How Venture Capitalists Venture
Monday, 07 January 2019
Did you know? Venture Capitalists get paid to manage others’ money. If someone is investing directly in your startup, and they know and love the space, having more supportive than capital based intentions, call them an Angel Investor. If someone is directly investing in your business and they want to see customers and focus on
- Published in Startups
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On the Challenges Facing an Angel Investor
Wednesday, 14 November 2018
Angel investment is a distinct *source* of capital that it’s important to distinguish from “seed money,” funding from angel groups, venture capital, money from an incubator, or even an early investment from someone with later stage expectations. In my time in Silicon Valley, with New York, and in Texas, what is glaringly obvious is that
- Published in Startups
The VCs I Read
Wednesday, 04 July 2018
Last thought first: How do we follow all of these great mentors and writers? Here’s a Twitter List to Follow <- Subscribe there and you’ll get all of their posts I’ve spent years, week after week, dropping to entrepreneurs some of the names of VC blogs and bloggers I love. In every Incubator and session I
- Published in Insights / Research, Startups
A Different Approach to Reaching Angels and VCs
Monday, 01 May 2017
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
- Published in Startups, Featured, Raising Capital
The Secret to Funding: How Many Customers You Need Before Contacting VCs
Friday, 06 January 2017
It might be the most frequently asked question by early entrepreneurs. If not that, the most frequently heard frustration from founders is, “I have customers, why can’t I raise capital?” Let me jump right in on the secret I’m about to reveal: customers aren’t the answer you’re seeking. Which is to say, the magic number
- Published in Startups
Recently Asked: Who are the Notable Angel Investors in Austin?
Wednesday, 17 August 2016
I’ve been frequently asked lately who are considered Austin Angel Investors and though we’ve explored later stage, institutional venture capital in Austin, Texas, I realized I hadn’t put much thought to those whom really stands out as a traditional Angel investor. The distinction matters, and the question an important one, as raising capital requires that you engage
Should I be Seeking Funding from an Incubator or Angel Investor?
Monday, 02 May 2016
In the midst of the next startup bust (apparently), entrepreneurs are seemingly struggling to raise capital now more than ever. A very frequently asked question I’m hearing, sounds something along the lines of, “should I just take the terms of the local incubator?” But what troubles me in such questions more, is not the desperation
- Published in Startups