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Dysfunctional Investors Are Real
Private high-potential startups often need to raise capital to fund the development and commercialization of their visions. Yet, too often, what causes the disappointingly large failure rate for such startups is not the technology, the market, or the need but dysfunctional investor behavior.
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Evaluating CEOs
Evaluating employee performance has a certain framework, however, that framework is applied somewhat differently when assessing a startup CEO. A CEO is ultimately responsible for an organization's performance, so the core of a CEO evaluation is fundamentally an organizational evaluation.
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NIFO is Good Governance
The Board of Directors oversees company operations, focusing on strategic direction and risk management, while management handles execution and reporting.
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A New Era of Board Service
Former startup CEO explores new career paths after decades in leadership, focusing on board service and mentoring first-time CEOs.
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The Illusion of Control
Owning over 51% of shares doesn't guarantee startup CEOs control due to dependence on investor funding and their significant influence.
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Looking through the Keyhole
Investors and Board members can't fully understand a startup's intricate operations, akin to viewing through a keyhole. They should focus on crucial aspects rather than all details.
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Aligned on Success
Startup fundraising is a grueling process. By the time the deal closes, a startup leader often feels embattled and exhausted, wondering if taking on investment is possibly the worst thing ever. Yet there is light after closing.
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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.
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Investors Who Survey the Landscape While Protecting the Focus of Their Startup Teams
actionable intelligence while still protecting the focus and time their startups must sustain to actively build value.
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On the Same Side
Recruiting venture investors always feels adversarial as they ask tough questions and challenge your assumptions. However, once their money is in, you are all on the same side.
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VC Board Member Archetypes
Every venture capitalist is unique; however, when one is joining your Board of Directors, there are some patterns that can guide you in ways to engage them effectively.
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Why An Approved Budget Does Not Equal Control
Do you think approving a budget means you have control? Think again. Budgets do not equal control. Especially in a startup.
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Diversity in the Board Room
The composition of a Board of Directors can directly impact its effectiveness. Diversity in experiences, viewpoints, expertise, and temperaments all contribute to better ideas.
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Getting Value from Your Board
Jennifer Baird, a serial venture and angel-backed CEO, shares tips for leading and working with a Board of Directors. #BeenThereRunThat
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The Hidden Value of Board Meeting Preparation
It is time. Time to work on the board package, again. The effort feels like an interruption to the team. So the key to maximizing the value to the startup is to recognize and leverage the hidden value of the process of Board meeting preparation.
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Getting Value from Your Board of Directors
Working with your Board of Directors is a critical skill for the CEO. Here are three insights about working with the Boards of early-stage, venture-backed companies.
