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Devin: What is your superpower?
Ralf: in a nutshell, it is a combination of my passion and experience.
In today's episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ralf Mandt, President and co-founder of NextPitch.tv. Ralf's innovative approach to equity crowdfunding is reshaping how we think about and engage with investment opportunities.
Ralf's journey into equity crowdfunding began with his fascination for "Shark Tank" and the potential of crowdfunding to democratize investment. "When Howard Marks of StartEngine told me about equity crowdfunding in 2015, it was like a light bulb went off," Ralf shared. "I realized you could raise funding from the crowd, not just accredited investors, which was a game-changer."
This realization led Ralf to develop NextPitch.tv, an interactive platform where viewers can engage with crowdfunding campaigns in real-time, much like "Shark Tank," but with a crucial difference. "Unlike 'Shark Tank,' you can actually invest in the campaigns you see," Ralf explained. "It's about creating a dynamic where the viewers can build their own portfolios and rate campaigns themselves."
One of the most compelling aspects of NextPitch.tv is its ability to aggregate campaigns from various platforms, allowing users to explore a wide array of innovative projects. Ralf emphasized, "The important part is not the platform; the important part is the innovation of the campaigns."
Ralf's vision extends beyond just showcasing campaigns. He aims to create a sense of urgency and excitement around these opportunities. "If we can build a big enough audience, it creates a dynamic where there are only a limited number of opportunities, and if you want to invest, you better grab it while you can," Ralf said, drawing an apt metaphor with a pizza being quickly consumed.
This interactive and participatory model not only democratizes investment but also leverages the collective wisdom of the crowd. "The crowd has a remarkable ability to do due diligence. Everyone scrutinizes it in a different way, creating a comprehensive evaluation of the opportunities," Ralf noted.
As we discussed the future of equity crowdfunding, Ralf's optimism was palpable. He sees the industry not just growing but fundamentally changing the landscape of small business finance. "Crowdfunding could occupy a majority of the small business finance space, making it literally hundreds of times bigger than it is today," he agreed.
NextPitch.tv is not just a platform; it’s a movement towards making equity crowdfunding accessible and exciting for everyone. Ralf's innovative approach and passion for this space are truly inspiring, and I look forward to seeing how NextPitch.tv will shape the future of investment.
tl;dr:
1. Ralf Mandt is developing an innovative platform, NextPitch.tv, which aims to integrate the excitement of shows like Shark Tank with the interactive nature of equity crowdfunding, allowing viewers to invest directly in startup campaigns they find compelling.
2. Ralf's experience spans over 12 startups, highlighting his passion for entrepreneurship and his keen interest in digital solutions to scale businesses, such as transitioning from traditional inventory-heavy businesses to tech-driven models.
3. Despite early setbacks, including a cannabis-related crowdfunding campaign that was halted, Ralf's persistence in the equity crowdfunding space underscores his belief in its potential to democratize investment opportunities for startups beyond the traditional venture capital route.
4. NextPitch.tv seeks to showcase innovative equity crowdfunding campaigns in a user-friendly format where audiences can build custom portfolios and contribute to their favorites, focusing on the innovation of campaigns rather than the platforms that host them.
5. With the growth of equity crowdfunding showing significant potential, Ralf is actively seeking support through a "Test the Waters" campaign on Wefunder, aiming to aggregate sufficient interest to launch a full-scale Reg CF campaign and further solidify NextPitch.tv's place in the industry.
How to Develop Passion and Experience As a Superpower
Ralf’s superpower is the potent combination of his deep passion for startups and his extensive experience in entrepreneurship. This blend fuels his ability to navigate the complexities of launching new ventures, particularly in the equity crowdfunding space, and to mentor others through the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship.
Ralf exemplified his superpower during his work with Alpha Biz, a company that aimed to create a marketplace for small businesses to sell their ventures. Leveraging his passion for startups and his technical expertise, Ralf helped develop a software solution that provided early traction for the company. This experience underscores how his passion and experience work together to drive success in innovative projects.
Tips for Developing Passion and Experience:
1. Pursue What Excites You: Find areas that genuinely ignite your interest and enthusiasm. This passion will sustain you through the inevitable ups and downs.
2. Embrace Continuous Learning: Accumulate practical experience by engaging in various entrepreneurial ventures. Learn from each success and failure.
3. Identify Genuine Needs: Focus on real market needs and strive to meet them with innovative solutions.
4. Be Resilient: Prepare for the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.
5. Adapt and Evolve: Recognize that different stages of a startup require different skills. Be willing to grow and adapt as your venture scales.
6. Network and Seek Mentorship: Connect with other entrepreneurs and mentors who can offer guidance and share their experiences.
By following Ralf Mandt’s example and advice, you can make passion and experience a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.
Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!
Guest Profile
Ralf Mandt (he/him):
President, NextPitch.tv
About NextPitch.tv: Shark Tank for everyone. NextPitch showcases the most innovative live equity crowdfunding campaigns for the verdict of the crowd.
Website: nextpitch.tv
Company Facebook Page: fb.com/NextPitchtv-102605085814032
Other URL: wefunder.com/nextpitchtv.3
Biographical Information: There is nothing quite like the thrill of creating something out of nothing. The challenge of turning a vision into reality. That is why I am a serial entrepreneur with more than 12 startups under my belt.
An overview of some of my companies and projects can be seen at www.iapprentice.com
X/Twitter Handle: @MandtRalf
Instagram Handle: @ralfmandt2020
Upcoming SuperCrowd Event Calendar
If a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.
SuperCrowdChicago, June 12, 2024. This in-person event at Columbia College Chicago features some of Chicago’s prominent citizens and community leaders, along with crowdfunding experts. Use the discount code “SuperCrowd” to save 50 percent! Watch the recording here!
Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on June 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, you must first become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.
SuperCrowdHour, June 19, 2024, at 1:00 Eastern. Each month, we host a value-laden webinar for aspiring impact investors or social entrepreneurs. At this month’s webinar, Angela Barbash of Revalue will share insights about moving money from Wall Street to Main Street. Register here.
Superpowers for Good Live Pitch, June 26, 2024, at 9:00 PM Eastern. We’ll host a live pitch right here on Superpowers for Good. If you would like to be one of the companies pitching, apply here.
Recently, we created an AI GPT to help you learn more about The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, and our upcoming events. Click here to try it.
Community Event Calendar
Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events
The Reg A & Crowdfunding Conference, June 20, Westchester Country Club (Save 20% with the code Super20). We have a few free tickets; let us know if you want one.
How Small Businesses Can Raise Capital from the Crowd, Thursday, July 11, 1 – 2 pm ET: Explore transforming your community connections into capital to start or grow a small business through regulated investment crowdfunding. Learn more about how this type of crowdfunding works and the benefits and challenges of raising capital from the crowd. About our Presenter: Author and journalist Devin Thorpe has over 25 years in finance and a rich background as a former CFO and investment banking firm founder. He’s also a champion for social good, publishing his Superpowers for Good newsletter and show.
Crowdfunding Professional Association, Summit in DC, October 22-23
If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 6,000+ members of the SuperCrowd, click here.
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Revolutionizing Investment Crowdfunding: Ralf Mandt's Vision for Interactive Investment