I would not call myself a marketing expert by any reach but I’ve invested in enough companies and served on enough boards to know that if your business has a marketing component to it, how you define and report your marketing metrics can be full of pit falls. If...
Read MoreLately I’ve heard several entrepreneurs express concerns about investor rights, board seats and other terms that are typical in investment agreements. I’ve even heard a speaker warn entrepreneurs at a startup event not to allow early stage investors any representation on their board because they, “Should not have to give up control of their venture.” This seemed like a good time to set the record straight about proper startup governances and oversight for early-stage companies. Despite the occasional angel investor who thinks putting a little money into your venture gives him or her management decision-making authority, professional fund managers...
Read MoreLately I’ve heard several entrepreneurs express concerns about investor rights, board seats and other terms that are typical in investment agreements. I’ve even heard a speaker warn entrepreneurs at a startup event not to allow early stage investors any representation on their board because they, “Should not have to give up control of their venture.” This seemed like a good time to set the record straight about proper startup governances and oversight for early-stage companies. Despite the occasional angel investor who thinks putting a little money into your venture gives him or her management decision-making authority, professional fund managers...
Read MoreWe’ve covered diversity in the startup community from many angles. From last week’s Google for Entrepreneurs Exchange and Black Wall Street Homecoming to the ongoing conversation about the funding gap and SOAR Triangle’s, we’re covering the evolving identity of North Carolina’s entrepreneurs. Now, we’re turning our focus to the other side of the table and women investors, from angels to institutional investors to corporate funds. First, we’ll chat with Christine Primmer, Principal at SJF Ventures, about her work and her path into investing with the bicoastal impact investment firm. Since 1999, SJF has invested in more than 50 companies with a...
Read MoreI’m going to take a few chances in this column, including the chance that I’m kind of beating a topic to death. Definitely taking a chance that some of this is going to be misunderstood. When should you look for investment in your startup? I get asked this a lot, mostly from early-stagers who are just getting off the ground and are somewhere between mockup and minimum viable product. It’s funny too, because I’d say about half the time I get asked this question, it’s from someone who is already seeking investment. And some of those people...
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