Startup Lessons Learned

AUGUST 26, 2009

But theres no denying the level of support for entrepreneurs that we enjoy. They take common stock, not preferred, a fact that the entrepreneurs mentioned to me many times. And every year, it looks as if one or two entrepreneurs from the program decide to stay. Instead, focus on getting them ready for that stage.

San Francisco 113

San Francisco Silicon Valley Startup Lean 113

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 13, 2013

A couple of tech giants throw millions around in either cash (for which they have hoards) or part with some publicly traded stock. And a few teams of super talented, educated and bright entrepreneurs make a few mill. I know the buyers try the best to believe that [insert well known founder name here. in their 20′s.

Liquidation Preference 357

Liquidation Preference Early Stage Retention Lock-up Period 357

Startup Company Lawyer

MAY 4, 2009

Philip Kaplan – Entrepreneur. June 2nd, 2009: Name your future business. Description: What’s in a name, and how do you choose a good one? Description: Getting your vision and company name out there. Jason Calacanis - CEO, Mahalo. Russ Fradin - CEO, Adify. Scott Heiferman - CEO, Meetup. Can it be done?

Founder 28

Founder Warrant San Francisco Intellectual Property 28

Startup Company Lawyer

MARCH 14, 2010

My general opinion is that anything that makes the financing process faster and easier or otherwise educates entrepreneurs is a good thing. (A Name of security. Pro rata with common. Pro rata with common. Series Seed Financing Documents (by Fenwick & West). Legal fees. Series Seed. Y Combinator. Series Seed.

Finance 70

Finance Software Review Term Sheet Liquidation Preference 70

Gust

DECEMBER 8, 2011

I urge all entrepreneurs to consult and develop a good working relationship with a qualified startup lawyer. Pick a name for the new legal entity (e.g., and search for its availability as a corporate name, domain name and trademark (all separate inquiries). Make escrow arrangements for restricted stock (i.e.,

Intellectual Property 139

Intellectual Property Non-disclosure Agreement Delaware Stock 139

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 23, 2015

Do you have common stock (or membership units)? If preferred, what are the differences between common and preferred? Ask for the name of the lawyer, and ask permission to call him or her. He also serves as counselor and personal advisor to executives and entrepreneurs. Pick up the phone and have a conversation.

Private Equity 100

Private Equity Common Stock Equity Reputation 100

Growthink Blog

APRIL 7, 2010

It's just two successful entrepreneurs trying to improve on products in an established industry. For those of you who don't understand the term "Series A," the Series A round is the name given to your first significant round of venture financing. Just another video game company in my book. But I included it here for just that reason.

Angel Investor 54

Angel Investor Preferred Stock Venture Capital Common Stock 54

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 21, 2010

As startup entrepreneurs we all want to work with them because having their name as reference clients makes it so much easier for marketing, PR, selling to other customers, fund raising and even recruiting. Make the warrants for common stock and not preferred stock. This is the same as with employee stock options.

Warrant 298

Warrant Dilution Startup Stock Options 298

Growthink Blog

MAY 10, 2012

Many entrepreneurs end up taking their company in a different direction after some time spent testing your initial business model. Stage #2: Seed Funding Seed funding (also called seed capital) typically ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 and is often provided by angel investors, and is usually structured as convertible notes or common stock.

Equity 88

Equity Mezzanine Later Stage Venture Capital 88

The Entrepreneurial Mind

MARCH 10, 2010

Solidus Company announced today the formation of a microfund to support local entrepreneurs and to help accelerate the growth of start-ups in the Middle Tennessee area. In addition, three members of the group will use their knowledge and experience to mentor the entrepreneur and accelerate the success of the project.

Nashville 53

Nashville Tennessee Early Stage Common Stock 53

Professor VC

JULY 25, 2013

This is the feeling you get from watching the venture capitalists talk about the entrepreneurs and other investors in the film. I''m all for transparency, but won''t be naming names in this post as I don''t want to put some entrepreneurs in a difficult position. Startup outcomes tend to be very binary.

Term Sheet 46

Term Sheet Silicon Valley Syndicate Syndication 46