funding Archives - Page 4 of 11

Why Angel Investors are so Sought After

Tuesday, 18 August 2020 by Paul O'Brien

A great many new ventures are NOT businesses. They don’t yet know customers, have a business model, nor see a clear path to making money. We refer to these as “startups” Startups are distinct from new businesses (and new businesses are not necessarily startups) in that the business model is NOT known. This means such

Published in Startups

9 Comments

Friends and Family Funding: Good Idea / Bad Idea (and just how it is)

Tuesday, 04 August 2020 by Paul O'Brien

That Friends and Family Round of funding… we’ve all heard we need it, or that that’s where founders start; but are so many really raising money from family? Let’s cut to the chase, overwhelmingly most founders can’t look to family for financial help and so how should we really think of drawing capital from loved

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Published in Startups

8 Comments

The Stress of Running a Venture Backed Startup

Friday, 17 July 2020 by Paul O'Brien

The expectations of investors, the demands of a company now more prominent in the market, but the ease of pressure in having resources available… Being venture backed doesn’t make it more stressful, nor less, it’s a matter of the stage, the expectations, and what that all means to you personally. Startup teams usually change from

entrepreneurship founders funding leadership mental health venture capital

Published in Insights / Research, Startups

11 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

funding fundraising pitch deck slides

Published in Raising Capital, Startups

53 Comments

Pitching VCs from Far Far Away

Monday, 04 May 2020 by Paul O'Brien

Later this year, the Mandalorian returns to the small screen for Season 2 of one of the hottest reasons everyone has flocked to Disney+ While anxiously awaiting a show near the top of my Must See TV, my family and I spent the weekend binge watching Star Wars while I toiled away on a major

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Published in Advertising, PR, Startups

6 Comments

Startups, It’s About Returns to Investors

Wednesday, 20 November 2019 by Paul O'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

21 Comments

Start Up with the Exit in Mind

Thursday, 14 November 2019 by Paul O'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