Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 25, 2023

We all see reports of venture capitalists who invest millions in new businesses, but be assured that these investments come only after you have a proven base business, and have a case for scaling it quickly. Define key metrics to measure progress and success. Use comparable metrics for managing team member results.

Social Media 98

Social Media Metrics Media Tool 98

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 9, 2022

They randomly churn for hours a day on a couple of their favorite social media platforms, with little thought given to goals, objectives, or metrics; and ultimately give up and fall back to traditional marketing approaches. Create an action plan with metrics. Measuring is all about return-on-investment (ROI).

Social Media 135

Social Media Framework Media Metrics 135

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 11, 2021

Obviously this definition is generic, so my first recommendation is that you take the lead in defining traction metrics for your startup, and then selling your results convincingly to investors. In the consumer world, groups like Consumer Reports , will give you similar credibility, if positive. Start early to work these relationships.

Startup 121

Startup Metrics Customer Custom 121

TechCrunch LA

APRIL 18, 2022

Investment into alternative proteins, for example, plant-based meats and dairy substitutes was $5 billion in 2021, according to both the Good Food Institute and Crunchbase data. The alternative protein space is hot, hot, hot as evidenced by both the number of companies developing products and the venture capital going into the space.

Software Review 187

Software Review Metrics Startup Technical Review 187

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 21, 2021

Startups usually think in terms of a million to 10 million dollar infusions, but aspiring unicorns usually need to seek financial investments of hundreds of millions, or even a billion dollars. Then there is the pressure to go public ( IPO ), and open your investment to thousands, maybe millions, of small investors.

Startup 151

Startup Course Sales Entrepreneur 151

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 18, 2023

In addition, current investors want to see every startup go public or be acquired, as an exit event, so they can get their due return for that investment which has been tied up for the last few years. For these reasons, I always look for an overt exit strategy in every startup I might consider for an angel investment.

Startup 99

Startup Entrepreneur Metrics Acquisition 99

TechCrunch LA

FEBRUARY 20, 2019

When should a VC invest? It’s the only way forward in capitalism, and it’s worth every investment you can make. Theodore Schleifer at Recode reported a rare deep dive into the internal intrigue at a prominent VC firm, in this case Mithril Capital. South California is also seeing declining seed investment.

Venture Capital 202

Venture Capital Startup Technical Review Invest 202

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 9, 2021

In addition, current investors want to see every startup go public or be acquired, as an exit event, so they can get their due return for that investment which has been tied up for the last few years. For these reasons, I always look for an overt exit strategy in every startup I might consider for an angel investment.

Startup 173

Startup Entrepreneur Metrics Acquisition 173

SoCal CTO

MAY 21, 2012

Many of the factors are not obvious and include building mystery to drive margin, why boring B2B companies often win but are challenging in other ways, how bootstrapping wins, integrating metrics from the start and many other similar lessons. Startups provide introductions and Tony and fellow panelists provide feedback in real-time.

CTO Hire 175

CTO Hire Startup Metrics eHarmony 175

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 28, 2021

I recommend a trial run with an experiment or MVP (minimum viable product), at full price and cost, before the big bang launch, risking your investment money and a major time commitment. You need advisors and a board of directors, but they require regular communication and reporting, a strategic plan, and discipline.

Technical Review 131

Technical Review Case Study Mentor Software Review 131

Tech Zulu Event

NOVEMBER 28, 2011

Noah has what I believe he called “Thank You metrics”. This is why AppSumo heavily invests in copywriting when forming each new deal they present to their audience. Home furnishings retailer Bed Bath & Beyond has reported net sales for the second quarter ended August 27, 2011 increased by 8.3%.” – Retail Week.

Metrics 87

Metrics Email Startup Technical Review 87

socalTECH

JANUARY 2, 2020

While it was a good year for our merger and acquisition practice in the SaaS and fintech space, our most exciting news is in our merchant banking sector where we invest in and advise growth companies often for several years. Previously he co-founded 3 tech companies, one in computer networks, one in logistics and one in biometric security.

Capital 100

Capital SoCal Southern California SaaS 100

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 24, 2022

Are you making the proper investment, and is it paying off? You must have a strong Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) with a clear strategy for spending, and metrics to gauge results. Here I recommend the use an outside consultant report periodically to avoid internal turf wars. Multiple marketing tactics seek to share attribution.

Customer 100

Customer Custom Acquisition Technical Review 100

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 19, 2022

It pays to invest more in building remote relationships with these site owners, or spending quality time with podcasters and popular blog influencers. Clients need to feel comfortable that you expect quality work from your team and technology, and have metrics, modern tools, and controls in place to make it happen.

Services 121

Services Technical Review Social Media Case Study 121

Berkonomics

DECEMBER 6, 2012

So protection of the corporation is reason number one for investing in such a process. In such reviews of the top executive, I reach out to his or her direct reports for input, and then I turn to other members of the board of directors. The very minimum level of acceptability should be one annual review for an employee.

Metrics 153

Metrics Email Pricing Tool 153

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 9, 2014

I have blogged about some of the downside consequences of the changes and the private information I have says the consequences are much worse than is reported in the press since few people publicly talk about. We led an investment round in a company a while ago in which we wrote a seven-figure check and have taken a board seat.

Venture Capital 352

Venture Capital Seed Funding Email Blogging 352

InfoChachkie

DECEMBER 9, 2013

A 2012 Dow Jones'' report entitled Women At The Wheel encompassed 15-years of data on venture-backed startups. At Rincon Venture Partners , we have invested in several female entrepreneurs(so far), including Tracy DiNunzio, Founder and CEO of Tradesy. A version of this article previously appeared on The Wall Street Journal.

Customer 185

Customer Custom Study Metrics 185

socalTECH

MAY 17, 2019

David Loo: Ultimately, at the C-level, the CIO requires data metrics and intelligence, in order to compete and make decisions and take actions to further a company's agenda. The problem is traditionally, there is a swivel chair problem, where when one customer has an issue they want to report to that service provider.

SaaS 113

SaaS Startup Customer Custom 113

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 2, 2015

One area I’ve had much discussion with the companies in which I’ve invested in is bringing on board an operationally focused CFO. It turns out that financial reporting (GAAP) doesn’t take into account the only thing that matters to startup survival – cashflow. They can help you with pricing. HR & Legal.

Outsource Development 150

Outsource Development Metrics Startup Sales 150

Berkonomics

NOVEMBER 4, 2016

So how do you use financial projections as valuation metrics when you know the odds of those being accurate predictors of the future are so very unreliable? There is a universal truth: fewer than one in a thousand start-ups meet or exceed their projected revenues in the periods planned.

Startup 120

Startup Examples Metrics Marketing 120

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 8, 2011

Report Card. But the most important metric has been the deep and lasting relationships that have been built with startups and also between senior executives. Sometrics – Acquired by American Express for a reported $30m after being funded by Greycroft Ventures & Steamboat. How has Launchpad LA done?

Venture Capital 287

Venture Capital Funding Startup GRP Partners 287

Tech.Co

APRIL 30, 2018

Their financial planning tool helps people track their spending, investments, and credit rating all in one mobile platform. Powered by blockchain technology, this groundbreaking fintech company is one to watch, no matter what you’re invested in. The app can help provide users a snapshot of all financial accounts from one’s phone.

Startup 70

Startup Tool Platform Metrics 70

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015

In addition, current investors want to see every startup go public or be acquired, as an exit event, so they can get their due return for that investment which has been tied up for the last few years. For these reasons, I always look for an overt exit strategy in every startup I might consider for an angel investment.

Startup 98

Startup Entrepreneur Metrics Acquisition 98

Tech Zulu Event

MAY 8, 2014

Back in January, at the annual TechZulu Startup Forecast , our panel of industry leaders and investors spent a healthy dose of time discussing the ongoing JOBS Act (Jumpstart Our Business Startups) and the investing sphere at large. This all, circling around 2008, a shy year for startup investments. Fundraising Frustrations.

Invest 83

Invest Platform Entrepreneur Paramount 83

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 26, 2013

Obviously this definition is generic, so my first recommendation is that you take the lead in defining traction metrics for your startup, and then selling your results convincingly to investors. In the consumer world, groups like Consumer Reports , will give you similar credibility, if positive. Start early to work these relationships.

Startup 106

Startup Metrics Customer Custom 106

InfoChachkie

JANUARY 16, 2018

We both made personal investments in the company. Greathouse: I know it’s difficult to estimate, but how much further along do you think you would be from a customer acquisition and revenue generating standpoint if you had taken in a few million in investment dollars? Metrics related to customer acquisition, lifetime value and churn.

Venture Capital 115

Venture Capital Entrepreneur Santa Barbara SaaS 115

Both Sides of the Table

FEBRUARY 15, 2016

I know it sounds obvious but just so you understand: There are more capital sources available for earlier-stage capital, the information on which they are evaluating the investment is less (it is almost certainly just team and product) and the risk of the investor getting things wrong is diminished. Is that a lot for them?

Startup 150

Startup Capital Funding Invest 150

Tech Zulu Event

MAY 9, 2014

He gave a glimpse into the 500 Startups program, including, but not limited to: Weekly roundup meetings with all hands to report wins and losses. Updates could be as exciting as closing investment deals, or harrowing as the news of losing a co-founder. It sits above curriculum, investor connections, etc. ” Demo Day.

Startup 111

Startup Mobile Commerce Education 111

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 2, 2013

Dell announced years ago that it had earned $3 million in revenue from using Twitter, and other businesses report daily on increases in web traffic up to 800%. Maybe it’s time to sign up for a few free Webinars, or even invest in an expert consultant in this area. Define relevant metrics and measure.

Social Media 106

Social Media Media Startup Social Network 106

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 28, 2012

Dell announced years ago that it had earned $3 million in revenue from using Twitter, and other businesses report daily on increases in web traffic up to 800%. Maybe it’s time to sign up for a few free Webinars, or even invest in an expert consultant in this area. Define relevant metrics and measure.

Social Media 115

Social Media Media Startup Social Network 115

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 23, 2018

The image of a self-proclaimed expert who can generate a report, make a great presentation, and leave you to do the implementation, is just not attractive when you don’t have a staff, and you are already overloaded with the crisis of the day. Adopt a project-based revenue model with metrics. Use social media for more visibility.

Social Media 56

Social Media Software Review Customer Custom 56

Steve Reich

AUGUST 15, 2015

Put yourself in their shoes–they are busy and have multiple investments. Take the time to shoot them a “what’s up” email monthly, and serious financial reports quarterly. They know all the details and all the metrics because they are industry experts. They don’t live in your world. The bad news?

Angel 40

Angel News Pasadena Angels Seed Funding 40

Xconomy

SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

For example, does the team spend too much time pulling data and formatting reports, or managing IT tickets? Invest more in training and optimizing the usage of existing staff. Identify the top candidates by analyzing which tasks are the most time-consuming, and take least expertise. Explore Outside Help.

Training 40

Training Outsource Organization Resource 40

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 9, 2011

Dell announced years ago that it had earned $3 million in revenue from using Twitter, and other businesses report daily on increases in web traffic up to 800%. Maybe it’s time to sign up for a few free Webinars, or even invest in an expert consultant in this area. Define relevant metrics and measure.

Social Media 104

Social Media Media Marketing Social Network 104

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 1, 2010

And finally, Scott demonstrated his internal management tool for managing the metrics of his business. Company reports 250,000 users in 49 countries with 1mm+ application downloads. Investing much of new cash to build presence in Android platform. It’s awesome. The deals we quickly went through are: 1. Foursquare. -New

Zag 248

Zag Truecar Venture Capital CarsDirect 248

InfoChachkie

APRIL 7, 2010

It allows them to avoid the opportunity costs of entering into an agreement that does not yield adequate revenue or cost savings to justify the time and resource investment. Establishing mutually agreed upon and readily measurable metrics up-front are essential to creating viable sharing relationships. When Sharing Works.

Resource 154

Resource Paramount Press Metrics 154

Tech Zulu Event

OCTOBER 19, 2012

Twitter’s head of TV, Fred Graver reported that “95% of the public social conversation around TV happens on Twitter. All casting for the show was done through Facebook, creating pre-show buzz and invested followers. They all gather different metrics. It’s not a spoiler, it’s a companion.”

Conference 78

Conference Beverly Hills Social Media Media 78