The new software is coming along slowly. Ironically, it’s to help people focus while using the computer, and I’ve had trouble focusing throughout the development progress.
While the software isn’t just for those with ADD/ADHD, it’s been helpful for me ever since I finished a few features that help block out distractions. A few years ago [...]
Archive for the ‘General’ Category
Sign Up for the Focus Beta
Posted in General on January 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Private Beta
Posted in General on January 13, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
I’ve been working on something for about 6 months. The results are decent, but it’s not where I want it to be yet. It’s time for feedback!
The software is designed to help me focus. The funny thing is, it’s taken so long to get it finished because I’m having trouble focusing. With the software near [...]
Startup Equity Allocation
Posted in General on January 11, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
I might be building a new team for the new company. While I’m a little reluctant to do so because it’s always a risk, I do miss having people I can count on and who are pulling for the work we’re doing. Teams can be great (and they can break down, as well–a subject for [...]
Strategic vs. Linear Acquisitions
Posted in General, tagged M&A, Startups, strategy on October 29, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Acquisitions are up from the same time last year, mostly because the economy had everybody holding their collective breath while they figured out how and where the failure of the economic system would kick them and how hard.
The exhalation started sometime in Spring and is about to accelerate–it’s a perfect time for companies with cash reserves [...]
Startup Valuation & Early Stage Deals
Posted in General on October 20, 2009 | 2 Comments »
I’m going through the exercise of creating a deal document in anticipation of raising investment. In the past, I’ve used the convertible note with kickers for early risk as a way to simplify raising money without having to set a value for the company. The note simply converts into the first VC round, with a [...]
Pricing Employee Options
Posted in General on October 18, 2009 | 2 Comments »
A startup I advise on occasion just repriced employee options 50% higher, while pricing preferred shares lower. On the face of it, it seems skewed, but when you really look at it, it’s very skewed. Here’s why.
Let’s say employee options are priced at .15 cents, and preferred is at .40 cents. We’ll say there are [...]
New Startup: Sizing & Funding It
Posted in General on October 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
I’ve been working in stealth mode for the past two and a half months on new software that I hope will really help people. The closed beta starts sometime next week. I’ll announce the software here and hope you’ll give it a try.
A question I’ve been pondering is something familiar to founders: should I raise [...]
Cool Trip Planner
Posted in General on August 7, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
From Fred over at AVC… http://www.everlater.com/
Raising Capital: Liquidation Preferences
Posted in General on July 24, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
One of the “standard” terms in VC term sheets is the liquidation preference. Google it, learn it, love to hate it and learn to live with it, because it’s unlikely you’ll get a deal without it. I call it the “have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too clause for VCs”.
Here’s how it works (or, How 20% becomes 28% without even trying).
Let’s [...]
Venture Capital Drops Dramatically in Q2
Posted in General on July 13, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
National Venture Capital Association reports a huge drop in new capital placed with venture firms–another good case for bootstrapping and raising from individuals.
