10/9/19 edit: VMware has acquired Carbon Black for $2.1 billion. So, we will increase the number of startups we will back. After Carbon Black went public, Mrs. T. and I had some discussions. What should we do with my personal winnings (I co-led the first institutional round when it was called Bit9; details here and
Conquering Fear
I’ve long thought that the two most powerful human emotions are these: fear and greed. You see it in everyday life, in the news, on social media, and in ourselves. I write this because I have been reading students’ reflections on fear. We organized the class into small groups and each discussed this: “If fear
Angel Investment: Finmark
We’re happy to announce that our family angel program (back 80+ entrepreneurs over eight years and donate all gains to charity; details here) has invested in Finmark. It is our 18th investment so far (portfolio here). Co-Founders Rami Essaid and Greg Lissy are experienced and very thoughtful. I met Greg through the The Reflective Leader
Winter Is a Time for Rest
I had “slept in” until 5:30 am. There was no rush to get to the river by dawn, as the temps were low and I didn’t want to deal with icy trails in the dark. When I arrived at a favorite pull out, I was the only car there. When I got to the river
Short but Sweet
It was a great Sunday! I had gone to Mass on Saturday so that I could fish on Sunday. I drove five hours to fish for four. It was a chilly 29 °F at dawn. I fortunately landed a really good fish that was just under 19″. I pursued a high-risk, high-reward strategy of throwing
Choosing
One of my favorite items to cook in the fall and winter is a ragù, an Italian meat sauce that takes all day to braise. I know I’ve set the heat right when the occasional tiny bubble rises to the surface and pops. On a Sunday, it affords me the chance to catch the Patriots
Drop Off
Another one of our children left for college for the first time this past weekend. You’d think by the third time that college drop-off would get easier. In a way, it does. But, for the most part, it doesn’t. For a parent, drop off is a mixed bag. You’re happy that your children are happy.