the z list 💥🧿✨#63

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This post was written and scheduled prior to the results of the 2024 Presidential Election having been announced. Hope you’re all taking care of yourselves.

Hi friends! We’re in the final stretch of the “investing” year with Thanksgiving in 22 days we’ll see a slow down of investments (GPs going on holiday) that being said, I’ll still be around investing + hosting events. Few other notes:

• I’m bullish about the future of consumer AI (search specifically). If I were to go back to the building, this is the industry I would build in and pay attention to. With that in mind, please connect me to any and all engineers you know looking to build in consumer tech:

• From an investing POV, looking to connect with any and all founders building in consumer search, solopreneur tools, consumer social reimagined (IRL or URL)

• I’ll be back in Asia for most of December + early January. Would love to catch some of you before I head out of town to catch up over coffee (reply to this email)

• I’ve spoken on 5 panels the past 10 days and its been an absolute joy! Excited to share more about the mini 1 day summit I’m hosting dedicated to consumer tech founders + VCs in late January. More soon :)

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Z List IRL hosted by Zehra

REMINDER: As such, I’m making a commitment to meet 5 new founders, 3 new VCs, 2 new operators, and 1 new angel investor IRL a week. 

Here are some of the cool new people I’ve spent time with in the past few weeks:

• Kishen Patel at Greycroft

• Annabel Strauss at HBS + Foundry

• Alphonzo Terrell at Spill

• Maya Watson at Why

• Chelsea James at Top Stan (Lydian)

• Danielle Lay at NEA

• Rhian Horton at Stellation Capital

• Suraya Shivji at Snap

thursday 11/7

• Consumer Founders, VC's, & Operators Breakfast

  • for who: like the title says!

  • hosted by: Life Work (Parallel + me)

thursday 11/14

• NYC Product Jam

  • for who: designers, founders & engineers coming together to what you're prototyping or building for honest feedback & connection

  • hosted by: Life Work (Parallel + me)

tuesday 11/19

• NYC Layoff Club

  • for who: bringing anyone that has been affected by layoffs, navigated a lay off or currently hiring together to help people find work this holiday season

  • hosted by: Life Work (Parallel + me)

wednesday 12/4

• Builders Breakfast

  • for who: b2b, Consumer & AI founders, operators & VC's coming together to connect, support & discuss the future of building in the city.

  • hosted by: Life Work (Parallel + me)

Deel & The Z List (tldr they’re the best)

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We handle all of the paperwork, exchange foreign salaries into local ones, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Join over 35,000 customers like Nike, Dropbox, and Shopify, who rely on Deel to make global hiring easy across 150+ countries.

Interested? Get $1500 in Deel Billing Credits by booking a demo here.

Note from Zehra: I’ve had a number of portfolio companies work with Deel and they are without a doubt, hands down, the absolute best for everything related to hiring but especially for hiring abroad. If you have engineers or talent in general out of the country please consider taking up their offer of $1500 in Deel Credits.

VC Ecosystem News (No GPs Allowed) 

• Zhipu, one of China's 'AI Tigers', raises US$210 million for venture capital fund

• Shamrock Capital Raises $1.6 Billion for Two New Funds: the firm’s latest fundraising haul included $320 million for a debut fund focused on smaller deals

• Fewer Small And Midsize Venture Funds Are Closing This Year

Friend’s of The Z List: Events & Projects
Wanna feature your event? Fill out this form.

thursday 11/7

• Next Gen Investor Gala

  • hosted by: Brett + Bulletpitch 

  • I’ll be in attendance!

thursday 11/21

• Bulletpitch Presents: Foundersgiving

  • hosted by: Brett + Bulletpitch 

The Z List job drop, powered by Parallel. I swear by listing jobs on Parallel + finding new jobs on Parallel.

David - David is a platform to design high protein, low calorie, blood-sugar-friendly foods that are craveable. Our protein bar has the highest percentage of calories from protein (CFP) on the market.

• Accounting Manager - Apply Direct

• Quality Manager - Apply Direct

• Supply Chain Manager - Apply Direct

• Laboratory Technician - Apply Direct

Mezcla - Plant-based snacks that taste good and do you good. Our vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO protein bars (only 170 calories!) are redefining the snacking game with flavors like Japanese Matcha Vanilla, Peruvian Cocoa Peanut Butter, and Mexican Hot Chocolate.

• Graphic Designer - Apply Direct

• Director of Marketing - Apply Direct

Oath - Oath restores soil health with its innovative soil inoculant, Oath Soil Life. By replenishing the soil microbiome, we sequester carbon, boost soil fertility, and enhance agricultural productivity. Our science-backed approach is leading the way in natural climate solutions.

• VP, Business Development, Field Sciences & Regulatory Affairs - USA - Apply Direct

Earth Finance - Earth Finance empowers businesses and investors to navigate the low-carbon future through expert consulting, financing, and policy guidance.

• Director of Finance & Accounting - Apply Direct

North Cloud - North cloud is an AI-powered platform that slashes cloud costs up to 50% by automating financial management and leveraging advanced analytics, freeing businesses to focus on growth.

• Business Development - Apply Direct

Thera - Thera is a financial platform that offers various apps for global teams, including payroll, banking, and accounts payable/receivable. It aims to help businesses save money through its comprehensive suite of financial tools.

• Head of Content - Apply Direct

• Content Writer - Apply Direct

RepRally - RepRally is a NYC-based tech startup streamlining wholesale commerce. Our platform connects brands, sales reps, and distributors to revolutionize traditional distribution.

• Product Design Co-Op/Intern - Apply Direct

Windmill Growth - We help businesses boost their online presence through personalized strategies, including LinkedIn optimization, content creation, networking, and brand consulting.

• Growth Marketer - Apply Direct

Resources

• Expand your presence on LinkedIn and elevate your personal brand with Windmill Growth! We specialize in building influential profiles using best-in-class strategies and exceptional content. Don't miss the opportunity to consult with Ben, our founder. Book a session today and experience the impact with a complimentary test post!

• I use Meco to read all of my newsletters without cluttering my inbox! Check it out here.

• Looking to hire & pay talent abroad? Deel allows you to easily hire, pay, and manage contractors and employees in 120+ countries. Get 20% off + a free HRIS by booking a demo at the link above.

• Need a graphic designer? Celine has been a friend for 4 years and is an incredible designer. She’s worked on brands that you’ve definitely seen on Twitter.

• Figuring out how to manage your money as a founder or wanna learn how to maximize your tax return?  Sign up for Carry.

• Need an EA but can’t afford one? Howie is the fastest and most responsive scheduling assistant on earth. You can email him anytime to set up meetings and coordinate your calendar.

• Hiring as an early-stage company? Parallel is the all-in-one hiring operating system, designed to convert top talent & maximize your hiring efficiency. Sign up for a free trial.

• Want to make more money on your Shopify store? Platter is offering free website audits to identify opportunities to boost conversion rate and average order value. Grab a time while you can by clicking here.

• Wanna start a newsletter? I use Beehiiv for all three of my newsletters. Cannot recommend enough (you get a discount)

• Looking for a high profile speaker for your company's next event? The Trailblazers Agency is a speakers bureau that represents leading, diverse AAPI talent. As your companies organize events for Heritage Months, ERGs, Diwali(!), the Agency can connect you to inspiring, expert speakers across a broad range of industries. The Trailblazers Agency was born out of Z-List partnering organization, South Asian Trailblazers. The Trailblazers network has welcomed the likes of ClassPass Founder Payal Kadakia, Actor Kal Penn, Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan, and Legendary Investor Anjula Acharia, and many other top speakers. For more information, please contact South Asian Trailblazers here.

Discounts

• Kulfi Beauty, use code “zehra” for 20% off. I use their concealer rose rush and their kajal eyeliners in nazar-no-more everyday.

Want to work with Zehra?

• If you’re interested in working with me, I have some bandwidth and would love to learn more :) fill out this form. 

Please reply to this email if you'd like to amplify your events with the z list community or if you'd like to collaborate on an event together.

Have fun! 💥🧿✨👩🏻‍💻