**Closinglock**, a startup focused on preventing real estate fraud, has successfully secured **$34 million** in funding. This significant investment aims to enhance their platform, which aims to provide secure transactions in the real estate sector. With the increasing prevalence of fraud in real estate, Closinglock's innovative solutions could be a game changer for both buyers and sellers. The funds will be used to expand their technology and reach a broader market, ensuring safer transactions for all stakeholders involved.

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Closinglock Raises $34M to Combat Real Estate Fraud - What You Need to Know!

**Exploring the Work Culture of French Entrepreneurs**

The discussion around the work ethic of French founders has gained traction, especially with the phrase **'Hustle dies at 6pm'** becoming a point of contention. This debate raises questions about whether French entrepreneurs are truly working hard enough compared to their global counterparts.

**The French Work-Life Balance**

France is known for its strong work-life balance, often prioritizing personal time over relentless work hours. This cultural norm can be seen as both a strength and a limitation in the fast-paced world of startups. While it promotes well-being, it may also hinder the aggressive growth strategies seen in other entrepreneurial ecosystems.

**Comparative Analysis with Global Startups**

In contrast to the **Silicon Valley hustle culture**, where long hours are often glorified, French founders might be perceived as less driven. However, many successful startups in France challenge this stereotype, demonstrating that quality can prevail over quantity in work hours.

**The Importance of Focus and Productivity**

Rather than emphasizing the number of hours worked, the French startup scene is increasingly focusing on **productivity and efficiency**. Founders are encouraged to maximize their output during working hours, leading to innovative approaches to business challenges.

**Key Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs**

- **Cultural Perspectives**: Understanding the local work culture is crucial for entrepreneurs operating in different regions.
- **Quality over Quantity**: Emphasizing productivity can lead to better outcomes than merely increasing work hours.
- **Global Comparisons**: Learning from different startup ecosystems can provide valuable insights for improving one’s own business strategies.

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Are French Founders Missing the Mark on Work Ethic? Insights from the 'Hustle Dies at 6pm' Debate

## The Rise of Fintech in Startup Finance

In today's dynamic financial landscape, **fintech** companies have emerged as key players, reshaping how startups approach funding and financial management. This surge in fintech adoption is not just a trend; it's a fundamental shift in how financial services are delivered.

### Fintech vs. Traditional Banks

While traditional banks have historically been the backbone of startup funding, they are now facing stiff competition from **fintech startups** that offer innovative solutions tailored to the needs of modern entrepreneurs. **Fintech companies** are leveraging technology to provide faster, more efficient, and often cheaper financial services.

### Key Innovations in Fintech

1. **Accessibility**: Fintech platforms have democratized access to financial resources, allowing startups to seek funding without the traditional barriers.
2. **Speed**: With streamlined processes, fintech solutions enable quicker loan approvals and financial transactions, which are critical for startups needing immediate capital.
3. **Customization**: Fintech services often provide tailored financial products that cater specifically to the unique needs of startups, unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of many banks.

### The Role of Traditional Banks

Despite the rise of fintech, traditional banks are not out of the picture. Many are adapting by incorporating **digital solutions** and forming partnerships with fintech companies. This hybrid approach aims to combine the reliability of traditional banking with the agility of fintech innovation.

### Conclusion

The landscape of startup finance is evolving, with **fintech** at the forefront. Traditional banks are adapting but must continue to innovate to remain relevant in this rapidly changing environment.

Tech in Asia (YC W15) is a media, events, and jobs platform for Asia's tech communities.

Why Fintech is Dominating Startup Finance While Traditional Banks Adapt

### A Bold New Player in RIA CRM

AdvisorCRM, launched recently in Nashville, aims to enter the saturated **RIA customer relationship management (CRM)** software market. This market has been dominated by established players like **Salesforce**, **Redtail**, **Junxure**, and **Wealthbox** since the launch of Schwab's Project C in 2010.

![Franklin Tsung: How is advisor CRM going to become actually credible?](https://ucarecdn.com/a66356b1-e1da-4b0d-92ca-7cdb9a79b851/-/crop/1119x1120/280,0/-/preview/)

While critics argue that entering this market may be futile due to saturation, **AdvisorCRM** founders **Ryan Borer** and **Leibel Sternbach** believe there is a niche for a simpler, advisor-centric CRM that meets the needs of scaling advisors. They emphasize that existing CRMs are either too generic or excessively complex and expensive, leaving a gap for their offering.

### Targeting the Underserved Market

Borer and Sternbach point to a **2023 Kitces study** showing that no other firm holds more than 5% market share, with Redtail at 26.9%, Wealthbox at 23.2%, and Salesforce at 17.3%. Their focus is on addressing the pain points of scaling advisors, providing them with the essential tools to manage their operations without the unnecessary features of larger platforms.

### The Free Model: A Double-Edged Sword

AdvisorCRM plans to attract users by offering its CRM for free to RIA's first 100 clients, with a subscription model kicking in after this initial phase. Monthly fees for firms exceeding this limit range from **$500 to $1,000**, depending on service levels. However, this free-then-upgrade approach raises concerns about maintaining margins and the perceived value of their product.

### Emphasizing Operations Over Sales

Unlike many competitors, AdvisorCRM does not market itself as a customizable solution for sales and marketing. Instead, it focuses on operational efficiency, providing pre-built workflows tailored for scaling advisors. The founders believe this targeted approach will resonate with firms looking to streamline their operations without the complexity of traditional CRM systems.

### Leveraging Artificial Intelligence

As part of its offerings, AdvisorCRM incorporates **AI** to enhance functionality, such as automating document processing and improving workflow efficiency. However, the founders caution that AI must be managed carefully to set proper user expectations.

### Aiming for Growth

Currently, AdvisorCRM is onboarding several hundred advisors and aims to reach **1,000 active users by the end of 2024**. The company has established connections with major RIA vendors, ensuring its platform can integrate seamlessly into existing workflows.

For more insights on AdvisorCRM and its potential impact on the RIA CRM landscape, continue reading.

AdvisorCRM is serving six RIAs and brings the old Junxure promise of design-by-RIA to market; and, for now, no VCs are calling the shots.

Can AdvisorCRM Disrupt the RIA CRM Market with a Free AI-Powered Solution?

### Reid Hoffman's New Venture
**Reid Hoffman**, co-founder of LinkedIn, became a billionaire when Microsoft acquired LinkedIn for **$26.2 billion** in 2016. He has also invested in over **80 tech startups**, including **Airbnb**, **Groupon**, and **Flickr**. Notably, he made **$111 million** from a **$37,500** investment in Facebook.

### Introducing Manas AI
Now, Hoffman is focusing on **AI in healthcare** with his new startup, **Manas AI**, launched alongside **Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee**. Their mission? To **accelerate drug discoveries** for aggressive cancers.

**Manas AI** aims to harness the expertise of top drug development scientists and combine it with advanced **AI systems** to discover how new drugs may interact with the human body more rapidly.

### Targeting Aggressive Cancers
Initially, the startup is focusing on aggressive cancers such as **breast cancer**, **prostate cancer**, and **lymphoma**. Its long-term vision is to transform the industry's approach to discovering and developing new medicines.

Hoffman emphasized the personal connection many have with cancer, stating, "If we can make a huge difference on this... AI can be great for humanity."

![Reid Hoffman](https://assets.entrepreneur.com/images/misc/1738619773_Reid-Hoffman-1833911986.jpg?width=1000)
*Reid Hoffman at The Midway SF on December 05, 2023. Photo by Kimberly White/Getty Images for WIRED*

### Funding and Operations
So far, **Manas AI** has raised **$24.6 million** in seed funding, led by Hoffman and **General Catalyst**. The AI systems will be operated in **Microsoft-owned data centers**.

### The Team Behind Manas AI
Dr. Mukherjee, a professor at Columbia University and author of *The Emperor of All Maladies*, previously co-founded **Vor BioPharma** and **Myeloid Therapeutics**. Together, he and Hoffman aim to bridge the gap between **AI** and **biotechnology**.

Hoffman describes his role as the "**AI guy**" while Mukherjee is the "**bio guy**", highlighting the need for collaboration between these two fields.

### The AI Healthcare Landscape
The **AI healthcare sector** saw significant investments in 2024, with **$10.5 billion** funneled into **511 healthcare AI deals**. Among these, cancer screening AI startup **Freenome** raised **$254 million** in February 2024, showing the growing interest and investment in this space.

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee are co-founders of a new biotech startup that uses AI to unlock speedier drug discoveries for aggressive cancers. 

Reid Hoffman and Dr. Mukherjee Launch Manas AI: A Game-Changer in Cancer Drug Discovery

### A Legacy in Venture Capital
**Charles Richard "Dick" Kramlich**, co-founder of the renowned VC firm **New Enterprise Associates (NEA)**, passed away at the age of 89. Known as a **godfather of modern venture capital**, Kramlich was one of the earliest investors in **Apple**, a move that significantly influenced the tech industry's landscape.

![Dick Kramlich](https://i.insider.com/67a11dcb7bb3f854015b8d22?width=700)
*Dick Kramlich, who cofounded NEA, was considered a pioneer of venture capital. Courtesy of NEA.*

### Early Contributions
Kramlich's vision and foresight allowed him to see the potential in emerging technologies, making him a key figure in the rise of venture capital as a major component of the tech economy. His investments not only yielded substantial returns but also helped to launch various successful companies.

### Impact on the Industry
His influence extends beyond financial gains; Kramlich's leadership and mentorship have inspired countless entrepreneurs and investors. His commitment to innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem is a testament to his legacy in the venture capital field.

Charles Richard "Dick" Kramlich, co-founder of VC firm New Enterprise Associates, was one of the earliest investors in Apple.

Remembering Richard Kramlich: The Pioneer Who Shaped Modern Venture Capital

### Roboforce: Revolutionizing Manual Labor with AI Robots

AI robotics startup **Roboforce** has successfully raised **$10 million** to expand its team and enhance robot development. The funding round was led by renowned economist **Myron Scholes**.  

![Roboforce Pitch Deck](https://i.insider.com/679cffd0eb4be2fff9a3183a?width=700)  
*The title page for Roboforce's investor deck, featuring a graphic of its robot labor provider.*  

### The Vision Behind Roboforce
Roboforce is focused on creating **AI-powered robots** that can perform manual labor tasks efficiently. Their innovative approach not only aims to improve productivity but also addresses labor shortages in various industries.  

### Funding Details
The recent funding will primarily be used to:  
- Scale the **development team**  
- Advance **robot technology**  
- Expand their operational **capabilities**  

### Expert Leadership
The backing of **Myron Scholes**, a prominent figure in the economic and financial sectors, signals strong confidence in Roboforce's business model and future prospects.  

### Conclusion
Roboforce's successful pitch deck and the expertise of its leadership team have positioned it as a key player in the **robotics industry**. Investors are optimistic about the potential for growth and innovation in AI-driven manual labor solutions.

AI robotics startup Roboforce secured $10 million to scale its team and robot development, with funding led by economist Myron Scholes.

How Roboforce Secured $10 Million: Inside Their Winning Pitch Deck

### Tandem Secures $6.1M in Funding

Tandem, a startup focused on **office sharing**, has successfully raised **$6.1 million** in its latest funding round. This investment highlights the growing trend of flexible workspace solutions in the post-pandemic world.

The funding will be utilized to enhance their platform, making it easier for businesses to find and share office spaces as needed. With remote work becoming a norm, **Tandem** aims to bridge the gap between traditional office environments and the needs of modern companies.

![Tandem Office Sharing](https://www.axios.com/favicon.ico)

This latest round of funding underscores the potential for **collaborative workspaces** and the demand for more adaptable office solutions. As companies continue to navigate the challenges of hybrid work models, Tandem is positioned to play a pivotal role in the future of workspaces.

Closinglock Raises $34M to Combat Real Estate Fraud - What You Need to Know!

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Other Latest News

Are French Founders Missing the Mark on Work Ethic? Insights from the 'Hustle Dies at 6pm' Debate

Why Fintech is Dominating Startup Finance While Traditional Banks Adapt

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Reid Hoffman and Dr. Mukherjee Launch Manas AI: A Game-Changer in Cancer Drug Discovery

Remembering Richard Kramlich: The Pioneer Who Shaped Modern Venture Capital

How Roboforce Secured $10 Million: Inside Their Winning Pitch Deck

Tandem's Innovative Office Sharing Model Secures $6.1M Funding!

Other Latest News

Are French Founders Missing the Mark on Work Ethic? Insights from the 'Hustle Dies at 6pm' Debate

Why Fintech is Dominating Startup Finance While Traditional Banks Adapt

Can AdvisorCRM Disrupt the RIA CRM Market with a Free AI-Powered Solution?

Reid Hoffman and Dr. Mukherjee Launch Manas AI: A Game-Changer in Cancer Drug Discovery

Remembering Richard Kramlich: The Pioneer Who Shaped Modern Venture Capital

How Roboforce Secured $10 Million: Inside Their Winning Pitch Deck

Tandem's Innovative Office Sharing Model Secures $6.1M Funding!