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What Did I Learn From the First VC Check I Ever Wrote?

Both Sides of the Table

We not only have our Series A funds that can write $500k?—?$15 If you invest early and then pull back in the next 3 rounds your multiples on cash invested are much higher than if you keep writing checks. Defensible IP becomes insanely valuable?—?particularly 15 million first checks but we also have three growth funds.

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Be Frugal, But Never Cheap When Locking Down Your IP

InfoChachkie

The money you pay your intellectual property (IP) lawyer should be judiciously spent. However, the potential costs associated with an IP mishap can be catastrophic. As such, save money buying used office furniture, not by selecting an inexpensive IP lawyer who lacks the appropriate level of experience in your technical domain.

IP 210
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How to Work with Lawyers at a Startup

Both Sides of the Table

When to get a lawyer - If you plan to be a venture or angel backed technology company (what I mostly write about) the best time to start meeting and getting to know lawyers is long before you ever start your company. I write about some of the lessons in my post on Startup Mistakes. Many people start companies arse backwards.

Startup 318
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Some Career Advice for Aspiring Tech CEOs

Both Sides of the Table

” It was meant both as a call to those writing angel checks into other people’s companies that they ought to think about putting that capital toward themselves either by becoming a startup founder or (and this was my real point) by taking an under-market salary in a company where they can learn the right skills to do it in the future.

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What is it Like to Negotiate a VC Round?

Both Sides of the Table

” Today I want to talk about how a VC thinks about equity pricing on your round and particularly if you’re coming off of a convertible note. Of course investors care about controls (board, protective provisions, IP assignments, non-solicitation) but these are all pretty standard. It’s very simple. Size of my check.

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What is the Right Burn Rate at a Startup Company?

Both Sides of the Table

So money spent should add equity value or create IP that eventually will. I am simply saying that these sources of capital often have a harder time bridging you quickly or writing larger checks if / when you run out of cash and especially in hard times. I am not suggesting these are bad sources of capital – they are not.

Startup 383
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Roping in the Legal Eagles

InfoChachkie

Some startup attorneys will accept a portion of their initial fees in the form of equity. When you hit the inevitable bumps in the road, a lawyer who has an equity stake in your business is more likely to be flexible with respect to payment terms and more willing to give you quick, off-the-clock feedback and guidance.