Founders and Fundraising
What Are The Challenges When You’re Getting Started?
“I just want to be able to breathe,” I said to Irwin and Winston, two VCs I was meeting with as I began raising our Series B funding. The second I uttered those words, I wanted them back. I thought my words exposed my inner feelings, but Irwin and Winston just moved on with the…
Read MoreWhat Are The 12 Killer Mistakes You Can’t Make, Part 2
As the old VC saying goes, “If you’re a first time CEO, you’re going to make mistakes.” And, while I agree with that sentiment, I’d really like to help you avoid making as many mistakes, especially the ones of the killer variety. That’s what today’s video is all about. It’s based on my experience making…
Read MoreWhat Are The 12 Killer Mistakes You Can’t Make, Part 1
Video not specified. Please select one to display. As the old VC saying goes, “If you’re a first time CEO, you’re going to make mistakes.” And, while I agree with that sentiment, I’d really like to help you avoid making as many mistakes, especially the ones of the killer variety. That’s what today’s video is…
Read MoreWhat Happens When Your Investors Give Up?
“Their lawyer said, ‘We (“Donald Ventures”) no longer believe in the company.’” Marcia, our attorney said to me. [Do you want to grow your business? Maybe I can help. Click here.] “Okay, that’s not a surprise,” I responded. Then, before I could say anything else, Marcia said, “I told her (Donald’s lawyer) ‘We have a…
Read MoreAre You Guaranteed A Big Exit If You Take VC Funding?
I love the movie, “The Social Network.” I think it’s kind of like The Godfather, but for startups instead. What do I mean by this? There are so many memorable lines and takes in both movies. [Do you want to grow your business? Maybe I can help. Click here.] In The Godfather, you have, “Leave…
Read MoreWhat Makes A Great Startup CEO, Part One
Being a great startup CEO requires you have certain skills. The good news is that being a great startup CEO doesn’t mean you have to extroverted. It also doesn’t mean you have to be introverted. In this video, I’ll go over the first five of my list of ten traits of great startup CEOs. Next…
Read MoreCan You Get Funding With Just An Academic Background?
“Would you mind meeting with me, so I can pick your brain?” That was the LinkedIn message I received from “William,” the CEO of an unfunded semiconductor startup in the Bay Area. [Do you want to grow your business? Maybe I can help. Click here.] I had sold my company six months previously, and I…
Read MoreHow Do You Divide Equity?
How do you divide equity between co-founders? This is my definitive guide to splitting equity. I’ll cover everything to do with equity splits in this video. There are 8 different topics regarding equity we will talk about. So grab a pen and some paper to take notes. The bottom line is you do two things:…
Read MoreHow Do You Go From Peer To CEO?
It’s common. You and a couple of friends start a company. Your friends regarded you as a peer, and now you’re the CEO. But there’s one tiny problem: Your friends/co-founders see you as a peer, not the CEO. In this video, I’ll give you my tips for how to overcome this challenge. Plus, stick around…
Read MoreWhat Titles Should You Give Your Technical Team?
I was fortunate to be involved with one of the most successful companies ever formed in the chip industry, Maxim Integrated Products. Maxim grew to over $2 billion/year in revenue, with net margins approaching 40%. It was a cash machine. [Do you want to grow your business? Maybe I can help. Click here.] The company…
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