Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 17, 2022

Very few entrepreneurs have the range of skills and experience to be the solution creator as well as business creator, or operational as well as sales leader. The challenge is to recognize and recruit that ideal partner match early with minimal cost and risk. Most entrepreneurs work long hours and weekends to get the job done.

Partner 385

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Cofounder 385

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 1, 2020

Every entrepreneur I know finds it a challenge to balance the joys of entrepreneurship against a set of frustrations they never anticipated. The norm for entrepreneurs is to be optimistic on revenue projections, and miserly on funding needs. Cheaper in the beginning can be more costly in the long run.

Due Diligence 306

Due Diligence Entrepreneur Startup Acquisition 306

The Startup Magazine

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

As the CEO of one of Canada’s largest private credit firms, can you describe the basics of private credit and its increasing importance to budding entrepreneurs? For entrepreneurs, this means not just securing capital, but also gaining a collaborator committed to their growth journey. The firm has made more than $4.5

Technical Review 140

Technical Review Due Diligence Bankruptcy Intellectual Property 140

View from Seed

JANUARY 30, 2020

One of the often neglected parts of fundraising is the process of doing due diligence on potential investors. Partnering with an investor and/or board member is very long term commitment, and I’m always surprised by how little diligence founders do prior to signing up for what could be a 10+ year collaboration. When to do what?

Due Diligence 195

Due Diligence Partner Term Sheet Finance 195

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

In my experience, consummate entrepreneurs tend come up with more startup ideas than they can ever implement, and some of the ideas may not even make business sense. But how does any entrepreneur know which ideas to implement, and which ones are best left behind? business entrepreneur idea reality check startup'

Technical Review 267

Technical Review Due Diligence Entrepreneur Intellectual Property 267

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. For seed stage funding, entrepreneurs should be looking to friends and family, crowd funding, and relevant institutions.

Due Diligence 271

Due Diligence Intellectual Property Entrepreneur Preferred Stock 271

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 22, 2014

Most entrepreneurs work long hours and weekends to get the job done. If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term. Compatible work styles. Marty Zwilling.

Partner 269

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Fractional CTO 269

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 24, 2020

Many entrepreneurs I have mentored make big mistakes in this area, by hiring low-cost friends and family, with minimal skills or training, and expecting them to have the same work ethic , passion, and business knowledge as the founder. In addition, you can reduce to soft costs of mentoring, relationship building, and socializing.

Technical Review 308

Technical Review Due Diligence Startup Employee 308

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 20, 2019

Image via Flickr by ivanpw Some aspiring entrepreneurs are so desperate for funding, or naïve, that they ignore the obvious signs of scams and rip-offs on the Internet, praying for a windfall. Most of these are easy to avoid if you do your homework up front, but can cost you dearly if you get sucked in. Marty Zwilling.

Technical Review 228

Technical Review Non-disclosure Agreement Due Diligence Term Sheet 228

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 24, 2018

In my experience, consummate entrepreneurs tend come up with more startup ideas than they can ever implement, and some of the ideas may not even make business sense. But how does any entrepreneur know which ideas to implement, and which ones are best left behind? Now we are starting to see a computer on every wrist. Martin Zwilling.

Technical Review 208

Technical Review Due Diligence Intellectual Property Internet 208

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 18, 2017

Some aspiring entrepreneurs are so desperate for funding, or naïve, that they ignore the obvious signs of scams and rip-offs on the Internet, praying for a windfall. Most of these are easy to avoid if you do your homework up front, but can cost you dearly if you get sucked in. Deposit required to hold your terms. Marty Zwilling.

Technical Review 120

Technical Review Non-disclosure Agreement Due Diligence Entrepreneur 120

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 15, 2019

Very few entrepreneurs have the range of skills and experience to be the solution creator as well as business creator, or operational as well as sales leader. The challenge is to recognize and recruit that ideal partner match early with minimal cost and risk. Most entrepreneurs work long hours and weekends to get the job done.

Cofounder 221

Cofounder Software Review CTO Hire Founder 221

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

Some aspiring entrepreneurs are so desperate for funding, or naïve, that they ignore the obvious signs of scams and rip-offs on the Internet, praying for a windfall. Most of these are easy to avoid if you do your homework up front, but can cost you dearly if you get sucked in. entrepreneur funding investors business'

Technical Review 202

Technical Review Non-disclosure Agreement Due Diligence Entrepreneur 202

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 15, 2023

As an advisor to entrepreneurs and active angel investor, I often get questions about the realism of the Shark Tank TV series, compared to professional investor negotiations. Yet the process is eerily realistic, and every entrepreneur can glean some important lessons. There is no substitute for knowing your business.

Entrepreneur 279

Entrepreneur Due Diligence Angel Investor Silicon Valley 279

YoungUpstarts

AUGUST 17, 2017

From creating a viable concept to implementing cost-effective processes to ensure continual progress, building a business takes time, strategy and the right kind of advice. Check out my five helpful tips for budding entrepreneurs looking to open their own business: 1. Prior to signing any lease, practice due diligence as well.

Small Business 149

Small Business Software Review Entrepreneur Due Diligence 149

Gust

APRIL 13, 2014

Most entrepreneurs work long hours and weekends to get the job done. If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term. Compatible work styles.

Partner 179

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Fractional CTO 179

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 9, 2021

As a mentor to startups and new entrepreneurs, I continue to hear the refrain that business plans are no longer required for a new startup, since investors never read them anyway. For aspiring entrepreneurs, or if your last startup failed, it’s all about standing out above the crowd of others like you, and demonstrating your readiness.

Elevator Pitch 390

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Due Diligence Angel Investor 390

Hearpreneur

JULY 23, 2023

We asked business leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners about their business development tips and here are the insights that can help your venture propel towards unprecedented growth. #1- The process of developing a business can lead to making and breaking of some relationships as one seeks to narrow down on the ideal prospects.

Developer 92

Developer Technical Review Entrepreneur Due Diligence 92

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

I have often been asked about Startup Funding by entrepreneurs. Here is Startup Funding, a Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs. It is going to cost a lot of money just to get the initial batch of products to test the market and would definitely require external funding. Many myths surround the subject of startup funding.

Startup 150

Startup Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Seed Stage 150

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 8, 2014

This alternative has been around for several decades, with the generally accepted advantage of reducing costs. Saving cost wont help you if you cant make the daily innovations required to stay competitive. Results on commodities, including mature software maintenance, adapt well to low-cost contracting. Marty Zwilling.

Intellectual Property 238

Intellectual Property Non-disclosure Agreement Software Review Offshore 238

YoungUpstarts

MAY 18, 2015

The task of vetting a business prior to a potential purchase is referred to as due diligence. Many business owners forego the advice of an expert accountant because they have financial/accounting experience or are cutting costs by taking responsibility into their own hands. Hire a CPA. Efficiency is essential.

Due Diligence 100

Due Diligence CPA Merger Acquisition 100

The Startup Magazine

FEBRUARY 17, 2022

Form W-2: For entrepreneurs that also have another job on the side. Advertising and Startup Costs. Even though you’ve done your due diligence to prepare your independent contractor taxes for filing, you can’t just send them off when January rolls around. Used by sole proprietors or solo LLCs. Business Insurance.

Software Review 148

Software Review Due Diligence Matching Security 148

YoungUpstarts

AUGUST 30, 2016

After months of due diligence and reviewing hundreds of pages of contracts, McAfee acquired InternetSafety. Our little business grew from four employees to over 30. In 2010, the “we did it” moment arrived. We received an offer from McAfee to acquire our 11-year-old company. com for over $10 million on December 2, 2010.

Software Review 188

Software Review Technical Review Due Diligence Startup 188

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 16, 2017

Very few entrepreneurs have the range of skills and experience to be the solution creator as well as business creator, or operational as well as sales leader. The challenge is to recognize and recruit that ideal partner match early with minimal cost and risk. Most entrepreneurs work long hours and weekends to get the job done.

Partner 140

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Cofounder 140

YoungUpstarts

AUGUST 21, 2017

Along with due diligence for glowing reviews, users should be aware of the security concerns that arise with turning your home into a smart home , giving hackers different avenues to breach. With great mobile connectivity, comes great security responsibilities. Keeping software updated and changing passwords regularly is not enough.

Software Review 109

Software Review Technical Review Due Diligence Mobile 109

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 12, 2021

The critical tasks , which require professional skills, include packaging the business, actively marketing it, negotiating terms, and due diligence. Not getting a signed non-disclosure before negotiating can cost you dearly in value. Sign with a buyer without proper due diligence.

Due Diligence 410

Due Diligence Intellectual Property Bankruptcy Exit Strategy 410

YoungUpstarts

SEPTEMBER 12, 2018

Robust startup economies are popping up in communities all over the country, proving that entrepreneurs can succeed outside of Silicon Valley. When you think you’ve found the right hire, do your due diligence to ensure it’s a two-way fit. cost of living, shorter commute, proximity to research institutions and investors, etc.).

Hiring 100

Hiring Technical Review Silicon Valley Due Diligence 100

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 14, 2020

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. For seed stage funding, entrepreneurs should be looking to friends and family, crowd funding, and relevant institutions.

Due Diligence 308

Due Diligence Intellectual Property Preferred Stock Seed Stage 308

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 29, 2017

As an advisor to entrepreneurs, I often have to deal with people who are convinced that they must get me to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) before they begin talks about their new venture. Potential investors don’t need this data, except perhaps as part of a final due diligence after an initial signed agreement.

Non-disclosure Agreement 153

Non-disclosure Agreement NDA Technical Review Due Diligence 153

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 8, 2013

Most entrepreneurs work long hours and weekends to get the job done. If one of your core values is exceeding your customer expectations for quality and service, and your potential partner ascribes to the low cost, high profit mantra, a successful partnership is highly unlikely over the long-term. Compatible work styles.

Partner 258

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Equity 258

YoungUpstarts

NOVEMBER 20, 2019

I’ve been fortunate enough to be on both sides of the table, as an entrepreneur and a VC, and I’ve observed that most investors look for the same things I do when deciding whether to invest in a company. When I started my last company, we were focused on developing technology to lower the cost of detecting and diagnosing Type 2 diabetes.

Technical Review 118

Technical Review Due Diligence Early Stage Differentiation 118

YoungUpstarts

MARCH 22, 2019

So you have a great business idea, you’ve done your research and due diligence, you know your market and you are good at what you do. Many small business owners and entrepreneurs begin their first foray into self employment neglecting some of the most crucial aspects of running a business. What could go wrong?

Software Review 165

Software Review Due Diligence Startup Stock 165

Rembrandt Communications

FEBRUARY 1, 2023

Most of the inexpensive news distribution services cost less because they use templated press releases. Probably not, so… Do your due diligence when it comes to press releases and publicity. Do your due diligence. Is the low-cost worth it? But… • What exactly is showing up on these sites? • Does anyone care?

Due Diligence 263

Due Diligence Distribution Reputation Public Relations 263

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 6, 2023

With the advent and growth of crowdfunding over the past few years, many entrepreneurs have predicted the demise of angel investment groups and venture capital organizations. That’s not as high as the failure rate with professional investors, but it should convince entrepreneurs that crowdfunding is still no panacea for funding.

Angel Groups 201

Angel Groups Accredited Investor Due Diligence Equity 201

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

With the advent and growth of crowdfunding over the past few years, many entrepreneurs have predicted the demise of those demanding angel investment groups and venture capital organizations. I would summarize the qualms and feedback from professional investors as the following: Crowdfunding platform costs trickle down to angel groups.

Equity 411

Equity Angel Groups Accredited Investor Due Diligence 411

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 14, 2022

With the current volatile economy, as an active startup mentor, I’m seeing a new surge of entrepreneurs and startups, with the commensurate scramble for funding. I recommend you work only with financial and broker organizations who have done the due diligence required, and who have a track record of success.

Merger 261

Merger OTC IPO Due Diligence 261

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 27, 2016

As an angel investor, I’ve learned to believe in this approach, since I have seen great ideas go astray, due to poor execution and I have seen apparently marginal ideas make millions, managed by a savvy entrepreneur. Even social entrepreneurs need milestones, quantifiable results, and revenue to sustain their value.

Technical Review 134

Technical Review Intellectual Property Due Diligence Angel Investor 134