I was connecting with one of the TechStars companies recently. We were brainstorming about team dynamics and the dozens of Mentor pitches each company is doing right now in a compressed period. It is an intense time. “The CEO job is the loneliest,” I said. You see, you’re the firewall between the management team and
Category: Entrepreneurship
Startup Communities: A New Book
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
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