Category Archives: Seed/Venture Capital

If a PowerPoint Sucks…It’s The Messenger, not the Medium

Posted on October 27, 2014 by

Many have wished for and striven for the death of the powerpoint presentation.  I have always disagreed with this point of view.  There is no doubt that most power point decks are terrible and yes, should be killed.  However, it … Continue reading →

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Build Your Companies…With Good Boards

Posted on June 23, 2014 by

Most of the new founders I’ve ever met roll their eyes when I suggest that they form an advisory board.  One of the main reasons people found their own companies is to have supreme magisterial control over their empire.  They … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Seed/Venture Capital | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Four Seasons of Your Start-Up…Autumn Begins! (reprise)

Posted on September 23, 2013 by

(Originally posted in 2012…thought of it as I picked my last tomato of the season yesterday!) The temperature outside my window last night dipped to 44, the crickets have stopped chirping and my wife told me that she “can’t manage … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Seed/Venture Capital, Tech Based Economic Development | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Assessing Your Competitive Landscape…It’s a Forest Out There

Posted on September 16, 2013 by

I’m finally going to get a business plan pet peeve off my chest and onto your shoulders.  I’ve decided that I’ve read my last business plan with a “Competition” section that blithely lists a few direct competitors and a factoid … Continue reading →

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Venture Tips Update….Make Your Business About Your Customers, Not Your Technology

Posted on June 26, 2013 by

I originally published the majority of this post back in January, 2012, but I was reminded of the issue again today…twice.  So I updated the post on why you should think of your business in their terms. A founder came … Continue reading →

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How Much Money Should I Raise…$29,542?

Posted on February 11, 2013 by

Hopefully, you remember the classic TV show Taxi and its despicably lovable character, Louie DePalma.  In one memorable episode, the unforgettable Jim Ignatowski accidentally burns down Louie’s apartment. Jim’s wealthy father sends Louie a signed blank check to cover the … Continue reading →

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The Four Seasons of Your Start-Up…Winter

Posted on November 5, 2012 by

If you’ve been reading along in this 4-part series of the evolution of your start-up, you may be expecting that Winter is the end of the line.  You may be thinking that somehow I’m going to wrap up the series with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Business Planning, Entrepreneurial Advice, Seed/Venture Capital, Tech Based Economic Development | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Four Seasons of Your Start-Up…Summertime

Posted on September 26, 2012 by

Ah, summer. Margaritas by the pool.  A little Kenny Chesney on the patio.  Wearing flip flops to BJ’s (wait, that’s a different post!)  But this is not life during summer inside a start-up company.  It is certainly good news if you’re fortunate … Continue reading →

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VentureTips: In Defense of the Downtrodden Business Plan

Posted on August 14, 2012 by

The recent consensus from investors and experts on business plans is…don’t do them.  Most often I’m hearing that founders have not written a business plan document.  They’ve prepared executive summaries, powerpoint pitches and filled out forms at online pitch sites. … Continue reading →

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The Secret Energy of Entrepreneurs

Posted on June 4, 2012 by

I disagree with those who believe that people can be trained to be entrepreneurs. Scores of scholarly pieces have been written that claim that entrepreneurs are not born, but instead are trained to be good entrepreneurs.  In fact I’d say that … Continue reading →

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