Jeeves Fintech Startup Valuation: $500M After Series B

Daily Crunch: September 3, 2021

For a daily digest of TechCrunch’s most significant stories, delivered directly to your inbox each day at 3 p.m. PDT, you can subscribe here.

Greetings, and welcome to Daily Crunch for September 3, 2021. As previously mentioned, the majority of the TechCrunch team is observing a day off. Consequently, today’s newsletter presents a slightly altered format compared to the usual.

Early-Stage Startup Landscape

Let's begin by discussing early-stage startups. This week, the TechCrunch team dedicated considerable time to compiling information on numerous startups showcased during Y Combinator’s extensive demo day. Our detailed notes encompass all presentations from both day one and day two.

Furthermore, we’ve identified our preferred startups in two separate selections, offering a streamlined experience for those who prefer to bypass the complete overview and focus on the key highlights.

Beyond the startup presentations, we also analyzed emerging trends within the cohort and engaged in a discussion on Twitter Spaces to share our observations. While Y Combinator represents a single accelerator program, its substantial cohort size warrants close attention to the trends highlighted by its participating startups.

Spotlight on TechCrunch Reporters

Now, let’s turn our attention to some excellent work from our newer TechCrunch reporters:

• Ryan Lawler, returning to TechCrunch, has been deeply involved in exploring the fintech sector. This includes an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of credit and debit cards within financial technology startups. His analysis of the contrasting strategies employed by Brex and Ramp proved particularly insightful.
• Kate Park has focused on Asian startups, recent regulatory shifts in South Korea impacting major smartphone manufacturers, and developments in Japan that could challenge Apple’s dominance over the App Store.
• Christine Hall has been diligently covering a wide range of startup funding rounds and product announcements. She also managed to provide coverage of the Zoom-Box news alongside her other responsibilities.
• Aria Alamalhodaei has excelled in the transportation sector, delivering comprehensive news coverage, including updates on the competitive space race. It’s worth noting that outcomes in this arena aren’t consistently positive for all involved companies.
• Carly Page began her tenure at TechCrunch by investigating cyberattacks targeting employees returning to the workplace. She has since authored numerous articles for TechCrunch, including recent reports concerning Chinese hacking activities targeting Uyghurs within the United States.

Upcoming Event: Disrupt

Don't forget that Disrupt is fast approaching. Ensure you secure your ticket. Being a virtual event, tickets are more affordable than in previous years, despite the event boasting what is potentially its most compelling content lineup to date. We are very enthusiastic about it!

With that said, let’s move into the weekend – a lengthy one in the United States – and prioritize rest. It has been a remarkable week both globally and within our startup-focused domain. I will be on leave for the entirety of next week, but I am confident in leaving Daily Crunch in the skilled hands of Greg Kumparak. — Alex

Leveraging Cohort Analysis for Enhanced Startup Expansion

For startups aiming to refine their understanding of customer interactions, cohort analysis represents a fundamental methodology. However, it’s a practice frequently overlooked by companies in their initial phases.

While segmenting users into distinct groups is a widespread tactic among startups, a thorough cohort analysis reveals valuable patterns and potential avenues for growth that emerging businesses can capitalize on.

Delaying the implementation of this crucial analysis until a senior marketing professional or consultant is onboarded is not advisable. Jonathan Metrick, the chief growth officer at Sagard & Portage Ventures, provides a detailed illustration of the benefits of this analytical approach in a guest contribution.

Should you require further clarification following this step-by-step guide, we invite you to participate in a Twitter Spaces discussion with Metrick on Tuesday, September 7, at 3 p.m. PDT/6 p.m. EDT. Follow @TechCrunch on Twitter for event specifics and a reminder.

Cohort analysis allows for the identification of key behavioral shifts.

Here’s how startups can benefit from implementing cohort analysis:

• Improved Customer Retention: Identify cohorts with low retention rates and investigate the reasons behind their churn.
• Optimized Marketing Spend: Determine which acquisition channels yield the most valuable cohorts.
• Enhanced Product Development: Understand how different cohorts interact with new features.
• Increased Revenue: Focus efforts on cohorts that demonstrate the highest lifetime value.

By proactively employing cohort analysis, startups can make data-driven decisions and accelerate their growth trajectory.

(Extra Crunch is a membership program designed to empower founders and startup teams. Registration is available here.)

TechCrunch Insights: Identifying Leading Growth Marketing Professionals

TechCrunch is dedicated to assisting startups in locating specialists who can effectively address their specific requirements.

Currently, we are compiling a curated list of the most accomplished growth marketers available.

Initiative to Connect Startups with Top Talent

Since the launch of our survey, a substantial number of recommendations for skilled growth marketers within the startup ecosystem have been submitted.

These recommendations are being carefully evaluated to ensure the highest quality of professionals are included.

• The goal is to provide startups with access to proven expertise.
• This initiative aims to streamline the process of finding qualified growth marketing support.

We anticipate receiving further valuable feedback as more responses are gathered.

Participation in the survey is encouraged; it can be accessed here.

Ongoing Collection of Expert Nominations

The survey remains open to gather a comprehensive understanding of the growth marketing landscape.

Continuous input will refine the selection process and ensure a robust list of qualified individuals.

Community Engagement

Danny Crichton and Mary Ann Azevedo will be hosting a discussion on Twitter Spaces with Jonathan Metrick.

This event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7, commencing at 3:00 PM PDT, which corresponds to 6:00 PM EDT.

Discussion Focus

The conversation will center around the topics of fintech and growth marketing strategies.

Attendees can expect insights into current trends and best practices within these fields.

Participation is encouraged, allowing for a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.

The session provides a valuable opportunity to learn from industry experts and network with peers.

Don't miss this chance to engage with thought leaders in the fintech space.