Category: Startups

The Mental Health Burden of Entrepreneurship

Monday, 16 December 2019 by SEO'Brien

In 1985, management scholar Manfred Kets de Vries wrote in Harvard Business Review, “Entrepreneurs seem to be achievement oriented, like to take responsibility for decisions, and dislike repetitive, routine work. Creative entrepreneurs possess high levels of energy and great degrees of perseverance and imagination, which, combined with willingness to take moderate, calculated risks enable them

Published in Insights / Research, Startups

34 Comments

I’m Thankful for Cofounders

Monday, 25 November 2019 by SEO'Brien

It’s a marriage. I’m a bit surprised by how many entrepreneurs start something merely hoping to have a business, solve a problem, or accomplish something. I can’t recall when I’ve ever seen that work, substantially. Launching a startup is like having a child, and finding committed cofounders is a marriage. The difference is that you

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Published in Startups

19 Comments

Startups, It’s About Returns to Investors

Wednesday, 20 November 2019 by SEO'Brien

I’ve had a particularly interesting week in Austin; through some events and lots of coffees, I’ve meet with a ton of founders, perhaps more than ever in 3 days alone. Interesting why? Easily half, argued with me that startup investors are seeking revenue and don’t require an exit. At least, that’s what they’re being told.

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Published in Startups

19 Comments

Start Up with the Exit in Mind

Thursday, 14 November 2019 by SEO'Brien

EVERY founder should plan with the exit in mind. Whether that’s getting acquired, merely successful, going public, or otherwise, most startups struggle to bring on board resources and capital because they never think through and communicate what the FUTURE means for everyone. I don’t care if you want to get acquired or stay private, what

acquisition culture entrepreneurship exit strategy funding marketing

Published in Startups

8 Comments

Introducing Venture Capital to Kids

Wednesday, 13 November 2019 by SEO'Brien

With three kids of my own (10, 12, and 14), and a lot of time spent in incubators and corporate innovation programs, I’m frequently wondering if and how we can’t better introduce our kids to entrepreneurship and prepare them for what’s involved in raising capital. Begging this question, How would you explain venture capital to

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Published in Startups

12 Comments

It is More Cost-Effective to Keep Existing Customers Than to Acquire Them Anew. Is it?

Monday, 11 November 2019 by SEO'Brien

There is a common trope in academic and advisory circles, before you ask why, ask if. I was reminded of that conventional wisdom when flooded with a series of questions recently, about how and why it was better, than seeking to customers, to keep existing customers happy. Before you ask why, ask if. In early

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Published in Insights / Research, Startups

3 Comments

What Startup Founders Might Consider Before Seeking VC

Tuesday, 05 November 2019 by SEO'Brien

Venture Capital seeks opportunity, not a sales pitch. The mindset to have is that you don’t want to have to seek VC, you want investors to seek you. Of course, that doesn’t mean you won’t have to do the work and start the conversation; it’s a mindset – what are you doing to build the

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Published in Startups

16 Comments

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