Archive: startup founders
Angel Insider: The Wisdom (and Worries) of Pivoting
By Early Investing on January 3, 2023
Pivoting — changing the core product, service, or fundamental direction of a business — is nothing new in the startup world. Startup founders pivot their companies all the time. Sometimes the pivot is straightforward, like switching from direct sales to a subscription-based revenue model. Other pivots can move startups into completely new industries and drastically change the company’s entire goal. But how can investors tell from the outside when a pivot is a smart move? And…
Different Ways to Give Back to Your Startup Investments
By Early Investing on December 13, 2022
It takes a lot for a startup to succeed. At minimum, it needs a good idea, a stellar team to bring that idea to life and money to make it all happen. Most startup founders need help with all of this. Investors provide money, of course.
Angel Insider: Investing Beyond Silicon Valley
By Early Investing on November 15, 2022
Silicon Valley is the most well-known startup hub in the world. But it’s far from the only home of innovation. There are hardworking and talented founders all around the world. And it’s in investors’ best interests to not ignore founders outside of the Bay Area. So…
Why Competition Is Critical for Startup Investors
By Vin Narayanan on September 7, 2022
I had a chance to play poker with some founders a few weeks ago at LA Tech Week. I mostly kept my mouth shut at the table. Between the game and flowing drinks, the founders were in a chatty mood. And I didn’t want to interrupt the flow.
Watch for Red Flags Around Boards of Investors
By Vin Narayanan on April 19, 2022
Those of you who follow me on Twitter (you can follow me @vinistic) know that I’m obsessed with Elon Musk’s bid to buy Twitter and take it private. In case you missed this story, here’s a quick timeline: April…
Take Advantage of the Golden Age of Medtech Investing
By Vin Narayanan on February 8, 2022
A basic market inefficiency has created a massive opportunity for startup investors interested in medical technology and drug development startups. And angel investors savvy enough to understand what’s going on have a rare opportunity to invest in medtech startups with massive upside that have been significantly…
Crowdfunding Challenges the VC Preference for Serial Founders
By KingsCrowd on January 12, 2022
Note from Early Investing Senior Editor Allison Brickell: It takes a lot of work for a startup founder to secure funding. As our own Vin Narayanan wrote back in 2019, “Raising money is hard. It’s a grind. No matter…
Online Startup Investing Is the Future
By Adam Sharp on September 14, 2021
One of the concerns people have about online startup investing is getting a read on founders over the internet. However, I don’t think this is a real problem. The best way to evaluate founders is to simply evaluate their business. How much progress have they made?…
Startup Insider: How Founders Can Expand Beyond Their Home Region
By Early Investing on August 26, 2021
A founder’s ability to break out of the region where they started their company is a major factor in determining their success. Starting a small business in the suburbs of Ohio is one thing — expanding that business to Chicago, New York and San Francisco is…
Why the “Friends and Family” Round Needs to Change
By Vin Narayanan on August 18, 2021
I am a true believer in the American Dream — the idea that anyone, regardless of race, social class or birthplace can find success in this great country. I believe because I’ve witnessed my family’s journey. My dad immigrated to the U.S. from India 50 years…
Startup Origin Story: Univoice
By KingsCrowd on August 4, 2021
Editor’s note: A founder’s origin story is incredibly important. It’s essential to understand why a founder started their company and how they envision the future when you’re considering their company as a potential investment. It also helps you understand the advantages or disadvantages they bring to the table.
The Inside Scoop on “Outside” Founders
By Andy Gordon on July 21, 2021
Ali Tamaseb has written an interesting book called Super Founders. Super founders are the founders of unicorns — aka startups valued at $1 billion or more. These days, $1 billion is the price of entry to what used to be a very…
Startup Insider: (Don’t) Follow Your Passion
By Early Investing on July 8, 2021
Venture capital legend Marc Andreessen — founder of Andreessen Horowitz and one of the earliest architects of the internet — has some advice for young people. Don’t follow your passion. “Your passion is likely more dumb and useless than anything else. Your passion should be your hobby, not your work.
How Founders Get Funding and How Investors Ensure They Deserve It
By Vin Narayanan on October 5, 2019
When seeking funding, a startup founder needs to sell their vision to investors. And investors need to challenge that vision. Here are some specific points both parties need to talk about in order to succeed.
Mailbag: Vetting Startups and Preparing for Fidelity’s Crypto Trading Service
By Early Investing on May 12, 2019
This week, the Early Investing team tackles startup investing due diligence and Fidelity’s upcoming crypto trading service.
Mailbag: What Startup Accelerators Do and Why Consumers Leave the Marijuana Black Market
By Early Investing on April 21, 2019
The Early Investing team answers questions about what startup accelerators do and why weed users leave the black market.