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The Berkus Method: Valuing an Early-Stage Investment

Berkonomics

Now we tackle the more difficult and subjective task of placing a value upon those startups that don’t fit into that mold. For those of us who’ve invested in early-stage companies, especially technology startups, we have confronted a universal problem. There is nothing wrong with changing the five tests to meet individual needs.

Invest 306
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53 Questions Developers Should Ask Innovators

TechEmpower

At TechEmpower, we frequently talk to startup founders, CEOs, product leaders, and other innovators about their next big tech initiative. Background Questions Let’s start with some background questions about the business and product. What are your key Startup Metrics ? What are some examples of similar brands?

Develop 520
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8 Smart Tips To Soliciting Friends And Family Funding

Startup Professionals Musings

It’s great to start with a big dream as you contemplate a new business, but finding the money you need takes more than dreaming. For example, I just read an otherwise impressive business plan last week from a first-timer who asked for $10 million to get started. Get started first on your own time and money.

Tips 86
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7 Steps To Finding Investors Aligned With Your Values

Startup Professionals Musings

One of the most common complaints I hear from new business owners and startups is about the pain and difficulty raising capital. The “venture capital” model is the only option they know, where they feel they get no mercy, giving up equity and control. For example, if you are a doctor, look for funding from the medical world.

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How to Out Amazon, Amazon

Both Sides of the Table

I will use some examples from Parachute and some other portfolio companies to give you examples from our experiences of watching successful brands grow. It starts with a category being done poorly, reimagining the experience, creating distinctive products and then constantly messaging this to the market.

Product 296
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7 Keys To Success With An Employee Ownership Culture

Startup Professionals Musings

One of the lessons I have learned over the years as a business executive, and now as a mentor to entrepreneurs, is that if you really want employees who enthusiastically take ownership of their work, you have to start treating them like owners, not renters. They show up every day, keep a low profile, and collect a paycheck.

Mentor 72
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Here is How to Make Sense of Conflicting Startup Advice

Both Sides of the Table

Many startups now go through accelerators and have mentors passing through each day with advice – usually it’s conflicting. There are bootcamps, startup classes, video interviews – the sources are now endless. Because I’ve asked more than 100 VCs similar questions I start to notice patterns in thinking.

Startup 407