Thinking Smarts

I help Startups from fundraising to scaling. I raised over $300M from top-tier Funds and expanded their operations into more than 30 countries—unfair advantages in sales, Strategy, and International Expansion.

Founder

Valmont Industries, Inc.

Solar Energy Director 

ENCO - Partner & Advisor to the CEO

Partner & Strategy Advisor to the CEO of a multinational Solar Energy IPP and a leading African Operator of Electricity concessions as well as PPA-backed Assets.
- Recruited Sales, Business Development, Finance & Operations
- Trained and developed new sales team associates in products, selling techniques and company procedures.
- Implemented up-selling strategies such as recommending accessories and complementary purchases to boost revenue.
HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS

- Achieved 5x Growth in Revenues
- Expanded Companies operations to 4 new markets

Advisor to CEO

Arctech

HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Grew customer base by over 200%.
- Led the contract negotiation with a major utility.
- Leveraged existing contacts and relationships, increasing our pipeline 10x in under 3 quarters with global players in the EPC, IPP, and Utility segments.
- Designed, led, implemented a new process for Customer Vendor Qualification, coordinating different departments, reducing our lead time.
- Grew our new vendor qualifications by 160%
- Developed, improved, and implemented a new Sales process decreasing our response time from RFQ-Bid significantly.

Head of the European Business Unit

POZESS - User Curated Social Shopping Marketplace for Fashion Built On Blockchain

- Shareholder & Co-founder with a focus on reshaping our business model to improve traction and actively raising a round of Venture Capital.
- Our Goal: Taking Pozess from an unproven Internet Startup operation to a company with significant traction and a validated business model.
HIGHLIGHTED ACHIEVEMENTS
- Created the Vision of the Company and its Strategic Plan.
- Secured funding for the Growth Stage of the Business

Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer

LynxBuy. Virtual Social Commerce

- Designed a completely new Business model focusing on customer Acquisition metrics both costs and numbers
- Mentored the founders about the world of Internet Technology Funding and the drivers of VC investment decisions
- Mentoring and coaching in areas like pitching, negotiations of term sheets

Senior Strategic Financial Advisor

SFC Business Partners - Sustainable Future Consultancy

Strategic and Financial Boutique Consultancy offering services to the Solar Energy Sector companies both National and International

- Providing strategic, tactical advice, assisting in organizing and obtaining financing for project development as well as equity investments from both private sector and public sector financial institutions. 
- Fund management for PPP projects and BOT projects 
- Specific service for the establishment of Public-Private Partnerships including industrial investments

                                                  Other Achievements & Activities

- Advised clients on the Go to market international expansion.
- Assisted clients in structuring finance for both large scales PV Projects to distributed Generation Projects 
- Project Finance, Infrastructure Finance, Construction loans, amongst others.

Founding Partner - Managing Director

Solfocus Inc

- Promoted to Managing Director after less than 14 months for exceeding Management’s expectations Sales & Gross margin targets by 2x
- Designed a full turnaround strategy, successfully implementing it in 6 months
- Sales accounted for 3x OPEX
- Developed short and long-term sales strategies to gain market share, uncover new sales opportunities and increase revenue

Managing Director Solfocus EMEA

ISOFOTON

- Promoted to Deputy Managing Director after less than 24 months.
- Built & grew the International Department, setting 8 fully owned subsidiaries & 2 factories (US & China)
- Directed a Global team of 120 people with 10 Direct Reports over several geographies.
- Full International P&L Responsability
- Member of the companies Leadership team
- Board member of the Strategic International Business Units

Deputy Managing Director - International Division

IBADESA EXPORTACIONES Y SERVICIOS SA

About IBADESA

IBADESA GROUP is a construction & Engineering Company with a focus on the Health & Education sectors. Other verticals are the trading of commodities and acting as advisors to large International groups 


- I started managing International Construction & Engineering Projects in the Health and Education Sectors.
- Within 6 months was promoted to Africa Area Manager undertaking client relations (Public & Private Sector) interacting and leading relationships at Director, Ministerial & Presidential Level  
- Managed the commercial relationships with third-party companies acting as their in-country strategic advisors.
- Managed the trading of commodities, mainly coffee and Cocoa
- During this period the company obtained revenues exceeding $145M million duplicating its turnover.
- I was responsible for the preparation of the financial packages (Export Credits such as CESCE, FAD, OECD, commercial credits, and private financing). 
- I also managed the legal and financial aspects of the bidding processes.

Africa Area Manager

I built 3 Tech US Startups, raising over $40M in Venture Capital | I will develop your Fundraising Strategy | See mas as your Virtual Co-Founder

TL;DR

Hi, I'm Christian. Thanks for checking out my profile. I help startups with everything from fundraising to scaling. I have raised over $300M from top-tier Funds. Let's e-meet to explore opportunities.

Strengths: Sales, Strategy, and International Expansion. 

I value your time, so I will start with How I can help you.

HOW I CAN HELP

→ Pitch Deck Design: Craft an engaging, persuasive, story-driven narrative that attracts investors.

→ Fundraising Strategy: Develop both the Strategy and Tactical detailed action plans.

→ Startup Brand Storytelling: Create a Strong Narrative Content Strategy

→ Market Expansion: Assist startups in successfully scaling and entering new international markets.

WHAT I'VE DONE.

I am a Seasoned International Executive with over 25 years of exceptional Management experience in the growth of medium-sized B2B Companies. 

RESULTS

→ Sales: Generated more than $450M in Revenues

→ International Expansion: Planned and implemented strategies, entering over 30 markets

→ Entrepreneur: I co-founded two technology startups

→ Fundraising: Pitched to over 300 investors, raising over $300 million.

Thanks for taking the time to read. I am humbled.

Kind regards,

Christian

Think you're STARTUP LEADER material? This revealing quiz might just surprise you!" 
 
"The Definitive Startup CEO Traits Showdown: 'Strongly Disagree' or 'Strongly Agree', let's see your TRUE METTLE..." 
 
Startup CEO Traits Quiz 
 
This quiz is designed to help aspiring founders determine whether they possess the traits necessary to be successful startup CEOs.  
 
Each question is followed by a scale from 1 to 5, where one means 'Strongly Disagree' and five means 'Strongly Agree.' 
 
1. **Adaptability** 
I am comfortable with frequent changes and can quickly adapt to new situations. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
2. **Purpose-Driven** 
I have a clear sense of purpose and am passionate about my startup's mission. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
3. **Resilience** 
I can handle stress and recover quickly from setbacks or failures. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
4. **Leadership** 
I am confident in my ability to lead and inspire others. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
5. **Decision-Making** 
I am comfortable making tough decisions, even with limited information. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️ 3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
6. **Risk-Taking** 
I am willing to take calculated risks to achieve my goals. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
7. **Visionary Thinking** 
 
I can create and communicate a compelling vision for my startup's future. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
8. **Problem-Solving** 
I enjoy finding solutions to complex problems and am persistent in overcoming obstacles. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
9. **Networking** 
I am proactive in building and maintaining relationships that can help my startup succeed. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
10. **Time Management** 
I can effectively prioritize tasks and manage my time to maximize productivity. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
11. **Decisiveness** 
 
 
I make decisions confidently and swiftly, without second-guessing. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
 
12. **Communication Skills** 
I am effective at communicating my ideas and plans clearly to others. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
13. **Public Speaking** 
I am comfortable speaking in front of groups and can engage an audience effectively. 
1 ⬜️  2 ⬜️  3 ⬜️  4 ⬜️  5 ⬜️ 
 
 
Scoring 
Add up the scores for each question: 
• **52-65**: You have strong traits that align with being a successful startup CEO. 
• **39-51**: You have many necessary traits but may need to develop a few more. 
• **26-38**: You need some traits but must work on several areas. 
• **13-25**: You may struggle with some essential traits necessary for a startup CEO. Consider seeking mentorship or training to develop these skills. 
 
Could you let me know what you scored? Repost if you scored >45

Christian Herrero Daucik

I Read Bob Marley's quote, and it meant nothing. When I read the quote, it didn't relate much. But when I was hit by adversity…. Let me share it


 
**Definition of Adversity**

👉 Overwhelming Challenge 👉 Serious Pain 👉 No light just, darkness

**But how do we view Adversity? **

 
→ Adversity = Pain. → It is not a welcome word. → A curse misfortune
→ Adversity is part of life → Accept it → Adversity knocks on all doors
→ Ask: Who has never had adversity ever → Not many, my best guess.


**I, like most, do not like Adversity, → But all my perspective changed**


→ I have accepted it as part of life → And I can say that it brings light.
→ I think we can reframe Adversity → We can  change by letting it go
→ Overcoming Adversity is hard → But it can be overcome → I think
→ Struggles build strength → Builds resilience  →    winning Adversity

**Why We Resist Adversity**
→ Fear of the unknown.
→ End of certainty, high stakes.
→ Lack of skills to handle change.
→ Perceived loss of power and failure.
→ Comfort with the familiar (certainty).
→ Leads to negative thinking and team isolation.
→ Constant challenges and fast-changing situations.
Leaders may need to be convinced of their mission and abilities

**By overcoming Adversity, you: **

→ Gain Confidence → The low self-esteem sucks but. You regain your →confidence. You build strong core values → It takes courage to fight
→ Adversity. You become wiser and more powerful.


Let me share how Adversity affected me and what helped me.

→ Diagnosed with clinical depression. .
→ I suffered acute anxiety attacks.
→ I had a very low self-esteem.

But I never missed a day at work.

NOW
 
→ I accept my shortcomings.
→ I embrace uncertainty
→ I know myself better.

My hacks

👉 Journaling. 👉 Active Listening 👉 Self-Reflection: 👉 Discipline and Routine.
 


→ Small wins over big wins always → For me


 P.S. Repost this ♻️ Someone out there might use it!

How to gain thousands of early adopters without an MVP or product



“Build, and they will come is not a strategy; it’s a prayer.” - Steve Blank

Can it be done?

→ Many startups fail by building an MVP first. 
→ They don’t understand their customers. 
→ This wastes time and resources.
 


→ Steve Blank’s Customer Development Model:
→ Learn Before Building:
→ This saves time and money.

→ Engaging with customers early can prevent this.
→ Validate Early: Test your ideas with real customers. 
→ Spend less and learn more.

Dropbox's Success:

→ Dropbox made a video about their service. 
→ They got 5,000 subscribers.
→ Use Feedback: They improved their product based on user feedback. 

→ A second video got 75,000 subscribers in one day.
→ Iterate: They listened to users and refined their product. 
→ Offering free storage helped them grow from 100,000 to 4 million users in 15 months.

Conclusion: Use Steve Blank’s model to save money and build what customers want. 

Engage early → learn, → succeed.

P.S. What's the best quote/advice you've ever heard?

One last thing: Happy 4th of July 🇺🇸

After more than 90 VC Pitching,  the last ten...

Were passable, so now I can share some tips and advice I learned.

Practice, practice, and more practice
Remember, you are not the protagonist the audience is.
Watch how professionals present, like TEDx talks.

Seek feedback; evolve through constructive criticism.
Utilize visuals; pictures paint memorable narratives.
Project voice: project, modulate, command attention

Practice relentlessly; refine, conquer, inspire.
You should know your audience, engage, and resonate.
Embody confidence; posture powers persuasion.

Ditch filler words; speak with precision and impact.
Silence speaks; the master pauses to control the set.
Craft compelling Stories; stories stick, stats slip.

But you can check out the carousels with more tips that might help you.

P.S. What is your favorite tip?

Public Speaking Tips from the Pro's

This is the story of a shy Spanish boy who, over decades, became the wealthiest man in the world…Do you know who he is?

→ Let me tell you, his story.
→ Our protagonist was born in 1936
→ The Spanish Civil War had started.

→ His family, like many, were poor and suffered hunger.
→ One day, the grocer refused to give his mother more credit.
→ The shy 14-year-old clenched his teeth, holding back the tears.

→ He decided to leave school and worked in a workhouse
→ He wanted to help feed the family
→ At 16, he was promoted to clerk.

→ He worked from dusk till dawn.
→ It was evident his core traits were patience and vision
→ In 1963, he opened his first workshop

→ Ten years later he set up a holding company for his growing business
→ The 1990s were years of international expansion
→ 400 shops globally

→ He was always shy and liked simple things
→ Until the year 2000, no one knew him.
→ But for the IPO, he had to be photographed

→ Like an oak tree, his success took years to cultivate.
→ He started with deep roots, nurturing them with his values and work ethic.
→ Like the oak tree, his empire was built to last, enduring the test of time.

→ Then, his boldest move.
→ At 74, he resigned as CEO
→ He named a young 42-year-old CEO

→ He was contemptuous of being with his family.
→ Forbes named him the wealthiest man in the world.
→ A $72B empire.

✌️His legacy is the invention of Fast Fashion.✌️

→ Ring any bells.
→ By his name, you may not know him Amancio Ortega
→ But his shops are legendary.

His story concerns the human spirit's indomitable will to rise above challenges and create a legacy.

Check out the largest Zara store on Fifth Avenue in the Carousel.

(Repost this ♻️ for others in your network, please)

Zara Store in 5th Avenue and Founder Amancio Ortega

Told any good stories lately?......No? Well, you might want to start ……Here is why


STORIES

→ They alter our brains.
→ Stories are recognizable patterns.
→ They can change the way we think and act.
→ Your brain is wired to recognize patterns of information
→ Stories are one of the most unifying elements of mankind
→ We see ourselves in them, and they become personal to us
→ When there is no story, we invent them when they’re not there.
→ We assign them meaning (a mother’s face or the Star-Spangled Banner)

→ What’s the science behind storytelling?
→ 34 Massachusetts students were shown a film

The film’s central theme showed a triangle and a circle

All except one described the story with elaborate human narratives.

→ The two triangles were men fighting as a woman (the circle) tried to escape.
→ The circle and the little triangle were “innocent young things.”

How do you write a captivating Story? I start with a framework (PIxar)

Once upon a time, there was ____. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.

ONCE UPON A TIME??? Seriously….

We provide financial services to people who need access to a traditional bank and allow them to do so using their phones.  

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘂𝗽𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲, hundreds of millions don’t have access to a bank (THE PROBLEM) 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝘆 They used check cashing services, worried about where to have their cash (Describes the world with the PROBLEM). 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆, we came up with an app to provide financial services. (THE SOLUTION/HERO OF THE STORY) 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁, more people could use financial services to support their families (Outcome ) 𝗨𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆; the economic system was available to all of us, not just the elite (the future World)

Remember, the objective of a Pitch deck is to start a conversation

Because…

You have to Kiss….before you get F****d

P.S. I was inspired to write this by one of the nicest people I know Jasmin Alić
Oh, one last thing…. he is a LinkedIn Superhero 🚀

Taplio

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