Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 8, 2019

Angel investors and venture capitalists don’t make equity investments in nonprofit good causes. The simple reason is that it’s impossible to make money for investors when the goal of the company is to not make money. Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company.

Equity 235

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 235

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 14, 2014

According to a Gompers and Lerner study, the challenge is very real, with a majority of new ventures that don''t attract investors failing within the first three years. My first advice for new entrepreneurs is to pick a domain that doesn’t have the sky-high up-front development costs, like online web sites and smart phone apps.

Entrepreneur 283

Entrepreneur Intellectual Property Technical Review Incubator 283

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 6, 2010

Angel investors and venture capitalists don’t invest in non-profits. The simple reason is that it’s impossible to make money for investors when the goal of the company is to not make money. Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company. Marty Zwilling.

Angel Investor 143

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 143

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 20, 2016

There is a common belief in the angel and venture capital community that you put your money on the best team, rather than the best idea. Thus the top priority of every entrepreneur who wants funding should be to build and highlight their “dream team” of co-founders, executives and advisers, to attract the biggest and best investors.

Sweat Equity 152

Sweat Equity Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Software Review 152

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

I have often been asked about Startup Funding by entrepreneurs. Here is Startup Funding, a Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs. In very few specific cases, depending on the nature of the business, the business model might demand a considerable gestation period or extensive research and development.

Startup 150

Startup Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Seed Stage 150

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 30, 2019

According to my experience and a this Motley Fool article, the challenge is very real, with around half of all new businesses no longer existing after five years. My first advice for new entrepreneurs is to pick a domain that doesn’t have the sky-high up-front development costs, like online web sites and smart phone apps.

Intellectual Property 219

Intellectual Property Technical Review Startup Incubator 219

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 4, 2021

An entrepreneur lifestyle that continues to gain in popularity these days is being a “social entrepreneur.” Whether the objective is to generate profits or social capital, the common element for all entrepreneurs is the recognition that there is a problem which needs solving, or there is an opportunity to improve the status quo.

Entrepreneur 345

Entrepreneur Angel Investor Government Bootstrapping 345

The Startup Magazine

AUGUST 11, 2023

The following is a condensed explanation of seed funding: Seed money is a form of early-stage financing that new businesses receive from investors in exchange for a share of ownership in the company. The term “seed financing” refers to the stage of funding that comes from first equity.

Seed Stage 124

Seed Stage Technical Review Early Stage Due Diligence 124

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Angel investors and venture capitalists don’t make equity investments in nonprofit good causes. The simple reason is that it’s impossible to make money for investors when the goal of the company is to not make money. Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company.

Angel Investor 132

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 132

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 8, 2015

According to a classic Gompers and Lerner study, the challenge is very real, with a majority of new ventures that don't attract investors failing within the first three years. My first advice for new entrepreneurs is to pick a domain, such as online web sites and smart phone apps, that doesn’t have the sky-high up-front development costs.

Entrepreneur 120

Entrepreneur Intellectual Property Technical Review Incubator 120

Hearpreneur

AUGUST 5, 2020

We asked entrepreneurs and business owners about the industries that are ripe for disruption and here are the response; #1- The hemp extraction. The global automakers and suppliers will be adapting their business models accordingly, forming new partnerships and investing in new technologies. 21- Fintech.

Technical Review 156

Technical Review Software Review Entrepreneur China 156

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 3, 2011

Angel investors and venture capitalists don’t invest in non-profits. The simple reason is that it’s impossible to make money for investors when the goal of the company is to not make money. Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company.

Angel Investor 238

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 238

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 1, 2017

According to my experience and a classic Gompers and Lerner study, the challenge is very real, with a majority of new ventures that don't attract investors failing within the first three years. In reality, the financing valley of death tests the commitment, determination, and problem solving ability of every entrepreneur.

Product Development 177

Product Development Cost Developer Product 177

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 13, 2013

Angel investors and venture capitalists don’t invest in non-profits. The simple reason is that it’s impossible to make money for investors when the goal of the company is to not make money. Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company.

Equity 207

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 207

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 19, 2013

According to a Gompers and Lerner study, the challenge is very real, with 90% of new ventures that don't attract investors failing within the first three years. My first advice for new entrepreneurs is to pick a domain that doesn’t have the sky-high up-front development costs, like online web sites and smart phone apps.

Intellectual Property 309

Intellectual Property Technical Review Venture Capital Startup 309

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012

Angel investors and venture capitalists don’t invest in non-profits. The simple reason is that it’s impossible to make money for investors when the goal of the company is to not make money. Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company.

Angel Investor 218

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 218

Up and Running

AUGUST 17, 2022

Dealing with rejection in business is all about learning and adapting. Failing to qualify for investment isn’t a failure, it’s a chance to improve your business and abilities as an entrepreneur. It can be difficult to know where to start after an investor rejects your business proposal.

Venture Capital 146

Venture Capital Intellectual Property Angel Investor Bootstrapping 146

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 12, 2018

The problem is that professional investors (angels and venture capital) want a proven business model before they invest, ready to scale, rather than early projections and product development. In reality, the financing valley of death tests the commitment, determination, and problem solving ability of every entrepreneur.

Intellectual Property 134

Intellectual Property Technical Review Startup Incubator 134

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 9, 2017

New entrepreneurs are always looking for a shortcut in getting their venture story and plan across to investors, and closing on the funding they need. An effective tool I see used more and more, as a prelude to a more detailed business plan, is the Business Model Canvas , first introduced by Alexander Osterwalder back in 2008.

Business Model 143

Business Model Intellectual Property Startup Angel Investor 143

YoungUpstarts

JULY 1, 2019

Money makes the world go ‘round, and your business is no exception. Savvy entrepreneurs know there are numerous ways to fund their start-up. And some of the best use the methods below to get the fuel for their businesses. Grants are a big opportunity to get some money to start your dream business. Angel Investors.

Finance 127

Finance Angel Investor Offshore Equity 127

Up and Running

JULY 2, 2014

Picking the right attorney in your startup is as important as picking the right business partner. You can’t underestimate the importance of selecting an attorney who “gets” your business model, your market opportunity, and most importantly, your fundraising and exit strategy. ownership and never dilute. We were on a roll.

Technical Review 118

Technical Review Angel Investor Due Diligence Dilution 118

Up and Running

MARCH 14, 2018

I know what it’s like to pitch to investors—both angels and venture capitalists. I’ve raised close to $1 million from angel investors for my previous technology startups. Sometimes you only get 10 minutes to pitch your business opportunity to the investors (or less in some cases). Image via WOCinTechChat.

Hockey Stick 164

Hockey Stick Exit Strategy Technical Review Angel Investor 164

Gust

DECEMBER 27, 2012

Understand your business. It sounds obvious, but the majority of entrepreneurs who pitch me have obviously never thought through many of the major issues surrounding their companies. You should know EVERYTHING about your business, product, customers and competition. Your goal in all this is to try to find a lead investor.

Software Review 164

Software Review Term Sheet Technical Review Angel Investor 164

Tim Keane

MARCH 9, 2011

Startups and angels: Along the way to success. By Tim Keane, Angel Investor, Golden Angels Investors, LLC. How to prepare a sales forecast for a business plan » March 09, 2011. How should I finance my new venture? « Leaving a Trail | Main. |  and won’t repeat it all here.

Finance 83

Finance Bootstrapping Startup Equity 83

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 13, 2019

New entrepreneurs are always looking for a shortcut in getting their venture story and plan across to investors, and closing on the funding they need. An effective tool I see used more and more, as a prelude to a more detailed business plan, is the Business Model Canvas , first introduced by Alexander Osterwalder back in 2008.

Intellectual Property 250

Intellectual Property Business Model Angel Investor Channel 250

YoungUpstarts

MAY 9, 2019

You may often hear entrepreneurs telling you about their success and how they are earning. Crowdfunding has become quite popular in the business world. Entrepreneurs can create an account, and pitch their business idea in online communities that have business investors or like-minded people.

Affiliate 113

Affiliate Finance Angel Investor Business Model 113

YoungUpstarts

AUGUST 6, 2012

Follow along as we explore 10 of the most exciting college business incubators around today, and be sure to share your own favorites in the comments: Entrepreneurs Hall @ The RIT Global Village. At Rochester Institute of Technology’s Entrepreneurs Hall, innovation is a way of life. Harvard Innovation Lab.

Incubator 202

Incubator New York City Boston Intellectual Property 202

Steve Blank

FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Btw, the definition of each startup financing stage has changed in the last decade. For a Series A round you want to prove you have built a repeatable and scalable sales/revenue model and understand all parts of the business model. Series B is about proving your net revenue model (can you be profitable?).

Cofounder 429

Cofounder Seed Stage Valuation Metrics 429

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 19, 2017

An entrepreneur lifestyle that continues to gain in popularity these days is being a “social entrepreneur.” Whether the objective is to generate profits or social capital, the common element for all entrepreneurs is the recognition that there is a problem which needs solving, or there is an opportunity to improve the status quo.

Entrepreneur 163

Entrepreneur Angel Investor Government Bootstrapping 163

Up and Running

MAY 18, 2016

Reading lists are dime a dozen, but reading lists that focus on rapid-growth startup businesses? Below, you will find a list of books recommended by serial entrepreneur David S. If you’re planning to start and build a scalable, high-growth business, get ready to fill your bookshelves. Not so much. B y Eric Ries.

Startup 80

Startup Venture Capital Angel Investor Lean 80

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 28, 2013

A term I’m hearing more and more these days is “social entrepreneur.” In the simplest of terms, these are people who seek to generate “social value”, rather than profits, and use traditional business principles to create and manage a venture to make social change. The business entrepreneur mission is profit always, social impact maybe.

Entrepreneur 246

Entrepreneur Angel Investor Government Bootstrapping 246

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 23, 2019

An entrepreneur lifestyle that continues to gain in popularity these days is being a “social entrepreneur.” Whether the objective is to generate profits or social capital, the common element for all entrepreneurs is the recognition that there is a problem which needs solving, or there is an opportunity to improve the status quo.

Angel Investor 214

Angel Investor Government Bootstrapping Business Model 214

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 4, 2012

A term I’m hearing more and more these days is “social entrepreneur.” In the simplest of terms, these are people who seek to generate “social value”, rather than profits, and use traditional business principles to create and manage a venture to make social change. The business entrepreneur mission is profit always, social impact maybe.

Entrepreneur 253

Entrepreneur Angel Investor Government Bootstrapping 253

Austin Startup

FEBRUARY 13, 2019

Consider convertible debt Before diving into a seed round, you may want to consider convertible debt over equity financing. You benefit from the capital and investors benefit from a nice discount at conversion, usually in the range of 20 percent. We were able to raise $750k this way.

Strategic Investors 49

Strategic Investors Austin Angel Investor Bootstrapping 49

Professor VC

MAY 29, 2008

What does it take to be an Angel Investor? To the SEC, it means that you are an accredited investor and To the man (or woman) on the street, a minimum qualification would seem to be an interest and ability to invest in early stage ventures. I think this sentiment has given angel groups a bad name. ProfessorVC.

Angel Investor 28

Angel Investor Angel Groups Accredited Investor San Jose 28

Steve Blank

NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Unfortunately in early stage startups the drive for financing hijacks the corporate DNA and becomes the raison d’etre of the company. Chasing funding versus chasing customers and a repeatable and scalable business model, is one reason startups fail. Is there a profitable business model? How many are there?

Customer Development 262

Customer Development Developer Customer Silicon Valley 262

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 23, 2011

A term I’m hearing more and more these days is “social entrepreneur.” In the simplest of terms, these are people who seek to generate “social value”, rather than profits, and use traditional business principles to create and manage a venture to make social change. The business entrepreneur mission is profit always, social impact maybe.

Entrepreneur 237

Entrepreneur Angel Investor Government Bootstrapping 237