Both Sides of the Table

JULY 7, 2015

I love how open Danielle has been throughout the development of her startup Mattermark including honest reflections of when she has changed her opinion. They now have a strong VC lead from Foundry Group and from experience when you get advice from Foundry it comes with authority, experience, empathy and the right amount of straight talk.

Cap Table 150

Cap Table Cofounder Silicon Valley Startup 150

Hippoland

AUGUST 21, 2016

Portfolio founder: There’s an investor who wants to invest about $500k. Portfolio founder: That’s the problem. This especially happens when founders start getting a lot of inbound requests from investors to meet, so they think that they have a lot of investor options. me: Oh great! Who is he/she? Person X isn’t well-known.

Technical Review 48

Technical Review Due Diligence Silicon Valley Portfolio 48

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 9, 2014

We all know that funding markets have changed for startups. We all can intuit the benefits to founders of these trends so there’s little reason to elaborate. How founders get screwed on convertible notes. There’s another issue I can add to your list of things to be aware of – information rights.

SEC 352

SEC Venture Capital Early Stage Cofounder 352

Up and Running

FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Another huge aspect of being discoverable online is choosing the optimal name for your business. Remember that even if potential customers aren’t clicking “add to cart” on your item on Etsy, if handled professionally, you may have made an impression, be certain it’s a lasting one,” says Jed Darland, founder of Plant Picket.

eCommerce 60

eCommerce SEO Software Review Social Media 60

Startup Company Lawyer

MARCH 14, 2010

Founders Institute Plain Preferred Term Sheet (by WSGR – disclaimer, I represent the Founders Institute and was involved in drafting this document). Right of first offer on future financings. Information rights. Name of security. Information rights. Registration rights. Board seat.

Finance 70

Finance Software Review Term Sheet Liquidation Preference 70

Austin Startup

MAY 17, 2017

It’s pretty well known that startups usually undergo a meaningful change in Board composition at their Series A round. Less has been written about what startup boards tend to look like before a Series A round. Giving someone a seat on your Board of Directors is 100x more consequential to the company than naming them an advisor.

Seed Stage 48

Seed Stage Startup Cap Table Angel Investor 48

ConversionXL

MAY 20, 2014

Makes sure the call to action accurately named is emphasized on the page. The best way to get this information is to create a feedback loop that collects information right after they sign up, but before the course begins, so they’re fresh in the “I’m going to solve my problem” mindset.

Conversion 115

Conversion Stock Technical Review Design 115