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Newsletter #47: How Founders Bet Big and Won: 5 Risky Lessons

Author

Sue Mysko
January 16, 2025

SCALE UP Newsletter #47

Welcome to Scale Up, the smarter way to grow with fractional executives.

In this edition:
đź’° Applications Open: 2025 EU-Startups Summit Pitch Competition
🚀 How $6.5 Billion App Called Duolingo Was Built
đź’ˇ 5 Risk-Taking Lessons From Founders Who Bet Big and Won

Let’s dive right in. 👇🏼

Applications Open: 2025 EU-Startups Summit Pitch Competition

If you’re based in Europe, apply now for the EU-Startups Summit Pitch Competition in Malta on April 24-25, 2025!

This event will bring together around 2,500 founders, investors, and startup fans for a great networking experience and showcases. Fifteen promising startups will compete on the main stage. Applications are open until January 31.

Powerset Gives Founders $1 Million To Invest In Other Startups

Powerset, launched in late 2022 by AngelList veteran Jake Zeller and Athena founder Jonathan Swanson, is an investment program that explores a unique idea: what if the best investors are other founders instead of traditional venture capitalists? Each year, Powerset gives 5 to 10 selected founders $1 million to invest in other startups, with the potential for even more funding if they make successful investments.

Applications for the third cohort open this week.

How I Built A $6.5 Billion App Called Duolingo | Founder Effect

In this video, Luis von Ahn discusses his journey as the founder of Duolingo, highlighting his early life, challenges, and innovative approach to building a successful educational app while ensuring a positive work culture.

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5 Risk-Taking Lessons From Founders Who Bet Big and Won

To succeed in business, you must break away from the ordinary, embrace uncertainty, and take advantage of opportunities others might miss. Playing it safe can lead to stagnation, while taking calculated risks can transform everything.

Learn about the bold strategies and calculated risks that propelled these entrepreneurs to success, and see how their fearless choices can inspire your growth.

What Should Startups Look For From VCs After Investment?

As a first-time founder who just raised an early-stage round with important investors, how can you maximize your cap table? What does it mean when venture capitalists say they "add value" to their portfolio companies? And how can you translate that concept into actionable steps for your business?

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