Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems

 

Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
 
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
OUR CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE WEEK’S NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
It appears the recent wave of tech unicorns with huge IPOs has a serious downside: venture capitalists are now flocking to late-stage companies rather than early-stage startups. With early-stage startups starving for funding, will tech lose the innovation driving the industry? Or is it all part of the investment cycle?
 
In other news … the jobs that first come to mind for ex-CIA and military operatives probably don’t involve a bank’s headquarters, but the out-of-the-box thinking that’s driving banks to fill top cybersecurity positions with military intelligence gives financial institutions the upper hand against cybercrime. Beyond movies and TV shows, bank robberies are more likely to happen virtually than physically, cementing cybersecurity as CEOs’ reigning concern.
 
And … the wild west atmosphere of the newest financial sub-sector, cryptocurrency, may soon ride into the sunset on the back of the first crypto unicorn. Coinbase reportedly talked to U.S. regulators about bank licensing possibilities, which would put the company under more scrutiny and regulation. Crypto enthusiasts stress deregulation, but Coinbase’s law-abiding stance could help propel cryptocurrency further into the mainstream.
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
 
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Unadventurous Venture Capital
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Blunder: When It Comes to Tech, Venture Capital Grows Less Venturesome – Jacky Wong in The Wall Street Journal.
 
Massive fundraises surged last year for late-stage companies, while early-stage startup funding declined 29 percent. Large private companies with robust user bases and market-leader positions, which includes tech unicorns, attract more funding from venture capitalists seeking a safe bet. Unicorns have the potential to provide later-stage investors with a quick profit from IPO “pops.”
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Military Tactics Bolster Bank Cybersecurity
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonder: Banks Adopt Military-Style Tactics to Fight Cybercrime – Stacy Cowley in The New York Times.
 
Banks have been filling top cybersecurity positions with former soldiers and cyberspies, who are repurposing their combat training exercises to fight online financial security threats. In addition to cyberattack simulation drills, financial companies including Mastercard have recently built fusion centers, Homeland Security’s term for the intelligence hives fighting threat and disease outbreaks.
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Coinbase Considering Banking License
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonder: Cryptocurrency Firms Explore Getting Bank Licenses – Ryan Tracy in The Wall Street Journal.
 
Coinbase met with U.S. regulators about the possibility of obtaining a banking license. Bank licenses allow fintech companies to offer a broader range of products, including insured bank accounts, at the cost of compliance with additional strict regulations. Federal banking charters could replace and simplify the myriad of state-based regulations by having one primary federal regulator overseeing the company. Additionally, a bank license may attract affluent institutional investors, such as hedge funds.
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
» IN THE NEWS
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
CNBC quotes John Samaan, senior vice president and head of human resources at Millennium Trust Company, about companies paying off employees’ student loans.
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
InvestmentNews speaks with Jack Hillis, President of Hillis Financial Services, about building a flexible succession plan.
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
» BOTTOM LINE: State of Digital Money in Review
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
For those of you who weren’t at the State of Digital Money event on May 5th, here is a quick summary of what you missed. The event producers secured a top-notch lineup, from Jesse Lund of IBM Blockchain to Capital One’s Jim Kresge and Daniel Aranda of Ripple. The brain power they managed to pack under one roof still has our heads spinning!
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
» FEATURED CASE STUDY: COBINHOOD 
Wonders & Blunders: Unicorn Problems
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: Unicorn Problems
 

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.