Both Sides of the Table

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What Does the Post Crash VC Market Look Like?

Both Sides of the Table

This happens slowly because while public markets trade daily and prices then adjust instantly, private markets don’t get reset until follow-on financing rounds happen which can take 6–24 months. Of these companies that become well financed we only need 15–25% of THOSE to pan out to return 2–3x the fund.

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Revisiting Paul Graham’s “High Resolution” Financing

Both Sides of the Table

When I first read Paul Graham’s blog post on “High Resolution&# Financing I read it as a treatise arguing that convertible notes are better than equity. “A startup could also give better deals to investors they expected to help them most&# – That is a quote from Paul on the “high resolution financing&# post.

Finance 286
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The Audacious Plan to Make Electricity as Easy as WiFi

Both Sides of the Table

We hired IP specialists to review prior art. We grilled their IP attorneys. Through many meetings discussing strategy, approach, recruiting, financing, etc. Did anybody hold patents that would prevent us from using this technology? I seldom hire patent attorneys during due diligence but this was too important.

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How to Make Sure Professional Services Don’t Take Over Your Software Company

Both Sides of the Table

Importantly, make sure that you retain IP rights to your custom work which needs to be part of the engagement contract. At a minimum co-ownership of the IP. If not specified in contract you might find yourself with future litigation over IP. Integrate PS Work Into Sales & Marketing Processes.

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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. I left the meeting and had to attend a 3-hour board meeting where two founders have been fighting and each want the other one fired.

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Some Career Advice for Aspiring Tech CEOs

Both Sides of the Table

There are many companies with phenomenal IP that is truly differentiated but where the original executive team squandered their opportunity due to inability to sell, market or service customers. There is often money to be made in finding places with under-valued IP. I saved my main point for last. ” (Warren Buffett). .

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How Great, Operationally-Focused CFO’s Can Transform Your Business

Both Sides of the Table

A great finance leader is on top of your numbers with such precision that you don’t have to worry about it. But a great finance leader isn’t just budgeting but he or she is an consummate planning and they won’t take s**t from you about why you need to avoid hiring more staff until you close new contracts or raise money.