Messages
3/29/2022
15 : 24
It’s not about influencers or lucky breaks, it’s about the process
Fun fact: I *hate* Shark Tank. HATE IT. And for primarily one reason: Shark Tank perpetuates this myth that investors are somehow the gatekeepers and, worse, that what investors think actually matters.
3/28/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] What do you think so far?
I've been hitting you up with fundraising tips for almost two weeks now... sorry, not sorry. If you're in the fundraising process right now, what else are you struggling with? If you're
3/27/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 12: Understanding the Venture Treadmill
Today I want to tell you about something I call the Venture Treadmill. It's a real thing. When you raise money for your company from anyone, you've stepped on to the Venture Treadmill. At that
3/26/2022
16 : 54
[Fundraising for Startups] It's not about you, it's about the other person.
You know, I've been sitting here thinking about that email I sent you an hour ago... and I want to clarify the second tip I mentioned to you: You might have the best startup in the world... but if
3/26/2022
15 : 34
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 11: You need to understand the person across the table from you.
Today, I want you to put yourself in the shoes of an investor. (Seriously, just follow me on this for a minute.) You've got $50000 to invest in a company -- and you have to make a decision today.
3/25/2022
19 : 24
You’re a media company now (and HubSpot’s asymmetric bet).
Friyay! 🙌🏼 Another busy week in the books, fam. Hope it was a good one for you and the 525+ new readers this week. New Podcast Episode You're busy, I get it. So here's some highlights to help
3/25/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 10: Naming your round is a bad idea.
Seed. Pre-seed. Pre-A. Series A. Bridge. Just stop. There are so many names given to people's fundraising these day. And they mean nothing. If you name your round, you're unintentionally
3/24/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 9: Stop chasing money, it just makes you look desperate.
There's a saying in the investor community: if you're not chasing a deal, it's probably not a good one. Think about that for a minute. Investors understand that the best deals are quick to
3/23/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 8: The four numbers you need to have handy if you *ever* want to raise money.
I wish more entrepreneurs understood that investors want to invest in trajectories -- not products. It's not about your widget. Or the color of the button. Or the total addressable market. Or
3/22/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 7: Business growth and the 10% rule.
If I share one piece of entrepreneurial advice to my younger self, it would be this: entrepreneurship isn't about luck or who you know -- it's about the process. ... People have an amazing
3/22/2022
15 : 24
How to know when you’re ready to start a business
I know that subject line looks like clickbait but, honestly, it's one of the most common questions we hear in 1:1 office hours across the country. Here's the thing: First time entrepreneurs
3/21/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 6: You don't get attention, you EARN it.
You know why people aren't listening to you, right? It's because the phone's buzzing in their pocket. It's because their kid's phone bill is crazy. It's because they need to use
3/20/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 5: There are only two things that make any deal happen.
I had lunch with Dana in Vancouver today and I learned two things: eating by the water is beautiful and you should never order chicken tenders in Canada. Anyway. It's funny to watch smart people
3/19/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 4: Here's why you're having a hard time raising money.
I don't know why founders say stupid shit sometimes. Then they wonder why no one cares. I mean, all you have to do is hit up Google to find the videos of other funded founders pitching their
3/18/2022
20 : 24
Burgers, Bitcoin and Asymmetric Bets
Happy Friday! It's starting to warm up here in Virginia... which means the kids want to be outside all the time... which means you'll find me out on the sidewalk around 6p with a beer. You know
3/18/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 3: Traction is the new IP
A few years ago, I was having a drink in downtown Palo Alto with a friend. (OK, maybe I was pounding beers like crazy... whatever, don't judge me.) A couple of the guys on the other end of the bar
3/17/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising for Startups] Lesson 2: Don’t approach without a prototype (or previous success).
I'll make this quick: Ideas. Don't. Get. Funded. I've been investing in startups for almost a decade now and I can tell you that any pitches that start with "I have an idea..."
3/16/2022
15 : 24
[Fundraising For Startups] Lesson 1: You can't afford to look dumb.
Right now, I'm pissed off. I just got off a call with an entrepreneur that told me I'm an idiot for not investing in his company. (Anyone handing out free hugs today, I could use one.) To be
3/15/2022
16 : 44
[Fundraising For Startups] Lesson 0: Work backwards from your goal.
It's me again. I know I told you that we're going to start tomorrow but I couldn't help myself. Right now I'm on a cramped United plane en route to Washington, DC. (Well, you know me
3/15/2022
15 : 44
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