Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 7, 2015

When pitching to investors, entrepreneurs always seem to start with a customer pitch, then add a slide or two about the business. In reality, they need a separate pitch about the business, carrying over only a slide or two about the solution. These don’t get funded, nor bought by customers.

Product 103

Product Slides Custom Customer 103

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 2, 2015

I love the enthusiasm, the boundless energy and the sense of possibility that comes from having an idea that hasn’t yet been beat up in the marketplace of competing ideas, customer contracts, VC skepticism, jaded journalists or fickle consumers who are on the The New, New Thing. The full financial details and metrics were in the deck.

Outsource Development 150

Outsource Development Metrics Startup Sales 150

Both Sides of the Table

OCTOBER 6, 2010

That might work for $50-100k but less likely for $3m unless you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, known to the VC, have some metrics that work in your favor or have built something the VC believes to be truly unique. And VC’s are tough customers. If you haven’t read my post on the bio slide before here it is.

Startup 360

Startup Venture Capital Invest Slides 360

socalTECH

JULY 10, 2019

At the end of the day, we help retailers make smarter recommendations to their customers, which leads to better business. Spencer Price: The customer experience with e-commerce has become less and less human, as algorithms on digital platform replace human interaction. The customer is really struggling to regain their lost humanity.

Pricing 113

Pricing Startup North Hollywood Platform 113

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 21, 2010

As startup entrepreneurs we all want to work with them because having their name as reference clients makes it so much easier for marketing, PR, selling to other customers, fund raising and even recruiting. Have minimums but a sliding scale. It’s basically an excuse for you to have a regular meeting with your customer.

Startup 298

Startup Sales Slides Metrics 298

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 24, 2016

What you Before Sets the Course for How Well the Day Goes Make sure you send your financial and operating metrics no less than 72 hours before the board meeting — even better if it can be a week in advance. If you provide these slides in advance you give board members a chance to reflect and come prepared for a real discussion.

Guide 196

Guide Startup Metrics Conference 196

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 14, 2013

Of course there are scenarios where a written business plan is not critical, but I haven’t seen one yet where a well-written 15-page document, or at least a 10-slide pitch, is a negative. There is no substitute for knowing your customers first hand, and iterating on a minimum viable product to find the most marketable solution.

Entrepreneur 100

Entrepreneur Technical Review Writing Slides 100

Tech Zulu Event

MAY 9, 2014

This was a chance to blow open the story on their companies, to address a room full of potential investors, mentors, partners, customers, and press. They showed very impressive average customer repurchases. Honestly though, it was anything but. About $37B worth of lost sales a year, worldwide.

Startup 111

Startup Mobile Commerce Education 111

Tech Zulu Event

MARCH 16, 2015

This can be a great way to test your product and get customer feedback. Customer financing can minimize your risk, providing more cushion to meet your milestones. Examples of milestones: traction as measured by user numbers and user engagement; financial metrics such as cash flow and revenue. Crowdfunding. Vendor funding.

Startup 40

Startup Venture Capital Equity Funding 40

Tech Zulu Event

JULY 20, 2012

Though, it’s possible that some people were there because of the confusion, Reiss certainly pleased the crowd and kept them in their seats as his presentation with power point slides and funny pictures seemed more like a stand up improv than your typical business presentation. ” What’s harming the business?

Social Media 101

Social Media Design Los Angeles Media 101