Business

Insight is a Resource: Why Sean Brown Likes Investing in Experts

Published

4 years ago

April 27, 2020

Early-stage investing can be, for lack of a better word, tricky. As founder and CEO of investment firm GO VC and a serial business-starter himself, Sean Brown has been on both sides of the boardroom table during pitch meetings. And he’s built a 15-year investment career by seeing through the tricks and buzzy pitches. We connected with Sean Brown to find out what startup owners raising capital should know about the process from an investor’s perspective.

1. What are the main criteria for you to consider when investing in an early-stage company?

Investors need to balance a long-term vision of an idea or business’s potential with the short-term needs and risks that could prevent success. Sean Brown has found that two criteria have led to the most effective investments for GO VC. “First, my team and I need to be able to connect with the founders. If we don’t feel a certain level of synergy early on, it probably isn’t going to work later either,” Brown said. “And although every startup pitches some kind of solution, we prefer projects that create value by helping people, because those ideas tend to resonate more.”

2. What’s the biggest mistake you made and the most important lesson you learned since you started investing?

Obviously, no investor hits a home run on every startup. But sometimes ventures that don’t pan out are more valuable in the long run because of the lessons they teach. This, Brown says, was an important lesson in itself. “In some of my early investments, the companies I worked with bit off more than they could chew, and I didn’t recognize that early enough,” Brown said. “One of the keys for GO VC has been supporting and staying involved with our startup partners, because applied expertise is a critical resource just like capital.”

3. What types of startups do you prefer to invest in?

Sean Brown and GO VC’s early investments were in the tech startup space, funding marketing, software, and other online-based companies. But that was due in part to Brown’s own experience in those fields, and the firm’s scope expanded organically as new opportunities appeared in other markets. “We prefer small, agile companies, and founders that are devoted and passionate about their projects,” Brown said. “I wouldn’t describe GO VC as a tech investor, especially now — we’ve evolved, and we’re working with businesses in a lot of different verticals.”

4. In your view, what value can startup accelerators add, and why?

Accelerators and business incubators can provide capital and development support for startups that are struggling to grow on their own. But the greatest benefit of those organizations is usually more personal, Brown said. “Accelerators are valuable, and for more than just funding,” Brown said. “We have our own incubation program at GO VC, and the most effective results from that have come from connecting people and building relationships. Other accelerators would probably say the same.”

5. What should startups think about before contacting a VC? What kind of questions impress you?

Entrepreneurs and new business owners who decide to raise capital may initially find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Common knowledge suggests presenting a transparent financial picture and realistic projections for growth. Brown recommends these steps too, but also points out that proving your industry expertise is an underrated aspect of getting an investor’s attention. “It’s always more satisfying to talk to people who know what they’re talking about, right? And not just in pitch meetings,” Brown said. “If someone can explain why a product or idea will succeed and not just how it works, it’s much more impressive, and the potential for growth is exponentially higher.

Business

September Joy: HomeCare Bosses United®’s Second CareGrowth AI™ Workshop

Published

4 days ago

September 4, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Sue and Enock Denis, co-founders of HomeCare Bosses United®, are the top industry-leading pair in the non-medical homecare space. Sue Denis began her journey after leaving the nursing world and jumping with both feet into the homecare industry by founding her own homecare agency. Next, she taught those in her local community and online how to do the same in a private Facebook group she created for the purpose. Now, that group has over 13k members.

She and Enock’s latest venture — the CareGrowth AI™ software developed specifically for homecare agencies — is but the next step in their transformative, inspiring journey, heralding a new era for homecare agencies by turning them into Intelligent HomeCare Agencies™. After their very successful launch event, the Systemize to Scale With AI Workshop, Sue and Enock are back with an encore for those who missed the first one — or those who want more HomeCare Boss magic!

The 2nd Launch Event: Systemize to Scale With AI Workshop

Scheduled from September 8-12, 2024, at 8 PM EST each day, the Systemize to Scale With AI Encore will introduce CareGrowth AI™ to the next wave of attendees. The five-day virtual event revolutionizes how homecare agencies operate, offering insights and tools to streamline operations, reduce errors, and enhance efficiency.

“We’re not just offering another software; we’re helping agencies transform into Intelligent Homecare Agencies,” Enock explains. “With AI, these agencies can become more efficient, productive, and ultimately more profitable.”

So true. Intelligent Homecare Agencies™ that implement the software harness the power of AI to elevate their operations, making them more efficient, productive, and capable of delivering higher quality care and achieving greater profitability.

A Community-Centric Approach

With nearly 13,000 members in their private Facebook group, HomeCare Bosses United® has created a robust community of homecare professionals. Its supportive network is a cornerstone of the organization, offering courses, consulting, and a thriving online space where members can share experiences and learn from one another.

“Community is the backbone of our success,” Sue shares. “It’s incredible to see agency owners support each other and grow together.”

Core Values Driving Success

At the heart of HomeCare Bosses United® lies a set of core values: Empowerment, innovation, community, integrity, excellence, and faith. These principles guide their mission and shape their approach to business, ensuring that each agency owner feels equipped to navigate the industry’s challenges.

“Empowerment is key,” says Sue. “We want agency owners to feel confident and capable, knowing they have the power to succeed.”

Innovation is another critical aspect of their work. With the launch of CareGrowth AI™, the Denises are setting new standards in the industry, paving the way for homecare agencies to become part of the Intelligent Homecare Agency™ category.

“With CareGrowth AI, we’re keeping up with the AI revolution… by leading it!” Enock emphasizes.

Integrity and Faith: The Foundation

Honesty, transparency, and ethical practices are fundamental to HomeCare Bosses United®’s business model. Enock and Sue’s commitment to integrity ensures that clients receive honest and transparent guidance, fostering trust and reliability.

Their faith also plays a pivotal role in their business philosophy.

“Our faith is at the center of our business,” Enock says. “It guides us and gives us strength, helping us make a positive impact in the lives of others.”

Looking Ahead

As HomeCare Bosses United® continues to grow, their mission remains steadfast: To help homecare agency owners thrive. Through their comprehensive support platform, they provide the tools, knowledge, and community needed to start, grow, and scale homecare businesses.

The upcoming Systemize to Scale With AI Encore is an opportunity for homecare professionals to join this journey and embrace the future of the industry. Registration is available at https://CareGrowthAI.com for just $37, including access to the live workshop and the exclusive HomeCare Bosses United® community.

About HomeCare Bosses United®

HomeCare Bosses United® helps you grow your homecare agency, impact the world, and live life on your terms. Co-founded by Enock and Sue Denis, the company offers courses, consulting, and live events for homecare agency owners at every stage of their journey. Their mission is to simplify the process of starting, growing, and scaling homecare agencies, providing the tools and support needed for success, including their revolutionary CareGrowth AI™ solution. For more information, visit: https://CareGrowth AI.com and https://homecarebossesunited.com