Blog entries

The Executive Summary....

Michael Derikrava — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:11:58 +0100

The Executive Summary

Every entrepreneur has heard of the executive summary. It is the device they use to “sell” their idea (and themselves) to prospective investors.

So what is an executive summary exactly? Is there some format we should follow? What information should be included? Do we hire someone to make this for us?

If you have visited enough investor websites (angels and VCs us...

Tips on interacting with an investor

Michael Derikrava — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:09:03 +0100

I saw these posted on a VC's blog, this was writting by the current fund manager who used to be a serial entrepreneur.

I thought it was worth the read, enjoy!

Suggestions on Interacting with VCs

Given that context on what it’s like to be on the inside of a VC firm, here are some things I wish I had understood when I pitched myself.

1. Be human; be yourself. Be prepared and have a pitch, but be willing to go off script. Talk about the parts...

What are we looking for?

Michael Derikrava — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:32:18 +0100

What are we looking for?

I can’t say that every investor is the same; we all have different backgrounds, specialties, and experiences that sway our investing preferences. I would argue that a majority of angel investors look at technology/medical technology based companies that address a real and existing problem. Too often we see ideas that sound great in theory but they currently have no demand. We want to see a company that is solv...

Start-up Red Flags

Michael Derikrava — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Here is a list of some big red flags that I think a lot of investors try to avoid. Here are a few of the bigger ones:

1. We have a great idea, but we have no clue how to monetize our product/service!

What is Angel Investing?

Angel investors are entities that provide capital for a start-up in exchange for convertible debt or equity. Angels are typically a single individual investing versus a venture capitalist that generally has several investors in the fund. The angel investor generally provides funding in between the “friends and family” phase and the venture capital phase. Most angel investo...

4 Success Tips for Older Entrepreneurs

James Tomerson — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 20:53:26 +0100

It is interesting to note that, between 1996 and 2007, Americans aged between 55 and 64 showed a higher rate of entrepreneurial activity as compared to those falling into the age group of 20 t0 34. It’s true that entrepreneurs need to be energetic, dynamic and risk-takers to start a new business venture and become successful. There are multiple examples where old entrepreneurs have shown that success can be achieved even at the age of 50-60. How do older entrepreneurs become successful ...

Startup Financing: Getting Your Business off the Ground

James Tomerson — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:25:05 +0100

To advance an idea, start-ups and early stage companies need a first round of financing, termed as startup financing. There are various financial resources that entrepreneurs can benefit from for the initial infusion of money. Whichever type of business you start, you can do some research on your own to find these resources. Though these resources of financing are available almost everywhere, you may find it a little difficult to locate them.

Cost
Startup financing can be categori...

Entrepreneurs: Tips to Start a New Business

James Tomerson — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:47:48 +0100

You must have heard about many entrepreneurial success stories. Entrepreneurs who start a new business may face two scenarios – little industry knowledge and little business know-how. However, your entrepreneurial venture can prove to be successful if you equip yourself with some essential tips. You need not be discouraged to start a business if you do no have strong industry knowledge or business know-how. Many such start-ups have tasted success. Below, we talk about some of the most i...

4 Essential Tips for Launching Your Business Website

James Tomerson — Sun, 30 May 2010 04:00:00 +0100

If you are starting a new venture, it is of utmost importance to launch a business website. For launching a business website successfully, you need to do some planning in advance. Considering the competition in the dotcom industry, it is essential to equip yourself with some important tips that will guarantee the success of your launch. Given below are 4 essential tips that will ensure you launch your business website successfully.

Selecting an appropriate domain name
The very fir...