Unfortunately, a startup with no brand name and no intellectual property is a sitting duck for the big slow company, as soon as they see you gaining a bit of traction. Investors expect the founder and other principals to have “skin in the game,” over and above “sweat equity.” If we build it, they will come.” MORE >>

Register some intellectual property. Intellectual property is a large element of most early-stage company valuations, and this value determines what percent of the company an investor will expect to get for his money. Every investor expects to see some traction, both before and after a funding event. Sell one. MORE >>

Unfortunately, a startup with no brand name and no intellectual property is a sitting duck for the big slow company, as soon as they see you gaining a bit of traction. Investors expect the founder and other principals to have “skin in the game,” over and above “sweat equity.” It’s the market, stupid.” Me, myself, and I.” MORE >>

Those at the other extreme don’t look up from the grindstone long enough to notice whether all their work is producing sweat equity or just sweat. Of course, never forget those ongoing perspiration items that seem to haunt you every day: Create intellectual property. Your solution fills a real market need. MORE >>

Researchers polled experts in lending, mezzanine capital, private equity, venture capital and private businesses themselves. First it makes it prohibitively risky to develop software intellectual property as a means to build equity — because your competitor could just give it away! Think Again. Add to this that 72.7% MORE >>