Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 18, 2020

One of the biggest myths in the business world is that startups are no place for Baby Boomers, that aging generation born between 1945 and 1964. Today people over 55 are almost twice as likely to create successful startups as Gen-Y, age 20 to 34. Yet credible reports on current trends tell us just the opposite.

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Advisory Board Startup Dividend Angel Investor 312

Both Sides of the Table

DECEMBER 11, 2022

Something happened in the past 7 years in the startup and venture capital world that I hadn’t experienced since the late 90’s — we all began praying to the God of Valuation. How might our next phase of the journey seem brighter, even with more uncertain days for startups and capital markets? What happened? There was no money train.

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Valuation San Francisco Ratchet Liquidation Preference 466

Steve Blank

SEPTEMBER 5, 2018

Reading the NY Times article “ Jeffrey Katzenberg Raises $1 Billion for Short-Form Video Venture, ” I realized it was time for a new startup heuristic: the amount of customer discovery and product-market fit you need to find is inversely proportional to the amount and availability of risk capital. It’s the antithesis of the Lean Startup.

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Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023

Who would not want to join the unicorns (recent startups with a current valuation of over $1 billion)? Excellent detailed resources are everywhere, including a classic book, “ The Startup Checklist ,” by serial entrepreneur and founder of the New York Angels, David S. Incorporating a business entity early through online services.

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Intellectual Property Entrepreneur Angel Groups Social Media 261

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 16, 2022

One of the biggest myths in the business world is that startups are no place for Baby Boomers, that aging generation born between 1945 and 1964. Today people over 55 are almost twice as likely to create successful startups as Gen-Y, age 20 to 34. Yet credible reports on current trends tell us just the opposite.

Advisory Board 368

Advisory Board Dividend Angel Investor Cofounder 368

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 1, 2020

Based on my own experiences in startups, and many years of advising new business owners, I’m convinced that there are a few common frustrations that we all need to anticipate and prepare for, rather than let them be a surprise and a painful dent in your enthusiasm and personal satisfaction from living your dream.

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Due Diligence Entrepreneur Startup Acquisition 306

David Teten

AUGUST 19, 2019

So you’re interested in raising capital from a Revenue-Based Investor VC. A new wave of Revenue-Based Investors (“RBI”) are emerging. For background, see Revenue-Based Investing: A New Option for Founders who Care About Control. Rational burn profile, up to 50% of revenue at close, scaling down. Bigfoot Capital.

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Revenue Technical Review Software Review Equity 60

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 19, 2013

The era of VCs investing in successful consumer Internet startups such as eBay led to a belief system that seemed to permeate many enterprise software startups that hiring sales or implementation people was a bad thing. We only want software revenue.” Channel Partners Not Yet Formed. I believe it’s flawed.

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Technical Review Software Review Startup API 403

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 4, 2019

by Bruce Cleveland, Founding Partner at Wildcat Venture Partners and author of “ Traversing the Traction Gap “ As we continue our exploration of the Traction Gap Framework® – a step-by-step approach that startup teams can use to go from ideation to preparing to scale – I will walk you through the principles.

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Framework Architecture Cleveland Early Stage 127

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 2, 2022

As a long-time mentor to entrepreneurs, here is my collection of smart risks that investors and I look for in new startups: Focus on a tough customer problem rather than a fun technology. Even non-profits need revenue to cover their costs, and continue to provide services. Find a strategic partner to accelerate growth.

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Forecast Stock Options Technical Review Metrics 304

David Teten

AUGUST 20, 2019

A new wave of Revenue-Based Investors are emerging who are using creative investing structures with some of the upside of traditional VC, but some of the downside protection of debt. Revenue-Based Investing (“RBI”) is a new form of VC financing, distinct from the preferred equity structure most VCs use. ” .

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The Startup Magazine

APRIL 15, 2022

Cart abandonment is a major reason for revenue churn among online retailers. Onboarding a trusted partner can really help address the online shopping check-out issues issues presented above. If you’re looking for a fast, certain, and trustworthy partner, it’s time to enhance your payment gateway through Macropay.

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Technical Review Customer Startup Conversion 146

YoungUpstarts

MAY 24, 2019

by Bruce Cleveland, Founding Partner at Wildcat Venture Partners and author of “ Traversing the Traction Gap “ As we continue our exploration of the Traction Gap Framework® – a step-by-step approach that startup teams can use to go from ideation to preparing to scale – I will walk you through the principles.

Framework 113

Framework Architecture Cleveland Early Stage 113

Steve Blank

APRIL 23, 2014

For decades large companies have gone shopping in Silicon Valley for startups. What can companies learn from others’ failed efforts to integrate startups into large companies? The answer - there are two types of integration strategies, and they depend on where the startup is in its lifecycle. The Innovation Portfolio.

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Acquisition Intellectual Property Silicon Valley Startup 332

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 15, 2022

At our mid-year offsite our partnership at Upfront Ventures was discussing what the future of venture capital and the startup ecosystem looked like. Should SaaS companies trade at a 24x Enterprise Value (EV) to Next Twelve Month (NTM) Revenue multiple as they did in November 2021? Please follow him & welcome him to Upfront!!

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Technical Review Pre-Money Valuation San Francisco Valuation 416

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 4, 2011

Yet a creative collaboration with your biggest competitor may be the best opportunity for revenue and survival. Your goal is “ coopetition ” - to find a way to partner with your competitor in such a way that both parties can substantially benefit from the other's resources - without stealing customers or damaging anyone's credibility.

Partner 225

Partner Non-Compete Merger Technical Review 225

Steve Blank

JANUARY 17, 2023

Three types of organizations – Incubators, Accelerators and Venture Studios – have emerged to reduce the risk of early-stage startup failure by helping teams find product/market fit and raise initial capital. They do the most to de-risk the early stages of a startup. Reducing Startup Risk.

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Mucker Lab

OCTOBER 10, 2023

SDR Strategy & Model Checklist In the intricate world of sales development, finding the balance between art and science is crucial for a startup's success. Instead, identifying a narrow target market and focusing efforts there is key, especially for startups with limited resources.

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Early Stage Sales Developer Development Team Review 78

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 19, 2010

Our guest this week on #TWiVC was Dana Settle , partner at Greycroft Partners , a venture capital firm with offices in New York and Los Angeles. Another topic we debated early in the program was “lean startup” vs. “ fat startup ” where we both took the obvious hedge and said “it depends.” OTHER DEALS: 1.

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Partner New York City Cofounder Syndicate 240

Women Entrepreneurs Can

JUNE 3, 2021

Business success requires a range of skills and talents and it often makes sense to have a business partner rather than going solo. There are several things that determine startup success such as having the right product market fit, having a product that the market needs, having the right team and having enough cash.

Partner 52

Partner Technical Review Cofounder Georgia 52

Steve Blank

JUNE 27, 2017

As more and more companies face disruption from globalization, new technology, and startups that have more capital than the incumbents, the continuing cry from Wall Street investors is, “Why can’t companies be as innovative as startups?”. Here’s one reason why: Startups can do anything. Startups can do anything.

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David Teten

AUGUST 19, 2019

A new wave of Revenue-Based Investors are emerging who are using creative investing structures with some of the upside of traditional VC, but some of the downside protection of debt. I believe that Revenue-Based Investing (“RBI”) VCs are on the forefront of what will become a major segment of the venture ecosystem.

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Revenue Term Sheet Founder Technical Review 60

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 26, 2023

These disruptive technologies also have the potential for exposing your business to new competitors, including a wealth of startups that can jeopardize your core business, and redefine the marketplace. This may require you selling exclusivity, doing channel development, or alliances with new partners.

Product 354

Product Technical Review Artificial Inteligence Dividend 354

The Startup Magazine

NOVEMBER 1, 2021

To grow your brand and increase revenue, here are some handy tips on how to optimise your affiliate marketing strategy. You need to know the risk factors when picking affiliate partners, otherwise you run the risk of losing revenue. Source: Pixabay. Find the Right Affiliates. Establish a Robust Affiliate Network.

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Affiliate Marketing Technical Review Software Review 184

The Startup Magazine

DECEMBER 21, 2022

However, nonprofits can’t generate revenue through conventional means due to their nature. These influencers are more likely to partner with your nonprofit if they believe in your cause. Nonprofits should look to partner with entertainment venues in their communities. Credit: Alexander Suhorucov via Pexels. Entertainment Events.

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Social Media Government Salary Software Review 148

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 31, 2012

Make sure your plan answers every relevant question that you could possibly imagine from your business partners, spouse, and potential investors. Don’t expect them to believe your $100M revenue projection, if you are still waiting for the first revenue dollar. Get a real customer and real revenue. Only real results count.

Intellectual Property 260

Intellectual Property Sweat Equity CTO Hire Fractional CTO 260

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 27, 2014

As a long-time mentor to entrepreneurs, here is my collection of smart risks that investors and I look for in new startups: Focus on a tough customer problem rather than a fun technology. Even non-profits need revenue to cover their costs, and continue to provide services. Find a strategic partner to accelerate growth.

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Startup Forecast Stock Options Technical Review 283

YoungUpstarts

MAY 30, 2019

Before moving ahead, it is worth to watch important stats on the global app revenue. It is safe to say that the mobile app users are keep growing and there are bright chances to grow for startups only if you have a clear app idea in your mind. Let’s take a look at a few important steps which can help your mobile-based startup thrive.

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Mobile San Diego Technical Review Startup 127

Up and Running

MAY 15, 2014

I’ve worked with a lot of amazing people on my startup, PopInShop. When I was going through the co-founder “dating” process, I’d found a potential partner through my network who seemed to be perfect. Finding the right business partner for me. I got customers, found partnerships, and generated revenues.

Partner 113

Partner Cofounder Equity Metrics 113

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 8, 2020

As a long-time mentor to entrepreneurs, here is my collection of smart risks that investors and I look for in new startups: Focus on a tough customer problem rather than a fun technology. Even non-profits need revenue to cover their costs, and continue to provide services. Find a strategic partner to accelerate growth.

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Management Entrepreneur Forecast Stock Options 322

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 8, 2022

Another alternative is to build one yourself, starting with a few formulas to extrapolate early revenues and expenses into the five-year projections normally requested by banks and investors. For maximum value with the least effort, focus on only the “what ifs” that are the highest priority in your mind for your own startup.

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Conversion Ratio Startup Business Model eCommerce 368

Hunter Walker

DECEMBER 13, 2020

It doesn’t matter what industry, what product, what revenue model, what stage of development. You’re spending much of your time selling: the vision to employees, the opportunity to investors, the story to the press, the offering to the customers, the relationship to partners. Some weeks you’ll be selling more than you’re sleeping!!!

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Technical Cofounder Cofounder Startup Matching 144

The Next Web

NOVEMBER 6, 2013

He has a background in affiliate marketing and development and is a startup enthusiast in general. If your startup’s goal is to sell a product or service but you’re having a hard time with your revenue model, affiliate marketing might be the perfect match to give you that much-needed boost. What is affiliate marketing?

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Affiliate Revenue Internet Marketing 134

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Others have seized on the opportunity to restructure their business for the future, eliminate marginal processes, and find new growth partners. Now is the time to reach out to satisfied existing customers for repeat business, as it is less expensive to generate more revenue from your past customers than it is to land new ones.

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Technical Review Revenue Social Media Cost 239

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 30, 2020

Most of you prefer to ignore the feedback from analysts that your chances of creating the next unicorn startup may be as low as one in five million. Get support from credible industry groups and partners. You need a stable customer base with an automatically renewing revenue stream, such as the subscription model.

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Merger Acquisition Software Review Social Media 386

The Startup Magazine

JANUARY 5, 2020

That means you’ll need to consider things like which startup revenue model is right for you. But before you decide, you’ll need to know exactly what a startup revenue model is so that you can determine which one is best for the kind of business you’re thinking of starting. Percentage-Based Revenue.

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Revenue Startup Affiliate Advertising 80

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 7, 2022

A common pain of startups after an exhilarating first surge of early adopters is a long and frustrating plateau of slow growth, where it seems like nothing you do will get your business to profitability. Continually add new marketing and distribution partners. Real growth always requires real marketing.

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