Remove Dilution Remove Finance Remove Sales Remove Startup
article thumbnail

One of the Biggest Mistakes Enterprise Startups Make

Both Sides of the Table

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. But the “no sales people” mantra isn’t what I’m here to take on.

article thumbnail

How to Configure Your Startup Team

Both Sides of the Table

Final startup grind from msuster. And the folks at Startup Grind have been kind enough to invite me to present this morning in Mountain View on the topic. it’s the most expensive dilution you’ll ever face. PMs are a vital part of a tech startup. And what your views / tips for early-stage startup teams are.

Cofounder 388
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

What Happens When Startups Turn from Their Innovation Stage to Operational Excellence?

Both Sides of the Table

Nearly every successful tech startup I’ve observed over the past 20 years has gone through a similar growth pattern: Innovate, systematize then scale operations. Innovate In the early years of a startup there is a lot of kinetic energy of enthusiastic innovators looking to launch a product that changes how an industry works.

article thumbnail

Startup Funding – A Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs

ReadWriteStart

I have often been asked about Startup Funding by entrepreneurs. Many myths surround the subject of startup funding. Here is Startup Funding, a Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs. You must have seen a lot of startups giving out promotions, discounts, and incentives at the early phase of their business.

Startup 150
article thumbnail

A Different Path To Startup Success: How To Avoid Taking Money And Losing Control

YoungUpstarts

If you are having any issues with cash flow, you always have the option of opting for alternate business finance. Investing more money in stage one won’t really help, as spending twice as much on sales won’t produce twice the sales. Both the choices tend to take away a few options. Plan, Plan and Plan.

Cofounder 124
article thumbnail

Remind Me Why I Love You? (Why “In Person” is Everything)

Both Sides of the Table

I also had to negotiate a follow-on round at a portfolio company because new investors were trying to force a bit option-pool top-up that would dilute the founders and existing shareholders and existing investors were fighting over prorata rights. I always tell people that fund raising is a sales process. You’re in control.

article thumbnail

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

Both Sides of the Table

I recently wrote a blog post in which I pointed out that many investors & advisors discourage enterprise startups from having a professional services (PS) business and I think this is a big mistake. I think it’s important for enterprise startups to layer in professional services into your revenue stream.