Search Results for: takes so long

The #1 thing successful founders think about for their next startups

At Hustle Fund, we back both first time founders as well as repeat founders.  One thing I’ve noticed is that almost every repeat, previously-successful-founder focuses on the same thing for their respective startups: customer acquisition.  These founders not only think about customer acquisition first, but in many cases, they will even: Abandon a startup idea … Continue reading The #1 thing successful founders think about for their next startups

How to raise money from friends and family

Most VCs won’t invest in startups super early.  There are some exceptions: my company Hustle Fund tends to invest quite early, and so do a few of our peer funds at the pre-seed level.  However, there are only a handful of us, and 99%+ of startups won’t be able to raise money at this stage.  Alternatively, if you … Continue reading How to raise money from friends and family

Why I invest outside Silicon Valley

I grew up here in the Bay Area during the dot com boom.  I went to college during the bust.  And when I graduated, it was booming again.  From that perspective, things have been mostly rosy in the Silicon Valley for startups! (except for 2008-2009, which is another story). Now, I think we’re in trouble, … Continue reading Why I invest outside Silicon Valley

Seed rounds are dead

This is my second post (albeit later than I’d hoped!) on the state of Q2 2018 seed-stage fundraising.  The first one focused on crypto is here  (although it’s changed even more since I last wrote; altcoins are starting to moon again, and I’m sure everyone will leave Consensus this week on a high). Here’s what’s happening … Continue reading Seed rounds are dead

The state of Q2 2018 pre-seed/seed-stage fundraising: Part 1 – Crypto version

This year has been crazy in the fundraising landscape.  The fundraising landscape in 2018 for pre-seed and seed-stage companies has changed a lot, even in just the first few months of this year. This is what I wrote in Q1 2018 about the fundraising landscape. Now in Q2, things are a bit different.  I’m breaking this … Continue reading The state of Q2 2018 pre-seed/seed-stage fundraising: Part 1 – Crypto version

How ICOs will level the playing field for entrepreneurs

It’s taken me a couple of years to grapple with this but let’s just put this out there: fundraising in the Silicon Valley is very much a game of pedigree.  It’s something that startup investors talk about in vague terms.  Investors say things like: “This founder is very fundable” or “This founder doesn’t pattern match.”  Ellen … Continue reading How ICOs will level the playing field for entrepreneurs

Why you shouldn’t (always) hire that Stanford Engineer

So you’ve raised some money, and now it’s time to make your first hire or two.  This is where a lot of entrepreneurs make their biggest mistakes.  Your first couple of hires solidify your company culture, which sets the tone of the rest of your company.  Most entrepreneurs tend to look at candidates purely based on … Continue reading Why you shouldn’t (always) hire that Stanford Engineer

How do VCs measure their success (and why should you care)?

When I was an entrepreneur, it never crossed my mind to wonder how VCs measure their success — but I should have thought about it.  Following the money can really help illuminate VC behavior and their incentives. The #1 problem with the venture capital game, in general, is that actual success is measured over decades, … Continue reading How do VCs measure their success (and why should you care)?

How to ask for an investor intro?

The VC world is very relationship-based.  This is changing, but many VCs prefer to meet with founders who come highly recommended by close connections.  The problem is that well-connected people who can help with introductions are often inundated with requests. So, even if you ask your well-networked friend who is a total supporter of you … Continue reading How to ask for an investor intro?

3 Things I learned about seed investing in 2015

Inspired by my friend and colleague Andrea Barrica, I want to reflect a bit on what I learned in 2015 about seed investing. I joined 500 Startups as an investor in April 2015, where I run the Mountain View accelerator.  Since then, I’ve led or strongly advocated for 30-40 investments, and I’ve analyzed a lot of … Continue reading 3 Things I learned about seed investing in 2015