Expert insights. Personalized for you.
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
Whether you are an experienced impact investor or just starting to explore the space, reading and listening to experts' perspectives can help expand your knowledge and provide new insights. MORE
By Elise Kemp. As a part of the YLAI Network’s mission, community involvement in fostering development is critical. Hearing about the impact that our networkmembers are making in their own communities is a real privilege and helps us see how impactful it can be to volunteer locally. 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
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
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
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
The first approach we recommend for selecting investable companies is to screen each company by examining the Team, Market Opportunity and Product. That’s a great way to sift through hundreds of companies to find the few diamonds in the rough. But for serious angels with more solid prospects than they can possibly invest in, a second filter is needed 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
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
Can you help me make it better?” You have to admit that is a fair question from an entrepreneur who’s deck you’ve just criticized. So it’s not a bad idea to have an answer ready. MORE
If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you’ve probably read some of our other articles about what every early stage company board director should know. In this post we’ve outlined not only the attributes of a great board meeting vs. a poor one, but also some learning and best practices MORE
108 
We have an annual tradition of bringing you the best early stage investing articles of the year, handpicked by our Co-Founders Hambleton Lord and Christopher Mirabile. Here are a few of our favorite, most interesting and informative pieces we read in 2019, in no particular order. MORE
Entrepreneurs fall in love with their products. It’s no surprise… their product is their idea and as they nurture it, it becomes like a child to them, and who doesn’t love their child!? 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
Impact investing is still a nascent, rapidly evolving field—which means professionals have to work extra hard to stay on top of best practices, news, and trends. One of the best ways to do this is to attend an industry conference. MORE
Most startup companies have a continuous need for funds to help grow the business. You will hear the term “Follow-on” as a frequent catchphrase for this type of investing. For example, it’s common to hear one investor say to another, are you planning on “following-on” in this round? 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
197 
So if we can all agree that the team is the critical factor in company success, what else do we need to look at? We believe that market opportunity and product have a similar weighting in our company evaluation scale. MORE
156 ? 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
At the start of 2020, Chelle Neff is wrapping up a decade of considerable success, growth and innovation. In addition to developing Urban Betty , a successful salon with two locations, Neff also created an app for stylists , produced a book about homes in Austin, Texas, and even reached the Inc. 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
In previous posts we have addressed how Board Directors can add value, communicate effectively with CEOs, and prepare for successful board meetings, but how should entrepreneurs go about recruiting one? 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
182 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
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
To kick off the new year—and new decade—we’d like to draw attention to four big ideas that will be of great importance in 2020 and in years to come. The post big ideas 2020: a vision for the future of innovation and entrepreneurship appeared first on VentureWell. 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
JANUARY 1, 2020
Most startup companies have a continuous need for funds to help grow the business. You will hear the term “Follow-on” as a frequent catchphrase for this type of investing. For example, it’s common to hear one investor say to another, are you planning on “following-on” in this round?
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.
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The Seraf Compass
NOVEMBER 27, 2019
Entrepreneurs fall in love with their products. It’s no surprise… their product is their idea and as they nurture it, it becomes like a child to them, and who doesn’t love their child!?
The Seraf Compass
JANUARY 15, 2020
Whether you are an experienced impact investor or just starting to explore the space, reading and listening to experts' perspectives can help expand your knowledge and provide new insights.
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 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
JANUARY 8, 2020
We have an annual tradition of bringing you the best early stage investing articles of the year, handpicked by our Co-Founders Hambleton Lord and Christopher Mirabile. Here are a few of our favorite, most interesting and informative pieces we read in 2019, in no particular order.
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?
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.
This resource discusses the gap between early funding from friends/family and the more substantial rounds from angel groups and VCs. Why does this gap exist and what can be done about it?
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
DECEMBER 18, 2019
The first approach we recommend for selecting investable companies is to screen each company by examining the Team, Market Opportunity and Product. That’s a great way to sift through hundreds of companies to find the few diamonds in the rough. But for serious angels with more solid prospects than they can possibly invest in, a second filter is needed
The Seraf Compass
JULY 24, 2019
One of the best parts about angel investing is all the great stories you gather over the years.
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 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
DECEMBER 11, 2019
Impact investing is still a nascent, rapidly evolving field—which means professionals have to work extra hard to stay on top of best practices, news, and trends. One of the best ways to do this is to attend an industry conference.
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
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
JANUARY 22, 2020
Can you help me make it better?” You have to admit that is a fair question from an entrepreneur who’s deck you’ve just criticized. So it’s not a bad idea to have an answer ready.
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
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
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
DECEMBER 25, 2019
In previous posts we have addressed how Board Directors can add value, communicate effectively with CEOs, and prepare for successful board meetings, but how should entrepreneurs go about recruiting one?
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
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
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
NOVEMBER 20, 2019
So if we can all agree that the team is the critical factor in company success, what else do we need to look at? We believe that market opportunity and product have a similar weighting in our company evaluation scale.
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
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
DECEMBER 4, 2019
If you’ve been following our blog for a while, you’ve probably read some of our other articles about what every early stage company board director should know. In this post we’ve outlined not only the attributes of a great board meeting vs. a poor one, but also some learning and best practices
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
JANUARY 14, 2020
To kick off the new year—and new decade—we’d like to draw attention to four big ideas that will be of great importance in 2020 and in years to come. The post big ideas 2020: a vision for the future of innovation and entrepreneurship appeared first on VentureWell.
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.
Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
NOVEMBER 27, 2019
By Elise Kemp. As a part of the YLAI Network’s mission, community involvement in fostering development is critical. Hearing about the impact that our networkmembers are making in their own communities is a real privilege and helps us see how impactful it can be to volunteer locally.
Entrepreneurs' Organization
JANUARY 6, 2020
At the start of 2020, Chelle Neff is wrapping up a decade of considerable success, growth and innovation. In addition to developing Urban Betty , a successful salon with two locations, Neff also created an app for stylists , produced a book about homes in Austin, Texas, and even reached the Inc.
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