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What I Would Look for When Choosing a VC – Knowing What I Know Now?

Both Sides of the Table

Traditional software vs. SaaS. I’ve been involved with SaaS companies with VCs who don’t understand demand generation, lead qualification, sales coverage ratios, sales forecasting or frankly when deals should be inside sales vs. outside sales. Think of web vs. mobile. SEO marketing vs. social marketing. FourSquare.

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Do Less. More.

Both Sides of the Table

I rarely talk to any startup entrepreneur or VC who doesn’t feel it and somehow long for simpler times despite the benefits we all enjoy from increased enthusiasm for our sector. For entrepreneurs there’s too much money sloshing around. They’re doing how much in SaaS revenue? My general advice is to do less.

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How Boards Need to Evolve Over Time

Both Sides of the Table

And here’s an important point that I think modern entrepreneurs often forget: Investors are “co-owners” of your business. There are just as many bad entrepreneurs who do bad things. Unless you’re SnapChat, Instagram or similar this is probably 3-5 years into your existence.

Startup 325
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Why Taking Some Risks in the Sales Process Can Improve Results

Both Sides of the Table

When I counsel startup entrepreneurs I give them my blunt dose of reality, “If you can’t easily identify target leads who have a problem you can solve then hang up your cleats – you’re not going to succeed.” I built my first software company in the early days of SaaS and there were few models to go by.

Sales 150
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What Most People Don’t Understand About How Startup Companies are Valued

Both Sides of the Table

I’d like to explain as best I can my opinion on what is going on because most of what I hear from entrepreneurs is not only wrong but is reminiscent of what I heard in 1997-2000. ” “This will be great for VCs and bad for entrepreneurs.” What is the True Sentiment of VCs? ” “Sure, prices are dropping.

Startup 150