One of the most common questions that pops up in startup circles is, “Why did they turn me down?” There are myriad reasons why a venture capitalist might turn down pitches and decline funding. Here, I’ll present the three most common. Understanding your business. Einstein once said, “If you cannot explain it to a six-year old, you don’t understand it yourself.” If … [Read more...] about 3 Biggest Reasons a Venture Capitalist Says No
Startups
7 Ways to Escape the Valley of Death
To walk through the valley of death means that death and misery are low points (valleys) in the human experience through which we all must inevitably walk and experience. Although not as morbid, in the world of startup businesses, the valley of death is still grim. It is a low point in your startup’s life where your business suffers and all seems lost. Specifically, it … [Read more...] about 7 Ways to Escape the Valley of Death
Houston, We Have Liftoff: Preparing Your Startup for Launch
Patience Pays Everyone wants to know how to build a startup. Venture capital, hiring employees, marketing, all happen once you’re in the process of actually launching your startup. But nobody ever talks about what needs to happen before you start a startup. What do you have to do to position yourself to be ready to even think about launching your company? “There is this … [Read more...] about Houston, We Have Liftoff: Preparing Your Startup for Launch
Start Me Up: What the Rolling Stones Can Teach You About Startups
Start Me Up In 1970, the Rolling Stones’ long-standing deal with Decca Records expired. This opened a giant door for the band, which I assume they painted black.Because the band had achieved such success, they were able to form their own record label, dubbed Rolling Stones Records. This was done in an effort to exert more control over their music, not just creatively, but … [Read more...] about Start Me Up: What the Rolling Stones Can Teach You About Startups
Startup Funding: The Bucks Behind the Business
A Cadillac with an empty gas tank is just a really nice, really expensive decoration for your driveway. Change my mind. A startup company without funding, is just a really great idea. A dream. Just like a car without gas will never get out on the road, a startup without funding will never get its product out on the market. “There are opportunities for startup funding … [Read more...] about Startup Funding: The Bucks Behind the Business
Accelerate Your Tech to the Market
A startup accelerator provides promising companies with an opportunity to boost their chances of marketing their technologies. These programs help small companies pivot their technologies strategically, interface with industry sectors and engage with mentor network to better pitch their ideas to the market. Unfortunately, most startups will never have the chance to participate … [Read more...] about Accelerate Your Tech to the Market