111–120 of 237 posts
Rate of good versus bad pitches you get?
Actually, I don't see that many that are bad per se, but I don't understand or like everything I see. Lots of bad entrepreneurs have problems that prevent me from actually seeing the pitch itself anyway. I prefer to see prototypes, anyway. This keeps a LOT of crap out of the way.
Thanks for your time answering these questions.
How does a startup approach/contact you if it's looking to raise funds? I understand you don't lead the rounds, but you might potentially introduce a startup to lead investors.
A better idea would be to send it to AngelList.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Actually, I don't see that many that are bad per se, but I don't understand or like everything I see. Lots of bad entrepreneurs have problems that prevent me from actually seeing the pitch itself anyway. I prefer to see prototypes, anyway. This keeps a LOT of crap out of the way.
What are the problems with bad entrepreneurs that keep you from seeing the pitch itself? Thanks for your time answering these questions.
- will only walk me through the prototype in person.
- won't even tell me what the product does without a meeting.
- doesn't know how to communicate (way too verbose often)
- doesn't have a clear pitch to deliver
I've seen all of these.
How does a startup approach/contact you if it's looking to raise funds? I understand you don't lead the rounds, but you might potentially introduce a startup to lead investors.
Figure out my email and send it to me, but I may not respond. A better idea would be to send it to AngelList.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Not really. I wish you'd do something bigger. You certainly have what it takes. I hope appointment reminder turns into that thing. (Also, ++ for using Twilio)
I'm cautiously optimistic. Bigger, though, is just a side effect of playing a game well, not a goal I really go after for it's own sake. Pick a name out of your Rolodex, any name: I wouldn't trade my life for his for all the tea in China.
When I started delicious, I had no idea that it would someday be a company. Instead it was a thing I wanted to make. But it turned out to be very pregnant with possibility.
I'd like to see you do something that is similarly wide.
Does that make any sense?
Is a company that makes this known a turnoff for angels, as by doing so it admits it doesn't have 'everything quite worked out'?
Would you have any advice for a startup that needs advisors and experience growing a company more than it needs straight up cash? Is a company that makes this known a turnoff for angels, as by doing so it admits it doesn't have 'everything quite worked out'?
Honestly, set yourself up to make some mistakes and learn from them. Advice is rarely that useful.
If you don't need venture capital, don't raise. It sets certain expectations and puts you on a specific path.
1. You think you can make decent returns.
2. You like helping people.
3. You find it a great way to avoid getting bored.