Steve Blank

JUNE 23, 2020

The pandemic has upended the business models of most startups and existing companies. As the economy reopens companies are finding that customers may have disappeared or that their spending behavior has changed. Suppliers are going out of business or requiring cash-up-front terms. Accounts receivables are stretching way out. Revenue models and forecasts are no longer valid. In sum, whatever business model you had at the beginning of the year may be obsolete.

Customer 259

Customer Marketing Customer Development Forecast 259

deal architect

JUNE 16, 2020

I have been doing video interviews with a number of CIOs, software executives and practitioners about acrobatics they have been seeing in various vertical sectors during the COVID-19 crisis and the "New normal" they can expect as the economy wakes. Global and Vertical extensions Leadership during Crisis New Normal COVID-19 Vertical Markets (Banking, Retail etc

Conversion 250

Conversion Vertical Video Software 250

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 7, 2020

As a startup investor, I often see business proposals looking for funding that really look like expensive hobbies looking for donations. I recognize that entrepreneurs tend to substitute vision and passion for formal processes, but using no discipline or process in building something new is a sure way to spend money, rather than see any return and build a self-sustaining business.

Entrepreneur 230

Entrepreneur Exit Strategy Metrics Operations 230

View from Seed

JUNE 23, 2020

“Be formless, shapeless, like water.” – Bruce Lee. I was on a pitch video call the other day when the founder asked me what the guiding principle for product was at Blue Apron when I was leading the team there, and my response was that consumer product experience should be like water. At a first glance, that could sound pretty counterintuitive – isn’t the point of a product team to purposefully design and build? .

Product 205

Product SMS Software Mobile 205

Speaker: Nick Noreña, Innovation Coach and Advisor, Kromatic

In this webinar, Nick Noreña will walk through an Innovation Ecosystem Model that he and his team at Kromatic have developed to help investors, heads of product, teachers, and executives understand how they can best support innovation in their own ecosystem. He'll also go over metrics we can use to measure the health of our ecosystems as we build more resources for innovators.

Metrics

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 18, 2020

by Neil Gordon. The first time I ever went to a Chamber of Commerce meeting was also the last time I went to one. It was a fiasco. We started the meeting going around the table and were each given two minutes to share what we did – our elevator pitch, a way to present our work in such a concise way that it could be shared within the span of an elevator ride.

Elevator Pitch 181

Elevator Pitch New York Security Audience 181

Feld Thoughts

JUNE 9, 2020

We are running the Venture Deals Online Course again this summer. But before I get to that, I want to highlight a blog post from a Black colleague. I’m getting, and reading, many of these each day. For the foreseable future, I’ll highlight and amplify one at the beginning of each post I do, in case you are interested. Today’s post is from Ruben Porras , who is a Techstars alum (Director of Operations at CreatorBox.) He wrote Black Lives Matter. At Work. In Life.

Channel 131

Channel Venture Capital Operations 131

deal architect

JUNE 3, 2020

I have been doing video interviews with a number of CIOs, software executives and practitioners about acrobatics they have been seeing in various vertical sectors during the COVID-19 crisis and the "New normal" they can expect as the economy wakes. Cloud Computing, SaaS Global and Vertical extensions New Normal COVID-19

Conversion 248

Conversion Vertical Video Software 248

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 22, 2020

A popular myth that most of you probably believe is that startups are only for the younger generations. In fact, I see more and more evidence that new entrepreneurs are coming from the older age groups (age 45-64), and success rates move up with age. Is it possible that age and experience are more of an advantage in this business than young passion and fearlessness? Based on my own years of experience in big businesses, as well as startups, this is no surprise to me.

Bootstrapping 227

Bootstrapping Angel Investor Global Leadership 227

View from Seed

JUNE 24, 2020

After operating quietly for the past year, our portfolio company Jumbo made a couple big announcements yesterday, including the launch of Jumbo 2 as well as their $8M series A financing led by Balderton Capital. We were proud to be investors in Jumbo pre-product and to be working once again with Pierre Valade, one of the founders of NextView I portfolio company Sunrise.

Portfolio 153

Portfolio Internet Finance Business Model 153

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 11, 2020

by Myriam Sidibe, author of “ Brands on a Mission “ As the US reopens after months of shelter-in-place, we’re seeing just how difficult it is to convince people to change long-established behaviors – or adapt to new ones, like wearing masks or keep physical distance. Yet change is the only way we’ll reach the “new normal.” And no one is in a better position to help make this happen than marketers and brands.

Kenya 168

Kenya South Africa Africa Japan 168

Feld Thoughts

JUNE 3, 2020

So that I’m unambiguous about my perspective, #BlackLivesMatter. Amy and I have been philanthropically supporting Progressive Public Policy and Social Justice Organizations for over 20 years. However, just providing financial support is not nearly enough, and I’ve decided to put much more time and energy into understanding and helping eliminate racial inequity.

Conversion 127

Conversion Community Email Entrepreneur 127

VC Cafe

JUNE 19, 2020

Many Americans would be familiar with the term ‘Mensch’ According to Wikipedia, a Mensch is a person of integrity and honour. In this post, I wanted to share a few examples of what it means in practice in the startup world. The post is written in male figure but is intended for all sexes.

Startup 120

Startup Social Media Founder Email 120

deal architect

JUNE 21, 2020

I have been doing video interviews with a number of CIOs, software executives and practitioners about acrobatics they have been seeing in various vertical sectors during the COVID-19 crisis and the "New normal" they can expect as the economy wakes. Global and Vertical extensions New Normal COVID-19 Vertical Markets (Banking, Retail etc

Conversion 235

Conversion Vertical Video Software 235

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 27, 2020

Entrepreneurs inherently understand that they have to be the initial leader of their startup, but often they don’t have the experience or the training to know where their leadership competencies lie, or how to build a leadership team. For new entrepreneurs, leadership development efforts may be more valuable for achieving startup success than business skills development.

Startup 220

Startup Leadership Restful Entrepreneur 220

View from Seed

JUNE 16, 2020

We’re in a global pandemic. The simple truth is that all venture capitalists have told their portfolio Founder/CEOs that if they don’t absolutely need to raise capital now that they shouldn’t be out there attempting to do so. Wait until fall. Wait until 2021. Wait until the situation changes. So why should you follow a different approach?

Early Stage 153

Early Stage Venture Capital Distribution Portfolio 153

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 21, 2020

Ringless voicemail or voicemail drop is a way of delivering voice messages to other people without even calling or ringing their phones. This method is often used by businesses to send voice messages to their prospects, clients, and customers without interrupting them. To put it simply, ringless voicemail is a type of software that allows you to send pre-recorded messages to other people’s phone voicemail.

Software 159

Software Campaign Audio Security 159

Feld Thoughts

JUNE 26, 2020

A major incident has been declared in Bournemouth as crowds flock to the beach. Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images. My first reaction to this photo was “you’ve got to be f **g kidding me.” ” My next reaction was the title of this post, “Humans Just Don’t Understand Complex Systems.” ” The Covid crisis is a complex system.

Framework 125

Framework PR Global Campaign 125

YFS Magazine

JUNE 9, 2020

Stay ahead of the curve. Here's a list of the eight websites that marketers visit to get a daily dose of digital marketing news. Grow Marketing & Sales digital marketing marketing online marketing recommended

Marketing 112

Marketing Sales 112

deal architect

JUNE 1, 2020

I have been doing video interviews with a number of CIOs, software executives and practitioners about acrobatics they have been seeing in various vertical sectors during the COVID-19 crisis and the "New normal" they can expect as the economy wakes. Global and Vertical extensions Leadership during Crisis New Normal COVID-19 Vertical Markets (Banking, Retail etc

Conversion 231

Conversion Vertical Video Software 231

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 17, 2020

It seems like every entrepreneur I meet these days is quick to proclaim themselves a visionary, expecting that will give more credibility to their startup idea, and improve their odds with investors. In reality, I’m one of the majority of investors who believe that startup success is more about the execution than the idea. Thus, unless the visionary highlights a cofounder who can take the vision and execute, I assume the worst.

Founder 217

Founder Bandwidth Cofounder Matching 217

View from Seed

JUNE 10, 2020

It’s early into the launch of our 100% virtual NextView Everyday Economy accelerator , but indications point to early success. First, we were pleasantly overwhelmed with submissions over the past few weeks since we opened up applications. The NextView team enjoyed reviewing the literally hundreds and hundreds(!) of teams’ online pitch decks and recorded videos, as well as loved the dozens of second-round video conversations which we had with Founders working on quite compelling startups.

Alabama 129

Alabama Syndicate Syndication Miami 129

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 20, 2020

Keeping track of your business’ finances will help you manage them effectively. However, not all business owners have a knack with numbers. According to Preferred CFO, 82% of businesses fail due to a lack of cash flow management skills and poor financial management in general. To address this issue, some business owners need to understand and record finances on their own.

Finance 158

Finance Hosting Software Management 158

Feld Thoughts

JUNE 1, 2020

On Wednesday 6/3 at 11am Energize Colorado will be launching our Mental Wellness initiative. While we already have a Mental Health Resource section up on the Energize Colorado , we are starting a weekly webinar series called Wellness Wednesdays. One of our goals with this initiative is to destigmatize mental health and support those in need of engaging in service during the Covid crisis.

Colorado 124

Colorado 124

Rembrandt Communications

JUNE 30, 2020

When was the last time you reviewed your content? Your current impression on customers may surprise you! What does your content say to customers? As a small business owner, you probably have all kinds of content going out to current and potential customers including social media, articles, newsletters, emails, sales messages, and more. That’s fantastic, but when was the last time you reviewed the results? Your content can make raving fans or end up in the waste basket within seconds.

Customer 109

Customer SEO Search Engineer 109

deal architect

JUNE 20, 2020

I have been doing video interviews with a number of CIOs, software executives and practitioners about acrobatics they have been seeing in various vertical sectors during the COVID-19 crisis and the "New normal" they can expect as the economy wakes. Global and Vertical extensions New Normal COVID-19 Sports Vertical Markets (Banking, Retail etc

Conversion 221

Conversion Vertical Video Software 221

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 6, 2020

Aspiring entrepreneurs who rely only on traditional learning vehicles (teachers, classrooms, and risk-free practice) are doomed to failure in anticipating change today. Either they are never really ready to commit, study an opportunity until it has passed, or fail with tools and techniques from a bygone business era. The Internet and the current information wave have changed everything.

Internet 213

Internet Curation Social Media Entrepreneur 213

This is going to be BIG.

JUNE 22, 2020

One of the most difficult conversations I have with founders is when they haven’t quite given me enough of a story for me to make a proper evaluation. A VC’s default is “no”, so without enough information to be convincing, it’s going to wind up being a pass. If I wind up asking for more info, it might result in a founder feeling like they’re getting the runaround, given what the founder believes to be an obviously good idea.

Founder 109

Founder Early Stage Sales Venture Capital 109

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 3, 2020

Now that you’ve put in the hard work to create your small business, you’ll want to ensure that it lasts a long time. To do so, your organization must have efficient operations. That involves changing with the times and adapting to trends, as well as adjusting how you do certain activities as your business grows. Here are ways to have a more efficient small business than your competitors. Create a Powerful Website.

Small Business 157

Small Business eCommerce Operations Business Plan 157

Feld Thoughts

JUNE 4, 2020

Since mid-March, I have received endless letters from companies and funds I’m an investor in with their thoughts on the Covid crisis. One of the best was from Paul Kedrosky and Eric Norlin of SK Ventures (one of our Partner Fund investments ). Paul and Eric have given me permission to repost it here. . First published May 15, 2020.). Greetings-. To start, a few quotations as markers: Then he heard the sand rumbling.

Aggregator 117

Aggregator New York Analytics Cloud 117

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 25, 2020

Podcasts are one of my favorite content mediums, and I know I’m not alone. Podcasts are inexpensive, typically free, they’re incredibly diverse, they’re usually updated on a daily or weekly basis, and you can listen to them while doing other things—like driving, doing chores, or exercising. Here are ten entrepreneur podcasts every founder should listen to. As an entrepreneur, podcasts are even more important, since they’re perfect ways to feed your ever-growing hunger for more information.

Founder 108

Founder Hosting Audio Entrepreneur 108

deal architect

JUNE 15, 2020

I listened to Christian Klein's keynote from the virtual Sapphire event today - watch replay here. It was his first as CEO and he came across very well. Energetic, professional and very comfortable in a digital setting. His keynote focused. Enterprise Software (IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, SAP) New Normal COVID-19

Software 199

Software 199

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 12, 2020

Most of you will start your business with plenty of passion and purpose, but all too often I see both disappearing after months of facing unanticipated setbacks and challenges. Indeed, it is even more critical that you keep your key team members energized with a high level of passion and purpose, or burnout rears its ugly head, putting the future of your whole business in jeopardy.

Startup 212

Startup Employee Matching Product Development 212

VC Cafe

JUNE 19, 2020

“As big businesses begin to measure their impact, they begin to show it is fundamental to their future business models.” Sir Ronald Cohen. COVID-19 has undoubtedly further highlighted the social challenges across the world, as the economic recession’s aftermaths are expected, yet not fully known.

Israel 104

Israel South Africa Global San Francisco 104

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 19, 2020

If you’ve not been keeping up with tech news in the last decade, you probably should learn this fact: AI has been completely changing the face of business in the US and around the world. Most new businesses and startups heavily rely on AI to power their products and services, and if you don’t join them, you’ll likely fall behind and lose out on potential revenue. Thanks to professional agencies like LogicAI , adopting AI in your business has never been easier.

Algorithm 153

Algorithm Security Demand Revenue 153

Feld Thoughts

JUNE 25, 2020

If you are a venture capitalist, I strongly encourage you to join the Valence Funding Network to provide Black founders with direct access to VCs. I’ve joined along with a number of my peers. Kobie Fuller at Upfront Ventures started Valence in the fall of 2019. Valence launched our beta platform to provide a digital home for Black talent to connect, access opportunities, and aggregate their power.

Networking 103

Networking Silicon Valley Aggregator Founder 103

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

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. Pre-Requisites of Funding. Gone are the days where you can get funded based on an idea. To secure your funding, you must establish the feasibility of your idea through proper planning and implementation. You must have a prototype or a minimum viable product (MVP).

Angel Investor 106

Angel Investor Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Equity 106