Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 22, 2020

Cohen and John Kador, in their classic book “ What Every Angel Investor Wants You to Know ,” includes these great points of practical advice on this subject: Manage expectations before the fact. For entrepreneurs, friends and family money usually represents the smallest increment of funding, yet requires the most time to manage.

Management 308

Management Cram Down Angel Investor Equity 308

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 8, 2019

Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Examples include charitable organizations, trade unions, and public arts organizations.

Equity 235

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 235

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 15, 2019

If they or you find it hard to trust others, love to work alone, always have to be in control, or insist on micro-managing, it may be time for change or looking elsewhere. Neither partner needs to be managed. Look at the big picture first of development, finance, and marketing/sales. Feels a real passion and love for their role.

Cofounder 221

Cofounder Software Review CTO Hire Founder 221

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 2, 2019

Most of you aspiring entrepreneurs have no idea how dramatically your own role has to evolve as you develop a solution, start a business, and expect it to scale into a successful self-managed company. Here is an outline of the stages that we both see: Envision, implement, sell, and manage every step.

Leadership 248

Leadership Technical Review Cofounder Social Media 248

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 24, 2018

Based on my experience, creating a new business is at least as difficult as creating an innovative solution, and it takes a knowledge of finance, operations, customers and the marketplace. You need skills in finance, operations, and marketing to supplement product development, and more hours of work than one person can manage.

Angel Investor 249

Angel Investor Cofounder Finance Operations 249

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 30, 2019

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Set expectations accordingly. Solicit funds from friends and family. Barter your services for their services.

Intellectual Property 219

Intellectual Property Technical Review Startup Incubator 219

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 22, 2023

Many entrepreneurs are convinced that banks are not worth the effort for startups, especially early-stage ones that still don’t have a revenue stream, or collateral to back up their financing needs. Management with a strong track record. This question gets to the heart of what bank financing is and isn't supposed to accomplish.

Equity 303

Equity Silicon Valley Finance Early Stage 303

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 23, 2013

There is so much written these days about how to attract investors that most entrepreneurs “assume” they need funding, and don’t even consider a plan for “bootstrapping,” or self-financing their startup. Some entrepreneurs are quick with creative ideas, and even excellent at managing the chaos of initial implementation.

Bootstrapping 252

Bootstrapping Sweat Equity Entrepreneur Technical Review 252

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 30, 2022

Very few startups are cash-rich enough to self-finance aggressive second-stage growth. They need a large infusion from venture capitalists, private equity, bank loans, or mezzanine financing. Managing business growth is more than metrics. Separate management from leadership, and provide both. There is no free lunch.

Mezzanine 368

Mezzanine Private Equity Bandwidth Metrics 368

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 22, 2014

If you find it hard to trust others, love to work alone, always have to be in control, or insist on micro-managing, you probably won’t find a partner who will satisfy you. Does not need to be managed. Look at the big picture first of development, finance, and marketing/sales. You may be too independent to be partner material.

Partner 269

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Fractional CTO 269

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 13, 2012

There is so much written these days about how to attract investors that most entrepreneurs “assume” they need funding, and don’t even consider a plan for “bootstrapping,” or self-financing their startup. Some entrepreneurs are quick with creative ideas, and even excellent at managing the chaos of initial implementation.

Sweat Equity 239

Sweat Equity Technical Review Bootstrapping Equity 239

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 31, 2022

After many years in business, I’m convinced that none of us has the strengths and interest in all the areas needed for success, including solution changes, finance, marketing, and operations. This work requires market feedback, managing trials, and working with the sales team as well as developers.

Metrics 272

Metrics Early Stage Finance Programming 272

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 5, 2022

Larger enterprises let you learn as you go, with minimal risk, and they pay for leadership training, employee management, and new project management tools. Personal finances must be kept separate from the business. A successful business is a long-term effort. It’s a 24/7 job with no time off for vacation or fun.

Silicon Valley 292

Silicon Valley Viral Finance Leadership 292

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 16, 2017

If they or you find it hard to trust others, love to work alone, always have to be in control, or insist on micro-managing, it may be time for change or looking elsewhere. Neither partner needs to be managed. Look at the big picture first of development, finance, and marketing/sales. Feels a real passion and love for their role.

Partner 140

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Cofounder 140

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

There is so much written these days about how to attract investors that most entrepreneurs “assume” they need funding, and don’t even consider a plan for “bootstrapping,” or self-financing their startup. Some entrepreneurs are quick with creative ideas, and even excellent at managing the chaos of initial implementation.

Sweat Equity 255

Sweat Equity Technical Review Entrepreneur Bootstrapping 255

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 8, 2013

If you find it hard to trust others, love to work alone, always have to be in control, or insist on micro-managing, you probably won’t find a partner who will satisfy you. Does not need to be managed. Look at the big picture first of development, finance, and marketing/sales. You may be too independent to be partner material.

Partner 258

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Equity 258

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 14, 2014

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Set expectations accordingly. Solicit funds from friends and family. Barter your services for their services.

Entrepreneur 283

Entrepreneur Intellectual Property Technical Review Incubator 283

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 27, 2020

Many entrepreneurs are convinced that banks are not worth the effort for startups, especially early-stage ones that still don’t have a revenue stream, or collateral to back up their financing needs. Management with a strong track record. This question gets to the heart of what bank financing is and isn't supposed to accomplish.

Silicon Valley 406

Silicon Valley Equity Startup Finance 406

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 1, 2017

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Set expectations accordingly. Solicit funds from friends and family. Barter your services for their services.

Product Development 177

Product Development Cost Developer Product 177

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Examples include charitable organizations, trade unions, and public arts organizations.

Angel Investor 132

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 132

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 23, 2017

They don’t realize that these only increase their workload, due to training and management, rather than offloading real work. Unfortunately, some are so in love with themselves (narcissistic), that they can’t be convinced that anyone else could possibly run their finances, or take on marketing. Don’t repeat the mistakes of others.

Startup 165

Startup Technical Review Partner Finance 165

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 28, 2013

A closer analysis often indicates the cause to be a lack of diligence in handling common business finances. Entrepreneurs should sign every check and manage cash personally, rather than delegate this task to anyone. These mistakes are usually masked by excuses, like the economy turned on me, or my competitors played dirty.

Technical Review 251

Technical Review Entrepreneur Salary Finance 251

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 19, 2013

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Set expectations accordingly. Solicit funds from friends and family. Barter your services for their services.

Intellectual Property 309

Intellectual Property Technical Review Venture Capital Startup 309

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 12, 2018

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Set expectations accordingly. Get a loan or line-of-credit. Barter your services for their services.

Intellectual Property 134

Intellectual Property Technical Review Startup Incubator 134

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 20, 2012

A closer analysis often indicates the cause to be a lack of diligence in handling common business finances. Entrepreneurs should sign every check and manage cash personally, rather than delegate this task to anyone. These mistakes are usually masked by excuses, like the economy turned on me, or my competitors played dirty.

Technical Review 273

Technical Review Startup Finance Cost 273

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 13, 2022

I won’t even try to cover here the ones you didn’t find for your personal life, like managing personal finances and credit. The focus here would be on the actual nuts and bolts of how things get budgeted and financed in business. There's some untruth hidden in 99 percent of everything you're told. Business Budgets and Benefits.

Dividend 352

Dividend Salary Social Network Finance 352

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 13, 2013

Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Examples include charitable organizations, trade unions, and public arts organizations.

Equity 207

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 207

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 14, 2013

It’s not unusual for creative entrepreneurs to find finances difficult to understand, intimidating, or just a numbing bore. In reality, the discipline to manage cash does not require a financial genius. If you startup isn’t evolving and growing, you are failing Manage yourself. Learn and practice time management disciplines.

Partner 247

Partner Entrepreneur Finance Revenue 247

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 30, 2021

Look at your management and industry experience. Being able to manage employees and vendors is the type of skill assumed before starting your own business. They will get you interest from investors and lenders, and you will receive better financing, prices, terms, and conditions from business suppliers and professional services.

Entrepreneur 423

Entrepreneur Stock Finance Employee 423

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 28, 2021

Most entrepreneurs expect to face the “normal” challenges of starting a business, which include finding the right opportunity, building and executing a winning plan, and financing their venture. Personal wealth management. The result is a sinking feeling after some time that you are no longer vital and competitive in your own domain.

Portfolio 380

Portfolio Leadership Finance Security 380

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 29, 2011

If you find it hard to trust others, love to work alone, always have to be in control, or insist on micro-managing, you probably won’t find a partner who will satisfy you. Does not need to be managed. Look at the big picture first of development, finance, and marketing/sales. You may be too independent to be partner material.

Partner 240

Partner Software Review CTO Hire Fractional CTO 240

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012

Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Examples include charitable organizations, trade unions, and public arts organizations.

Angel Investor 218

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 218

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 8, 2020

Larger enterprises let you learn as you go, with minimal risk, and they pay for leadership training, employee management, and new project management tools. Personal finances must be kept separate from the business. A successful business is a long-term effort. It’s a 24/7 job with no time off for vacation or fun.

Silicon Valley 361

Silicon Valley Viral Finance Leadership 361

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 20, 2016

In my angel investor mode, I often find myself flipping to the “management” section of a business plan, even before I read the solution description and opportunity. Even if your product is a technological marvel, I look for balanced strength on the team in finance, marketing and operations. Solo entrepreneurs rarely find an investor.

Sweat Equity 152

Sweat Equity Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Software Review 152

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 7, 2012

It’s not unusual for creative entrepreneurs to find finances difficult to understand, intimidating, or just a numbing bore. In reality, the discipline to manage cash does not require a financial genius. If you startup isn’t evolving and growing, you are failing Manage yourself. Learn and practice time management disciplines.

Entrepreneur 241

Entrepreneur Partner Finance Revenue 241

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 3, 2011

Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Examples include charitable organizations, trade unions, and public arts organizations.

Angel Investor 238

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 238

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 15, 2015

Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner. Examples include charitable organizations, trade unions, and public arts organizations.

Angel Investor 120

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 120