Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 17, 2017

They flocked to businesses like Apple, when influencer Steve Jobs was at the helm, and anxiously await the next moves from visible entrepreneurs, including Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. I found a good summary of these attributes in a recent book, “ The Old School Advantage ,” by an expert on interpersonal communication, J.

Social Media 58

Social Media Customer Custom Entrepreneur 58

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Reserve the company name on social networks to protect it. A conundrum for many frustrated entrepreneurs is that they need money from investors to design and build a prototype product, yet most angel investors expect to see at least a prototype before they invest. Build an investor presentation and summary.

Invest 99

Invest Angel Technical Review Summary 99

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 20, 2013

Publish a regular blog, contribute to relevant social networks, and write a “white paper” on your technology. In summary, a startup with no website, or a website with no credibility will kill your business. entrepreneur startup website business' They will exit quickly. Show evidence of your expertise. Marty Zwilling.

Search Engine Optimization 105

Search Engine Optimization Startup Advertising SEO 105

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 23, 2014

When you think about the trends of faster-growing startups due to social networking, credit card enable and mobile first consumers – the reality is that many startups are becoming very large financially before needing to go public. Summary: Cheap, mobile, social, global, always-on, one-click-purchase =.

Venture Capital 398

Venture Capital Technical Review Startup Seed Funding 398

Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 24, 2010

What Quora has done is wrap social networking around Q&A with the more clever next-gen UX I’ve seen. I wrote the following update to my original answer to that question: Update: Social networking sites have an additional attribute in that they are communication vehicles as well as UGC sites.

Technical Review 294

Technical Review Writing Content Sites 294

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

Reserve the company name on social networks to protect it. A conundrum for many frustrated entrepreneurs is that they need money from investors to design and build a prototype product, yet most angel investors expect to see at least a prototype before they invest. Build an investor presentation and summary.

Angel 89

Angel Funding Technical Review Startup 89

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 31, 2014

Here is a summary, with some of the pros and cons or special considerations for each: Product or service is free, revenue from ads. This doesn’t work well with “nice to have” offerings, like social networks, but does work for new drugs and medical devices that solve critical health problems. Subscription model. Marty Zwilling.

Startup 114

Startup Pricing Customer Custom 114

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 17, 2010

We have many seasoned entrepreneurs who have built successful companies here and made a lot of money for investors and themselves. I like to repeat the mantra, “necessity is the mother of all invention,&# meaning that because investors have this expectation you find entrepreneurs that focus on nearer term monetization.

Company 290

Company Companies Technology Startup 290

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 25, 2011

These are variations on a “crowd-funding” theme to raise money for a startup through social networks and voting at public events. Crowd-sourcing tools, usually Internet applications, use the social media to poll for interest, feedback, and ultimately some funding for the startup. Intellectual property is jeopardized.

Funding 92

Funding Startup Social Media Sample 92

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 7, 2013

Sure, there will always some seed funding (10% of overall deal flow), but you can bet that this money goes to entrepreneurs who have been there before and won. So what can entrepreneurs do to get to the head of the venture capital investment queue and position their startup for a winning IPO? Line up a winning team.

Venture Capital 101

Venture Capital Startup Capital Seed Funding 101

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 23, 2013

Here is a summary, with some of the pros and cons or special considerations for each: Product or service is free, revenue from ads. This doesn’t work well with “nice to have” offerings, like social networks, but does work for new drugs and medical devices that solve critical health problems. Subscription model. Marty Zwilling.

Pricing 116

Pricing Product Customer Custom 116

socalTECH

APRIL 4, 2013

Brenton Sullivan: What we are is a private social network and platform for coaches to connect with each other, to exchange information on athletes. Brenton Sullivan: We really put the customer at the center of our business, something that many entrepreneurs miss out on. What''s the idea behind FieldLevel?

Coach 252

Coach USC Statistics Startup 252

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 29, 2010

We received so much positive feedback from our This Week in Venture Capital show walking through valuation calculations & term sheets that we decided to do a Q&A show this week to address topics that entrepreneurs want to learn about. on the entrepreneur side of the table) when I raised at too high of a price. This is wrong.

Venture Capital 282

Venture Capital Capital Startup Pricing 282

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 1, 2017

I was mentoring some graduate students at a local university recently, and I sensed again that profit seems to be a dirty word these days to many aspiring entrepreneurs. This doesn’t work well with “nice to have” offerings, like social networks, but does work for new drugs and medical devices that solve critical health problems.

Pricing 66

Pricing Customer Custom Advertising 66

Both Sides of the Table

DECEMBER 7, 2009

But so that you finish reading my post first I’ll give you the summary version – when approaching somebody at a show be polite / respectful of time, try to be introduced if possible and never assume the person remembers who you are. And it also shows you’re an entrepreneur. If you haven’t read it, please do.

Startup 322

Startup Conference Email Venture Capital 322

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 13, 2010

Use the Internet and social networking instead of public relations companies and advertising agencies. As a result, being an entrepreneur in now within the financial reach of almost everyone. In summary, I see a historic shift taking place in the world today. Sales and marketing costs. Savings can be huge in these areas.

Startup 50

Startup High Tech Search Engine Optimization SEM 50

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 21, 2010

These are variations on a “crowd-funding” theme to raise money for a startup through social networks and voting at public events. Crowd-sourcing tools, usually Internet applications, use the social media to poll for interest, feedback, and ultimately some funding for the startup. Intellectual property is jeopardized.

Funding 59

Funding Startup Social Media Sample 59

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 24, 2011

Sure, there is always some seed funding (10% of overall deal flow), but you can bet that this money goes to entrepreneurs who have been there before and won. Be ready with a killer executive summary , investor presentation , and financial model. Angels are also moving up-stage, leaving a bigger and bigger black hole for new startups.

Venture Capital 93

Venture Capital Startup Capital Seed Funding 93

Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 3, 2009

There are now a second generation of entrepreneurs and companies that have learned from their last successes and are producing great new companies like TopSpin Media , Sometrics and GumGum. My favorite Rogers line was, “musicians of the future will be entrepreneurs and not employees [of labels].”

Twiistup 228

Twiistup SoCal Southern California Yammer 228

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 13, 2012

Many entrepreneurs scare away potential investors by claiming that their technology represents “truly disruptive technology.” It always amazes me how an entrepreneur can define his market opportunity so broadly, and then assess his competition so narrowly in the next breath. There are two problems with this assertion. Executive team.

Competition 113

Competition Metrics Startup Invest 113

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 5, 2010

Publish a daily blog, contribute to relevant social networks, and write a “white paper” on your technology. In summary, a startup with no website, or a website with no credibility will kill your business. They will exit quickly. Show evidence of your expertise. Highlight personal and product testimonials.

Tips 92

Tips Search Engine Optimization Startup Advertising 92

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 13, 2011

Many entrepreneurs scare away potential investors by claiming that their technology represents “truly disruptive technology.” It always amazes me how an entrepreneur can define his market opportunity so broadly, and then assess his competition so narrowly in the next breath. There are two problems with this assertion. Executive team.

Competition 116

Competition Metrics Startup Sales 116

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 21, 2012

Here is a summary, with some of the pros and cons or special considerations for each: Product or service is free, revenue from ads and critical mass. This doesn’t work well with “nice to have” offerings, like social networks, but does work for new drugs that solve critical health problems. Portfolio pricing.

Pricing 112

Pricing Competition Customer Custom 112

Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 14, 2009

In most cases if you can’t get a prototype done you’re probably not an entrepreneur. Professional angels / former entrepreneurs / seed funds – In Silicon Valley there are people like Ron Conway, Jeff Clavier, Mike Maples and many more. Surround yourself with great advisors or other entrepreneurs.

Angel 291

Angel Funding Venture Capital Startup 291

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 22, 2010

Many entrepreneurs scare away potential investors by claiming that their technology represents “truly disruptive technology.” It always amazes me how an entrepreneur can define his market opportunity so broadly, and then assess his competition so narrowly in the next breath. There are two problems with this assertion. Executive team.

Invest 74

Invest Tips Competition Metrics 74

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 26, 2010

Here is a summary, with some of the pros and cons or special considerations for each: Product or service is free, revenue from ads and critical mass. This doesn’t work well with “nice to have” offerings, like social networks, but does work for new drugs that solve critical health problems. Portfolio pricing.

Pricing 98

Pricing Product Startup Competition 98

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 8, 2013

Here is a summary of indicative facts from the earlier study referenced, an update published last year, and others. These indicate that the correct icon for an entrepreneur may now have gray hair, rather than the warm glow of youth: The percent of entrepreneurs who are Baby Boomer starting a business since 1996 has grown from 14.3

Entrepreneur 118

Entrepreneur Technical Review Startup Technical Support 118

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 6, 2019

Investing in entrepreneurs and startups is a fun but different world from investing in conventional stocks, bonds, and commodities. Don’t be fooled by thinking that social networks are hot, so you should invest in the next startup you see in that realm. Fund an entrepreneur you know and trust.

Invest 89

Invest Entrepreneur Startup Equity 89

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Investing in entrepreneurs and startups is a fun but different world from investing in conventional stocks, bonds, and commodities. Don’t be fooled by thinking that social networks are hot, so you should invest in the next startup you see in that realm. Fund an entrepreneur you know and trust. Marty Zwilling.

Entrepreneur 102

Entrepreneur Startup Invest Incubator 102

Both Sides of the Table

JANUARY 16, 2012

I raised money as an entrepreneur, like you, in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2005 for two different companies. Executive Summary. If you want to watch the video version summary of my advice on fund raising it’s here. I never suggest that entrepreneurs just randomly pitch VCs. Don’t believe otherwise.

Develop 366

Develop Development Funding Venture Capital 366

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 3, 2012

Here is a summary of indicative facts from the earlier study referenced, an update published last year, and others. With longer life expectancies and greater health in later life, older generations are moving to start new firms -- and mentor young entrepreneurs. They are becoming the new early adopters.

Startup 112

Startup Technical Review Technical Support Study 112

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 16, 2017

Investing in entrepreneurs and startups is a fun but different world from investing in conventional stocks, bonds, and commodities. Don’t be fooled by thinking that social networks are hot, so you should invest in the next startup you see in that realm. Fund an entrepreneur you know and trust.

Invest 73

Invest Startup Equity Incubator 73

Both Sides of the Table

FEBRUARY 14, 2016

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

Startup Company Companies Venture Capital 150

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 1, 2013

Investing in entrepreneurs and startups is a fun but different world from investing in conventional stocks, bonds, and commodities. Don’t be fooled by thinking that social networks are hot, so you should invest in the next startup you see in that realm. Fund an entrepreneur you know and trust. Marty Zwilling.

Startup 87

Startup Invest Incubator Ideas 87

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 15, 2010

Do you think men make better entrepreneurs than women, and why? First of all, it is evident that there are fewer women entrepreneurs today than men. First of all, it is evident that there are fewer women entrepreneurs today than men. Here is a summary of observations from this and other studies: Leadership style.

Entrepreneur 49

Entrepreneur Study Competition Summary 49

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 14, 2013

Here is a summary of the “big picture” high risk considerations: Inexperienced team. On the Internet, I would add new social networking sites, and new matchmaking sites. Of course, if you intend to fund the business yourself, or have a rich uncle, external investment funding concerns are not a problem.

Startup 109

Startup Summary Software Review Sites 109

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 24, 2012

Reuters TV Interview by Rhonda Schaffler Investing in entrepreneurs and startups is a fun but different world from investing in conventional stocks, bonds, and commodities. Don’t be fooled by thinking that social networks are hot, so you should invest in the next startup you see in that realm.

Startup 91

Startup Invest Incubator Ideas 91