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 Revenue models and forecasts are no longer valid.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 263

Customer Marketing Customer Development Forecast 263

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 252

Conversion Vertical Video Software 252

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 235

Startup Leadership Restful Entrepreneur 235

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

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

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 204

Product SMS Software Mobile 204

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 127

Channel Venture Capital Operations 127

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 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 232

Entrepreneur Exit Strategy Metrics Operations 232

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

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

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 123

Conversion Community Email Entrepreneur 123

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 112

Founder Early Stage Sales Venture Capital 112

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 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 229

Bootstrapping Angel Investor Global Leadership 229

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 Technology 159

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 111

Marketing Sales 111

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 122

Framework PR Global Campaign 122

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 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 229

Founder Bandwidth Cofounder Matching 229

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

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.

Internet 151

Internet Portfolio Finance Business Model 151

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 120

Colorado 120

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 103

Israel South Africa Global San Francisco 103

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 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 221

Startup Employee Matching Product Development 221

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 8, 2020

by Alex Varricchio, co-owner of UpHouse. Comparing ourselves to our competitors in order to figure out how best to one-up them is natural — it’s what drives us all in business. We feel threatened when our competitors do something different (especially if it appears to work) and we constantly obsess over what their next move may be. This line of thinking, however, leads us to follow in their tracks rather than forge our own path.

Vertical 157

Vertical Audience Hosting Video 157

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 151

Early Stage Venture Capital Distribution Portfolio 151

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 115

Aggregator New York Analytics Cloud 115

YFS Magazine

JUNE 17, 2020

Entrepreneurs are responsible for forging paths forward in business, but that can lead to burnout, fast. This is the best way to fight against it. Editor Picks Lead business burnout emotional intelligence leadership personal development startup burnout

Entrepreneur 101

Entrepreneur Developer Leadership Startup 101

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 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 220

Internet Curation Social Media Entrepreneur 220

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

Rembrandt Communications

JUNE 1, 2020

Do You Really Need to Have a Blog? You hear all about people posting blogs. Maybe you’ve tried blogging without success? Well, a blog (short for web log) may be the secret tool you need to boost awareness and sales fast… without spending a dime! Why blog? A blog is simply a way to provide unique content to your target market. They are shorter than articles (usually between 300 and 600 words), and there is a reason they are so popular…. Blogs can help you: 1.

SEO 100

SEO Search Engineer Analytics 100

Feld Thoughts

JUNE 29, 2020

I’m continuing my weekend reading goal of a book on racial equity. Last week was Kingonomics: Twelve Innovative Currencies for Transforming Your Business and Life Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Rodney Sampson who I’m partnering with on the #RacialEquityEcosystemPledge. Yesterday I read Ijeoma Oluo’s So you want to talk about race. It was excellent.

America 101

America Equity Conversion Partner 101

YFS Magazine

JUNE 14, 2020

Life is a work in progress. The same is true of business. Plan entrepreneurial mindset mindset recommended starting a business

Business Plan 99

Business Plan 99