ReadWriteStart

FEBRUARY 21, 2021

Launching a new startup is always exciting. When you have the right idea at the right time, a startup that begins life as two people in a garage can eventually become a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Early in your startup’s development, you’ll likely be low on capital. Employees are Your Largest Investment.

Startup 106

Startup Software Review Open Source Technical Review 106

YoungUpstarts

MARCH 4, 2020

But, just an importantly, they’re also in business to put food on the table for their families and employees. Now, this age-old perspective on business may sound like a line from It’s a Wonderful Life , but putting families first has new meaning for modern entrepreneurs. Is your business idea disruptive?

Entrepreneur 205

Entrepreneur Venture Capital Silicon Valley Bandwidth 205

Steve Blank

OCTOBER 7, 2011

I spent the month of September lecturing, and interacting with (literally) thousands of entrepreneurs in two emerging startup markets, Finland and Russia. —— I was invited to Finland as part of Stanford’s Engineering Technology Venture Program partnership with Aalto University. Startup Blog: Arctic Startup.

Finland 329

Finland Venture Capital Government Russia 329

Steve Blank

APRIL 26, 2022

At the turn of the century after the dotcom crash, startup valuations plummeted, burn rates were unsustainable, and startups were quickly running out of cash. Most existing investors (those still in business) hoarded their money and stopped doing follow-on rounds until the rubble had cleared. Why do VCs Do This?

Cram Down 417

Cram Down Founder Venture Capital Recapitalization 417

Steve Blank

APRIL 14, 2013

I just spent a few weeks in Japan and China on a book tour for the Japanese and Chinese versions of the Startup Owners Manual. This left an open playing field for Chinese software startups as they “copy to China” existing U.S. business models. Small startups act the same way, simply cloning each other’s products.

China 328

China Silicon Valley Non-Compete Intellectual Property 328

The Startup Magazine

JULY 1, 2022

Technology startups are all the rage these days. But what many people don’t realize is that starting a technology startup is not as easy as it seems. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, and you need to have a good understanding of the business world if you want to be successful. Financing Your Startup.

Technology 146

Technology Venture Capital Finance Startup 146

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 15, 2015

However, like anyone else, they will first need some collateral, or someone to guarantee the loan, and some evidence of a viable business, like receivables and inventory. Personal loans from individuals, employees and board members. As in any company, they can lead to employee problems, or messy legal issues. Marty Zwilling.

Angel Investor 120

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 120

Steve Blank

OCTOBER 10, 2011

I was invited to Finland as part of Stanford’s Engineering Technology Venture Program partnership with Aalto University. Toxic Business Press and Contradictory Government Incentives. While the government says they love startups, the first thing they did this year is raise the capital gains tax.

Finland 332

Finland Naming Russia Government 332

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 7, 2018

This process costs money, which professional investors are not willing to contribute, since their interest is in scaling a proven product and business model into a growth business. Specifically, I often point to the NSF or the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for high-tech startups.

Early Stage 225

Early Stage SBIR Technical Review Seed Stage 225

Steve Blank

MARCH 17, 2020

With the Covid-19 virus a worldwide pandemic, if you’re leading any startup or small business, you have to be asking yourself, “What’s Plan B? Large companies are sending employees to work at home. While the impact on small businesses and workers in the “gig-economy” hasn’t made the news, it will be worse for them.

Burn Rate 436

Burn Rate Startup Valuation Sales Cycle 436

Steve Blank

APRIL 14, 2013

I just spent a few weeks in Japan and China on a book tour for the Japanese and Chinese versions of the Startup Owners Manual. This left an open playing field for Chinese software startups as they “copy to China” existing U.S. business models. Small startups act the same way, simply cloning each other’s products.

China 220

China Silicon Valley Non-Compete Intellectual Property 220

ReadWriteStart

APRIL 8, 2023

Automation, Chatbots, AR, and AI Reign: the Future is Already Here Read more: 5 Reasons Why AR is the Future of Online Shopping Automation makes business operations flow smoothly without encountering technical difficulties. It also improves employees’ productivity by allowing them to focus on vital business operations.

eCommerce 185

eCommerce Technical Review Software Review Analytics 185

Steve Blank

MARCH 16, 2016

There are many reasons to found a startup. There are many reasons to work at a startup. To most founders a startup is not a job, but a calling. But startups require money upfront for product development and later to scale. Traditional lenders (banks) think that startups are too risky for a traditional bank loan.

Liquidity Event 120

Liquidity Event Founder Liquidation Preference Private Equity 120

Steve Blank

MARCH 31, 2014

Just look at the disruptive challenges that businesses face today– globalization, China as a manufacturer, China as a consumer, the Internet, and a steady stream of new startups. Perhaps that’s because where established companies might see risks or threats, startups see opportunity. Innovation.

Private Equity 330

Private Equity Metrics China Intellectual Property 330

Steve Blank

SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

You think startups are hard? Try innovating inside a large company where 99% of the company is executing the current business model, while you’re trying to figure out and build what comes next. So they prepare for future markets by exploring new ventures.

Incubator 419

Incubator Lean Agile Business Model 419

VC Cafe

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Let’s start with a short definition: [the creator economy] is defined as the class of businesses built by over 50 million independent content creators, curators, and community builders including social media influencers, bloggers, and videographers, plus the software and finance tools designed to help them with growth and monetization.

Startup 207

Startup Social Media Venture Capital Audio 207

Up and Running

SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

Capital investments are like gasoline on a startup business’s metaphorical fire. They allow you to hire more people, purchase new technology, and establish new business connections, among many other benefits. If you’re like most startup CEOs, your startup has been your personal fiefdom and baby.

Private Equity 94

Private Equity Pre-Money Valuation Equity Startup 94

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

However, like anyone else, they will first need some collateral, or someone to guarantee the loan, and some evidence of a viable business, like receivables and inventory. Personal loans from individuals, employees and board members. As in any company, they can lead to employee problems, or messy legal issues.

Angel Investor 132

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 132

Steve Blank

APRIL 10, 2009

And he recognized it was making his startup feel and act like a big ponderous company. Most decisions in a startup must be made in the face of uncertainty. One of the things he mentioned was that when it came to decision-making he still tended to think and act like an engineer. The same is true in your company.

Silicon Valley 309

Silicon Valley RSS Startup Agile 309

Up and Running

JULY 2, 2014

Picking the right attorney in your startup is as important as picking the right business partner. You can’t underestimate the importance of selecting an attorney who “gets” your business model, your market opportunity, and most importantly, your fundraising and exit strategy. My business partner and I were elated.

Technical Review 118

Technical Review Angel Investor Due Diligence Dilution 118

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 13, 2013

However, like anyone else, they will first need some collateral, or someone to guarantee the loan, and some evidence of a viable business, like receivables and inventory. Personal loans from individuals, employees and board members. As in any company, they can lead to employee problems, or messy legal issues.

Equity 207

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 207

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 15, 2012

However, like anyone else, they will first need some collateral, or someone to guarantee the loan, and some evidence of a viable business, like receivables and inventory. Personal loans from individuals, employees and board members. As in any company, they can lead to employee problems, or messy legal issues.

Angel Investor 218

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 218

Steve Blank

SEPTEMBER 14, 2009

Over the same 30 years, Venture Capital firms have honed their skills and strategies to match Wall Streets needs to achieve liquidity for their portfolio companies. One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is misunderstanding the role of venture capital investors. What Do VC’s Do?

Silicon Valley 237

Silicon Valley IPO Technical Review Venture Capital 237

ReadWriteStart

OCTOBER 13, 2011

I spent the month of September lecturing, and interacting with (literally) thousands of entrepreneurs in two emerging startup markets, Finland and Russia. I was invited to Finland as part of Stanford's Engineering Technology Venture Program partnership with Aalto University. 9-to-5 Venture Capital. 9-to-5 Venture Capital.

Finland 158

Finland Venture Capital Government Russia 158

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 3, 2011

However, like anyone else, they will first need some collateral, or someone to guarantee the loan, and some evidence of a viable business, like receivables and inventory. Personal loans from individuals, employees and board members. As in any company, they can lead to employee problems, or messy legal issues.

Angel Investor 238

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 238

Steve Blank

MARCH 29, 2010

The key things I want students to take from the class are: Understand that a startup is a temporary organization designed to search for a profitable business model. Learn how to put together a business model , not a business plan. Class Logistics. Teaching Assistants. Guest Speakers.

Business Model 236

Business Model Silicon Valley California Engineer 236

Up and Running

NOVEMBER 15, 2017

Even if you already know what a SWOT analysis is and what it’s used for, it can be tough to translate that information and examine your own business with a critical eye. Reading an example SWOT analysis for a business that is either in your industry or based on a comparable business model can help get you started.

Botswana 148

Botswana Business Plan Oregon Distribution 148

ReadWriteStart

FEBRUARY 18, 2020

When starting a business, it’s typical to look for venture capital, angel investors, and even co-founders to help get the company up and running. While funding is necessary for almost all businesses, seeking it out yourself isn’t necessarily the right path for everyone. How to Bootstrap Your Startup.

Bootstrapping 145

Bootstrapping Startup Cofounder Angel Investor 145

Steve Blank

JANUARY 4, 2010

A lot of entrepreneurs think that their startup is the next big thing when in reality they’re just building a small business. How can you tell if your startup has the potential to be the next Google, Intel or Facebook? A first order filter is whether the founders are aiming for a scalable startup. The Scalable Startup.

Hockey Stick 303

Hockey Stick Venture Capital Startup Cofounder 303

The Next Web

AUGUST 26, 2013

Today, in steps 10-12 I want to discuss with you raising your first round of money, hiring to develop and maintain your company culture, as well as defining your role in the management of your startup. There are two ways to start a tech business. Brad Feld wrote a great book about Venture Capital. 10-20% for employees.

Management 120

Management Cofounder Startup Bootstrapping 120

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 6, 2010

However, like anyone else, they will first need some collateral, or someone to guarantee the loan, and some evidence of a viable business, like receivables and inventory. Personal loans from employees and board members. As in any company, they can lead to employee problems, or messy legal issues. That’s a higher calling.

Angel Investor 143

Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy Equity 143

Mucker Lab

AUGUST 27, 2014

My father eventually decided on Santa Clara (Saratoga, more specifically), and so I grew up in the shadows of the orchards of Cupertino and the nondescript concrete startup boxes of Santa Clara. Encyclopedic knowledge of term sheets and startup buzzwords can be quickly learned, trained, and packaged. Diversity” and “Domain Experience”.

Los Angeles 138

Los Angeles Southern California Silicon Valley Technical Review 138

Steve Blank

JUNE 11, 2009

Posted on June 11, 2009 by steveblank When my students ask me about whether they should be a founder or cofounder of a startup I ask them to take a walk around the block and ask themselves: Are you comfortable with: Chaos – startups are disorganized Uncertainty – startups never go per plan Are you: Resilient – at times you will fail – badly.

Cofounder 230

Cofounder Founder Silicon Valley Technical Cofounder 230

Steve Blank

APRIL 11, 2018

If you asked me why I gravitated to startups rather than work in a large company I would have answered at various times: “I want to be my own boss.” “I It never crossed my mind that I gravitated to startups because I thought more of my abilities than the value a large company would put on them. I love risk.” “I

Entrepreneur 336

Entrepreneur Business Model Capital Gains Aggregator 336

Steve Blank

JANUARY 21, 2016

If you’re a technical startup founder, one of the painful lessons is that it’s not enough just to build a great product. You must also understand the value the product provides customers (along with the rest of your business model.). Her first startup, Pencil You In, grew from a personal need to schedule hair appointments.

Detroit 120

Detroit Baltimore Entrepreneur Cofounder 120

Steve Blank

FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Over breakfast he got me up to date on his life since school (two non-CEO roles in startups,) but he wanted to talk about his third startup – the one he and two co-founders had started. In this first step, the goal of a startup is to search for a repeatable and scalable business model. Most startups die here.

Startup 120

Startup Lean Venture Capital Advisory Board 120

Steve Blank

JULY 25, 2011

Scientists and engineers as founders and startup CEOs is one of the least celebrated contributions of Silicon Valley. While existing companies took some of the business, often it was a graduate student or professor who started a new company. government backed venture firms and limited partnerships. ———-.

Engineer 313

Engineer Silicon Valley United States Venture Capital 313