Imagination vs Reality
"We suffer more in imagination than in reality." -Seneca
Source of motivation
“The three grand essentials of happiness are: Something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for.”
Often attributed to 18th-century philosopher Immanuel Kant, the source of this quote is unclear. Some suggest it may actually be from 19th-century Scottish writer Alexander Chalmers.
I've selected five early-stage startups that are worth keeping an eye on. I find them interesting and thought you might too.
Startup Discovery Digest
Naq Cyber supports SMEs in heavily regulated sectors like Health and Finance by automating 80% of required compliance work, transforming it into a competitive edge. It provides a unified solution that readies clients for 100% audits via a fully automated platform, handles due diligence requirements, and ensures a secure environment for data, all through a single, user-friendly interface. (Seed, Netherlands / UK)
Akiba Digital offers credit scoring solutions, using alternative data, for lenders challenged by borrowers without traditional credit history. Their SaaS platform integrates with various data sources for real-time risk assessment and features modules for customer onboarding and fraud checks. Distribution is achieved through reseller partnerships with credit bureaus and direct bank sales (Seed, South Africa)
Vama is an app providing digital religious services in India, offering astrology consultations, virtual Hindu rituals, and spiritual items. It monetizes through service fees and partnerships with temples and astrologers. (Seed, India)
Mindwayvr offers a VR wellbeing platform that provides engaging and immersive experiences in categories such as meditation and sleep aids. They operate primarily in the healthcare sector, with plans to expand into corporate wellness and medical fields. Currently available on indie and Meta-run stores, Mindway also has plans to improve discoverability and establish recurring revenue through entry into the main Quest Store. (Pre-seed, Turkey)
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Startup Spotlight
Betterleave: Comprehensive Bereavement Support
In today's fast-paced and demanding work environment, employees often face personal challenges that can impact their well-being and productivity. One such challenge is grief and loss, which can have a significant impact on individuals both personally and professionally. Recognizing this void in support, the team behind Betterleave has developed a comprehensive platform designed to provide continuous support during bereavement, revolutionizing the way organizations address this crucial aspect of employee well-being.
Addressing the Need for Support Betterleave's founders have a personal understanding of the pain and difficulties individuals face when dealing with grief and loss. They observed that many employees dealing with these issues often take permanent sick leave or even resign from their jobs. This observation led to the identification of a critical problem: the lack of support for employees navigating grief and loss in the workplace.
Betterleave offers a unique platform tailored to address the needs of individuals during the bereavement process. Their comprehensive suite of services can be accessed digitally, providing continuous support throughout the journey. The platform encompasses a range of services, including grief counseling, coaching, spiritual guidance, meditation, mindfulness, support groups, and one-on-one care with specialists.
The Team behind Betterleave Betterleave is backed by a strong team with relevant experience in the industry. Led by Co-Founder and CEO, Cara McCarty Abbott, who brings valuable expertise from her previous roles as VP of People at Cognite and Co-Founder/CPO at Code Pilot, the team is driven by their personal connection to the mission of providing support for grief and loss. Additionally, the team includes a Vice President of Clinical Operations, Brittany Whallen, who brings extensive experience in the field of social work and grief counseling..
Betterleave's comprehensive platform and team of experienced professionals are poised to make a significant impact in the realm of bereavement support for the workplace. By addressing the lack of comprehensive support for grief and loss, they empower individuals to navigate this challenging journey while remaining productive and engaged at work. With their unique approach, Betterleave has the potential to revolutionize how organizations address the emotional well-being of their employees, contributing to a more compassionate and supportive work environment.
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