Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 11, 2020

Struggling entrepreneurs are often so happy to get a funding offer that they neglect the recommended reverse due diligence on the investors. Investor due diligence on a startup is not a mysterious black art, but is nothing more than a final integrity check on all aspects of your business model, team, product, customers, and plan.

Technical Review 310

Technical Review Due Diligence Term Sheet Offshore 310

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 12, 2021

Sometimes entrepreneurs are so focused on making change happen for customers that they forget that continually changing themselves and their company is equally important. Use that same technical and business expertise that served you well on this startup to find the next opportunity. Find mentors who have the skills you lack.

Technical Review 417

Technical Review Entrepreneur Due Diligence Institutional Investors 417

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 18, 2020

As a long-time business executive and adviser to entrepreneurs, I see a definitive shift away from customer trust in traditional business messages, and the executives who deliver them. I summarize the key elements of the transformation as follows: Customers are seeking control in a run-away world.

Customer 433

Customer B2C Technical Review Social Media 433

ReadWriteStart

APRIL 14, 2023

In 2022, we saw unusual supply constraints — lingering post-coronavirus supply chain issues, a persistently tight labor market , and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — converge with high demand — partly fueled by heavy government stimulus during the first two years of the pandemic.

Technical Review 148

Technical Review Ukraine Software Review ChatGPT 148

YoungUpstarts

AUGUST 18, 2020

Customer experience is one of the most crucial factors determining the success of an organization. No matter how good the quality of your product is, it will be in vain if you offer poor customer experience. That said, here are some proven ways to deliver a better customer experience as a startup: 1. Understand Your Customers.

Customer 231

Customer Technical Review Software Review Startup 231

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 28, 2021

If you are the hot-shot technical innovator that invented your solution, make sure you have an equally adept business and marketing expert to complement your skills. “If Bill Gates was the technical genius, but Steve Ballmer, from Procter & Gamble, ran the business side of the equation. Needed help can be your biggest burden.

Technical Review 329

Technical Review Merger Software Review Acquisition 329

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

The main thrust of the post is that with YouTube taking a 45% of revenue and talent taking 70% of the remaining revenue, YouTube Networks didn’t have sustainable businesses unless they invested heavily in technology as a tool to increase margin and provide defensibility. That is the definition of Disruptive Technology.

Video 339

Video Technical Review Distribution Aggregator 339

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 26, 2022

It started with an email survey on your last stay at their hotel, but now includes requests for online product reviews, to social media input on the design of future products. They do it because engaged customers become loyal advocates and buyers. Some say it’s happening today because it’s new, and technology makes it possible.

Customer 267

Customer Technical Review Social Media Partner 267

YoungUpstarts

DECEMBER 12, 2020

The social distancing needs and huge traffic online has led companies to upgrade their online selling channels to meet the digital demand. Businesses can operate in two ways, the traditional brick-and-mortar store and the online business, which has gained popularity due to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses moving to online.

Technical Review 246

Technical Review Architecture Software Review Demand 246

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 29, 2020

Personal protective equipment (PPE) are now being routinely used to ensure health and safety, virtual shopping is at an all-time high due to qurantine and lockdown, and physical interactions have been limited to mobile and online platforms. And, even with the new normal, PPE products will remain in demand. These are some of those: 1.

Demand 173

Demand Product Artificial Inteligence Software Review 173

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 20, 2017

So how did a company that provides storage grow so fast (we’ll exit 2017 with 10’s of millions in recurring revenue), why is it so defensible and is it really a tech startup? If you buy that Amazon is a tech startup then essentially you’ve already answered the question. In short — how the hell did we raise $30 million?

Technical Review 268

Technical Review Los Angeles Software Review Artificial Inteligence 268

TechEmpower

MARCH 4, 2024

Focusing on generative AI applications in a select few corporate functions can contribute to a significant portion of the technology's overall impact. Key Functions with High Impact Generative AI is revolutionizing sales by enabling dynamic pricing and personalized customer interactions, boosting conversion rates and customer satisfaction.

Generative AI 295

Generative AI CTO Hire Fractional CTO Software Review 295

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 23, 2020

But there is no magic formula on how to bring these together a second time, but I did see some good insights on the parameters in a classic startup business parable, “ Endless Encores ,” by Ken Goldstein, who advises startups and has built companies in technology, entertainment, media, and e-commerce. Startup successes are never perfect.

Technical Review 324

Technical Review Entrepreneur Due Diligence Business Model 324

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 24, 2020

While this approach appears to cost more on the surface, it often actually costs you less, when you consider the hidden costs of rework, poor customer satisfaction, employee management, and training required. Direct customer-facing non-technical roles should be the last ones outsourced. with experience.

Technical Review 308

Technical Review Due Diligence Startup Employee 308

VC Cafe

JANUARY 24, 2021

Covid-19 accelerated the adoption of entertainment tech, gaming and commerce. The move to remote work forced quick adoption of cloud technology and tools that were once having difficulties selling to large corporates, saw explosive growth – from Zoom to Hopin, new unicorns were born in record time. 2020… where to start?

Technical Review 207

Technical Review Audio Forecast Social Media 207

Both Sides of the Table

DECEMBER 27, 2011

Exec Summary: Most companies (98+%) in the world (even tech startups) should be very profit focused. If you had huge customer growth but just didn’t focus on revenue that’s a different story. If you spent the 3 years perfecting some hugely differentiated technology IP that may also be different.

Startup 418

Startup Revenue Technical Review Flash 418

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 7, 2020

In the short term you need customers to find you at any price, and in the longer term you need revenue, profit, and return loyalty. Although his focus is naturally on bigger companies, I contend that his recommended strategies apply equally well to entrepreneurs and startups: Demand a mindset of deep thinking for the long term.

Technical Review 312

Technical Review Due Diligence Merger Social Media 312

ReadWriteStart

JULY 7, 2021

Various business models in an on-demand courier delivery app. User-friendly courier delivery apps ensure round-the-clock fulfillment of parcels to customers across different locations. . For example, manufacturing companies use On-demand courier delivery apps for kickstarting their production activities in their factories and plants.

Technical Review 163

Technical Review Artificial Inteligence Demand Social Media 163

Steve Blank

APRIL 5, 2017

I was having coffee with the CEO of a new startup, listening to her puzzle through how to communicate to potential customers. I reminded her that all the Lean tools she learned in class–Customer Discovery, business model and value proposition canvases– contained her answer. Painful and invaluable” was her reply. Here’s how.

Marketing 318

Marketing Audience Technical Review PR 318

Hearpreneur

NOVEMBER 2, 2022

Technology disruption is happening at a rapid pace all around us. We asked our entrepreneurs what changes do they expect due to technology shortly, and this is what they have to say. #1- I also expect to see more technology to assist with personalized experiences at trade shows, both in person and virtually, shortly.

Technical Review 106

Technical Review Software Review Artificial Inteligence Technology 106

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 22, 2023

Even here, Elon Musk faced this issue with Tesla, needing a support ecosystem as well as new technology. The distributed model draws on a diverse pool, helps manage costs, and captures regional insights and focus necessary to win local customers. Even consumers here in the US are demanding a more responsible approach.

Global 345

Global Silicon Valley Marketing Indonesia 345

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 22, 2021

Many aspiring entrepreneurs are looking to the Internet as an opportunity to get rich quick, instead of a place where you can start a business you love, for very little capital and minimal technical expertise. Provide website forums to help customers solve their own problems. Generate revenue around the clock.

Technical Review 312

Technical Review Software Review Internet Revenue 312

YoungUpstarts

MARCH 20, 2018

The rise of technology has invited a fall in consumer trust. Here are three easy steps that online business owners can take to win back customer trust in 2018: 1. Customers Demand SSL Reassurance. More and more each year, the online community is becoming populated by a generation of tech-savvy individuals.

Customer 200

Customer Technical Review Security Internet 200

The Startup Magazine

DECEMBER 19, 2024

With millions of businesses launching annually, the competitive field is becoming more complex and demanding. Startups must tackle challenges from scarce resources to changing customer needs proactively. Source Leverage Advanced Technologies Harnessing advanced technologies can transform how startups operate and compete.

Technical Review 119

Technical Review Startup Differentiation Social Media 119

A Smart Bear: Startups and Marketing for Geeks

NOVEMBER 29, 2014

This is due to the very definition of “average” — you’ll spend half your time before the half-way point, and half after. The general rule is called the Lindy Effect : For certain non-perishable things (like technology, companies, and ideas), the expected lifespan increases according to the length of its current age.

Software Review 300

Software Review Technical Review Startup Channel 300

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 12, 2021

Although the major crowd funding sites today, including Kickstarter and Indiegogo , don’t technically require a business plan, they do demand essentially the same information in a project format. There is no substitute for knowing your customers first hand, and iterating on a minimum viable product to find the most marketable solution.

Business Plan 316

Business Plan Technical Review Angel Investor Due Diligence 316

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 8, 2021

Most leaders agree that poor customer service is a business killer today, in terms of lost customers, reduced profits, and low morale. Yet the average perception of customer experience has not improved. You have to start with hiring only people who are willing and able to make serious customer service happen.

Technical Review 385

Technical Review Salary Metrics Matching 385

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 14, 2017

Nearly every successful tech startup I’ve observed over the past 20 years has gone through a similar growth pattern: Innovate, systematize then scale operations. There is nothing more pure than building a product, putting it out in the world and seeing paying customers using your product and in some cases loving it.

Operations 286

Operations New York City Technical Review Startup 286

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 1, 2020

Even here, Elon Musk faced this issue with Tesla, needing a support ecosystem as well as new technology. The distributed model draws on a diverse pool, helps manage costs, and captures regional insights and focus necessary to win local customers. Even consumers here in the US are demanding a more responsible approach.

Silicon Valley 312

Silicon Valley Indonesia Venture Capital Global 312

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 8, 2021

Unfortunately, I see too many new entrepreneurs who let their passion for a new idea or invention blind them to the stark realities of customer need, opportunity size, or pricing and cost implications. The sooner you face these issues, the more success you will garner from investors and customers.

Advisory Board 356

Advisory Board Bandwidth Cofounder Technical Review 356

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 30, 2020

In the rush of a startup, it’s tempting to start spending the money you expect any day from a rich uncle or a major new customer. Many entrepreneurs have destroyed a strategic alliance, an investor relationship, or lost a key customer by jumping in with harsh words after a bad day at home or at the office.

Technical Review 314

Technical Review Advisory Board Due Diligence Silicon Valley 314

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 14, 2022

I see more and more entrepreneurs who seem to have everything going for them – vision, motivation, passion, even a good business plan, product, and money, and yet they can’t close customers. Great businesses begin with a customer problem that has a big and monetizable pain point. Nail the solution. Nail the solution.

Angel Investor 359

Angel Investor Technical Review Incubator Business Model 359

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 1, 2022

You can have the best technology, but if customers don’t know you exist, or they don’t know how your technology solves a real problem for them, your startup will fail. Yet I see many technology entrepreneurs that focus on the basics of marketing too little and too late. Give your own customers the same consideration.

Marketing 353

Marketing Technical Review Social Media Technology 353

ReadWriteStart

OCTOBER 20, 2023

With so many startups facing a tough journey right from their inception, the pressing question becomes: How does one successfully navigate the tech industry? The key lies in having a groundbreaking idea and understanding the broader tech landscape and the forces shaping it.

Technical Review 137

Technical Review Startup Silicon Valley Agile 137

VC Cafe

JANUARY 22, 2021

A few months ago, VC Cafe launched a series on startup engagement and outreach programs of large tech companies. Amazon Corporate Development – Notable acquisitions include Whole Foods ($13.7B), smart doorbell system Ring ($1.2B, 2018) and autonomous mobility technology Zoox ($1.2bn).

Technical Review 174

Technical Review Startup Venture Capital Incubator 174

YoungUpstarts

JUNE 26, 2020

When running a business, there’s one element that is more important than any other: the customer. If you don’t have customers purchasing your products or services, your company will quickly cease to exist. Due to the importance of customers, your communication with them should be a primary concern. It’s that simple.

Customer 182

Customer Technical Review Social Media Channel 182

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 17, 2020

Customers today extrapolate their relationships not only from personal contact, but from every aspect of their interface with your company, including web site and social media interactions, access to peer reviews, as well as the actual services experience. Relationships are a function of customer culture.

Technical Review 321

Technical Review Social Media Media Matching 321