Ideate Community Update #4
TL;DR
1. Build updates: Figma focus, in app editing
2. Pitches: alternate for MACC, Pitching at LionCage
3. Accelerator Applications: Slauson & Co, Tech Stars Spring ‘25
SEEN Nomination
SEEN 2024 powered by Tech:NYC & Visible Hands is looking for innovative founders of color to be highlighted in front of NYC investors. Nominate Rahmi to be one of these highlighted founders HERE
Full name of founder: Rahmi Halaby
Nominee's email: rahmi@ideatebetter.com
Nominee's company name: Ideate
Build Updates
We decided to bring on an additional developer on a contract basis who has experience working with APIs and Plugins for design integrations. With Figma, designers are currently able to make designs, mockups, and presentations, so we thought that this would be a great focus for our first step in integration.
Last week we built out an API that allows a user to upload a figma file and parse the layers of that file. This week we are highly focused on building out the simple editing functions within Ideate so a user will now be able to edit and format text, scale and move objects, etc. within their designs and also their presentations.
Pitching
Yesterday, I attended the Mid Atlantic Capital Conference. We were pretty disappointed to be selected as alternates instead of participants, but I decided to still attend. I got to see some great pitches. I was particularly excited to see that Carbon Reform (the company who placed ahead of us at the Regional World Cup Pitch) was selected as top 3 and advanced to the Lion’s Den.
Next week we are excited to be participating in the LionCage Pitch Competition at Penn State Great Valley. We are looking forward to the opportunity to not only walk away with the $5000 in the Early-Stage category, as well as the $10,000 from best in show.
Accelerators
Tech Stars Rising Stars: still waiting on the results from our final pitch in front of the committee
Tech Stars Accelerators: We have started working on our applications for both San Francisco and New York with the upcoming deadline
Slauson & Co: They seem to prioritize founders real life experience as well as under represented founders for their $300,000 friends and fam accelerator program. Both of these are right up our alley and we think that we will fit in perfectly within this program.
What’s Next?
Each day we get closer and closer to the launch of our MVP. We are continuing our fundraising outreach, as well as seeking feedback from designers.
How Can You Be of Help?
We’re looking to connect with more designers, art directors, creative directors, and studio owners.
Funding Sources : We’re seeking more intros to get the ball rolling on our pre seed round. If you know someone we should talk to, please share this substack or connect us!
Thank you for joining us in our journey to create a world where designers can just design.
Feel free to reach out directly at rahmi@ideatebetter.com
Thanks,
Rahmi Halaby