Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 28, 2021

Almost every entrepreneur and new business owner I mentor is certain that his/her idea has a very high probability of success, and all find it hard to believe that ninety percent of startups ultimately fail. If we build it, they will come” doesn’t work in today’s worldwide information overload.

Technical Review 131

Technical Review Case Study Mentor Software Review 131

socalTECH

JULY 21, 2010

Watson , a member of the San Diego Tech Coast Angels , who was found dead in June. from one of Watson's brokerage accounts, when he unexpectedly showed up at Watson's residence in the early morning hours as homicide detectives were still gathering evidence from the death scene. Watson was a retired pharmaceutical industry CEO.

Tech Coast Angels 145

Tech Coast Angels Technical Review Angel San Diego 145

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 29, 2022

One of the things I’ve learned over my years as a business mentor and investor is that life isn’t fair when it comes to succeeding in business. These authors speak from their own wealth of experience in creating and growing technology startups, marketing, and fundraising. Intelligence and insight: book and street smarts.

Help 130

Help Mentor Paramount Technical Review 130

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 22, 2019

Most of us have blind spots in our ability to build a business, due to lack of experience, too much ego, over-confidence, or unjustified faith in a subordinate. It’s fair to start with what people think they know, as long as you use that to zero in on corroborating evidence and real examples.

Technical Review 127

Technical Review Activity Mentor Entrepreneur 127

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

As a startup mentor and investor, I am approached regularly by aspiring entrepreneurs who assert that business plans take too much time, are inaccurate, and rarely add value. You’ve built a successful startup before, and plan to use the same investors. You need money, and plan to do crowdfunding.

Technical Review 126

Technical Review Writing Entrepreneur Slides 126

Tech Zulu Event

APRIL 1, 2016

140,000 new startup companies are reportedly launched every day. While the epicenter of tech innovation is undeniably Silicon Valley, a tide of new hubs emerging across the globe are gaining recognition. The “ real gold ” of Silicon Valley reportedly lies in its mentors. Startups previously needed a partner that was local.

Technical Review 40

Technical Review Startup Incubator Media 40

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 24, 2015

Unfortunately many founders I work with as a mentor are experts on the technical side, but have no insight into leading a team. Otherwise, in my experience, the startup will fail. Being visible and engaged on a random part-time basis, due to other jobs, won’t do it. Have monthly reviews with each team member.

Technical Review 99

Technical Review Tips Development Team Review Startup 99

Both Sides of the Table

JANUARY 6, 2014

I admit that I haven’t yet read it but I’ve had numerous discussions with Brad over the years about board structure & conduct and consider him a mentor on the topic. When you first start your company and raise initial venture capital your board probably consists of 1-3 founders and 1-2 VCs. As You Start to Mature.

Startup 325

Startup Sales Technical Review Software Review 325

Both Sides of the Table

AUGUST 15, 2017

The board’s job is to review the company’s financial performance and strategy and help provide counsel to the executive team. But I find that the more informed your board is and the more you’re staying on their radar screen the more effective they’ll be for you. Some boards are highly functional, many are not.

Tips 212

Tips Slides Startup Technical Review 212

socalTECH

JANUARY 7, 2016

The Techstars Health Accelerator recently set up shop in Los Angeles with Cedars- Sinai�the second, Techstars powered startup accelerator in the city--in a move to help healthcare startups get to market quicker. Omkar Kulkarni: The program starts March 28th through June 23rd. The accelerator's deadline is Friday.

Mentor 100

Mentor Startup Coach Ideas 100

socalTECH

JANUARY 7, 2016

The Techstars Health Accelerator recently set up shop in Los Angeles with Cedars Sinai�the second, Techstars powered startup accelerator in the city--in a move to help healthcare startups get to market quicker. Omkar Kulkarni: The program starts March 28th through June 23rd. The accelerator's deadline is Friday.

Mentor 100

Mentor Startup Coach Ideas 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 13, 2018

In my work with startups, I have been struck by how relevant and critical these same initiatives are to even the earliest stage of new ventures, and how hard it is to change later if you don’t get it right the first time. He ignored my advice and ultimately lost several key executives, and then his own health, due to stress and workload.

Technical Review 51

Technical Review Startup Training Netflix 51

InfoChachkie

AUGUST 29, 2011

The data consistently confirms that: (i) venture capitalists are typically not adventuresome, and (ii) most startups lack the three intoxicating factors which cause venture capitalists to pull out their checkbooks. This concentration is partly due to natural causes – successful startups spawn other successful startups.

Venture Capital 233

Venture Capital Capital Funding Technical Review 233

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 18, 2010

We will be selecting 10 startup companies to participate. Applications are due April 6th, 2010, the form is on the website and the Twitter address is @launchpadlad. Encourage the most successful LA tech entrepreneurs who had previously started companies to get involved as mentors, instructors or just informal advisors.

Technical Review 259

Technical Review Venture Capital Southern California Tech Coast Angels 259

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 27, 2019

Perhaps sparked by the now forgotten recession, I’m seeing a new era of the entrepreneur, with startups springing up all around. Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. Problems will occur in every startup, simply because you are stepping into uncharted territory.

Mentor 85

Mentor Entrepreneur Technical Review Summary 85

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 25, 2016

Unfortunately many founders I work with as a mentor are experts on the technical side, but have no insight into leading a team. Otherwise, in my experience, the startup will fail. Being visible and engaged on a random part-time basis, due to other jobs, won’t do it. Have monthly reviews with each team member.

Technical Review 54

Technical Review Development Team Review Startup Activity 54

Both Sides of the Table

DECEMBER 6, 2013

She started watching dogs in her spare time through DogVacay and was able make ends meet during a tough period. They can read reviews, see pictures and even talk to the family before confirming. I typed in my brothers zip code and ton of houses popped up in his area and I was able to search out on a map view. I registered.

Venture Capital 344

Venture Capital Technical Review Software Review San Diego 344

InfoChachkie

JUNE 9, 2015

Good news: a quick review of TechCrunch’s March 2015 List of Top 20 U.S. Note: for purposes of this article, I am using the term “accelerator” to include incubators, startup labs and all other organizations geared to facilitating a startup’s early maturation. Convert Graduate-Founders Into Mentors.

Startup 100

Startup Class LAMP Santa Barbara 100

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 23, 2012

Every startup faces a myriad of challenges that are well beyond the scope of any founder, so you need a few guiding lights to illuminate the road ahead. I recommend that every early-stage startup find three Advisory Board members. Make sure they are willing to check their egos at the door. Let’s talk specifics.

Startup 95

Startup Technical Review Software Review High Tech 95

Tech Zulu Event

JULY 8, 2011

For those who still might be wondering what Spotlight: LA Tech is all about, It’s a screening room for new technology homegrown in our region. It’s a gathering of friends and tech enthusiasts of all stripes. This Spotlight takes place Thursday, July 14, at The California Institute of Technology (CalTech).

CalTech 100

CalTech Technical Review Company Companies 100

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 26, 2015

Great technology leads to innovative solutions that are possible, but not necessarily great businesses. Yet, due largely to non-technology business considerations, including pricing, safety concerns and support infrastructure, there are none that most people can name. Develop written business plans as detailed as product plans.

Technical Review 54

Technical Review Product Activity Technology 54

socalTECH

APRIL 10, 2012

One of the most original, subscription startups to come out of Southern California's tech accelerator boom emerged last week, looking to disrupt not just another retail sector or e-commerce category, but something else entirely: the airline industry. How did this all start? We take your application and review it.

Startup 240

Startup Mentor Technical Review Santa Barbara 240

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 5, 2011

Every startup faces a myriad of challenges that are well beyond the scope of any founder, so you need a few guiding lights to illuminate the road ahead. I recommend that every early-stage startup find three Advisory Board members. Make sure they are willing to check their egos at the door. Let’s talk specifics.

Startup 95

Startup Technical Review Software Review High Tech 95

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 6, 2015

Perhaps sparked by the recession recovery, I’m seeing a new era of the entrepreneur, with startups springing up all around. Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. Problems will occur in every startup, simply because you are stepping into uncharted territory.

Mentor 105

Mentor Entrepreneur Technical Review Satisfaction 105

socalTECH

AUGUST 21, 2015

A new, Los Angeles startup, Textpertapp (www.textpertapp.co) has created a new app, where you can crowdsource your texts--and love advice--next time you are trying to woo that potential date. How'd you come up with the idea? Whether there is any chemistry or not, that's up to you, and who you are sitting next to.

Startup 100

Startup Technical Review Help Ideas 100

Tech.Co

JANUARY 10, 2018

In the Harvard Business Review Female Economy 2009 report, women purchasing power was predicted to control about $28 trillion in annual global consumer spending, if not more. If you’re needing some tips to jumpstart your strategy and attract female consumers, take this advice from these female startups founders. The Emotional Sell.

Tips 71

Tips Customer Custom Dollar Shave Club 71

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 25, 2016

If you can’t provide a memorable customer experience, your startup won’t survive very long these days. According to many observers , we can thank or blame technology for these higher expectations, providing information at the speed of light, leading everyone to expect more. Provide coaching and mentoring as well as training.

Customer 55

Customer Custom Startup Coach 55

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 30, 2023

Over my many years of mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals, I often hear a desire to start a new business, with a big hesitation while waiting for that perfect idea and perfect alignment of the stars. Start today building a bigger network. Success requires a great amount of hard work.

Technical Review 149

Technical Review Startup Entrepreneur Software Review 149

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 28, 2014

Perhaps sparked by the recent recession, I’m seeing a new era of the entrepreneur, with startups springing up all around. Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. Problems will occur in every startup, simply because you are stepping into uncharted territory.

Entrepreneur 102

Entrepreneur Mentor Technical Review Satisfaction 102

InfoChachkie

APRIL 25, 2011

If you are a leader at a startup and you are reading a business book, you are not closing customers, raising capital, improving your product, or spending time with your loved ones. The short version of my review is: “Enchanting? A cause can be a: non-profit, Internet startup, idea, political opinion, or coffee shop.

Technical Review 279

Technical Review Blogging Class Entrepreneur 279

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 7, 2014

As a startup mentor and investor, I am approached regularly by aspiring entrepreneurs who assert that business plans are a waste of time. You’ve built a successful startup before, and plan to use the same investors. From my perspective, much of this advice is an urban legend and just plain wrong.

Technical Review 109

Technical Review Writing Entrepreneur Slides 109

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 22, 2017

Perhaps sparked by the now forgotten recession, I’m seeing a new era of the entrepreneur, with startups springing up all around. Based on my own mentoring and investing experience, the best entrepreneurs are pragmatic problem solvers. Problems will occur in every startup, simply because you are stepping into uncharted territory.

Satisfaction 53

Satisfaction Marketing Mentor Entrepreneur 53

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 2, 2011

If I check Twitter it’s usually because I’m waiting for a meeting to start and I never write posts during the day. We have an informed point of view. We might differ in opinion but not in information sources and knowledge of the issues. They could chat about it with their peers or mentors. I enjoy that.

Email 287

Email Blogging Venture Capital Writing 287

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 16, 2018

The market is changing so fast these days, and if you are not planning a solution today for tomorrow’s customers, you may be setting yourself up for failure and don’t even realize it. Regularly follow reviews and influencers in your industry. There are always new competitors who are planning their arrival tomorrow.

Customer 57

Customer Custom Technical Review Software Review 57

Tech Zulu Event

NOVEMBER 7, 2013

Natalia not only wants to increase the number of women in investment, but bring more people in total to help startups and other businesses get the capital they need. We have three main components: education, mentoring, and practice. NON: I very much started with people in my network in the beginning.

Mentor 84

Mentor Invest Entrepreneur Startup 84

Tech Zulu Event

MAY 2, 2011

The ambitiously competitive teams were as follows: The Brownies, with Epic Tunes, an app aimed at live concert goers, to provide information, show reviews, and access to ticket purchases. Tech Nerds, with Tab Attack, a game-based learning system to help teenagers play drums & guitar with the use of tablatures.

Technical Review 82

Technical Review Entrepreneur Software Review USC 82

SoCal CTO

JULY 23, 2012

I received a great question via LinkedIn: I'm the founding engineer and working hard to launch my startup. What can I do to best equip myself to step up when the need to officially fill this role arises? I've previously addressed the role of a CTO in early-stages in my post Startup CTO or Developer. How can we address this risk?

CTO Coach 231

CTO Coach CTO Hire Outsource Development Develop 231