Both Sides of the Table

article thumbnail

The Audacious Plan to Make Electricity as Easy as WiFi

Both Sides of the Table

Meredith came to see me along with the CTO Marc Berte. Did anybody hold patents that would prevent us from using this technology? We hired IP specialists to review prior art. We grilled their IP attorneys. I seldom hire patent attorneys during due diligence but this was too important. We hired OSHA regulatory lawyers.

article thumbnail

Remind Me Why I Love You? (Why “In Person” is Everything)

Both Sides of the Table

I then had to review a nefarious IP lawsuit filed against another company and help the CEO figure out whether we should just pay it or join forces with the other companies named and fight it. Last time we met I didn’t have my CTO with me. Would it be alright if I brought her by your offices for a super quick coffee?”

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

What Did I Learn From the First VC Check I Ever Wrote?

Both Sides of the Table

Defensible IP When I’m asked by newer, younger VC partners for advice on our sector, one of the things I always emphasize is looking for companies who have built defensible intellectual property (IP). Defensible IP becomes insanely valuable?—?particularly Over the past 2.5 particularly as you achieve scale.

IP 223
article thumbnail

What Makes an Entrepreneur? Cojones (7/11)

Both Sides of the Table

They often make great team members such as head of products, CTO, head of sales, CFO, etc. If this idea was so big then why would they risk not being first to market, not building defensible IP for the sake of a few hundred thousand dollars extra in lock-up money at a big company? I finally called bullshit.

article thumbnail

What Should You Send a VC Before Your Meeting?

Both Sides of the Table

If you presented on your own but have a very talented CTO perhaps your follow up is to bring by your CTO to show why the tech you’ve built is truly unique. Compelling. Visually stunning (in this day and age this is becoming a sine qua non ).

IP 261
article thumbnail

A Few Key People Really Can Make a Huge Difference

Both Sides of the Table

There’s you and your killer CTO co-founder. Imagine if the ambassadors from Seattle organized a dinner with 8 entrepreneurs, the CTO of Amazon, the head of Xbox and the head of marketing for Starbucks. Your highest priority right now is hiring the 1 or 2 people that are going to join your company and make a difference.

Seattle 317