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Both Things Can Be True: Bias and Bad Fundraising Advice

This is going to be BIG.

The startup ecosystem is a terrific manufacturer of bad fundraising advice. I’m going to call this the risk/wealth effect and it definitely nudges the numbers towards the funding of wealthier white men. We shouldn’t be taking the advice of the people that are on this kind of track and weaving it into our own fundraising strategy.

advice 476
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What is the Definition of a Seed Round or an A Round?

Both Sides of the Table

Marc Andreessen kicked off another great debate on Twitter last night , one that I’ve been talking about incessantly in private circles for the past 2-3 years – what actually IS the definition of a seed vs. A-round. Whom you take advice from really matters. My personal definition? Nobody cares. So back to reality.

VC 399
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Why being a VC sucks. Advice to anyone who wants to get into venture capital.

This is going to be BIG.

Don''t get me wrong, VCs (at bigger funds than mine) do quite well and are definitely in the top 1%, but the money that most VCs will see over a decade, partners at Blackstone probably made last year. If you''re the kind of person that needs immediate and constant feedback, this isn''t the right asset class for you.

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Some Advice Before You Hit the Fund Raising Trail

Both Sides of the Table

It definitely has a “d” in it, as in it’s really not fun, raising. the most counter-intuitive fund-raising advice you’ll get 8. Fund raising. But it’s critical for your business, for you as a leader and people who excel at fund raising have an extreme advantage over those who do not. Just send me your dog damn deck 7.

advice 236
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Invest in Lines, not Dots

Both Sides of the Table

Note that “performance&# on my chart is a loose term for my definition of perceived progress that can take the form of product, customer adoption, employees, investors, press or whatever. By definition if somebody is investing in you as a dot (limited thought, limited due diligence, maximum price) they are a dot to you, too.

investing 411
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Want to Know the Difference Between a CTO and a VP Engineering?

Both Sides of the Table

The terms “CTO&# and “VP Engineering&# have such stigmas associated with what they are that I’m sure some people will feel uncomfortable with the definitions I’ve put forward. But for non-technical founders let me offer you a definition that you can use when you build a team. Tags: Start-up Advice.

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Leave Money on the Table

This is going to be BIG.

For me, I'd rather have a very simple, straightforward business model--one where no one has to think to figure out if I'm giving advice on your next round based on some special vehicle or deal I have on the side. It's definitely not the kind of relationship I want to have as an investor. I'm the King of Leaving Money on the Table."

advice 389