View from Seed
JUNE 11, 2019
Aside from the early commitments, the next most important thing to focus on is nailing down your lead investor. I’ve found that the lead investor will end up doing 90% of the work for a startup (or will cause 90% of the pain if you get the decision wrong). Often one of the leads in the mix is a larger, multi-stage fund.
This is going to be BIG.
MAY 4, 2022
You don’t want to have to go into witness protection just because you couldn’t get your app to go viral.) (Morality aside, I’d say given the inherent riskiness of startups, I’m not sure this would be a great addition to your cap table. If prospective employees didn’t do this kind of research before, they almost certainly will now.
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Startup Professionals Musings
FEBRUARY 10, 2012
This is a variation on the first mover argument, implying a paradigm shift that gives you a tremendous lead. Investors will suspect you have a technology looking for a solution. This advantage is not sustainable. Our product is truly disruptive technology.” Only our team can make this work.” Our patent will protect us.”
Both Sides of the Table
SEPTEMBER 14, 2010
Lead investors and follow investors can both win equally but in each case you know why you personally are writing the check. They have real stories about what drives user engagement and viral adoption. I like to be early – usually first or near enough to it. Access to Deal Flow. Domain Knowledge.
Startup Professionals Musings
OCTOBER 29, 2010
This is a variation on the first mover argument, implying a paradigm shift that gives you a tremendous lead. Investors will suspect you have a technology looking for a solution. This advantage is not sustainable. Our product is truly disruptive technology.” Only our team can make this work.” Our patent will protect us.”
Haystack
SEPTEMBER 2, 2018
Earlier this week, in the wake of Y Combinator’s Demo Day, I saw a tweet go viral and generate lots of chatter. His tweet reads: New weak investor move. The tweet was written by YC’s President, Michael Seibel. Most of the rounds I participate in today are priced equity rounds.
The Startup Toolkit
NOVEMBER 4, 2011
Vision for B2C, virality-driven community. Regarding structure, the first deal is a rolling round with committed lead investors. Highly experienced, top-tier angels. Vision for B2B, sales-driven technology. Requires team relocation. First-time VCs, building on their own entrepreneurial success. Conveniently local. Looks good.
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