Raising Capital Archives - Page 2 of 4

Neither Your Product nor Your Idea is Fundable

Sunday, 14 August 2022 by Paul O'Brien

How do I sell a startup that has a validated solution yet neither users nor revenue? Among the primary FAQs within startup incubators and of advisors, is how do I get my product funded? You know the question through the variety of ways in which it emerges: How do I raise startup capital for my

Published in Industry, Insights / Research, Raising Capital, Startups

35 Comments

Raising Capital: The Process is a Flywheel

Wednesday, 26 January 2022 by Paul O'Brien

Our year has started with a flood of curiosity about Venture Capital not just in how to raise funding but in consideration of how funds work, what it takes to get a job at a venture capital firm, and whether or not VC is broken or needs to change. Certain of 2022, given the recent years of

entrepreneurship fund raising funding raising capital startups venture capital

Published in Raising Capital

22 Comments

Asked: What Stops VCs from Investing in Foreign Companies?

Monday, 25 January 2021 by Paul O'Brien

Nothing, it happens all the time. Yet, the question is common, frequently asked; begging a question its own – what are startups struggling with that they think that foreign investors won’t invest? Start with this appreciation: investing in startups is the riskiest use of capital, in the world. Gambling at a casino is more likely

entrepreneurship foreign funding global investors U.S.venture capital worldwide

Published in Insights / Research, Raising Capital, Regional Development, Startups

9 Comments

A Competition Slide that Closes Capital

Wednesday, 25 November 2020 by Paul O'Brien

I was asked recently if Facebook and Google are competitors, and the question being asked, struck me with as much alarm as hearing a startup founder say they don’t have competitors. What most frequently gives an investor pause is a slide in a pitch deck that communicates that you’re not paying attention to your market and

advice advisors competitive advantage competitive analysis failure marketing mistakes startups

Published in Raising Capital

4 Comments

The 2 Slide Startup Pitch Deck

Monday, 29 June 2020 by Paul O'Brien

Can we connect with investors in 2 slides? It’s said that at the earliest stage, investors are looking for the right people, validation, and a market opportunity but as pitch coaches, advisors, and incubators focus on the merit of the elevator pitch or the perfect email, does it not make sense that the pitch deck

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Published in Raising Capital, Startups

53 Comments

“A VC is asking 6% for acting as an advisor…”

Friday, 27 September 2019 by Paul O'Brien

As a startup mentor, that’s the start of the all too common question from founders trying to figure out if they should part with equity to get someone involved. As a venture partner, that’s a reflection of what too many startups are offered and it’s a turn of the phrase that ranks right up there

advisors equity startups valuation venture capital

Published in Featured, Raising Capital, Startups

104 Comments

A Different Approach to Reaching Angels and VCs

Monday, 01 May 2017 by Paul O'Brien

Spring time in Austin is always the most incredible season for entrepreneurs. Seeds are planted, bluebonnets rise, SXSW is in swing, and the world descends on the city to invent, innovate, and reach investors. This year, it seems, the startup du jour is in VR; with upwards of 300 VR related sessions and panels throughout

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Published in Startups, Featured, Raising Capital

21 Comments