Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 2, 2023

If you aren’t willing to take some risk as an entrepreneur, then don’t expect any gain. Yet everyone has limits, and every investor implicitly has similar limits on what makes a startup investable, or one to avoid at all costs. Others may indeed make good family businesses, but are usually deemed not worth investment.

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Invest Sites Technical Review Social Media 98

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 10, 2022

By most definitions of the term, an entrepreneur is someone who starts a new business, incorporating innovative changes to existing products, services, business models, and creating new markets. One way of identifying the right characteristics and approaches is to take a hard look at entrepreneurs who have done it. Marty Zwilling.

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Examples Entrepreneur Technology Resource 131

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 27, 2023

Most aspiring entrepreneurs look to their alma mater, or any university, as a source of classes that can help them, but neglect to think outside the box or take advantage of all the other resources to be found there. Access to entrepreneurs-in-residence, business mentors. Access to intellectual property and current research.

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Entrepreneur Class Startup Resource 110

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 27, 2014

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%). Of course these are great places to network with other investors, meet great entrepreneurs and keep your connections strong with senior execs at larger companies like Yahoo!,

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Venture Capital Invest Press Startup 374

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

Being called a lifestyle entrepreneur should be a point of pride, not an insult. This usually means not taking money from equity investors, since investors want fast growth, high profits, and an exit event, to allow investments to be recouped. A lifestyle business becomes an integral part of an entrepreneur’s identity and their life.

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Entrepreneur Startup Equity Course 148

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 23, 2020

A continuing question I hear from young entrepreneurs is whether a university degree is important to startup success, or just a distraction in achieving their purpose in the world. Both provide entrepreneurial “head start” programs for aspiring entrepreneurs, free legal guidance, and access to experienced staff members.

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Entrepreneur Mentor Class Resource 157

SoCal Tech Calendar

JUNE 17, 2019

Saturday, June 22, 2019 -- LAVA First Time Entrepreneur Workshop. LAVA is extremely pleased to announce its next First Time Entrepreneur training program. The program is open to entrepreneurs that are starting companies in areas that are likely to draw venture capital investment. See [link] (more)

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LAVA Entrepreneur Screening Patents 100

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 22, 2021

Most entrepreneurs have learned that it’s almost always quicker and easier to get cash from someone you know, rather than angel investors or professional investors (VCs). In fact, most investors “require” that you already have some investment from friends and family before they will even step up to the plate. Don’t be one.

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Invest Technical Review Startup Ideas 135

TechCrunch LA

JANUARY 18, 2019

With an inaugural investment into the Los Angeles-based entertainment startup Culture Genesis , Clifford Harris Jr., ”, has launched a new syndicated investment vehicle called Tech Cypha. And that’s by coming together to pool our resources so we can invest more.” who’s better known as “T.I.”,

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Invest Los Angeles Resource Venture Capital 187

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 28, 2013

I often recommend business networking as the most effective way for a startup founder to find investors, advisors, and even key executive candidates. The answer is still the same, but I have learned over the years that there is an etiquette to this process, just like there is for social networking. Attend an investment conference.

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Networking Entrepreneur Social Network Activity 100

socalTECH

DECEMBER 31, 2018

Editor's note: As we head into the new year, we've been featuring reflections on 2018 from notable investors, entrepreneurs, and others from Southern California's technology community. Here's Alon Goren , founder of 805 Startups and the Crypto Invest Summit. You'll be able to browse all of those contributions here.

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Invest Southern California Startup Incubator 154

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

Los Angeles-based Upfront Ventures , along with Jeffrey Katzenberg's investment fund, WndrCo and rapper Nas , are the lead investors in a new startup, Rally Rd. which lets individuals invest in fractional shares of blue chip, classic cars. According to Rally Rd. New York-based Rally Co.

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Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 13, 2020

Too many entrepreneurs tell me they are looking for an investor, and can’t differentiate between venture capital (VC) investors versus accredited angel investors. They fail to realize that the considerations are quite different for each, which can make or break their investment efforts, and ultimately their startup.

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Venture Capital Entrepreneur Startup Invest 125

Both Sides of the Table

JANUARY 8, 2014

Most associates need some entrepreneurial experience before actually making investments. a top-down view on HR challenges at startups; and, obviously: a great network. He was also an undergraduate of the one place that I think is cranking out some of the best young entrepreneurs and investors these days – Wharton.

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Help Invest Venture Capital Technical Review 365

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 6, 2015

Successful entrepreneurs like Tony Hsieh of Zappos and Chris McCormick of L.L.Bean have long realized that networking is no longer something that you do to get what you want, but requires listening and relationship building to do what the other party wants, with a win-win outcome. Master listening to learn where other people live.

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Networking Entrepreneur Social Media Coach 106

TechCrunch LA

APRIL 1, 2019

Defy , the early-stage venture investment firm founded by Neil Sequeira and Trae Vassallo, is putting a new twist on the venture partner model as it brings Brian Lee and Sujal Patel on board to help out with investing and guiding companies in the firm’s portfolio. Just don’t call them venture partners. million round.

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Invest Legalzoom Los Angeles Blogging 109

TechCrunch LA

FEBRUARY 13, 2020

Riot Ventures , the Los Angeles-based, early-stage and deep technology investment firm is going out to market to raise a $75 million second fund to finance the development of startups in LA and beyond, according to fundraising documents viewed by TechCrunch. Marcus has a long background in angel investing and company creation.

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Los Angeles Artificial Inteligence Invest Angel 126

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

But as sweet as that success has been (we invested pre-revenue in a small team) today my even more important news was the further expansion of our partner ranks. At every entrepreneur event I through between 2008-2012 I invite Hamet because he was a great mentor for entrepreneurs. This is a big news day at Upfront Ventures.

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Invest Venture Capital Startup News 340

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 27, 2012

I often recommend business networking as the most effective way for a startup founder to find investors, advisors, and even key executive candidates. I have learned over the years that there is an etiquette to this process, just like there is for social networking. Attend an investment conference. Join a local investment group.

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Activity Networking Entrepreneur Startup 97

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 7, 2020

Even though I’m a big proponent of becoming an entrepreneur, it is definitely not for everyone. In my view, entrepreneur roles need to be planned carefully rather than made on the spur of the moment. Adopt the Silicon Valley entrepreneur family model. Test your entrepreneur instincts through crowdfunding.

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Sample Entrepreneur Ideas Startup 126

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. Invest your time in networking online, as well as offline. Every future entrepreneur should start by networking.

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Product Entrepreneur Technical Advisors Technical Review 127

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 11, 2020

As a mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs, I’m always surprised by the fact that some never seem to be able to that first startup going, while many others never seem to stop, starting their second or third initiative before the first one is fully hatched. I’m now convinced that serious entrepreneurs relish the startup process more than success.

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Entrepreneur Startup Ideas Software Review 131

TechCrunch LA

AUGUST 12, 2022

Positive Food’s vertical integration technology is mainly done in-house, including production and a cold-chain logistics network. It has since expanded its locations with them and are now in Bristol Farms locations, including 86 throughout California.

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Invest Los Angeles Startup Funding 175

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 13, 2011

The Tech Coast Angels , the largest angel investment group in Southern California, as well as the United States, said today that it has launched a new network which will syndicate deals between the firm and other angels.

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Tech Coast Angels Technical Review Angel Networking 157

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 21, 2018

It pays big dividends to network with peers and others if you want to succeed in business. Just as importantly, your business network can actually make a sometimes lonely role enjoyable. Just as importantly, your business network can actually make a sometimes lonely role enjoyable.

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Networking Startup Mentor .Net 86

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 24, 2010

Social networking is indeed the new business networking. For example, my personal interest is entrepreneurs, and MySpace is for tweens. Every social network, including MySpace, claims to be a mecca for business people to network and sell products. Believe it or not, this is my favorite for entrepreneurs.

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Social Network Networking Entrepreneur Statistics 102

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 25, 2021

It seems like everyone wants to be an entrepreneur and get rich these days. Attend trade shows and network to find the right players and pitch your product. Investors learned this a long time ago, so most will tell you that they invest in people, not ideas. All the evidence says that over 99% fail to make that leap.

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Ideas Entrepreneur Mentor Resource 136

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 12, 2012

Even with great credentials, it is all too possible for an entrepreneur to come across as a high risk investment. Here are some “rules of thumb” that indicate a marketable and experienced entrepreneur: Highlights team strengths, more than his own. Loner entrepreneurs won’t get their foot in the door with any investor I know.

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Entrepreneur Invest Ideas Venture Capital 97

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 29, 2019

As a mentor to many aspiring entrepreneurs, I challenge them to think beyond what I call linear extensions to a current trend, such as another “easier-to-use” app for smartphones, a new dating site for pets, or another niche social network. Great social entrepreneurs are rare. Do you have the resources to build a business?

Entrepreneur 126

Entrepreneur Ideas Resource Examples 126

SoCal Tech Calendar

JANUARY 16, 2017

Saturday, January 21, 2017 -- First Time Entrepreneurs Workshop.

Entrepreneur 100

Entrepreneur LAVA Screening Patents 100

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

Earlier this week, the Tech Coast Angels , the largest and most active organized angel group in Southern California, announced a new effort to create an angel group network, which will share and syndicate deals between groups--current the TCA, Golden Seeds, and Band of Angels. Why band together for an angel network?

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Technical Review Networking Angel Tech Coast Angels 145

SoCal Tech Calendar

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

Wednesday, November 28, 2012 -- Open Evening for Entrepreneurs - Los Angeles. Fellow Mavericks and Friends of our Network: Come prepared with your questions for our "Ask the Angels" panel, at the next Maverick Angels Open Evening for Entrepreneurs on Wednesday, November 28, 2012. Maverick Angels. See [link] (more)

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Entrepreneur Angel Venture Capital Resource 113

SoCal Tech Calendar

MARCH 23, 2012

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 -- Maverick Angels Open Evening for Entrepreneurs. The Open Evening is an event geared towards familiarizing entrepreneurs with: Angel and Venture Capital investing strategies; Maverick Angels unique investment process; Entrepreneur resource networks; Navigating the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.

Entrepreneur 113

Entrepreneur Angel Venture Capital Resource 113

socalTECH

FEBRUARY 17, 2017

He eventually founded and sold consumer health firm ViSalus to a public company and is now back making investments, in technology companies, as a venture capitalist here at Los Angeles-based HashtagOne (www.hashtagone.com). What's the theme of your investments? That's why we have investments in Heal, Saucey, and FragMob.

Venture Capital 100

Venture Capital Entrepreneur Technical Review Software Review 100

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 16, 2022

Here are some basic principles: Angels invest in people, more often than they invest in ideas. Angels like to “touch and feel” their investments, so they are generally only interested in local opportunities. This is another very popular website for raising equity or debt investments for startups. Keiretsu Forum.

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Startup Keiretsu Platform Invest 135

socalTECH

SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

Our profile this morning is with Network Automation , a Los Angeles company competing in the IT automation market. Southern California--despite the lack of huge, name brand firms-- has a significant number of enterprise software companies, of which Network Automation is just one. You are self funded too, we recall.

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Networking IBM IBM Pacific Palisades 214

Both Sides of the Table

OCTOBER 5, 2014

For me, after nearly a decade in the trenches of being an entrepreneur I felt I was un-brainwashed from trying to pretend I had all the answers. The more self-assured the VC is and the more impressionable the entrepreneur is the worse the outcome. And I encourage entrepreneurs to triangulate as well. It is unknowable.

Entrepreneur 337

Entrepreneur Technical Advisors Startup Venture Capital 337