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Praying to the God of Valuation

Both Sides of the Table

Something happened in the past 7 years in the startup and venture capital world that I hadn’t experienced since the late 90’s — we all began praying to the God of Valuation. How might our next phase of the journey seem brighter, even with more uncertain days for startups and capital markets? What happened? Until we weren’t.

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How I Got the Monkey Off My Back – Today Was a Good Day

Both Sides of the Table

I become a venture capitalist in September 2007 – exactly 6.5 As a result I didn’t write my first venture capital check until March 2009 – exactly 5 years ago. I divided success into the phases of venture capital and 18 months into writing my first check here was my view (details on each in the link above).

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Some Reflections on VC Investment Decisions

Both Sides of the Table

I was having dinner with a friend last night and we were chatting about venture capital and a bit about what I’ve learned. I started in 2007 with a thesis that my primary investment decision would be about the team (70%) and only afterward about the market opportunity (30%). You have to deal with CEOs who resign.

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As Populist as it May Feel, 98% of VCs Aren’t Dumb

Both Sides of the Table

“I don’t know the exact math, but I hear it again and again: the top 2% of firms generate 98% of the returns in venture capital.” According to FLAG Capital there are 100 active VCs (as defined by making at least $1 million in VC per quarter for 4 consecutive quarters). And Coach Campbell. The second is not.

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Management Philosophy: Owners vs CEOs

Jason Nazar

Don’t risk your capital where the upside potential isn’t proportional to the downside risk. In 2007 when we were about to launch Docstoc I attempted to outsource our PR and social marketing to no avail. What Are You Waiting For: Do It Now – A very dear man and mentor to me, Mike Schuminsky, had a very special way of managing folks.

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