INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
What happens when an entrepreneur meets with success and closes their first round? This heartfelt letter from a professor to his former student provides advice on how to proceed after achieving her first raise. First and foremost: spend it extremely wisely and judiciously MORE
For many established entrepreneurs, establishing a purpose and passion beyond business is a fulfilling way to truly make a mark. Ravi Machani , an EO member in Bangalore, India, is one entrepreneur who has done so admirably. MORE
A new blockchain & cryptocurrency project, Libra , was announced today. Libra has been incubated by Facebook. USV will be one of the founding members of the governing body, the Libra Association. MORE
Reposted from the University of California Press Room. The University of California and the Blackstone Charitable Foundation announced today (Sept. MORE
Techstars is always working to be a leader in inclusive entrepreneurship by improving opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities throughout our global ecosystem. One important way we do this is through the Techstars Foundation. MORE
Written for EO by Jason McCann , a lifelong entrepreneur and experienced founder. You wouldn’t be surprised if I said that customer feedback is essential for a startup. And nobody doubts the connection between long-term customer relationships and success. MORE
I believe building a diverse portfolio is critical to success as an angel investor. But when I first sat down to write an article on diversification of angel investments, I knew right away I was facing a serious challenge. Numerous articles have been written on aspects of this topic MORE
When we asked EO members to share how being a parent and an entrepreneur overlap for them, we heard from Joel Patterson, a member of EO Dallas and founder of The Vested Group. Joel shared his secret for work-life balance. MORE
Startups, particularly in complex technology fields, often rely on the exclusivity granted by patents to build competitive advantage in the marketplace. Unfortunately, the average time an applicant waits to receive a first Office Action from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) is about 19 months from submission of the patent application. Even worse, the total time until the patent is allowed is actually about 27.5 MORE
Partnering with startups is a great way to accelerate the entire corporate innovation journey. In fact, Techstars and Innovation Leader recently partnered to r eveal best practices for leveraging startups to drive corporate innovation. MORE
Photo by Chinh Le Duc on Unsplash. Build a strong team with direct and relevant reputation. To be clear, names alone don’t matter as much as the relevance of the team members to the challenge facing your business. Example: Selling SAAS to enterprise? MORE
Deciding whether to invest in a good idea is hard. Even when its potential is clearly explained. Trying to make that evaluation without a solid explanation is an exercise in needless frustration. MORE
BOULDER, Colo. November 13, 2019 – Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, today announced the launch of the Techstars Allied Space Accelerator. MORE
Over the past few years, there has been much talk about the importance of investing both financial and human capital into the rapidly expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem. From our perspective, human capital is as important as financial capital in driving the long term success of startup companies. MORE
Things don’t always go exactly as planned in life or in angel investing. And just as in life, with angel investing, it pays to be prepared. So here are some thoughts on planning for the inevitable, and how to prevent catastrophes by fitting your angel investments into your estate plan from the beginning MORE
Kristen Harris is the co-founder and COO of Portfolio Creative , a workforce innovation firm based in Columbus, Ohio, USA. As a member of the EO Columbus chapter, Kristen is an active participant in the EO Mentorship program. I’ve been matched with seven amazing local mentors so far! MORE
In previous posts we discussed the important role board directors can play in early stage, private companies. As an angel investor serving as a director, it is critical to know how to prepare for a meeting. MORE
? Early stage investing is an inherently risky way to invest. The list of high level risks is long and includes financing risk, technical risk, and market risk. As angel investors, you need to be aware of the key risks you are taking with your investment MORE
It feels like there is more written about angel investing lately than ever before. This form of early-stage investing seems to be having its 15 minutes of fame. Is it a passing fad? I don’t think so. MORE
Before Christopher joined the world of angel investing, he spent much of his early career as a corporate lawyer working in-house for a NASDAQ listed enterprise software company. The pace of customer and strategic deals and corporate housekeeping activities was unrelenting. MORE
Tom Katona had been thinking quite a bit about a simple question. An assistant professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, The post how collaboration can improve entrepreneurship education appeared first on VentureWell. Faculty I&E Ecosystems entrepreneurial mindse MORE
Seraf Co-Founder Christopher Mirabile interviews several experienced angel investors from around the country to ask: What's Your Core Investing Philosophy? MORE
One of the best parts about angel investing is all the great stories you gather over the years. MORE
Industry and university collaboration produces groundbreaking research and innovation that solves complex problems, drives economic growth, and creates a more skilled workforce. The post industry and university collaboration: how partnership drives innovation appeared first on VentureWell. MORE
? There are as many different approaches to angel investing as there are investors. Some investors will tell you they invest based on their gut. After a 30 minute meeting with the entrepreneur, they are either in or out. MORE
Entrepreneurs seeking to engage with investors usually offer up written materials. Usually they offer whatever they have on hand. Smart investors should insist on a crisp “one-pager” executive summary. MORE
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No matter where you run a company, you’re probably making trade-offs. There are pros and cons to operating anywhere, for sure. But, I know that operating your company in a smaller city can feel really, really hard. You face a lot of challenges—anything from your commute time, to finding great talent, to landing big investments, to connecting with your target customers (fashion and beauty companies come to mind, for instance). MORE
? When entrepreneurs seek out angel investors, the majority are looking for financial capital. Very few entrepreneurs understand the importance of finding smart investors who will invest both Financial and Human Capital. Read on for a look at what roles angel investors can perform for a startup company MORE
When meeting with angel investors, entrepreneurs often struggle with the best way to deliver the large scope of their vision while demonstrating that they are tightly focused on a realistic, near term, go-to-market strategy MORE
Canadian VC Janet Bannister, a partner at Real Ventures, loves investing in “conscious founders” who are trying to make the world a better place. Her style of “human-centered investing” prioritizes people and relationships, and investing in smart, self-aware, teachable entrepreneurs. . MORE
Great ideas are a dime a dozen. Living in the Boston/Cambridge area, we are surrounded by some of the most innovative researchers in the world working at institutions like MIT and Harvard. MORE
The greatest investors tend to end up in the best deals over time. Why this happens is no mystery: other investors want them in their deals because of the value they add to companies and CEOs, and the really smart entrepreneurs seek them out because they understand the value of great investors. MORE
183 
In almost every single investment I’ve ever made, I can think of a singular moment in my relationship with a founder that, no matter what came before or what might come after, defined our relationship. Often times, it came in a very vulnerable and down moment for the founder—perhaps they just lost out on a big opportunity, had someone from the team leave, or they’re running low on capital before sales have come around. MORE
Angel investing started to break into the mainstream in popular American culture in the early 2000s. It started with stories of individuals striking it rich from investments in companies like eBay, Yahoo, PayPal and Google. MORE
In Part I of this article we discussed the importance of reporting for early stage funds and what information a fund manager needs to properly track performance. MORE
The need for an expression like “hacking the board” reflects the fact that for startups, dealing with a board is about making the best of a situation the founder did not create and cannot fully control. MORE
We interviewed three leaders in entrepreneurship education about several ways to teach tomorrow's entrepreneurs about ethics. The post 4 Strategies to Integrate Ethics into Entrepreneurship Education appeared first on VentureWell. Faculty entrepreneurship education teaching resources MORE
Investing in early-stage companies is investing in entrepreneurs. Understanding how they measure up is partly a function of understanding how they think, or should think. Entrepreneurship has come a long way toward being a better-understood and accessible way of life. MORE
In Part I of this article we discussed the importance of reporting for early stage funds and what information a fund manager needs to properly track performance. MORE
The Seraf Compass
NOVEMBER 13, 2019
Deciding whether to invest in a good idea is hard. Even when its potential is clearly explained. Trying to make that evaluation without a solid explanation is an exercise in needless frustration.
The Seraf Compass
AUGUST 28, 2019
Over the past few years, there has been much talk about the importance of investing both financial and human capital into the rapidly expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem. From our perspective, human capital is as important as financial capital in driving the long term success of startup companies.
The Seraf Compass
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
Investing in early-stage companies is investing in entrepreneurs. Understanding how they measure up is partly a function of understanding how they think, or should think. Entrepreneurship has come a long way toward being a better-understood and accessible way of life.
The Seraf Compass
JULY 3, 2019
Seraf Co-Founder Christopher Mirabile interviews several experienced angel investors from around the country to ask: What's Your Core Investing Philosophy?
Advertiser: Submitted Resource
MAGNiTT and 500 Startups jointly launch first 'State of MENA Startups 2019" report. Survey findings reveal insights on trends in fundraising exercise, exit opportunities, hiring, and growth optimization.
The Seraf Compass
OCTOBER 30, 2019
Great ideas are a dime a dozen. Living in the Boston/Cambridge area, we are surrounded by some of the most innovative researchers in the world working at institutions like MIT and Harvard.
The Seraf Compass
JUNE 12, 2019
? There are as many different approaches to angel investing as there are investors. Some investors will tell you they invest based on their gut. After a 30 minute meeting with the entrepreneur, they are either in or out.
The Seraf Compass
AUGUST 14, 2019
It feels like there is more written about angel investing lately than ever before. This form of early-stage investing seems to be having its 15 minutes of fame. Is it a passing fad? I don’t think so.
The Seraf Compass
JULY 17, 2019
? Early stage investing is an inherently risky way to invest. The list of high level risks is long and includes financing risk, technical risk, and market risk. As angel investors, you need to be aware of the key risks you are taking with your investment
The Seraf Compass
AUGUST 21, 2019
I believe building a diverse portfolio is critical to success as an angel investor. But when I first sat down to write an article on diversification of angel investments, I knew right away I was facing a serious challenge. Numerous articles have been written on aspects of this topic
The Seraf Compass
JULY 31, 2019
Before Christopher joined the world of angel investing, he spent much of his early career as a corporate lawyer working in-house for a NASDAQ listed enterprise software company. The pace of customer and strategic deals and corporate housekeeping activities was unrelenting.
The Seraf Compass
OCTOBER 17, 2019
Angel investing started to break into the mainstream in popular American culture in the early 2000s. It started with stories of individuals striking it rich from investments in companies like eBay, Yahoo, PayPal and Google.
The Seraf Compass
AUGUST 7, 2019
Things don’t always go exactly as planned in life or in angel investing. And just as in life, with angel investing, it pays to be prepared. So here are some thoughts on planning for the inevitable, and how to prevent catastrophes by fitting your angel investments into your estate plan from the beginning
The Seraf Compass
JUNE 26, 2019
? When entrepreneurs seek out angel investors, the majority are looking for financial capital. Very few entrepreneurs understand the importance of finding smart investors who will invest both Financial and Human Capital. Read on for a look at what roles angel investors can perform for a startup company
The Seraf Compass
SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
When meeting with angel investors, entrepreneurs often struggle with the best way to deliver the large scope of their vision while demonstrating that they are tightly focused on a realistic, near term, go-to-market strategy
The Seraf Compass
SEPTEMBER 19, 2019
What happens when an entrepreneur meets with success and closes their first round? This heartfelt letter from a professor to his former student provides advice on how to proceed after achieving her first raise. First and foremost: spend it extremely wisely and judiciously
The Seraf Compass
OCTOBER 9, 2019
In our previous article Spade Work: How Early Stage Board Directors Add Value, we discussed some best practices which we gathered from both our personal experience of sitting on company boards, and from some very successful VCs, angel investors, and advisors.
The Seraf Compass
OCTOBER 2, 2019
The greatest investors tend to end up in the best deals over time. Why this happens is no mystery: other investors want them in their deals because of the value they add to companies and CEOs, and the really smart entrepreneurs seek them out because they understand the value of great investors.
The Seraf Compass
NOVEMBER 6, 2019
In previous posts we discussed the important role board directors can play in early stage, private companies. As an angel investor serving as a director, it is critical to know how to prepare for a meeting.
The Seraf Compass
JUNE 3, 2019
In Part I of this article we discussed the importance of reporting for early stage funds and what information a fund manager needs to properly track performance.
The Seraf Compass
OCTOBER 23, 2019
Entrepreneurs seeking to engage with investors usually offer up written materials. Usually they offer whatever they have on hand. Smart investors should insist on a crisp “one-pager” executive summary.
The Seraf Compass
JUNE 19, 2019
In Part I of this article we discussed the importance of reporting for early stage funds and what information a fund manager needs to properly track performance.
The Seraf Compass
JUNE 5, 2019
The need for an expression like “hacking the board” reflects the fact that for startups, dealing with a board is about making the best of a situation the founder did not create and cannot fully control.
The Seraf Compass
SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
Startups, particularly in complex technology fields, often rely on the exclusivity granted by patents to build competitive advantage in the marketplace. Unfortunately, the average time an applicant waits to receive a first Office Action from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) is about 19 months from submission of the patent application. Even worse, the total time until the patent is allowed is actually about 27.5
The Seraf Compass
JULY 10, 2019
This Venture Fund Economics Modeling Tool is designed to help you understand compensation for a venture fund's General Partners. The overall structure of the worksheet is quite simple.
Venture Well
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Industry and university collaboration produces groundbreaking research and innovation that solves complex problems, drives economic growth, and creates a more skilled workforce. The post industry and university collaboration: how partnership drives innovation appeared first on VentureWell.
TechStars
OCTOBER 2, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Entrepreneurs' Organization
AUGUST 12, 2019
For many established entrepreneurs, establishing a purpose and passion beyond business is a fulfilling way to truly make a mark. Ravi Machani , an EO member in Bangalore, India, is one entrepreneur who has done so admirably.
Venture Well
JULY 16, 2019
We interviewed three leaders in entrepreneurship education about several ways to teach tomorrow's entrepreneurs about ethics. The post 4 Strategies to Integrate Ethics into Entrepreneurship Education appeared first on VentureWell. Faculty entrepreneurship education teaching resources
TechStars
JUNE 3, 2019
Partnering with startups is a great way to accelerate the entire corporate innovation journey. In fact, Techstars and Innovation Leader recently partnered to r eveal best practices for leveraging startups to drive corporate innovation.
Venture Well
OCTOBER 8, 2019
Tom Katona had been thinking quite a bit about a simple question. An assistant professor of innovation and entrepreneurship at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, The post how collaboration can improve entrepreneurship education appeared first on VentureWell. Faculty I&E Ecosystems entrepreneurial mindse
This is going to be BIG.
OCTOBER 22, 2018
In almost every single investment I’ve ever made, I can think of a singular moment in my relationship with a founder that, no matter what came before or what might come after, defined our relationship. Often times, it came in a very vulnerable and down moment for the founder—perhaps they just lost out on a big opportunity, had someone from the team leave, or they’re running low on capital before sales have come around.
A VC: Musings of a VC in NYC
JUNE 18, 2019
A new blockchain & cryptocurrency project, Libra , was announced today. Libra has been incubated by Facebook. USV will be one of the founding members of the governing body, the Libra Association.
Entrepreneurs' Organization
AUGUST 7, 2019
Written for EO by Jason McCann , a lifelong entrepreneur and experienced founder. You wouldn’t be surprised if I said that customer feedback is essential for a startup. And nobody doubts the connection between long-term customer relationships and success.
Entrepreneurs' Organization
SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
Kristen Harris is the co-founder and COO of Portfolio Creative , a workforce innovation firm based in Columbus, Ohio, USA. As a member of the EO Columbus chapter, Kristen is an active participant in the EO Mentorship program. I’ve been matched with seven amazing local mentors so far!
GAN
OCTOBER 9, 2019
No matter where you run a company, you’re probably making trade-offs. There are pros and cons to operating anywhere, for sure. But, I know that operating your company in a smaller city can feel really, really hard. You face a lot of challenges—anything from your commute time, to finding great talent, to landing big investments, to connecting with your target customers (fashion and beauty companies come to mind, for instance).
TechStars
SEPTEMBER 11, 2019
Photo by Chinh Le Duc on Unsplash. Build a strong team with direct and relevant reputation. To be clear, names alone don’t matter as much as the relevance of the team members to the challenge facing your business. Example: Selling SAAS to enterprise?
TechStars
SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
Reposted from the University of California Press Room. The University of California and the Blackstone Charitable Foundation announced today (Sept.
TechStars
JANUARY 31, 2019
TechStars
NOVEMBER 12, 2019
BOULDER, Colo. November 13, 2019 – Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, today announced the launch of the Techstars Allied Space Accelerator.
Entrepreneurs' Organization
JULY 3, 2019
When we asked EO members to share how being a parent and an entrepreneur overlap for them, we heard from Joel Patterson, a member of EO Dallas and founder of The Vested Group. Joel shared his secret for work-life balance.
TechStars
MARCH 15, 2019
Techstars is always working to be a leader in inclusive entrepreneurship by improving opportunities for women and underrepresented minorities throughout our global ecosystem. One important way we do this is through the Techstars Foundation.
TechStars
SEPTEMBER 25, 2019
Canadian VC Janet Bannister, a partner at Real Ventures, loves investing in “conscious founders” who are trying to make the world a better place. Her style of “human-centered investing” prioritizes people and relationships, and investing in smart, self-aware, teachable entrepreneurs. .
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