways for that content to be funded (at every level).

Groups like our friends at Legion M make it possible for regular people to invest in movies and for any Producer to crowdfund their budget, BondIt and Buffalo 8 allow independent filmmakers a better path to get coverage on their scripts and an opportunity to be financed as well, Slated.com allows aspiring creators to meet and match with financiers based on their investing preferences. 

All groups that do nothing like what FilmHedge does yet all of us are expanding opportunities for financing (and investing) in Film/TV.

On top of that, groups like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Apple, Paramount, and others are on buying sprees to acquire as much independently produced finance as possible, or they license existing content libraries (legacy shows that already exist).

I say all this to say that there’s been an exponential growth in opportunity for everyone. This is what has created the opportunity for groups like FilmHedge to pop up only four years ago and become one of the largest and fastest growing private lenders in the space. We originate over $1 billion in loan applicants annually and each lending opportunity is around $10 million grossing 16-27% each.

It’s an incredible business for us. 

What current trends or emerging technologies in the entertainment sector excite you the most, and how do you see them shaping the future?

I think the best emerging technologies are related to A.I. specifically NeRF technology (Neural Radiance Fields) which allows one to ‘scan’ any photo or video of an environment and turn it into a fully immersive 3D space that can be manipulated in a computer.

When you couple that with XR Stages and LED Screens, it means you can very cheaply re-create any real-world location as a digital set without spending 1,000s of hours computing or spending on special FX.

This is going to greatly reduce the cost of producing everything from Film and TV shows to video games. I’m currently producing a film called COLLATERAL DATA where we’re experimenting with these technologies and it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen!

What are your goals for FilmHedge in the next 5-10 years?

FilmHedge is already the fastest growing lender to Hollywood and we’re already on the path to be a unicorn company in the next 18-24 months based on revenues.

What is really accelerating is the sheer demand we now have from accredited investors who are looking for new places to invest. They might be angel investors or high net worth investors who have been used to writing checks to companies with a 99% fail rate like tech on a hope and dream and rarely ever seeing a return. 

When they learn they can write a check into an asset class that has a 99% success rate (the complete inverse of what they’re used to), earn double-digit interest returns, in less than 12 months from a platform with a demonstrable track record of returns (the content they’ve actually enjoyed at home on streaming channels or in theatres) it’s a no brainer. If nothing else it allows them to diversify into a new asset class beyond real estate and tech investing.

Our mission is to build a new financial operating system for Hollywood!

by Tony O. Lawson

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Revolutionizing Cancer Care: The Innovative Approach of A28 Therapeutics

11 mins read
a28 therapeutics

Dr. Stanley Lewis is the founder and CEO of A28 Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of its targeted lytic peptide platform for the treatment of cancer.

In this interview, Dr. Lewis discusses his inspiration for starting A28 Therapeutics, the company’s focus on targeted oncolytic peptides (TOPs), and the promise of AT-101 in the treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer with liver metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma. 

He also shares his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers looking to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare and biotechnology.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to start A28 Therapeutics?

I am an internal medicine physician by training. I graduated from the University of Texas McGovern Medical School in Houston and obtained a master’s degree in public health. After completing my internship, residency, and fellowship, I joined the faculty of the medical school in the Department of Internal Medicine. 

As an academic physician, I saw patients, taught students and residents, and conducted dozens of clinical trials. My area of interest was HIV/AIDS, and in my practice, I cared for mostly indigent patients in the Houston area. I was recruited from academia to join a small biotech company and lead a program for the development of a new treatment for HIV.  After quite a few twists and turns, we were fortunate to earn FDA approval for TROGARZO, the first long-acting medication for the treatment of multi-drug resistant HIV disease.

There are several reasons for founding A28 Therapeutics. First, I really take the Hippocratic Oath seriously. In particular, the commitment to “First, do no harm” really guides me. During those early days of treating HIV patients, the medicines were very difficult to tolerate.

I felt terrible that my patients had the unenviable choice of taking some very toxic medications to control the virus or not taking the medicines and dying of AIDS. This was the primary reason I agreed to develop TROGARZO as my clinical trial patients commented that it was perhaps the most tolerable medicine they had ever taken. 

In many ways, I see current cancer patients having to face a similar dilemma as they weigh the risks and benefits of enduring toxic chemotherapies in exchange for a few more months of life. At A28 Therapeutics, we want to change that. Our vision is a world where patients no longer fear cancer or its treatments.

My second reason for starting the company is rooted in the type of molecules we develop. Interestingly, cancer and infectious diseases have a lot in common. In particular, bacteria have negatively charged cell walls and have been treated with lytic peptides such as vancomycin for decades. In fact, your body makes lytic peptides as part of the immune system. Well, cancer cells are also negatively charged; so, why not treat them with lytic peptides? 

In many ways, our molecules are like antibiotics that have been retooled to treat cancer. I appreciated their unique mechanism of eliminating cancer and their remarkable tolerability. To me, lytic peptides are just what the infectious disease doctor ordered.  Hopefully, soon, lytic peptides will be just what the oncologist orders.

My final reason for founding this company is deeply personal. My father died of metastatic gastric cancer. It was his dream that his son become a doctor, but before I could graduate, he died of this terrible disease. Like many solid tumors, gastric cancer can be cured surgically if you can diagnose it early before it spreads. However, when my father was diagnosed, his tumor had spread to his liver, and he was only given three months to live. 

The medications we are developing at A28 have an interesting biodistribution pattern such that they accumulate and persist in the liver for three days. This high exposure in liver tissue is believed to make them particularly useful in patients who have cancer that has metastasized to the liver or originates in this organ. So, when I had the opportunity to develop a drug that could help people who, like my father, had metastatic disease to their liver, I knew that I hadn’t found this medication, it found me.

A28 Therapeutics is known for its focus on targeted oncolytic peptides (TOPs) for cancer treatment. Could you explain the concept of TOPs and what differentiates them from traditional cancer therapies?

Targeted Oncolytic Peptides are a combination of a hormone-targeting unit and a lytic peptide payload. Our first molecule, AT-101, is a 10-amino acid hormone (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone – LHRH) targeting unit combined with a highly positively charged 18-amino acid lytic peptide payload.  The LHRH hormone targeting unit binds to hormone receptors found on the surface of a myriad of different tumor types. This binding brings the positively charged lytic peptide in proximity to the negatively charged cancer cell membrane resulting in a disruption of the membrane and killing of the tumor cell.  An animation of this mechanism can be viewed on the website.

Healthy cells do not have a strong negative charge and therefore are not harmed by this medication. The most noteworthy side effect observed through Phase 2 clinical trials with AT-101 is a transient, treatable rash. Another feature that differentiates our lead compound from traditional chemotherapies is that the killing of tumor cells by lytic peptides causes the tumor cell to release its antigens. This type of cancer cell death alerts the immune system much like a vaccine allowing for amplification of cancer killing throughout the body.

Finally, in laboratory testing, AT-101 synergies with all manner of chemotherapy and newer immunotherapies and may even resensitize resistant tumor cells to chemotherapies that have stopped working.  When you think about all the ways you would want cancer therapy to work, AT-101 really has it all.

What motivated you to concentrate on developing AT-101, and how has it shown promise in the treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer with liver metastases and hepatocellular carcinoma?

For a variety of reasons, most solid tumors metastasize to the liver, and patients with liver metastases invariably have shorter life expectancy than patients without liver metastases. In addition to being remarkably well tolerated, in a retrospective analysis of the Phase 2 study, the subset of patients with metastatic ovarian cancer and liver metastases who received AT-101 plus paclitaxel (standard of care chemotherapy) vs paclitaxel alone, the AT-101 treated patients experienced a 61% increase in overall survival. 

We want to confirm this observation prospectively in our next trial. Additionally, we plan to test AT-101 in hepatocellular (liver) cancer because the molecule achieves high and prolonged concentrations in the liver allowing for potentially high anticancer activity.

What have been the most significant milestones or achievements for A28 Therapeutics thus far in its mission to transform cancer care?

A28 Therapeutics was recognized as a 2023 Cool Company by Connect San Diego.  This award is bestowed on companies considered to be the fastest and most exciting startups in Southern California.

What are the company’s top priorities for the next 12-18 months?

We are seeking to raise a $20M Series A round of financing to prospectively validate the retrospectively observed efficacy signal from the Phase 2 clinical trial. Our next trial is a 2-stage adaptive trial design. The first stage will confirm the efficacy signal, and the second stage will expand to a sufficient number of patients to support an application for accelerated approval.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs and researchers looking to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare and biotechnology?

The most important thing I’ve learned is that there is no blueprint for this stuff. You must have integrity because lives depend on your honest and thoughtful assessments of data. 

You must be resilient because things will not always go as planned. You must be patient as it will always take longer and cost more than you expect. You should build a strong network because this is not something you can do alone.

And finally, it helps if you are passionate about your work. You will need this to drive and sustain you on this journey.

by Tony O. Lawson

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