TechMub

Category: Business

  • Top Business Ideas for Students: Mastering Entrepreneurship While Studying

    Top Business Ideas for Students: Mastering Entrepreneurship While Studying

    Many students are turning to entrepreneurship not just to earn income but also to gain real-world experience and valuable skills for the future. While balancing studies with a business can be challenging, it offers personal and professional growth.

    According to Emre Goktas, founder and CEO of the award-winning agency Revpanda, there are several flexible business ideas that suit a student’s busy lifestyle, helping them manage both education and entrepreneurship effectively

    1. Freelance Writing and Content Creation

    Offering writing services is a low-cost way to start a business. Websites, blogs, and businesses frequently need fresh content, and if you have a flair for writing, you can create blog posts, product descriptions, and social media content. Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer easy entry points for finding clients.

    2. Tutoring

    Leveraging your knowledge in a specific subject, whether it’s math, science, or languages, tutoring is an excellent way to earn. With virtual learning more prominent than ever, online tutoring platforms allow you to teach from the comfort of your room. This not only earns money but strengthens your own understanding of the subject.

    3. Social Media Consulting

    Businesses and influencers are always seeking ways to grow their online presence. If you’re good at staying on top of social media trends, you can offer to manage their social accounts. Services like content creation, follower engagement, and trend analysis are in high demand, making this a lucrative option with flexible hours.

    4. Graphic Design

    Whether for websites, branding, or marketing materials, graphic design is a valuable skill. Students proficient in tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva can market their services to businesses looking for unique visual content. A well-curated portfolio can help attract clients, and much of the work can be completed remotely.

    5. Dropshipping

    E-commerce through dropshipping has become a popular option for students. You can sell products without managing inventory by connecting with third-party suppliers who ship directly to customers. Platforms like Shopify simplify the process, allowing students to focus on marketing and product selection.

    6. Affiliate Marketing

    Creating a blog or website allows students to make passive income through affiliate marketing. If you’re knowledgeable about a niche like technology, travel, or fitness, start a blog, generate traffic, and promote relevant products. Through affiliate partnerships, you can earn a commission for every sale made via your referral links.

    7. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

    If you’re an animal lover, pet care is a great business option. Many pet owners need help walking their dogs or caring for their pets while they’re away. It’s a low-cost venture with a high demand in many local communities, offering flexibility in terms of hours and services.

    8. Local Delivery Services

    For students with transportation access, offering delivery services can be a profitable venture. Many people are willing to pay for help with errands like grocery shopping or package delivery. Partnering with apps like DoorDash or simply starting your own service in your neighborhood can generate income and work around your schedule.

    9. Handmade Crafts

    If you enjoy making crafts or handmade goods, platforms like Etsy offer a marketplace for selling your creations. Whether it’s jewelry, clothing, or art, transforming your hobby into a business is both enjoyable and profitable. Marketing your products on social media can also attract local buyers.

    10. Event Photography

    Offering photography services for events such as graduations, weddings, or local functions can be a lucrative part-time business. Building a strong portfolio and marketing your skills to peers or local businesses is key. Photography is a flexible service that allows you to take on clients based on your availability.

    Emre concludes: Starting a business as a student is an exciting way to develop skills, network, and gain financial independence. Whether you’re freelancing, offering services, or selling products, balancing entrepreneurship with your studies teaches valuable lessons about time management, responsibility, and resilience. It may even become a foundation for a future career beyond graduation.

  • Prologis’ U.S. Logistics Fund: 20 Years of High-Performing Logistics Assets

    Prologis’ U.S. Logistics Fund: 20 Years of High-Performing Logistics Assets

    Prologis, the global leader in logistics real estate, is marking the 20th anniversary of its U.S. Logistics Fund (USLF), one of its private flagship investment funds, with an assets under management (AUM) of $24 billion. Since its launch in 2004, USLF has delivered consistent,  high returns while playing a key role in driving the growth and modernization of logistics investments across the United States. Prologis is a co-investor in its Strategic Capital funds, including USLF, which strongly aligns its interests with the USLF investors.

    “We have been privileged to serve and partner with our USLF investors over the past two decades,” said Hamid R. Moghadam, chief executive officer and co-founder of Prologis. “USLF not only offers the highest-quality logistics real estate portfolio in the United States, but it is also actively investing in value-creation opportunities which will enhance the long-term value of our assets while driving customer preference and stickiness.”

    Some of the key performance highlights over the past two decades:

    • Strong Record of Outperformance: Since its inception, USLF has consistently delivered outsized returns, positioning it as a leading performer in logistics real estate. This performance is particularly noteworthy given the fund’s low leverage over its 20-year history, minimizing reliance on borrowed capital. USLF’s best-in-class debt ratings have also enabled the fund to secure favorable financing terms, further enhancing returns across various market cycles.
    • Consistent High Occupancy: In the past 10 years, the average operating occupancy of the fund was 96.8%, outperforming the market by 160 bps, driven by the strength of its assets and locations as well as Prologis’ customer-centric approach.
    • Strong Investor Confidence: USLF has attracted capital from a diverse range of 127 institutional investors from 15 countries, demonstrating high trust in its growth potential and long-term value. Since 2004, USLF has provided market-leading liquidity to its investors by funding 100% of redemption requests totaling more than $2.9 billion.
    • Continued Growth and Strategic Expansion: USLF’s tight, focused investment strategy has been key to its success, selectively expanding from 4.5 MSF in 2004 in eight markets to more than 125 MSF in 28 markets today. With assets in some of the most sought-after urban infill locations in key U.S. logistics hubs, including Southern California, New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta, USLF remains concentrated on high-value logistics centers. The rise of e-commerce has further driven the growth of the fund.

    Looking ahead to its third decade, USLF remains positioned for future growth and success as Prologis continues to innovate to deliver value to investors in a rapidly changing industry. With significant investments in proprietary research, data analytics, renewable energy, mobility and other value-enhancing capital improvements to its buildings, Prologis is providing fund investors with access to a best-in-class and future-proofed logistics real estate portfolio.

    “We take a customer-centric approach to every part of our business, including our private investment funds. With USLF, we have curated a portfolio of modern logistics properties that is unrivaled in the industry,” said Karsten Kallevig, global head of Strategic Capital. “While we are proud of USLF’s accomplishments over the years, we are even more excited about what the future holds for our partnership with our investors.”

    About Prologis Strategic Capital

    Prologis’ Strategic Capital business is an integral line of business for the company, with $87.0 billion* in assets under management. Its Strategic Capital business consistently delivers strong and sustained revenue growth. 

    Prologis Strategic Capital offers institutional investors a unique opportunity to invest with the company. Benefitting from the scale and scope of the Prologis platform, each of the company’s 10 funds focus on delivering industry-leading, risk-adjusted returns along with a superior investor experience. Prologis’ investment vehicles have specific geographic and risk profiles, targeting logistics real estate in high-consumption and high-barrier-to-entry markets. 

    Prologis is a material investor in all its Strategic Capital funds, with co-investment levels ranging from 15 percent to 55 percent. As a general partner, the company provides investors security through its durable A-rated balance sheet, best-in-class global portfolio and customer-centric focus.

    * Data as of June 30, 2024. AUM is the fair value of real estate properties and development projects in the Strategic Capital business and includes our estimate of the gross value of real estate that could be acquired using existing equity commitments from Prologis and our partners assuming target leverage levels are used. Assets Under Management: Representing 44% of Prologis’ total AUM.

    ABOUT PROLOGIS
    Prologis, Inc. is the global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets. At June 30, 2024, the company owned or had investments in, on a wholly owned basis or through co-investment ventures, properties and development projects expected to total approximately 1.2 billion square feet (115 million square meters) in 19 countries. Prologis leases modern logistics facilities to a diverse base of approximately 6,700 customers principally across two major categories: business-to-business and retail/online fulfillment.

  • The Most Confusing Venture Capital Terms Explained by Experts

    The Most Confusing Venture Capital Terms Explained by Experts

    Startups and venture capital industry jargon can often be a major hurdle for founders, especially those new to the ecosystem. While terms like “seed funding,” “unicorns,” and “venture rounds” are commonly seen in headlines, they represent only a fraction of the complex vocabulary that founders must grasp to thrive. Without a solid understanding of the full range of VC terminology, it becomes difficult to navigate funding discussions, structure deals, and set clear growth expectations.

    Recognizing this, Oxford Capital has conducted an in-depth analysis of the most misunderstood venture capital terms. Mark Bower-Easton, the firm’s Head of Distribution, lends expert commentary to shed light on these essential terms. Whether you’re a new founder or looking to sharpen your knowledge, understanding these financial nuances is critical to making sound strategic decisions.

    Return on Investment (ROI): The Most Misunderstood VC Term

    Among all venture capital terms, “Return on Investment” (ROI) leads as the most misunderstood and most searched term, with over 108,000 monthly searches globally, translating to more than 1.2 million annual queries. Grasping ROI is fundamental for founders because it serves as a key metric for assessing the financial performance of a startup.

    Mark Bower-Easton explains:
    “ROI measures the efficiency and profitability of an investment by comparing the gain or loss relative to its cost. For venture capital, understanding ROI is crucial as it helps founders and investors assess whether the returns justify the investment risk. Many founders find ROI challenging because it’s not just about immediate financial returns but also about long-term strategic value and growth potential.”

    For founders, a deep understanding of ROI enables better resource allocation and more informed decisions regarding future funding rounds. Investors, on the other hand, rely on ROI to determine if a startup is worth their time and money. Misinterpreting or overlooking ROI can lead to poor financial planning, unrealistic goals, and weakened investor confidence.

    Acquisition: A Key Strategy for Growth

    The term “Acquisition” follows closely behind ROI in terms of search frequency, with 76,000 global searches per month, or over 900,000 annually. Acquisitions play a pivotal role in the strategic decisions of both startups and established companies, yet the complexities of acquisition deals are often misunderstood.

    Bower-Easton elaborates:
    “An acquisition involves a company purchasing another to achieve strategic goals such as market expansion, acquiring new technology, or entering new sectors. For founders, understanding acquisitions is vital because it influences their startup’s valuation and can serve as an exit strategy.”

    For many startups, an acquisition represents a successful outcome. Founders who understand the ins and outs of this process can better position their company for acquisition and negotiate more favorable terms. Without this knowledge, they risk missing out on opportunities, undervaluing their company, or signing unfavorable deals.

    Initial Public Offering (IPO): A High-Stakes Decision

    The term “Initial Public Offering” (IPO) garners significant interest, with over 45,000 monthly searches globally, indicating the importance of this high-stakes decision for many startups. An IPO is the moment when a private company offers shares to the public for the first time, making it one of the most critical junctures in a startup’s life cycle.

    Bower-Easton points out:
    “An IPO, or Initial Public Offering, is when a company offers its shares to the public for the first time to raise capital. This process can significantly impact a startup’s trajectory, opening doors for more funding opportunities and enhancing the company’s resources and public profile.”

    While an IPO offers significant opportunities for growth and capital influx, it also brings challenges. Founders must be aware of the regulatory demands and scrutiny that come with going public. Without proper preparation, startups can face difficulties maintaining compliance and managing investor expectations. Knowing when and how to pursue an IPO can be the difference between accelerating a company’s growth and overextending its resources.

    Unicorn: Rare, But Not Always a Success

    Ranking fourth in search volume is the term “Unicorn,” which sees 25,400 monthly searches globally. A unicorn refers to a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion, a status often celebrated in the venture capital world. However, becoming a unicorn doesn’t guarantee long-term success.

    Bower-Easton adds:
    “A unicorn is a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion that has achieved significant market validation. With just over 300 unicorns globally, mainly concentrated in the U.S. and China, this status signifies major market achievements. But reaching unicorn status doesn’t guarantee profitability or sustainability.”

    While the unicorn label can attract media attention and investor interest, it also brings challenges. Founders must manage the high expectations that come with the title, balancing rapid growth with sustainable practices. Without careful planning, the pressures of maintaining unicorn status can lead to financial instability or burnout.

    Why Understanding Venture Capital Terms Is Crucial for Founders

    For startup founders, especially those new to the venture capital landscape, a clear understanding of key terms like ROI, acquisitions, IPOs, and unicorns is essential. These concepts shape every stage of a startup’s journey—from securing initial funding to strategizing long-term growth. Mastering this terminology enables founders to negotiate confidently with investors, align their business strategies, and make informed decisions that propel their ventures toward sustainable success.

    Being well-versed in these terms helps founders navigate the complex world of venture capital, ensuring they are prepared to make decisions that will impact their company’s future. Whether it’s understanding how ROI influences investor decisions, negotiating favorable acquisition terms, preparing for an IPO, or managing the pressures of unicorn status, founders who grasp these concepts are better equipped to steer their startups toward scalable growth.

    In an ever-evolving startup ecosystem, knowledge is power—and mastering the language of venture capital is the first step in ensuring that power is used to its full potential.

    Methodology:

    1. Oxford Capital set out to identify the most misunderstood venture capital terms.
    2. To achieve this, they first compiled a seed list of venture capital jargon using various articles.
    3. They then used search analytics tool Ahrefs to analyse the number of monthly searches globally by combining each keyword with “meaning” and “definition.” 
    4. The monthly search volumes were added together, and the total was multiplied by 12 to generate an annual report. 
    5. Finally, the terms were ranked in ascending order to produce a top 10 list.
    6. The study was carried out on 28 August and all data is correct as of then.
    7. Please find the full data set of all terms used in this study, here.