about 
InfoChachkie
JULY 7, 2016
A version of this article previously appeared in Forbes. The entrepreneur cannot wait to show me their product via a demo. Most entrepreneurs seem confused by my reaction and often say something like: “VCs love demos. You’re the first one I’ve met who didn’t want to see our product.” Don’t Demo Me Bro.
Startup Professionals Musings
FEBRUARY 21, 2020
Many of the entrepreneurs I advise or invest with spend considerable time on the Internet, keeping up with technology, customers, and competitors, but very few feel the need for an early personal presence. In fact, some totally avoid it, assuming their product or solution will speak for itself later.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Startup Professionals Musings
MARCH 3, 2023
Most technical entrepreneurs I know demand the discipline of a product specification or plan, and then assume that their great product will drive a great business. Serious investors, on the other hand, look for a professional business plan or summary first, and hardly ever look at the product plan.
Both Sides of the Table
JANUARY 11, 2014
There’s an article making the rounds in tech circles titled “ Growth Hacking is Bull ” written by Muhammad Saleem. I’d like to make the case that the article is wrong. I believe growth hacking is about all of this. I’d strongly encourage you to read it.
SoCal CTO
OCTOBER 6, 2011
" One was an enterprise software product. Would it take more work to sell the enterprise product than they could make on it? In both cases, the founder and I brainstormed on ways to shift the product in order to get closer to what I perceived as something that would be great. Neither felt like a slam dunk.
Startup Professionals Musings
JULY 9, 2021
As a mentor to startups and new entrepreneurs, I continue to hear the refrain that business plans are no longer required for a new startup, since investors never read them anyway. For aspiring entrepreneurs, or if your last startup failed, it’s all about standing out above the crowd of others like you, and demonstrating your readiness.
Both Sides of the Table
MAY 4, 2013
Should I trust my instincts for founders and products or should I be more focused on the market size or business plan? Because entrepreneurs often went to lawyers at their earliest stages to get their company registration done. They are likely taking losses on their first project with the entrepreneur so they select carefully.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
176 
Let's personalize your content