http://mvmpartners.com/blog Advice for entrepreneurs on how to build and finance a start-up. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:32:33 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Building a startup is like conducting a large scale experiment. There are many unknowns and lots of variables. Every step of a new venture has to be figured out and conquered as it comes. It is for this very reason that so many early stage companies perish soon ... http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/07/02/reducing-risk-in-a-startup/ Entrepreneurs are generally frustrated with how difficult it is to raise funds. Much of this frustration is directed toward Venture Capitalists; they seem to fund so few opportunities, their criteria for investment is somewhat mysterious, they have a reputation for tough negotiation and low valuations, etc.The purpose of this note ... http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/06/30/venture-capital-101/ The interesting thing about the history of technological innovation is that it happens in bursts. The era of Hardware was followed by tremendous innovation in Software, after which over a decade of tremendous advances on the Internet ensued. The reason for this is obvious; as a monumental technological breakthrough ... http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/06/25/the-next-wave-of-innovation/ The greatest thing about being a part of Momentum Venture Management is the opportunity to meet and interact with entrepreneurs. Their passion is contagious and the sheer fact that they are building out their dream is inspirational. That is why this past Tuesday’s Entrepreneur Only event put together ... http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/06/20/entrepreneurs-only-event/ Not too long ago I was a twenty something year old first-time entrepreneur kicking down the doors of any Venture Capitalist that would look my way. I had a great idea, good traction, and even more energy, but little chance of ever raising money. I went to conferences, I got ... http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/06/17/my-new-perspective-on-fundraising/ We ran across this blog that profiles different types of people involved in start-ups. It may be helpful as you think about how to build a team that works well together.... Profiles of Start Up Players http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/06/16/interesting-blog-about-building-a-team/ A little over a year ago, I attended the “Building Successful Teams” panel at LAVA’s Investment Capital Conference.  I was blown away by the great advice the panelists had to offer, particularly with regards to team chemistry.  If I took away one thing from the panel it was the importance ... http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/06/12/improving-team-chemistry/ On June 17 we're going to be hosting our first "????????Entrepreneur Only" event. We are launching this concept for a few reasons: first, because we believe that Southern California continues to be way behind in terms of the informal mentoring network for early ... http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/06/03/momentum-to-launch-entrepreneur-only-event/ There is a good article by Al Schneider, a senior person at both Pasadena Angels and TCA, that was recently posted on SoCalTech.com.   Check it out:    How To Value Your Startup. http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/05/29/how-to-value-a-start-up/ On the 22nd I will be talking about business plans and fundraising for the 3rd time with the Tech Coast Venture Network in Orange County. I thought it would probably be appropriate to update the presentation a bit... :) Attached is a revised version of the presentation I'll ... http://mvmpartners.com/blog/2008/05/22/dont-write-a-business-planand-other-fundraising-advice/