Dropping out to build a zero-knowledge identification solution for online privacy, securing $2.5M in 2 days after struggling for 2 years - Ana Pricop (Outdid.io) - S2 Ep10

Welcome to this new episode of Explore! 😎For those of you that have been here since the beginning, 1000 thanks, and welcome to the newcomers who have joined us in recent weeks. I receive a lot of encouragement on LinkedIn, the best way to send me some love is to follow this podcast and give it 5 stars. It will allow others to discover it. 🙏In this episode I sat down with Ana Pricop, the co-founder and COO of Outdid.io, a startup that provides zero knowledge identification solutions to improve online safety. We discussed Ana’s unique journey from dropping out of a top school, to surviving in London with little to no money and raising $2.5M in 3 days after struggling for 2 years. Ana shares the challenges of fundraising, the strategic pivot from Web3 to targeting broader industries, the importance of the people around you, the necessity to maintain a balance between work and personal life and much more! 🚀Early-stage founders and young entrepreneurs, this episode is for you.Have a great episode! Listen on Spotify.Listen on Apple Podcast.***** Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OpenVC.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! 🔥Use the code "EXPLORE" to get a lifetime 20% discount on their premium membership.Learn more about Explore on: ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Newsletter⁠⁠. Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠Ana ⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠Outdid.io⁠⁠⁠.*****Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Background01:00 Ana Maria's Love for School06:20 Starting Outdid.io10:08 Technical Challenges12:01 UC London Innovation and Enterprise Startup Program22:27 Seed Round Fundraising29:38 Explaining the Solution31:08 Fast Term Sheets32:13 Growing the Team36:48 Differentiation from Competitors42:23 Managing Relationships with Investors44:58 Finding Your Role in the Company46:10 Current State and Future Vision49:37 Sigma Squared Society53:21 Advice to Past Self This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit climateventuresvco2.substack.com

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VCo2 helps you become a better impact investor and climate tech entrepreneur. I'm Hugo, an aspiring climate tech investor. On VCo2, you'll dive into the intersections of venture capital and climate tech, gaining insights into the industry while following my journey as I become a VC. In every episode, we dive deep into the world of climate tech and venture capital to uncover what’s working today. and what we need for tomorrow. From groundbreaking innovations to the strategies fueling successful startups, you'll hear directly from the founders, investors, and leaders shaping the future. This podcast is for all the people interested in building, investing, and supporting impact startups. If that's you, don't forget to hit that follow button and leave a 5-star review. 💚 climateventuresvco2.substack.com