Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don’t Want Money

Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
 
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Rarely does a startup refuse investors’ money, and rarer still does that refusal make the news. But the media did cover a public announcement from a group of top tech executives and entrepreneurs, who urged the venture capital (VC) industry to diversify or else their companies won’t accept the money. In the cutthroat, competitive world of Silicon Valley, VCs may be forced heed the call of increasing diversity if they want to continue the everlasting quest to invest in the hottest startup.
 
Automation has its naysayers, but some countries are in desperate need of a solution to the problem of an aging population. Robots can fill this worker shortage, keeping previously short-staffed factories and other businesses open while retaining and creating jobs for human employees.
 
It was only a matter of time before the master of the universe, Google, started adding blockchain technology to its cloud services. Rest assured, we’re probably safe from a blockchain-based name change just to increase the stock price!
 
This message brought to you by Alphabet Blockchain Company (ABC). Just kidding.
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Startups Refuse VCs Without Diversity
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonder: Hundreds of Start-Ups Tell Investors: Diversify, or Keep Your Money – by Pui-Wing Tam in The Wall Street Journal.
 
More than 400 entrepreneurs and executives in the tech industry have formed a
Founders for Change coalition. ‘Change’ refers to the importance of increasing diversity in the venture capital industry. “We’re interested in reshaping the way that tech looks,” one member said. Executives from Dropbox, Lyft, Airbnb and StitchFix joined the group, which published an unusual (for Silicon Valley) statement outlining diversity’s importance in the tech industry and how the diversity of an investment firm will be an important consideration when the companies within the coalition accept investor funds. This announcement turns the tables on the traditional power balance between VCs and startups.
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Robots Help Fix the Worker Shortage
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
 
Aging nations such as Germany and South Korea have a shortage of workers and are unable to fill the jobs available. Robots are stepping in to fill the gap, according to a new study by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research. The study found a correlation between aging blue-collar workforces and the increased use of automation. The places with the fastest-aging population were most likely to deploy machines to fill in for scarce workers. Employers predict the overall labor force will keep shrinking, so many are getting started with automation to prepare for the future.
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Blockchain Services by Google Cloud
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonder: Google Is Working on Its Own Blockchain-Related Technology – by Olga Kharif and Mark Bergen in Bloomberg.
 
Is there anything Google’s not doing? The tech giant is now working on blockchain technology for its cloud business, hoping to subdue competition from startups already using blockchain. Google may use a distributed digital ledger to prove to customers that their data is secure on the servers that power the Google cloud services. Third parties will be able to post and verify transactions, and a white label version of the blockchain tech will be available for companies to operate on their own servers, as well.
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
The San Diego Business Journal quotes Ken Slaght, President of San Diego’s Cyber Center of Excellence (CCOE) about the cybersecurity programs at universities.
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
The Next Web quotes George White, CEO of Pavia Systems, about the next big thing in IoT.
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
» BOTTOM LINE: 5 Standouts from the Forbes Fintech 50 List
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
Every year Forbes publishes a list of the 50 hottest fintech companies challenging the status quo. Some members are veterans while others are newcomers, but most importantly, as the list changes over time it demonstrates the industry’s shifts and demands. We’ve selected a few standouts to highlight, here’s why.
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
» FEATURED CASE STUDY: COBINHOOD
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
COBINHOOD, a cryptocurrency platform built for the blockchain era, approached KCD PR as an unknown entity to the outside world. From our initial proposal to the Initial Coin Offering (ICO), KCD PR had three weeks to build awareness with the media and potential investors. In addition to being in Taipei, Taiwan, the firm also faced challenges associated with not having a U.S. presence or U.S. representation on its board of advisors.
Wonders & Blunders: Startups That Don't Want Money
 

PR Assistant

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 2

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.

PR Assistant 3

San Diego, CA
Close

Our ideal candidate is a news and digital marketing junkie, who loves the thrill of pitching top-tier business media, writing a timely blog post and managing client PR & marketing campaigns. Pitching the Wall Street Journal or TechCrunch? No problem. Searching and networking for the next great speaking opportunity for a client? Of course! You live to see your clients featured in the spotlight. KCD PR is hiring a full-time Senior Associate based in San Diego or virtual (with some travel to San Diego!) to join our growing agency specializing in the financial, fintech and emerging technology industries. This position works directly on a small, collaborative team on public relations, digital marketing and social media campaigns for our diverse roster of clients across the nation in emerging categories like fintech, AI, SaaS, cybersecurity and blockchain. This position promises to offer an exciting, fast-paced work environment, access to clients and the opportunity to grow within the firm. If you enjoy rubbing elbows and supporting some of the brightest names in financial and technology with brand-building public relations and marketing campaigns, we want to hear from you. We have a caring and rewarding culture and a fun work environment – we work as hard as we play!  Expect a fast paced day and plenty of opportunity to shine and be rewarded for your hard work.

What You Will Be Doing at KCD PR:
•  Key contact for clients, supporting daily communications for 5-7 key client accounts
•  Partnering with other KCD PR team members on content creation and support of collateral materials and client events
•  Key role on agency marketing initiatives – creating company newsletter, blog content and digital PR and marketing campaigns
•  Participates in day-to-day media monitoring of client and industry news
•  Creating press releases, fact sheets and various other press materials
•  Strategizing on public relations and marketing goals and objectives
•  Pitching/conversing with national business and technology media on behalf of KCD PR clients
•  Managing social media marketing content for new clients and knowledge to use Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+, Twitter and YouTube
•  E-Marketing management, blog posts and landing page content creation
•  Utilizing social media to promote client news/events updating/creating pages for clients, web content revisions for client web sites
•  Editing web site content, uploading videos, often first draft of client work

Does This Sound Like You?
(*Must meet all criteria*) Candidates with previous experience working in related roles in the financial services and technology industry will be given priority. No recent graduates will be considered.

At least 3+ Years previous PR or marketing agency experience (with technology and/or financial services clients)
Bachelor’s Degree in related field (Communications, Marketing, Finance, Business or related field)
You have proven skills of integrating and leveraging social media programs, print and broadcast media to heighten client exposure and visibility
You have a strong knowledge of the financial and technology markets and know the trends, opportunities and challenges that face many of the agency’s clients
You’re a communication guru and have a strong portfolio of writing (creative and strategic) and possess a healthy network of media contacts that have helped garner impressive results
Experience managing multiple client accounts and collaborating with a team of internal resources
Superior, proven written and oral communication skills and an obsession with detail-oriented results
Ability to speak with clients, participate on conference calls and maintain high level of professionalism and maintain confidentiality of client information
Knowledge of WordPress, basic website editing and Hubspot marketing software systems a plus (as is Hubspot certification)

Compensation:
Competitive salary based on commensurate experience, bonus program for smart goal performance, 401 (k) retirement plan with full company match and annual company profit sharing contributions, generous group health care plan options, PTO plus paid company holiday from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day, free beer, breakfast and all sorts of goodies at our awesome co-working space in Little Italy, direct deposit, mass-transit/biking incentives.