How Funding Startups is Like Betting on Horses
Monday, 09 August 2021
Last week, a bit of a controversial, but thought-provoking, perspective about Venture Capital caught the attention of a lot of my readers and followers. There has been a horrific rash of *VC Bad* propaganda and misinformation lately, sparking my thought that people are being misled about the what Venture Capital is and does. That, entrepreneurs are frustrated
- Published in Industry, Insights / Research, Startups
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Business is Personal
Wednesday, 07 July 2021
I found myself at Hewlett-Packard, some 15 years ago, as desktop and laptop computers still dominated our lives and the iPhone was merely a sparkle in Apple’s eye. With my PDA in hand, and Microsoft Zune spinning tunes, HP’s marketing team released a brand campaign designed to reposition the company and remind consumers that the
- Published in Industry, Insights / Research
Entrepreneurs Struggle Beyond Startup
Tuesday, 08 June 2021
Highly risk tolerant and constantly fixated on doing things better, entrepreneurs tend not to be found running companies. That’s not remotely a knock against entrepreneurs. Operating a company is a management skillset, it’s operational, it’s project based, it’s plan and execute…. and these are skillsets that, while valuable to a founder, are not typically consistent
- Published in Startups
Commitment to Entrepreneurship
Tuesday, 06 April 2021
“Without commitment you cannot have depth in anything.” Neil Strauss “Motivation is what gets you started. Commitment is what keeps you going.” Jim Rohn “Commitment leads to action. Action brings your dream closer.” Marica Wieder “You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear.” Sammy Davis Jr “Most people fail not because of a lack
- Published in Startups
In the Company of Venture Capital
Wednesday, 17 February 2021
People have different definitions of “startup” and “venture capital,” and it’s that foundation that causes frustrations and misplaced expectations. What Frustrations in Venture Capital? The real reason founders are not funded VCs don’t say in a pitch process Why Venture Capitalists Aren’t Funding The Businesses We Need VCs like to take their time with their
- Published in Startups
Asked: What Stops VCs from Investing in Foreign Companies?
Monday, 25 January 2021
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
- Published in Insights / Research, Raising Capital, Regional Development, Startups
The Valuation of a Pre Funded Startup
Wednesday, 20 January 2021
Startups all, struggle with a question of what’s called, “valuation.” What is the company worth? To put together a pitch deck, negotiate terms with investors, or just to share with potential team members and advisors what you’re doing, people will want to know what it’s worth now. Before you take money from a venture capital
- Published in Insights / Research, Startups