Latest news with #Transcend
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Four Lessons On Successfully Navigating The Growth-Stage Chasm
Victor Orlovski is founder of R136 Ventures, a Silicon Valley-based VC firm focused on scaling mid- and late-stage B2B and fintech startups. Many promising startups hit a wall after their Series A. They had product-market fit, strong early traction, excited investors. Then something broke between validation and scale. This is the growth-stage chasm: the gap between proving your product works and building a machine that prints money predictably. Only 16% of seed companies reach Series B, and just 7% make it to Series C. I've seen this transition with a variety of companies, and I've found that in most cases, the difference between those that thrive and those that die isn't luck: It's execution across critical areas that many founders get wrong. Here are four lessons we can learn from organizations that have successfully crossed the chasm. Lesson 1: From Hero Sales To Repeatable Systems Research shows that "only 4% of SaaS companies reach $1 million in revenue, and only 0.4% make it to $10 million." This "Valley of Death" between early traction and sustainable scale kills many promising startups, often because they can't systematize what made them successful in the first place. When Transcend raised their $20 million Series B, investors weren't just buying into their technology—they were investing in a company that had moved beyond founder magic. Transcend's story shows why process maturity matters: The company spun out from another business, but the underlying tool was already 10 years old. They had time to build repeatable systems before scaling. They separated themselves by building systematic approaches to different customer segments, such as creating value propositions for asset owners, EPCs and technology OEMs—each with different benefits and use cases for the same core infrastructure design tool. This level of process documentation wasn't accidental. Transcend built design automation for infrastructure, but they applied that same systematic thinking to their own operations. Every demo was tailored but followed the same underlying framework. The Lesson: The transition from hero to system isn't glamorous, but it can be the difference between hitting your numbers by accident and hitting them on purpose. Lesson 2: Plan For Tomorrow's Problems, Not Today's Most companies seek to solve their current pain points. However, I have found that many of the smartest ones look for solutions to problems they'll face in six months. Uber understood this well. While operating in just Paris, Toronto and seven U.S. cities, Travis Kalanick planned to expand to more cities every month. When they raised their Series B, it wasn't just about scaling current operations; it was about building the infrastructure for international expansion. What struck me about Uber's approach was their strategic focus on tech and global scalability during their early growth phases. Uber made significant investments in technology infrastructure, allowing them to not only optimize operations in existing markets but also build systems that could handle the complexities of international expansion. As documented in Uber's expansion playbook (subscription required), their international launch strategy required sophisticated technical infrastructure to support rapid global scaling. Loic Amado, who was responsible for launching Uber across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, described how each new market required product configuration for local currencies, languages and regulatory adaptations. The Lesson: Plan for the company you're becoming, not the one you currently are. Lesson 3: Transforming Unit Economics Through Smart Product Expansion I believe growth-stage companies shouldn't just acquire customers; they should expand their product value per user. Take Slack: What started as a freemium messaging tool became a $1.12 billion business, thanks in large part to their product expansion strategy. They started with offering free basic messaging, then layered premium features that fundamentally changed the value equation: unlimited message history, advanced integrations, AI-powered tools and more. The transformation was surgical. Free users hit natural friction points and restricted integrations that made upgrading feel inevitable, not forced. Slack's freemium model drove rapid adoption, and then the premium features converted users at scale. They didn't need massive sales teams—the product expansion did the selling. The Lesson: Focus on offering features that unlock exponentially more value, not just on acquiring new customers. Lesson 4: Using Data To Predict Capital Needs Many companies raise money when they're running out. Instead, I recommend predicting your requirements months ahead. Weka demonstrated this during their Series D round in November 2022. While the market was contracting, they raised $135 million at a $750 million valuation, doubling their previous valuation. What separated Weka was their ability to present investors with compelling performance data: 255% net dollar retention with zero churn, 635% growth in total contract value and 232% annualized run rate growth. These metrics told a story about predictable growth patterns and capital efficiency that investors could model forward. Companies with strong unit economics can model their capital needs with precision. When you understand your monthly burn rate, customer lifetime value trends, churn prediction models and expansion revenue ratios, you can predict exactly when you'll need more runway, and these fundraising tools can demonstrate capital efficiency to investors. This isn't just about having good numbers; it's about using them to plan capital raises before you're desperate. The Lesson: Raise money based on data-driven forecasts, not cash flow panic. Predictable metrics help create predictable fundraising outcomes. Wrapping Up A key part of surpassing the growth-stage chasm is having execution discipline when the stakes are highest. These four lessons are battle-tested strategies from companies that successfully navigated the treacherous transition from early validation to sustainable growth. They show the importance of building repeatable systems, hiring for tomorrow's challenges, expanding existing customers and using data to predict your needs before desperation sets in. The growth-stage chasm claims many startups. But for those with the discipline to execute these fundamentals, it can become a competitive moat. The question isn't whether you'll face the chasm; it's whether you'll be prepared when you do. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Simone Biles' Cheeky Bikini Look on Yacht Trip Prompts NSFW Comment from Husband Jonathan Owens
The gymnast's sexy vacation look is also catching fans' attention Simone Biles is getting cheeky. The Olympic gymnast, 28, shared photos from a yacht trip — featuring a very daring bikini look. In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday, July 23, Biles included three snaps, the first of which shows the athlete in cheeky blue bikini bottoms and a white tank. The image shows Biles looking back toward the camera with a sailboat floating along crystal blue waters in the background. "no crying on the yacht 💙🦋🧢🐳🫐," she wrote in the caption, referring to the tank she wore bearing the same phrase. In a close-up shot, the gymnast shows off her polka-dot manicure against the embroidered shirt. The Olympian's revealing swim look grabbed the attention of her husband, Jonathan Owens. "Sheesh baby i need you home asap!!! 🤤🥵💦" the NFL star, 30, wrote in the comments. Fans are hyping Biles up in the comments, too. "Simone is literally that girl!" one user wrote. "HER BODY, HER FACE SHE IS STUNNING," shared another. A third wrote, "10s across the board." On Wednesday, July 16, Biles attended the 2025 ESPY Awards with Owens at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. In photos and video from their red carpet walk, Owens was seen adjusting the train of his wife's glittering dress so it wouldn't get caught in her heels. He also sweetly pushed back Biles' hair so it wouldn't get caught in her lip gloss as they shared a kiss for the cameras. ! For the event, Biles opted for a navy blue sequined gown that was custom-made by Zac Posen in partnership with Athleta. The dress featured a square neckline and short train, plus was crafted from the same fabric as Athleta's Transcend Open Back Tee, which she has described being a "favorite" of hers. "Zac Posen [collaborated] with Athleta to make the perfect top, which was one of my favorites, the Transcend, and so that's why I have an open back. It's very comfortable underneath," Biles, who also serves as an ambassador for Athleta, exclusively told PEOPLE on the ESPYS red carpet. In a behind-the-scenes video that showed the creation of the gown, Posen explained that the making of the "one of a kind custom piece" was like "singing a duet" — the gymnast ended up loving the final result and noted that the dress came out "exactly how I envisioned it." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. During the ESPYs ceremony, Biles took home awards for Best Athlete: Women's Sports and Best Championship Performance. It was Biles' second time winning the award for best female athlete, having last done so in 2017. Overall, the U.S. gymnast has won seven ESPY Awards throughout her career. Read the original article on People
CNN
5 days ago
- Lifestyle
- CNN
This Athleta sale is so good, I already added these 10 deals to my cart
If you've been hitting the tennis courts or ditching the treadmill to clock outdoor steps this summer, the Athleta Endless Summer Sale has arrived in record time to fuel your active lifestyle. This limited-time sale runs through August 3, taking 25% off at checkout. I got a taste of the deals when I took my mom to the in-person retail store for her birthday. Armed with gift cards, we dove into the racks, finding everything from the best leggings to stylish athleisure wear. Now, with athleisure deals live online, it's the perfect excuse to stock up on the workout clothing pieces you'll wear all season long. Athleta Paradise Mid Rise Wide Leg Pants I'm adding these linen pants to my cart, stat. When I visited the Athleta store in person, they were out of my size, but I loved the weight and opacity of the pair. Now that it's in stock online and tagged with an extra 25% off at checkout, I can't help but commit to the spend. Athleta Crosscourt High-Rise Skort My summer itinerary has featured tennis nearly every other weekend, and it's a bit blasphemous to hit the court without an exercise skirt. This one from Athleta gives you unrestricted mobility, and its built-in shorts not only provide coverage but leave a place to hold spare tennis balls. Athleta Transcend Square Neck Crop Sports Bra Soft and stretchy to the touch, this Transcend sports bra tank feels comfortable during mat pilates and yoga classes. As someone with a bigger bust who struggles to find tops that strike a balance between support and comfort, I appreciate this tank's molded cup options. Athleta Interval Stash High-Rise Shorts Every color of these biker shorts is discounted at Athleta. Starting from $14, you can swipe multiple pairs during this sale. It features a compressive high-rise waistband and side pockets to provide great functionality on the go. Athleta Vital Built-In Bra Tank Combining both a sports bra and a workout tank in one, this Vital top is everything you need to move through yoga flows. It offers a figure-skimming fit with removable pads for customizable coverage. Athleta Signature Rib Tank After a long workout, freshen up with a shower, then go right into comfy mode with this soft, stretchy tank. It also comes in striped options for a more elevated look. The tencel, modal and spandex fabric combination helps keep it breathable. Athleta Weekender Mid Rise 3-Inch Run Shorts Speed through runs with these 3-inch inseam shorts with a secure cinch drawcord and built-in brief. It also features hidden zip pockets to keep your keys and essentials safely stowed without getting in the way. Athleta Renew Seamless Muscle Tank Great for transitioning from workouts to errands, this muscle tank adopts a snug, cropped style that styles easily with everything from linen pants to yoga leggings. Choose from six on-sale colors, starting at just $27. Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise 7/8 Leggings I'm elated — pun, intended — to find these bestselling Athleta leggings discounted in 13 different colors. They span sizes XXS to 3X as well as regular, tall and petite lengths, so you can find the perfect size for you. Athleta Apero Mesh Tee Choose from a chic Cream, Brown or Black mesh tee design. I'm tempted to snag this white hue and style it similarly, with a matching white square-neck sports bra underneath. No doubt, it'll keep your summer days more breathable. This sale brings sweeping savings of 25% off, which stacks atop select sale styles. Athleta consistently tops the competition in our product guides. Our team of testing editors evaluates nearly everything under the fitness umbrella, which means putting clothing to the test in real life with real testers. Specifically with leggings, Athleta performed leaps and bounds ahead of the competition during our tests, holding up against repeat wash cycles without noticeable pilling, fading or stretching. We consider its high quality well worth the investment. Athleta also makes tons of editor favorites, like its sports bras. Our savvy deals team, including senior editor Rikka Altland, deals editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate editor Elena Matarazzo, rakes the internet for hours to find the best deals for readers. That includes checking price history to ensure you're getting a good bargain and keeping tabs on coveted products for when they go on sale at a moment's notice. As someone who has covered fashion deals and product reviews for more than four years, Saguin curated this list of Athleta deals with hits that are both editor-loved items and those with impressive discounts.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA gives TSND-201 breakthrough therapy designation for PTSD
Transcend Therapeutics has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough therapy designation to TSND-201, a rapid-acting neuroplastogen, for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The designation is based on preliminary clinical evidence suggesting substantial improvement over existing therapies, aiming to expedite development and review timelines for promising treatments. The breakthrough therapy designation is supported by positive results from the IMPACT-I study. This Phase II trial was a randomised, placebo-controlled study involving 65 patients with severe PTSD. TSND-201 demonstrated rapid, robust and durable improvements in PTSD symptoms, with statistically significant improvements by day 10 and sustained effects through to day 64. Transcend Therapeutics co-founder and CEO Blake Mandell stated: "This designation underscores the urgent need for new, more effective treatments for the 13 million Americans living with PTSD. "Only two FDA-approved medications are available today — and no new PTSD treatments have been approved in over two decades. This breakthrough therapy designation enables us to work more closely with the FDA as we prepare to launch our Phase 3 programme." University of California San Diego professor of psychiatry and public health and a Transcend consultant Murray B Stein stated: "A rapid-acting, durable treatment for PTSD would be a paradigm shift in psychiatry — and offer a potential lifeline for patients. "The current treatment standard, SSRIs, can take up to 12 weeks to show maximal effect and often cause side effects during that time. Even then, many patients on SSRIs don't get adequate benefit. This designation offers new hope that faster, more effective treatment may be within reach." TSND-201 is a proprietary formulation of methylone developed by Transcend Therapeutics. It has well-characterised primary pharmacology, acting primarily at monoamine transporters, with no hallucinogenic activity. Transcend is developing TSND-201 as a rapid-acting and durable treatment for PTSD and other central nervous system indications. PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening or traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD affects 13 million Americans annually, with almost 7% of US adults estimated to be diagnosed during their lifetime. "FDA gives TSND-201 breakthrough therapy designation for PTSD" was originally created and published by Pharmaceutical Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
100% of Organizations Report Consented Data is Essential for Driving Digital Innovation & AI Acceleration, New Research Shows
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Transcend, the privacy infrastructure company that helps the world's greatest brands unlock growth, today announced the release of a new research report, Hidden in Plain Sight: How Enterprises are Driving Revenue, Trust, and Digital Transformation Through Integrated Consent and Preference Management. "Collecting consumer consent and preferences is just the tip of the iceberg. The real opportunity lies in how businesses operationalize permissioned data for their growth strategies." For CIOs, Digital Executives, and Privacy Leaders, the study findings are clear: consent and preference management are no longer just about compliance. They're now central building blocks to powering AI, personalization, and customer trust. However, there's a significant gap between the strategic importance placed on consent and preference management and the practical challenges of implementation. Key findings from the 2025 report include: 100% of 265 executive respondents said consented data enhances their organization's ability to launch new products and services. More than half of executives reported being highly reliant on consented data for digital innovation initiatives like personalized marketing, product development, and AI. More than 70% of executives said they struggle to proliferate communication preferences across the organization's entire data ecosystem. Two-thirds of executives reported difficulties creating personalized experiences that align with consumers' communication preferences, despite the importance of this data in achieving strategic goals. The research demonstrates the evolution of consent and preferences. When the first privacy regulations emerged, consent and preference management were owned squarely by risk and compliance teams. As cookie banners appeared on websites, marketing got involved—but mostly as a partner to privacy to ensure performance quality. Today, with data personalization driving growth, the research proves that consent and permissions are now central to enterprise digital strategy, forming foundational infrastructure for Global 2000 companies. 'Collecting consumer consent and preferences is just the tip of the iceberg. The real opportunity lies in how businesses operationalize permissioned data for their growth strategies,' said Ben Brook, CEO and Co-founder of Transcend. 'With the right infrastructure, companies are harnessing data more effectively to deliver personalized, relevant experiences at scale—while ensuring compliance and building deeper trust with their customers.' Additionally, these findings come at a time when AI-driven personalization is a growing priority across industries. According to McKinsey, faster-growing companies derive 40% more revenue from personalization compared to their slower-growing peers. 1 Similarly, Forrester reports that marketing strategies informed by customer preferences lead to measurable improvements across multiple metrics, including acquisition costs (–83%), customer satisfaction (+78%), brand awareness (+75%), and conversions (+73%). 2 'Privacy and security teams are often cited as key blockers to AI adoption, largely due to strict data usage regulations,' said Ryan O'Leary, Research Director for Privacy and Legal Technology at IDC. 'Enterprises that invest in robust consent and preference management systems are better positioned to address those concerns while enabling responsible AI use.' Beyond new revenue streams and AI innovation, the report found that integrated consent and preference data translates to positive strategic outcomes across the enterprise, with respondents highlighting its ability to: Personalize user experiences (66%) Build customer loyalty and trust (65%) Improve data quality (60%), and Increase marketing opt-ins (49%) These findings further underscore how integrated consent and preference strategies are now critical for enterprise competitive advantage. Hidden in Plain Sight: How Enterprises are Driving Revenue, Trust, and Digital Transformation Through Integrated Consent and Preference Management reinforces an urgent message: enterprises that approach integrated consent and preference management as a strategic capability—not just a compliance requirement—are better equipped to achieve long-term growth and drive AI innovation. To complete this report, Transcend partnered with research firm UserEvidence to conduct an independent market survey of 265 privacy, security, and marketing leaders. Respondents were from the Forbes' Global 2000s with a strong presence in the United States. Almost all respondents held executive or leadership roles: 36% had C-suite titles, 42% were directors or managers, and 8% held VP titles. Download the full report, Hidden in Plain Sight: How Enterprises are Driving Revenue, Trust, and Digital Transformation Through Integrated Consent and Preference Management, for more exclusive insights. About Transcend Transcend is the privacy infrastructure that unleashes growth for the world's leading brands. By automating data and consumer preference governance at the systems layer, Transcend helps companies unlock AI, personalized experiences, and growth with speed and confidence. Transcend replaces the patchwork of manual tools with a unified, efficient, and secure governance platform. From consent and preference management, privacy requests, AI governance, assessments, and risk mitigation, Transcend operationalizes modern privacy across every system and user touchpoint. Recognized for rapid growth and innovation, in 2024 Transcend was named to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500™, one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and LegalTech's Data Solution of the Year. Founded in 2017 by Ben Brook (CEO) and Mike Farrell (CTO), Transcend is based in California's Bay Area. 1: 'The Value of Getting Personalization Right—or Wrong—Is Multiplying.' 2021. McKinsey & Company. November 12, 2021. . 2 Acoustic. 2024. 'Forrester Study: Strengthen Customer Retention and Engagement With Behavioral Data.' April 2, 2024.
