Steve Blank

APRIL 11, 2013

The previous post described how China built its science and technology infrastructure. This post is about the how the Chinese government engineered technology clusters. Of all the Chinese government programs, the Torch Program is the one program that kick-started Chinese high-tech innovation and startups. Innovation Clusters.

Programming 287

Programming Technical Review SBIR China 287

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 20, 2012

A closer analysis often indicates the cause to be a lack of diligence in handling common business finances. If you fail to pay a cash obligation when it is due, the business is technically insolvent. Entrepreneurs should sign every check and manage cash personally, rather than delegate this task to anyone.

Technical Review 273

Technical Review Startup Finance Cost 273

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 13, 2011

They will often run all of the daily reports into them covering off for finance, sales, marketing, biz dev & HR. Many times they also pick up product and tech, too. In an early stage start I believe it’s the CEO’s job to manage these functions. But I ran product management. We had a VP of Biz Dev.

Technical Review 325

Technical Review Startup Cofounder Due Diligence 325

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 23, 2014

Of course it’s much harder to identify “emerging managers” who it turns out have been some of the best performers over the past 5-7 years such as Union Square Ventures, Spark Capital, First Round Capital, True Ventures, Greycroft, Foundry Group, Thrive and Upfront Ventures. .” 2007 was the watershed year.

Technical Review 398

Technical Review Venture Capital Valuation Pre-Money Valuation 398

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. This source is a major focus these days, due to government initiatives to incent research and development on alternative energy and other technologies. Set expectations accordingly.

Intellectual Property 341

Intellectual Property Technical Review Startup Incubator 341

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 20, 2017

Today I’m excited to announce we’ve recently raised $30 million in growth finance led by 8VC , with Kimmy Scotti joining our board. 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?

Technical Review 268

Technical Review Los Angeles Software Review Artificial Inteligence 268

Both Sides of the Table

NOVEMBER 15, 2010

You’ll be able to give them an update on key hires, pilot customers, key tech innovations – whatever. I spoke about this more in depth in these two posts: 4 things I look for in an investment & how to manage VC relationships. Tags: Startup Advice Tech Market Analysis VC Industry. Quick coffees, whatever.

Technical Review 411

Technical Review Due Diligence Ireland New York 411

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 28, 2013

A closer analysis often indicates the cause to be a lack of diligence in handling common business finances. If you fail to pay a cash obligation when it is due, the business is technically insolvent. Entrepreneurs should sign every check and manage cash personally, rather than delegate this task to anyone.

Technical Review 251

Technical Review Entrepreneur Salary Finance 251

Both Sides of the Table

OCTOBER 19, 2014

By September 26th we had submitted a term sheet which was signed on October 4th and financing was closed in less than 30 days. We funded about $2 million, which allowed a full team in Finland to be recruited for building the app and an international management team led from Los Angeles. Tech Market Analysis Upfront Ventures'

Technical Review 373

Technical Review North America Los Angeles Cofounder 373

Startup Professionals Musings

FEBRUARY 19, 2013

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. This source is a major focus these days, due to government initiatives to incent research and development on alternative energy and other technologies. Set expectations accordingly.

Intellectual Property 309

Intellectual Property Technical Review Venture Capital Startup 309

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 23, 2012

I have been close to the tech & startup sectors for more than 20 years and I can’t think of a period in which I felt more optimistic about the innovation and value creation I see in front of us. Try charging customers for your product when you have 12 competitors giving the product away free finances by $20 million of VC.

Venture Capital 347

Venture Capital Technical Review LP Mobile 347

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. This technological integration into software engineering not only enhances the productivity of development teams but also ensures that IT infrastructures are robust and reliable.

Generative AI 295

Generative AI CTO Hire Fractional CTO Software Review 295

The Startup Magazine

MAY 1, 2023

Modern technology has made it possible for fleet managers to optimize operations, streamline vehicle acquisition, and leverage telematics innovations to their advantage. By adopting advanced technologies and data-driven strategies, companies can optimize their fleet operations and stay ahead of the competition.

Technical Review 127

Technical Review Artificial Inteligence Management Software Review 127

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 14, 2014

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. This source is a major focus these days, due to government initiatives to incent research and development on alternative energy and other technologies. Set expectations accordingly.

Entrepreneur 283

Entrepreneur Intellectual Property Technical Review Incubator 283

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 108

Technical Review Software Review Artificial Inteligence Technology 108

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

Growth will slow, partly due to internal limits and partly because the company is starting to bump up against the limits of the markets it serves.” It encourages a bit too much FOMO (fear of missing out) and over-valuation in companies and a desire to do huge financing rounds to be perceived as the “knock-out winner.”

Silicon Valley 390

Silicon Valley Venture Capital Startup Technical Review 390

The Startup Magazine

SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

It is a type of financing that investors can provide to startups and small businesses which are believed to have the potential for success in the long term. It is not always a financial transaction; sometimes it comes in the form of managerial or technical expertise. Management team. Due Diligence and Closing the Deal.

Venture Capital 145

Venture Capital Technical Review Software Review Security 145

Steve Blank

OCTOBER 24, 2017

A version of this article is in the Harvard Business Review. Technology cycles have become a treadmill, and for startups to survive they need to be on a continuous innovation cycle. 20th Century Tech Liquidity = Initial Public Offering. Technology Cycles Measured in Years. This seems to be occurring more and more.

Founder 281

Founder Technical Review CTO Hire IPO 281

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 4, 2022

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. This source is a major focus these days, due to government initiatives to incent research and development on alternative energy and other technologies. Set expectations accordingly.

Intellectual Property 261

Intellectual Property Technical Review Incubator Bootstrapping 261

Both Sides of the Table

JANUARY 6, 2014

The main thing you’re concerned about in this phase of your company is maintaing control of your board, which in a legalistic perspective is ensuring that founders & management have the majority of seats on the board. Reviewing financial & operational performance. how to evolve our management team. Mentorship.

Technical Review 325

Technical Review Early Stage Software Review Los Angeles 325

Hearpreneur

APRIL 28, 2024

Technology innovation is driving advancements in various industries, shaping our world today. From AI and machine learning to biotechnology, technology is revolutionizing our lives. A year later, it went on to become one of Australia's top 5 personal finance management apps. I was solving my own pain point as a consumer.

Technical Review 121

Technical Review Technology Entrepreneur Artificial Inteligence 121

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. We have well financed competitors whom despite competing with we respect deeply and when you see your competition launching in many markets it’s tempting to follow suit.

Operations 286

Operations New York City Technical Review Startup 286

Both Sides of the Table

MARCH 21, 2013

In the Ad Tech world PS revenue often means providing “media services” as a value-add to using your product. PS Business Cannot Become a Management Distraction. Another rule I outline with our portfolio companies who sell enterprise solutions is that I don’t want them to become a distraction for management.

Software Review 321

Software Review Software IP Technical Review 321

VC Cafe

MARCH 1, 2024

In addition, founders thinking about starting a company can be overwhelmed by choice, as there are so many problems to tackle with technology, but it could be comforting to know that investors are interested in those areas in the first place.

Artificial Inteligence 176

Artificial Inteligence Technical Review Software Review Generative AI 176

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 11, 2022

In the US, a nonprofit is technically any company who qualifies as tax exempt through IRS Section 501(c). Obviously, these companies still need money to get started, or finance growth, just like a for-profit company. An example would be getting free office space by agreeing to be the property manager for the owner.

Angel Investor 327

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 327

The Startup Magazine

OCTOBER 14, 2020

Forensic accounting entails examining the finances of an individual or business. Specialists in the field ensure finances are in order and secure. This is due to the growth of entrepreneurship, which continues to boom. What follows are the scandals uncovered or managed through forensic accounting. Lehman Brothers.

Technical Review 170

Technical Review Securities and Exchange Commission Due Diligence Reputation 170

Both Sides of the Table

DECEMBER 11, 2022

SEEING THINGS FROM THE VC SIDE OF THE TABLE While I was a VC in 2007 & 2008 those were dead years because the market again evaporated due the the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). Almost no financings, many VCs and tech startups cratered for the second time in less than a decade following the dot com bursting.

Valuation 466

Valuation San Francisco Ratchet Liquidation Preference 466

The Startup Magazine

MAY 3, 2024

Selecting the right technological tools and expert guidance during the formative phases of a startup can significantly influence its trajectory toward success. As a versatile ERP system, Microsoft Dynamics caters to a variety of business needs, supporting everything from sales management to customer interactions.

Early Stage 149

Early Stage Technical Review Software Review Operations 149

Steve Blank

NOVEMBER 1, 2011

Market/technology acuity (patterns of success, domain expertise). Some of these skills are learned in school (finance), some are innate aptitudes (people skills), some are learned pattern recognition skills (shadowing experienced partners, hard won success and failures of their own), and some are learned by having operating experience.

Venture Capital 334

Venture Capital Early Stage Technical Review Startup 334

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 23, 2013

There is so much written these days about how to attract investors that most entrepreneurs “assume” they need funding, and don’t even consider a plan for “bootstrapping,” or self-financing their startup. Of course, every company needs these, in due time. Your company has outgrown you. You need specialized equipment.

Bootstrapping 252

Bootstrapping Sweat Equity Entrepreneur Technical Review 252

The Startup Magazine

MARCH 6, 2024

According to 2023 statistics , the top businesses in the electronic industry are Apple, Cannon, and Dell, and surprisingly all three of them have worked tirelessly on the integration of technologies in strategic decision-making at every step of their operations. Strategic operations management in the electronic industry is not easy.

Operations 137

Operations Management Software Review Technical Review 137

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 30, 2020

Always manage expectations, and always under-promise and over-deliver. Underestimate the importance of due diligence. Grow too quickly for your finances and staffing. Prioritize your tasks, take advantage of technology, and constantly optimize your processes. You may be dead wrong. Over-promise and under-deliver.

Technical Review 314

Technical Review Advisory Board Due Diligence Silicon Valley 314

The Startup Magazine

DECEMBER 25, 2023

But what makes a successful fund manager? In this blog post, financial expert Alfred Sollami will share top tips from successful fund managers who have mastered the game. From understanding market trends to managing risk, he’ll explore what it takes to become a top-performing fund manager.

Artificial Inteligence 128

Artificial Inteligence Technical Review Management Due Diligence 128

Both Sides of the Table

MAY 19, 2013

I have never felt prouder of the team & product at awe.sm ( please visit to check out our latest & be ready for our next big product announcement due out in next month or so) and yet we just brought in a new CEO to the company, Fred McIntyre. ” We had inbound M&A requests from some of the biggest names in tech.

Technical Review 303

Technical Review Cofounder Analytics Founder 303

YoungUpstarts

OCTOBER 2, 2014

These cycles are particularly pronounced in the technology industry, where rapid innovation leads to rapid product releases, and often to rapid failures. pound paperweight,” said the New York Times’ David Pogue in a technology review. An estimated 75 to 95 percent of new products fail in the marketplace. Samsung Galaxy Gear.

Product 222

Product Technical Review Software Review Green 222

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 30, 2019

Of course, we all realize that this approach will take longer, and could jeopardize both roles if not managed effectively. This source is a major focus these days, due to government initiatives to incent research and development on alternative energy and other technologies. Set expectations accordingly.

Intellectual Property 219

Intellectual Property Technical Review Startup Incubator 219

Steve Blank

SEPTEMBER 1, 2011

——— I’m getting ready to go overseas to teach , and I’ve spent the last week reviewing several countries’ ambitious attempts to kick-start entrepreneurship. In Silicon Valley the equivalent is the journeyman coder or web designer who loves the technology, and takes coding and U/I jobs because it’s a passion.

Government 335

Government Silicon Valley Startup Venture Capital 335