Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 8, 2009

I came across this blog post about getting a computer science degree as the best degree for getting into venture capital or working at a VC-backed start up. I just completed an exercise where I went out to hire a new associate for my VC firm, GRP Partners. I had to laugh a bit reading it. What about strategy?

Startup 337

Startup Venture Capital Study Course 337

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 28, 2014

Let’s set up a framework. We want money to make some acquisitions (investors would prefer to fund M&A if they know specific deals – not to encourage bad behavior. Plus, most early-stage M&A fails so this isn’t likely a good use of capital for a young company). Gross Burn vs. Net Burn.

Startup 383

Startup Company Companies .Net 383

Both Sides of the Table

DECEMBER 3, 2009

This is part of my ongoing Raising Venture Capital (VC) series. So I thought I’d try to lay out a framework for how you should think about it as many you will inevitably be faced with this experience. But the venture guys don’t make the calls on what the product / business guys do.

Venture Capital 279

Venture Capital Startup Entrepreneur Framework 279

Both Sides of the Table

JUNE 19, 2015

Today I’d like to give that advice in more tangible terms and with a framework to think about your tasks – the funnel. Sales people (and website customer acquisition folks) all think in terms of funnels and yet non-sales professionals seldom do. We all know the type of person who lives in the top end of the funnel.

Startup 150

Startup Framework Sales Venture Capital 150

socalTECH

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

It's quite a different framework from an Airbnb or HomeAway. By that time, I had figured out the cadence of pricing for hotel rooms, and had been traveling back and forth between LA and San Francisco for three or four days each week. Plus, prices were starting at $180. It gives our hosts an opportunity to not live by a calendar.

Startup 100

Startup Los Angeles Mobile Pricing 100