Navigating Fundraising and Growth in a Competitive Market 💰 | Justin Schoenfelder - E52

In this episode of Funds and Founders, we welcome back Justin, founder of Fantasy Elect, a cutting-edge political gaming startup. Justin dives into his journey over the past year, tackling fundraising challenges, optimizing user acquisition, and building a trust-driven remote team. Gain actionable insights on scaling a startup in the political arena and preparing for upcoming elections.

Learn how Justin:

• Navigated fundraising in a volatile market
• Tailored user acquisition for B2B and B2C
• Leveraged strategic partnerships and VC relationships
• Selected the best cities and events for growth
• Pivoted from fantasy sports to political engagement
• Fostered a remote team culture based on trust

Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction & Year in Review

2:50 - Fundraising Challenges

5:32 - Choosing the Right City

9:04 - Fundraising Lessons

12:47 - Cold Emailing Strategies

15:09 - Current Fundraising Focus

16:53 - Event Optimization

21:25 - Ecosystem Insights

22:29 - Pivoting Customer Acquisition

24:32 - Early Lessons

25:44 - First Three Months vs Now

29:45 - Importance of Marketing

34:09 - Continuous Marketing & Feedback

38:24 - Planning for Elections

42:41 - Engagement in Off-Cycles

46:04 - Exploring New Marketing Channels

49:12 - Time Management

55:09 - Team Culture & Trust

57:06 - Remote Work vs In-Person

59:04 - Future Plans & Insights

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