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Opportunity Costs
The founding CEO of a startup always has more to do than they can fit into their available time – even if they are working every waking hour (which I do not recommend, by the way). That means one of the most significant success factors for such CEOs is their ability to consider opportunity costs and make wise decisions about…
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Reputations Matter
The right investors can make a world of difference in building a high-potential startup. Wise entrepreneurs will evaluate potential investors just as carefully as investors evaluate potential investments.
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The Double-Edged Sword of Competition when Fundraising
Sophisticated potential investors always ask about a startup’s competition. A well-developed answer is essential because “no competition” is not a good answer, and “too much competition” is also challenging.
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Investor Levers of Control
Just as I was zeroing in on the closing of my first equity investment in a startup I had co-founded, my corporate attorney said, "Once this investment is closed, they can fire you." What? The investors won't own more than half of my Company. How can that be?
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Board of Directors – Good News + Bad News
“You’re screwed!” my Board member said over his shoulder as we accidentally ran past each other in an airport. “Wait! What? Why? That Board package was filled with great news!” I exclaimed. He paused long enough to give me a pearl of wisdom I have never forgotten.
