Archive: startup investing
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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 ago. He had no job and only $5 in his pocket. The only thing he knew for certain was that a friend was picking him up at the airport.
Startup Insider: Trade Secrets vs. Patents
By Early Investing on August 2, 2021
A key part of a startup’s success is its defensibility — how it protects itself from the competition. It’s not enough for a company to offer a high-quality product. It needs to provide something that’s valuable and different from anything else out there. And…
The Disruptive Force That Shaped My Life
By Vin Narayanan on July 28, 2021
All startups have an origin story. So do all founders. These origin stories are important. They explain why a startup began. Or why we believe particular founders will be persistent, constantly fight for success and never give up on their…
Startup Insider: Venture Capital Learns From Crowdfunding
By Early Investing on July 26, 2021
Equity crowdfunding is often seen as the balancing force to traditional venture capital. Venture capital is exclusive and focuses on writing large checks to a few companies. Equity crowdfunding prioritizes inclusivity and the power of many small investments added together. But what if there were a…
Cityzenith Continues to Meet High Expectations
By Andy Gordon on July 22, 2021
I first recommended Cityzenith in August 2019. The company enables users to design, monitor, control, analyze, optimize, predict, and collaborate on physical assets all from one application. In other words, it uses “digital twin” technology — 3D virtual replicas of buildings, infrastructure and other physical assets…
Startup Insider: Reimagining the Private Markets
By Early Investing on July 19, 2021
Scott Kupor is one of the sharpest minds in venture capital. He’s the managing partner of Andreessen Horowitz and the author of Secrets of Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It. Kupor testified before Congress earlier…
How To Deal With Crazy-High Startup Valuations
By Adam Sharp on July 16, 2021
I saw a pretty interesting thing on Twitter this week. Founders Fund general partner Keith Rabois posted the following. Biggest change in the venture landscape now: There are no VC funds with pricing discipline. All of us…
New Pick: A Mouthwatering Startup With Irresistible Potential
By Vin Narayanan on July 15, 2021
There’s nothing more American than a comeback story. Rocky. Rudy. The Karate Kid. The business landscape is filled with successful comeback journeys. Walt Disney failed several times — and even went bankrupt once — before building the Disney empire. When Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak founded Apple in 1976, it struggled.
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 Startups Are Joining the Battle Against Addiction
By Andy Gordon on July 7, 2021
Many Americans prepared for their July 4th festivities last week. But for thousands of Americans, celebrating was the furthest thing from their minds. Instead, it would be another weekend of coping with opioid addiction. As COVID-19 finally shows signs of winding down, America’s other pandemic —…
What Investors Can Learn From Meb Faber
By Adam Sharp on July 6, 2021
My friend Meb Faber just put out a must-read document about online angel investing. It’s long — but it’s well worth the read. Meb reveals his biggest wins, his favorite AngelList syndicates and lessons he’s learned since he started.
This Data and Analytics Startup Is a Good Bet
By Vin Narayanan on July 1, 2021
If Warren Buffett reads this week’s startup investment recommendation, he might crack a smile. For years, we’ve poked fun at the Berkshire Hathaway CEO and his right-hand man Charlie Munger for their positions on bitcoin and missing out on the tech boom. But we…
Equity Crowdfunding Deals Just Keep Getting Better
By Adam Sharp on June 29, 2021
Regulation Crowdfunding deals (startup deals anyone can invest in) are getting a lot more interesting lately. Take a look at Calm Company Fund on Wefunder. I’ve been following this investment firm for more than a year. Calm…
Startup Insider: The Inside Track on Startup Accelerators
By Early Investing on June 28, 2021
When researching investment opportunities, investors need to review revenue numbers, market size, founder experience and other criteria. But what about accelerators? Some startups list their membership in a startup accelerator as a badge of honor. But what is an accelerator? And should investors take them into account when vetting startups?…
Market Changes Favor New Startup Investors
By Adam Sharp on June 25, 2021
I’ve now been investing in startups online for seven years. Over that time, I’ve invested in around 125 individual startups and three funds (those funds in turn invested in another 30 startups). The vast majority of deals were early — seed stage, pre-seed or Series A. And over…
Startup Insider: Oracle Health Joins Y Combinator and Makes Promising Progress
By Early Investing on June 24, 2021
Andy Gordon first recommended Oracle Health to First Stage Investor members in February. The company is developing a long-term insertable cardiac monitor for heart failure. Oracle has ambitious — but achievable — plans to get FDA clearance…