I just finished reading Brad Feld’s new book, called “Startup Communities.” I read it cover-to-cover in one sitting during a trip back from NYC. It’s that good. I really like the following points he made: Entrepreneurs have to lead the startup community, not investors, government or service providers Government is ill-equipped to lead entrepreneurship. Politicians
Category: Entrepreneurship
E-commerce: My 2 Cents
I entered the VC business in 1998. I worked on, and screened, a lot of e-commerce companies. I have seen a lot of e-commerce companies the past few years, but have hesitated because it has been a popular area for VCs. Now that VC interest seems to be waning, I’m actively looking again in the
Why You Should Not Be an EIR at a VC Firm
“Should I be an entrepreneur in residence at a VC firm?” I get this question a lot, and a variant of this came up today. My advice to entrepreneurs is “no.” I used to sponsor “EIRs” but I stopped many years ago. It’s because I think such a program is rarely a win-win for the
Why Vest Founders’ Equity?
When you start a company and raise outside money, your investors will always ask that your equity be vested over time. Some founders are insulted by this, and it’s understandable. You work on an idea, and suddenly, your equity is subject to a vesting schedule (what’s common is a four-year period). So, what gives? Investors
Career Advice for a Harvard B-School Grad
A Harvard B-School alum cold-called me and asked to meet. He graduated from b-school a few years ago, took his start-up through the MassChallenge program, and now, has closed his company due to lack of funding. We met. He asked me for career advice. My advice was along the lines of what I’ve posted previously
The End of Cleantech?
I met recently with an entrepreneur. Great pedigree, multiple start-ups, and prior “big time” VC backing. Someone whom I’ve known for a long time and greatly respect. He has spent the past four years in Cleantech with two start-ups. He’s now throwing in the towel. He said that Cleantech was a very promising sector when