Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 2, 2012

My advice to founders out there is to not volunteer too much, but be open and honest in the face of direct questions like the following: What is your burn rate and runway today? As an employee, you salary will likely be low, your job security low, so the job title better be large, and the stock options better be large.

Due Diligence 244

Due Diligence Sweat Equity Burn Rate Intellectual Property 244

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 2, 2015

For a well-funded seed company I have controversially recommended hiring a great office manager that doubles as an administrative assistant. They can show the projections on what this does to burn rate. than to have to deal with healthcare benefit options, vacation policies, health-and-safety regulations and so forth.

Operations 150

Operations Metrics Early Stage Non-Compete 150

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 16, 2013

My advice to founders out there is to not volunteer too much, but be open and honest in the face of direct questions like the following: What is your burn rate and runway today? As an employee, you salary will likely be low, your job security low, so the job title better be large, and the stock options better be large.

Due Diligence 253

Due Diligence Sweat Equity Intellectual Property Burn Rate 253

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 5, 2011

My advice to founders out there is to not volunteer too much, but be open and honest in the face of direct questions like the following: What is your burn rate and runway today? As an employee, you salary will likely be low, your job security low, so the job title better be large, and the stock options better be large.

Due Diligence 237

Due Diligence Sweat Equity Intellectual Property Entrepreneur 237

Gust

DECEMBER 8, 2013

My advice to founders out there is to not volunteer too much, but be open and honest in the face of direct questions like the following: What is your burn rate and runway today? As an employee, you salary will likely be low, your job security low, so the job title better be large, and the stock options better be large.

Due Diligence 174

Due Diligence Sweat Equity Intellectual Property Burn Rate 174

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 20, 2010

My advice to founders out there is to not volunteer too much, but be open and honest in the face of direct questions like the following: What is your burn rate and runway today? As an employee, you salary will likely be low, your job security low, so the job title better be large, and the stock options better be large.

Due Diligence 229

Due Diligence Sweat Equity Intellectual Property Startup 229

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 23, 2010

the loan converts at 15-20% discout to the new money coming in) or your investor will get “warrant coverage&# which is similar to an employee stock option in that it gives the investor the right but not the obligation to invest in your company in the future at a defined priced.

Startup 290

Startup Burn Rate Warrant Bankruptcy 290

www.paulgraham.com

APRIL 28, 2010

And if trouble withinvestors is one of the biggest threats to a startup, managing themis one of the most important skills founders need to learn. Ifyour competitors offer employees stock options that might make themrich, while you make it clear you plan to stay private, yourcompetitors will get the best people.

Technical Review 76

Technical Review Startup Software Review Angel Investor 76