My predictions early stage startups in 2021

1/ Pre-seed will be the biggest opportunity in venture.

Everything has shifted up a stage, leaving a gap at pre-seed. It's the hardest stage for founders to raise, very few funds focus on it and it's rarely competitive.

2/ Founders will choose challenger funds over the large established funds.

These new models include: micro funds, rolling funds, syndicates, scouts. They will come into their own in 2021 as founders realize the unique operating expertise and networks these challengers bring.

3/ Investment rounds and venture funds will be closed without lawyers.

Early stage investing is becoming increasingly standardized, thanks to companies like @cartainc and @AngelList, which means fairer terms, rounds closed faster and founders don't have to slow down.

4/ The hot tech hubs will be online communities, not geographies.

We won't go back to the inefficiency of meeting in person to close a deal, sale or hire. And we'll gain the cross pollination of ideas across geographies and networks. The next Silicon Valley will be virtual.

5/ Brand will become the hot superpower in tech.

As we rely more on online channels for deals, hiring, sales, etc., online presence will matter more than ever before.

See my full list of predictions here. To a healthy and happy 2021! https://www.forbes.com/sites/marenbannon/2020/12/11/five-predictions-for-early-stage-startups-in-2021/?sh=7a2b611a392d