Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 17, 2020

Every entrepreneur I know has their favorite excuse for a previous failure – an investor backed out, the economy took a downturn, or a supplier delivered bad quality. I certainly agree that starting a business is fraught with risk, and none of us get it all right the first time. Willing to start today and find resources later.

Intellectual Property 436

Intellectual Property Angel Investor Viral Distribution 436

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 15, 2019

For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect. At the same time, more entrepreneurs are jumping into the fray, and less money is available from investors. In my view, savvy “super angel” investors such as Mike Maples, Jr. ,

Startup 245

Startup Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator 245

ReadWriteStart

MARCH 9, 2021

Angel investors. An angel investor is an individual (and usually a wealthy one) who is willing to invest in small businesses. Angel investors aren’t as dedicated to the practice as VCs, so there’s often less competition for their attention. However, they may be harder to find, depending on where you live.

Angel Investor 117

Angel Investor Equity Small Business Administration Venture Capital 117

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. You still start the process with a business plan, but then you look for a philanthropist rather than an investor.

Angel Investor 132

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 132

Hunter Walker

AUGUST 23, 2023

Specifically I’ve had the chance to spend meaningful time over the years with Michael Mignano as he went from startup CEO to Executive/Angel Investor and now VC Partner at Lightspeed. We felt that if Apple cut off our distribution to Apple Podcasts, the value of the Anchor offering would be greatly diminished.

Founder 87

Founder Angel Investor Cap Table Distribution 87

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 31, 2018

Most of you new venture founders I meet as an angel investor seem convinced that starting the business is the hardest part. For example, you may have a product, but not a strong distribution channel. An alliance with a distribution organization enhances the value to existing and new customers of both your solutions.

Angel Investor 167

Angel Investor Dilution Software Review Distribution 167

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. You still start the process with a business plan, but then you look for a philanthropist rather than an investor.

Angel Investor 238

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 238

Gust

OCTOBER 17, 2012

I began studying angel investing returns about 10 years ago as a result of a problem I couldn’t resolve: The investing world seemed certain that angel investors were rubes. And whenever they might come close to succeeding, savvy “professional” investors would just swoop in, cram them down, and win the real returns.

Angel Investor 152

Angel Investor Venture Capital Seed Stage Silicon Valley 152

The Startup Magazine

MAY 13, 2022

Equity distribution among co-founders may be a complex procedure while starting any business. We’ll address the fundamental considerations to consider when distributing stock in a business, including the method of dividing equity among founders and typical traps to avoid, in this post. The differences between shares and options.

Equity 140

Equity Founder Vesting Cofounder 140

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. You still start the process with a business plan, but then you look for a philanthropist rather than an investor.

Equity 207

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 207

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 21, 2023

To get the visibility and distribution you need will likely require one or two levels of partner relationships and a real model for marketing, events and promotions. Word of mouth is not adequate for marketing and sales. Customer support is more than handling exceptions.

Business Model 273

Business Model Customer Angel Investor Bootstrapping 273

NZ Entrepreneur

DECEMBER 10, 2020

Sutton learned midway through his pitching journey that what most impressed investors was telling the story of Mega Distribution, a California health supplies wholesaler which became an early adopter and rapt fan. These investors are going to go home and their spouse will ask ‘What did you see?’

Technical Review 103

Technical Review Software Review Due Diligence Startup 103

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 14, 2015

As an angel investor, I certainly see continuing evidence that this phenomenon hasn’t changed much in the past couple of decades. Technologists forget that investors are buying a chunk of the business, not the product. Every solution needs a business team first who knows how to market, distribute and support the product.

Technical Review 120

Technical Review Startup Angel Investor Social Media 120

View from Seed

JANUARY 24, 2018

For this reason, we’ve partnered with Guild members who have experience across different kinds of customers, business models, and distribution channels. Jessica is VP, Marketing at Notarize and Founder of Girl Capital, a network for aspiring female angel investors. Jared holds a B.A. degree from Northwestern University.

Operations 176

Operations Cofounder Technical Review Angel Investor 176

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. You still start the process with a business plan, but then you look for a philanthropist rather than an investor.

Angel Investor 218

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 218

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 18, 2014

For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect. At the same time, more entrepreneurs are jumping into the fray, and less money is available from investors. In my view, savvy “super angel” investors such as Mike Maples, Jr.,

Entrepreneur 283

Entrepreneur Startup Angel Investor Technical Review 283

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 12, 2017

For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect. At the same time, more entrepreneurs are jumping into the fray, and less money is available from investors. In my view, savvy “super angel” investors such as Mike Maples, Jr. ,

Startup 161

Startup Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator 161

Steve Blank

JANUARY 22, 2014

However, four critical advances over the past decade (cloud, accelerators, Lean, and Angels) not only changed the math for tech investing but made regional tech clusters possible. as a distribution channel have vastly reduced the amount of capital a startup needs at the early stage when the risk is greatest.

Early Stage 286

Early Stage Silicon Valley Oregon Technical Review 286

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 1, 2014

But while Amazon blew away existing physical distribution channels to deliver products to you, we are blowing away existing physical infrastructure to help you store the things you want to keep – just not at your home. We pride ourselves on being early-stage (thus the name, Upfront) but in this case it’s as early as it gets.

Technical Review 380

Technical Review Software Review Cofounder CTO Hire 380

Gust

DECEMBER 6, 2011

Angel Investors. $20 Super Angels. It is clear from this table that Friends and Family, Angel Investors and Venture Capitalists provide 95% of the capital for new ventures. The figure below shows the number of investors by investment size for startup ventures. US Government. Pre-seed, startup. 20 billion.

Angel Investor 179

Angel Investor Venture Capital Valuation Software Engineering 179

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 20, 2012

For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect. At the same time, more entrepreneurs are jumping into the fray, and less money is available from investors. In my view, savvy “super angel” investors such as Mike Maples, Jr. ,

Startup 296

Startup Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator 296

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 26, 2013

If your startup is great enough to get a term sheet from angel investors or a venture capitalist, the next step for the investor is to complete the dreaded due diligence process. This will involve an analysis of the company’s distribution channels, advertising, and pricing strategy. Sales and marketing strategy.

Technical Review 242

Technical Review Due Diligence Startup Term Sheet 242

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 22, 2021

To get the visibility and distribution you need will likely require one or two levels of partner relationships and a real model for marketing, events and promotions. Word of mouth is not adequate for marketing and sales. Customer support is more than handling exceptions.

Business Model 414

Business Model Angel Investor Bootstrapping Revenue 414

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 19, 2011

For example, when you think about distribution channels, revenue streams, or the relationship with the customer, ask customers what they expect. At the same time, more entrepreneurs are jumping into the fray, and less money is available from investors. In my view, savvy “super angel” investors such as Mike Maples, Jr. ,

Startup 286

Startup Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator 286

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 30, 2013

It doesn’t prove your business model of pricing, distribution, and support. Funding for pre-revenue startups used to be the domain of angel investors, but they have moved up-stage. Without revenue, your investors are largely limited to friends, family and fools.

Intellectual Property 281

Intellectual Property Entrepreneur Sweat Equity CTO Hire 281

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 11, 2022

As a former angel investor, I look for this level of alignment and understanding in every funding presentation I hear. It takes partners to make a business work, normally including suppliers, marketing, channel, and distribution partners, as well as funding partners. It shows you how everyone works in synergy. Key partners.

Business Model 334

Business Model Intellectual Property Angel Investor Channel 334

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 11, 2022

After many years of working with angel investors seriously trying to find new ventures worthy of their hard-earned money, I find their frustration often exceeds that of entrepreneurs sincerely looking for financial help. Investors are most interested in providing money for scaling of a proven solution.

Due Diligence 271

Due Diligence Intellectual Property Entrepreneur Preferred Stock 271

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 29, 2022

Angel investors, like me, have long figured out that asking to see the prototype is a quick way to separate the ‘wannabes’ from serious players. Support early negotiation with vendors and distribution channels. Talk is cheap, but entrepreneurs who show you a working model of their idea know how to execute.

Angel Investor 276

Angel Investor Database Cofounder Distribution 276

The Next Web

DECEMBER 30, 2012

Learn how to raise capital from angel investors and venture capitalists (and how to decide who you should target). Social media marketing for startups : How to use social to launch, position your messaging and get distribution. Raising money for a startup from an angel investor : Learn pre-money and post-money valuations are.

Artificial Inteligence 156

Artificial Inteligence Founder Private Equity Ruby 156

techcrunch.com

OCTOBER 13, 2012

I began studying angel investing returns about 10 years ago as a result of a problem I couldn’t resolve: The investing world seemed certain that angel investors were rubes. And whenever they might come close to succeeding, savvy “professional” investors would just swoop in, cram them down, and win the real returns.

Angel Investor 103

Angel Investor Venture Capital Seed Stage Silicon Valley 103

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 11, 2021

As an angel investor to startups, I’m still surprised to find entrepreneurs who expect investors to give them money, and assume no strings attached. Funding can be pulled, and future distributions withheld, if objectives are not met. Would you do that if it was your money? Progress milestones become management objectives.

Term Sheet 433

Term Sheet Advisory Board Liquidation Preference Startup 433

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 29, 2012

If your startup is great enough to get a term sheet from angel investors or a venture capitalist, the next step for the investor is to complete the dreaded due diligence process. This will involve an analysis of the company’s distribution channels, advertising, and pricing strategy. Sales and marketing strategy.

Technical Review 245

Technical Review Due Diligence Term Sheet Startup 245

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 26, 2021

As a long-time advisor to entrepreneurs and occasional angel investor, I often see and hear innovative product pitches that sound exciting, but are missing one or more of the key business elements that investors deem critical for funding consideration. Patents are a good place for you to start.

Intellectual Property 332

Intellectual Property Angel Investor Business Model Channel 332

Steve Blank

SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

Being distributed/network ready (even though Ethernet was just barely coming into use in the enterprise). Angel investor Don Lucas had his office above ours. It wasn’t always perfect, but it was way more right than wrong, It informed our product development to a great degree and kept us working on more or less the right stuff.

Technical Review 333

Technical Review Venture Capital Software Review Database 333

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 14, 2010

The dinner parties now are filled with self-righteous angel investors bragging about how many deals they are in on. The best angels will do very well just at the best real estate investors did well in good times and bad. It’s true that it’s cheaper to start companies now and cheaper to get distribution.

Florida 299

Florida Technical Review San Antonio Los Angeles 299

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 31, 2012

It doesn’t prove your business model of pricing, distribution, and support. Funding for pre-revenue startups used to be the domain of angel investors, but they have moved up-stage. Without revenue, your investors are largely limited to friends, family and fools.

Intellectual Property 260

Intellectual Property Sweat Equity CTO Hire Fractional CTO 260

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 3, 2016

Every entrepreneur I know has their favorite excuse for a previous failure – an investor backed out, the economy took a downturn, or a supplier delivered bad quality. I certainly agree that starting a business is fraught with risk, and none of us get it all right the first time. Willing to start today and find resources later.

Intellectual Property 120

Intellectual Property Startup Angel Investor Viral 120