### Yazen's Major Funding Round

**Yazen**, a promising startup focused on combating obesity, has successfully raised **€19.5 million** in its Series A funding round. This significant investment is aimed at accelerating the development and distribution of its innovative solutions utilizing **Ozempic**, a medication known for its effectiveness in weight management.

### The Challenge of Obesity
Obesity is a growing global health crisis, prompting the need for effective interventions. Yazen's approach combines modern technology with proven medical treatments to offer a comprehensive solution for those struggling with weight issues.

### What Sets Yazen Apart
Yazen differentiates itself through its unique integration of **Ozempic** into its weight-loss programs, focusing on personalized care and support. The startup aims to not only provide medication but also foster a supportive community for users.

### Looking Ahead
With this new influx of capital, Yazen plans to enhance its platform, expand its reach, and ultimately help more individuals achieve their health goals. Investors are optimistic about the potential impact of Yazen's offerings in the fight against obesity.

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Yazen Secures €19.5 Million in Series A Funding to Tackle Obesity with Ozempic

### Celebrating Small Businesses on Small Business Saturday

Today marks **Small Business Saturday**, a day dedicated to honoring the **heart and soul** of our community—our **small businesses**. These dreamers and doers are the **lifeblood** of our local economy, tirelessly providing unique offerings that make downtown Fargo vibrant and distinctive.

However, it's disheartening to see negative narratives overshadowing this celebration. Recently, The Forum chose to highlight closures rather than the resilience and achievements of our local businesses. While it’s true that not every small business survives, we must recognize the **challenges** of entrepreneurship and the importance of our support.

### The Importance of Positivity

In times when negativity is rampant, especially in journalism, we should focus on the **positives**. Let’s spotlight the downtown experiences, the joy of supporting local businesses, and the incredible **resilience** of our community as it rebounds from the pandemic. Today, I choose to celebrate the **spirit** of downtown Fargo and the countless small businesses that contribute to its uniqueness.

### Supporting Our Local Economy

The success of downtown Fargo not only drives tourism but also contributes to **economic development**, workforce retention, and an overall enhanced quality of life. If we fail to support our small businesses, we risk reverting to a stagnant community reminiscent of **20+ years ago**.

Let us lift up the new downtown Fargo businesses that have opened their doors this past year:
- **Lulu’s Deli**
- **Chalili’s Chicken & Wings**
- **The 1889**
- **Moonrise Café**
- **Synclaire Events Center**
- **Rising Dawn Ceramics**
- **Drawing Room Fargo**
- **Mooreoki**
- **Magnolia Soap**
- **Primp Boutique**
- **Yum Tea Bar**
- **Mystic Moth**
- **Tee’s Tacos**
- **Ferguson Books**
- **Cul-De-Sac**
- **Las Palmas**

Many existing businesses have also expanded or relocated, showcasing the **growth** and **vibrancy** of our downtown.

### A Call for Collaboration

Downtown Fargo faces challenges, including homelessness, but this should not overshadow its potential. We need to choose **positivity** and **collaboration** over negativity. Let’s spend **Small Business Saturday** supporting those who make Fargo special. Come downtown, shop local, and engage with the people who make our community shine. Together, we can celebrate our successes while addressing the challenges ahead.

*Rocky Schneider is the executive director of the Downtown Community Partnership.*

Rocky Schneider, executive director of the Downtown Community Partnership, encourages readers to support downtown Fargo businesses.

Why Supporting Small Businesses is Crucial for Our Community's Future

## The Challenge of Building a Trillion-Dollar Startup in Europe

Europe has yet to produce a tech company that can stand shoulder to shoulder with industry giants like **Alphabet**, **Amazon**, and **Apple**. This raises critical questions about the continent's innovation ecosystem and its ability to nurture **unicorns** that can scale to **trillion-dollar valuations**.

### Why This Matters
The absence of a European tech titan not only impacts the economy but also creates a gap in **global influence**. Ian Hogarth, an expert in the field, discusses the implications of this and outlines steps to rectify the situation. 

### Setting It Right
To foster the growth of billion-dollar startups, Europe must focus on:
- **Investment in technology**: Increasing funding for tech startups to compete globally.
- **Supportive policies**: Enacting regulations that favor innovation and entrepreneurship.
- **Collaboration across borders**: Encouraging partnerships between countries to share resources and knowledge.

By addressing these areas, Europe can better position itself to cultivate the next generation of **tech leaders** and potentially create its first **trillion-dollar startup**.

The continent has yet to create a tech company to rival Alphabet, Amazon or Apple. Ian Hogarth explains why this matters — and how to set it right

Is Europe Ready to Create Its First Trillion-Dollar Tech Giant?

# Unlocking Exponential Growth: 5 Genius Startup Strategies You Need to Know

Growth hacking has become a cornerstone for **early-stage startups** looking to scale quickly without access to a lot of resources that would allow them to employ **traditional marketing strategies**. By leveraging **innovative, low-cost strategies**, the companies we explore in this article have achieved **exponential growth**, often without the resources of larger competitors. Here’s how they did it:

## 1. Dropbox: Referral Program With Incentives
**Dropbox’s referral program** is one of the most cited examples of successful growth hacking. To encourage user acquisition, Dropbox offered **free storage space** to both the referrer and the referee. For every friend a user invited, they received an **additional 500MB of storage**, up to a limit of **16GB**.

This simple yet effective strategy led to a **viral loop** that grew Dropbox’s user base exponentially. Within **15 months**, the company increased its registered users from **100,000 to 4 million**. The program worked so well because it aligned the **incentives** of Dropbox and its users. People were more likely to recommend the service because they directly benefited from doing so, and Dropbox avoided expensive advertising costs by relying on **incentivized word-of-mouth growth**.

## 2. Hotmail: “Get Your Free Email At Hotmail” Signature
In the late 1990s, Hotmail used a simple but brilliant growth hack to dominate the email market. Every email sent from a Hotmail account included a signature that read, **“Get your free email at Hotmail,”** with a link to sign up.

This tactic was cost-effective and viral by nature. Each user essentially became an **advocate** for the product. The results were staggering: within **18 months**, Hotmail grew from **zero to 12 million users**, all without spending a fortune on traditional advertising.

## 3. Airbnb: Leveraging Craigslist For Listings
In its early days, Airbnb faced the challenge of building a marketplace with both supply (hosts) and demand (guests). To solve this, the company tapped into **Craigslist’s user base** by creating an automated tool that allowed Airbnb hosts to cross-post their listings with minimal effort.

This strategy enabled Airbnb to reach a **massive audience** without significant marketing spend. By doing this, Airbnb was able to quickly populate its platform with both listings and potential renters, creating the **critical mass** needed for the marketplace to thrive.

## 4. Instagram: Focusing On Simplicity And Sharing
When Instagram launched, it wasn’t the first photo-sharing app, but it quickly became one of the most popular. The platform’s growth hack wasn’t a gimmick but a strategic focus on **simplicity** and seamless integration with platforms like **Facebook** and **Twitter**.

By making it easy for users to share their Instagram photos on social media, Instagram gained exposure to a **broader audience**. Each shared photo acted as an advertisement for the platform, encouraging new users to download the app. Within **two years** of its launch, Instagram had attracted **100 million active users**, and the company was acquired by Facebook for **$1 billion** in 2012.

## 5. Slack: Prioritizing Team Adoption
**Slack**, the workplace communication platform, became a household name largely due to its focus on **team-based adoption**. Instead of targeting individual users, Slack encouraged entire teams to adopt the tool. This approach made the platform indispensable within organizations, as employees could only fully utilize its features when their coworkers were also on board.

Slack also invested heavily in creating an **intuitive user experience** and offering **free trials** with no restrictions on features. This strategy resulted in rapid growth: within its first two years, Slack grew to **2.3 million daily active users** and achieved a **$1 billion valuation**. Its success demonstrates the power of **network effects** combined with a **freemium business model**.

By leveraging innovative, low-cost marketing strategies, the companies we explore in this article have achieved exponential growth, often without the resources of larger competitors. Here’s how they did it.

Unlocking Exponential Growth: 5 Genius Startup Strategies You Need to Know

### The Rise of Hill House Home
Nell Diamond, CEO of Hill House Home, transformed her small business into a global brand with a single product – the **Nap Dress**. Originally launched in 2019, this dress quickly became a symbol of comfort, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

### The Nap Dress Phenomenon
The Nap Dress, inspired by **1950s smocked fabric**, gained immense popularity, leading to viral moments on social media. With over **50 different designs**, it has found its way into closets worldwide. "Our crazy growth happened from 2019 to 2020 – right in the middle of quarantine and while I was pregnant with twins," shares Nell Diamond. 

### Milestones and Achievements
Since its launch, Hill House has sold over **one million Nap Dresses** and expanded into categories like outerwear and swimwear. The brand's valuation is approximately **$150 million**, although independent verification is pending. Additionally, the company has opened **five retail locations** across the United States, including cities like New York and Charleston.

### Navigating Challenges
Despite its success, Hill House faced challenges, including **global supply chain disruptions** during the pandemic. Diamond emphasizes the importance of **adaptability** and maintaining strong connections with consumers as keys to thriving in uncertain times. 

### The Vision Behind the Brand
Nell Diamond's journey began in a startup incubator at Yale University. Her passion for fashion led her to pivot from finance to retail. With a focus on **design-forward home products**, she aimed to cut out the middleman and connect directly with consumers. As the business evolved, the Nap Dress became the cornerstone of their fashion line, driving growth and expansion.

### Customer Engagement and Community
Diamond highlights the importance of customer insight and transparency. By sharing the challenges faced during production and supply chain issues, they fostered a sense of community and loyalty among their customers. "People loved having that insight into the humanity behind the products they're buying," she notes. 

### Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Diamond envisions the Nap Dress remaining a hero product while exploring new categories and retail opportunities. The brand is committed to listening to customer feedback and expanding accordingly, ensuring they remain relevant in a constantly changing fashion landscape.

Nell Diamond, CEO of Hill House Home, shares how her small business skyrocketed to global success with a simple, singular product.

From Nap Dress to Multi-Million Dollar Success: The Inspiring Journey of Hill House Home

Muffy Mendoza, the visionary founder of **Brown Mamas, Inc.** and the **Brown Mamas Marketplace**, is thrilled about the upcoming marketplace event this **Small Business Saturday**. This initiative not only marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season but also emphasizes the importance of **supporting Black women** in entrepreneurship.

### A Mission to Support Local Black Mothers
Mendoza established **Brown Mamas** in **2012** with the goal of empowering local Black mothers to enhance their health and economic situations. At the time, resources for Black women venturing into entrepreneurship were scarce, especially for **first-generation Black women business owners**. Mendoza noted, “There was not a lot of information out there about how to start a business or how to maintain one.” 

### The Birth of the Marketplace
Prior to the pandemic, she launched the first **Brown Mamas Marketplace**, creating a platform for Black mom-owned businesses to showcase their products. “I did that because I needed space, and I knew other moms needed space, so why not create the space?” Mendoza explained.

### Expanding Support and Resources
As her journey continued, Mendoza recognized the need for more support, specifically regarding the **legal aspects of business ownership** and finding an accountant. This year, the marketplace will feature **speakers and professionals**, including lawyers, to provide valuable insights.

### Focus Areas of the Marketplace
The event will highlight three essential themes: **womb, wealth, and wellness**. Mendoza emphasized, “As a mom-preneur, you have to be holistic in your approach to living a good life.” 

### Expert Speakers
Attendees can look forward to insights from speakers such as **Tayler Clemm**, known as **DAWA Mama**, who will share knowledge about **womb wellness** and herbal remedies, and **Kahlil Darden**, founder of **Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens**.

### Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Mendoza intentionally scheduled the event for Small Business Saturday to bring attention to **Black-owned businesses** in Pittsburgh that often lack storefronts. The marketplace will showcase a diverse array of vendors, including food, jewelry, and clothing businesses, along with community organizations like the **Pittsburgh Black Breastfeeding Circle**.

### Building Community
Local business owner **Tyler Bowe** expressed her admiration for Mendoza’s efforts, saying, “I love how she brings women and moms together to build a sense of community.” The event will take place at **Emerald City** on Smithfield Street from **12 p.m. to 4 p.m.** 

Mendoza is excited for the future, with the next **Brown Mamas Marketplace** planned for **spring 2025**, aiming to further evolve and support mom-owned businesses in the community.

Muffy Mendoza, founder of Brown Mamas, Inc. and the Brown Mamas Marketplace, is excited about the next iteration of the marketplace on Saturday. It is no coincidence that the event aligns with Small Business Saturday, kicking off the holiday shopping season by supporting Black women. She started Brown Mamas in

Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs: Discover the Brown Mamas Marketplace This Small Business Saturday

## Unveiling the Future of Fintech

In a landscape where **venture capital** investment is evolving, **AI-focused fintech startups** are at the forefront, attracting significant attention from top investors. Despite a downturn in overall funding, these innovative companies are seen as bright spots in the industry.

### The Landscape of Funding

Recent data from **CB Insights** highlights a decline in total funding to fintechs, with only **753 deals** recorded in the last quarter — the lowest since 2017. However, optimism remains as VCs anticipate a resurgence in deal-making, particularly in the AI sector as scrutiny over antitrust issues begins to ease.

### Top 15 AI Fintech Startups to Watch

Here are the **15 most promising AI fintech startups** that have caught the eye of venture capitalists:

1. **BeatBread**  
   - **Funding:** Over $150 million  
   - **Focus:** Analyzing revenue potential in the music industry to provide funding advances.

2. **Brico**  
   - **Funding:** $8.1 million  
   - **Focus:** Automating licensing processes for financial institutions.

3. **Cascading AI**  
   - **Funding:** $4.1 million  
   - **Focus:** Loan-origination software with an integrated AI assistant.

4. **Clerkie**  
   - **Funding:** $41 million  
   - **Focus:** AI debt-automation software embedded in financial apps.

5. **Comulate**  
   - **Funding:** About $5 million  
   - **Focus:** Automating insurance statement processing and forecasting.

6. **Coris**  
   - **Funding:** $3.7 million  
   - **Focus:** Risk and fraud management software for SMBs.

7. **Fintary**  
   - **Funding:** $2.5 million  
   - **Focus:** Automating finance and accounting workflows for insurers.

8. **Greenlite**  
   - **Funding:** $4.8 million  
   - **Focus:** Automating compliance processes for fintechs and banks.

9. **Iris Finance**  
   - **Funding:** $3.5 million  
   - **Focus:** AI-powered financial planning and analysis software for consumer-facing companies.

10. **Materia AI**  
    - **Funding:** $6.3 million  
    - **Focus:** Helping accountants automate their data organization.

11. **Nilus**  
    - **Funding:** $8.6 million  
    - **Focus:** AI-powered cash and treasury management platform.

12. **Noetica**  
    - **Funding:** $7.85 million  
    - **Focus:** AI platform for negotiating corporate debt agreements.

13. **Novella**  
    - **Funding:** $2.5 million  
    - **Focus:** AI-powered insurance wholesaler for excess and surplus insurance.

14. **Rogo**  
    - **Funding:** $26 million  
    - **Focus:** Generative AI assistant for investment banking.

15. **When**  
    - **Funding:** $7 million  
    - **Focus:** AI assistant for healthcare access post-employment.

These startups are leveraging **AI technology** to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive efficiency in various sectors of finance. As the landscape continues to evolve, these companies are positioned to lead the charge into the future of fintech.

Find out which AI-focused fintech startups are capturing VC attention, offering innovative solutions in finance.

Yazen Secures €19.5 Million in Series A Funding to Tackle Obesity with Ozempic

Summary:

Yazen's Major Funding Round

The Challenge of Obesity

What Sets Yazen Apart

Looking Ahead

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Other Latest News

Why Supporting Small Businesses is Crucial for Our Community's Future

Is Europe Ready to Create Its First Trillion-Dollar Tech Giant?

Unlocking Exponential Growth: 5 Genius Startup Strategies You Need to Know

From Nap Dress to Multi-Million Dollar Success: The Inspiring Journey of Hill House Home

Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs: Discover the Brown Mamas Marketplace This Small Business Saturday

Discover the Next Big Players: 15 AI-Driven Fintech Startups Capturing VC Attention

Other Latest News

Why Supporting Small Businesses is Crucial for Our Community's Future

Is Europe Ready to Create Its First Trillion-Dollar Tech Giant?

Unlocking Exponential Growth: 5 Genius Startup Strategies You Need to Know

From Nap Dress to Multi-Million Dollar Success: The Inspiring Journey of Hill House Home

Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs: Discover the Brown Mamas Marketplace This Small Business Saturday

Discover the Next Big Players: 15 AI-Driven Fintech Startups Capturing VC Attention