Epic Fail in Fundraising – Financial Assumptions
I took a call a few weeks ago that was a referral from a friend. It was a “great new startup” with some young first-time entrepreneurs. I took the call, but with some hesitation. I try to do these first calls on the phone, not in a coffee or other meeting… here’s why. I’ll avoid
Read MoreFailed Fundraising? You’re Probably Beating Yourself
Note, this was originally Titled “Don’t Focus on the Wrong Thing in Fundraising”. Thanks to Jonathon at FI.co… I was judging a business plan competition this last week for a University. The plans were wildly different, but the prize was material. So each team did well to present their pitch and win the cash and
Read MoreTiming Your Startup
Timing is everything – and with Startups this true as well. I wrote yesterday about Standing in a Graveyard. But there are some markets that you might not think of as Graveyards, even though they were in an earlier startup generation. The Apple Newton, Apple’s first attempt into the tablet market circa 1993, they were
Read MoreIs Your Startup Standing in a Graveyard?
I meet with a lot of entrepreneurs that are myopic about their idea. So myopic that they are likely in for a painful outcome, especially if they are in a tough market. “Standing in a Graveyard” is a phrase I heard Adeo Ressi from Founder Institute use recently. The comment was in response to a
Read MoreDoes this Pitch Make My Idea Look Fat?
At the Founder Institute, everyone pitches their idea every week to the group and the mentors. Just a one minute pitch, then a chance to get some feedback and get scored by the mentor. Early in the semester, the scores are low because the pitches can be really bad. The problem is, if your pitch
Read MoreDo your pitch – then SHUT UP and Listen!
I was able to attend the GeekWire Anniversary event yesterday in Seattle (#GWSummit), great event, great turnout of ~500 people. After the speakers had concluded, I was talking to an acquaintance who suggested I listen to an new Entrepreneurs pitch. I was intrigued because it started with “let me show you” on an iPad… I
Read MoreGuy Kawaski’s 10/20/30 Post
I find myself frequently referencing Guy Kawasaki 10/20/30 blog post. The central premise is that 60 page pitch decks don’t work and you should replace that with 10 Slide, 20 Minutes and 30 Point Font. I’m reposting the reference to the 10 slides as an easy reference for the new semester for Founder Institute Seattle.
Read MoreCommon Pitfalls in Naming Your Startup
One of the topics for the Founder Institute sessions is naming and branding. Last week we had three Entrepreneurs speak on the topic. The content was great, from brand strategy/framework down to the specific tactical ideas of naming and branding. I know for you “Branding Types” you will say I’m just talking about naming here
Read MoreIs Wellness the next Daily Deal Startup Trend?
There is no doubt that startups and startup ideas run in trends. One of the things I try to gauge as I meet with entrepreneurs during our Ideation Bootcamps for Founder Institute is what are the current categories that are trending for startup ideas – but unlike a Twitter trend this is totally unscientific. To
Read MoreDo you want to be Right or Effective with your Startup?
The other night we did a Ideation Bootcamp in Seattle. In the agenda we talked about what makes up a big idea and a big market for startups – slides posted here. After the content portion, we provided an opportunity for potential founder/entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas (not a fundraising pitch but just their idea)
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