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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Getting to Know Your Venture Capitalist
Tuesday, 28 August 2018
There are two types of people in the world. Those who know what they’re doing and those who don’t. Your challenge, as an entrepreneur raising capital, is to discern the difference. Even with the very best of intentions, wealth doesn’t necessarily = experience, good advice, and sound decisions. In venture capital this fact can lead to disastrous
- 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
Overcoming Obstacles: How Startups Prevent a Hiccup in Due Diligence
Monday, 18 September 2017
Most of the articles you read about venture capital, and getting funded, are focused on the positive outcome – finding, meeting, and pitching the VC. Let’s take a look at a startup from the other perspective – how to avoid a “no.” If an investor takes a shine to you, they’re going to go through
- Published in Startups
Frequently Asked: How can I identify venture capital companies and investors who might be interested?
Thursday, 22 June 2017
Where can I pitch my startup? Who will fund us? Those are the questions typically heard and occasionally, too rarely, someone asks the more valuable question, how do I figure out who will fund me? Who will fund you gets the heart of an exercise far too few startups conduct; asking the question of whether
- Published in 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