I use Senja to collect testimonials. Like any early-stage company … … their software has bugs. In the process of hitting those bugs: I picked up a simple technique you can use for product-market fit detection. Confession time. I’m lazy. I DO NOT like visiting websites to file bugs with SaaS products. I just want … Read more
Sometimes you get a masterclass about VC – and about life – in the most unexpected places. Like I did this past fall. The scene? A yearly startup + VC event in NYC—an event with a lot of hamburgers and milkshakes involved. But first, we should rewind just a bit to earlier that day. I … Read more
“Subject to board approval” “As determined in good faith by the board” Have you ever seen one of those quotes? 👆 I’m sure your lawyer has… so you should ask them for legal advice, not me! #disclaimer But I do want to share some personal experience around this topic. So you know why it’s important … Read more
This reader email landed in my inbox … 👇 As a VC guru, I thought you might be the perfect person to ask for some advice on finding startups that fit my investment thesis. I’ve been doing a lot of database searching on sites like Crunchbase, but I feel like I’m missing out on the … Read more
Here are some things that I do to keep my web of connections warm, growing, and feeling appreciated. Many of them are things you can do, now, regardless of how big or small your network is right now… Remember it’s about them, not you. So bring to that Zoom or that coffee meeting 1, 2, … Read more
Strike while the iron is hot. I know you’re interested in connecting with VCs, angels, and founders. Building stronger relationships with them. Staying on their radar. Which is marketing, plain and simple. And in marketing, timing is everything. For instance: If a VC/angel/founder has just moved to a new city where you know people like them, why not … Read more
When you are looking to join a VC firm, having some angel investments under your belt is always a good thing. But not all angel investments are created equal. Here are the ones that I think will give you the most mileage. Maybe not in terms of returns. But almost definitely for your VC job … Read more
Founders rarely are “One and Done”. Most of them will start another company some day. You should keep this in mind. Especially when you see that their last company was acquired. Why? Most founders who go through an acquisition have an earnout period. So once the dust settles, a few months after the deal closes… … Read more
A little over a year ago, I was talking to one of our GoingVC alums who had been trying to launch a venture firm. Someone I would have written a check to once their Fund 1 came online. But you know how the market is for new firms. Unless you came from a firm that … Read more
We just launched the Office of the Venture CFO — a new program at Venture5 where we partner with leading VC finance executives, interview them, and publish their insights to our audience. It features nine CFOs and finance leaders from top firms like Founder Collective, Flybridge, Left Lane Capital, Lerer Hippeau, 01 Advisors, BITKRAFT Ventures, … Read more
