“Capital” is a channel of content and professional connections (or sphere) in the Yingfluence online community. We envision it being used by entrepreneurs and executives who want to scale their brands into new market segment, but need to financial resources and talent to succeed.
We selected Hungary’s “Chain Bridge” as a symbol for capital. Unlike working capital, which is used for bills and basic, cyclical expenses, growth capital is designed to provide resources to scale-up and out. Gary Miller notes, “Many entrepreneurs are skilled at starting and building small, successful companies. But growing a small company into a big one is very different, and in many ways a more difficult task, which is why raising growth capital is so important.” Miller is CEO of GEM in Denver.1
The Chain Bridge represents the importance of growth capital investment. The reign of the Austro-Hungarian empire lasted from 1830 to 1916, and was considered a pivotal time in the economic development of the European Continent, particularly after 1867. Medieval institutions and agrarian subsistence was transformed to industrialization and urbanization. Christopher Culpin asserts that the Austrian government attempted to alleviate inequality with economic development investment in infrastructure, education and the railroad industry. Banks were also encouraged to finance industrialization.2
In today’s world, governments, banks and investors continue to shape the efforts of entrepreneurs to transform our world. According to Crunchbase, 22,700 venture deals were struck in 2017, with a growing percentage of deal flow focusing on late stage and technology growth companies.3 Wired magazine reported that VCs are particularly keen on blockchain, artificial intelligence, neural network, machine learning, autonomous vehicles, digital first brands, mobile and voice-centric devices, and paid media (over digital advertising).4 The National Venture Capital Association tracks sectors where capital is invested. They have found that software continues to lead in investment, but other disruptive models almost doubled from 2016 to 2017, and healthcare, pharma and biotech are sectors receiving significant capital investment.5
More and more investment today is in intangible assets and business models, wherein the past was marked by tangible assets, with raw materials, manufacturing, inventory management, distribution, and transportation infrastructure. The Széchenyi Chain Bridge (Hungarian pronunciation: ˈseːt͡ʃeːɲi ˈlaːnt͡shiːd) spans the River Danube between Buda and Pest. Buda is on the western side, and Pest is on the eastern side. In 1849, when it was opened, the bridge was a symbol for the rise of the Austro-Hungarian empire, and was the first permanent bridge across the Danube in Hungary.
It represented the linkage between East and West, advancement, and a national awakening. It still holds the pride of an empire, reflecting Hungary’s great economic, social and cultural life of the past.
The bridge is adorned with cast iron lions, and symbolize strength, courage and leadership. At the time of its construction, it was regarded as one of the modern world's engineering wonders. It spans 1246 feet (380 meters) and is 52 feet (16 meters) wide. It was the longest bridge in Europe. Iron chains hang from two piers in classicist style, and hold the road. They plunge 157 feet (48 meters) into the Danube and are connected by large rivets that allow the chain to small movements, similar system to a chain bicycle.6
Expand your Sphere of Yingfluence among investors, especially as your business reaches a point where you need capital to grow.
Sources:
1. https://www.denverpost.com/2014/07/18/raising-capital-to-grow-your-business/
2. http://rb1austriahungary.weebly.com/conditions-in-austria-hungary-1870-1914.html
3. https://news.crunchbase.com/news/q4-2017-global-report-vc-sets-annual-records-back-strong-late-stage-results/
4. https://www.wired.com/story/where-vcs-will-invest-in-2018-blockchain-ai-voice-pets/
5. https://nvca.org/research/research-resources/
6. https://en.wikiarquitectura.com/building/chain-bridge/
Thank you for such a well written article. It’s full of insightful information and entertaining descriptions. Your point of view is the best among many. find out more