Investing
Why You Will Fail When Raising Money
Maureen Farrell, 06.29.09, 7:10 PM ET
Steve Rosenbaum was ecstatic. Three years ago, the former Hollywood TV producer nabbed a chance to pitch his start-up, Magnify.net, a user-generated video-sharing Web site, to a group of interested investors.
The group shook hands and loosened up by sharing stories of mutual acquaintances. They chatted about baseball, New York [...]
How to maximize your company’s valuation
South Florida Business Journal – by Bruce Rector
As an owner or manager of a middle-market company, you may think that the only impact of the recent turmoil in the capital markets is your relationship with your local banker and his willingness to lend to your company.
While that relationship may well have been affected, [...]
In Pitching to Angel Investors, Preparation Tops Zeal
By BRENT BOWERS
FOR entrepreneurs hoping to land start-up capital from angel investors, here’s what two recent studies found: Don’t get carried away when you pitch your product because the investors may lose interest faster than you can say “almost unlimited market.”
And one misstep — like stammering a vague reply instead of saying you do not [...]
The Start-up Guru: Y Combinator's Paul Graham
Paul Graham’s business school and investment fund, Y Combinator, has launched 145 companies — for a lot less money than you would think
Of all the things that Paul Graham hates about running a start-up — and there’s not a whole lot about it that he likes — the customers bug him the most. Everyone has [...]
Venture capitalists worry: Are we stunting companies?
By Matt Marshall for Venture Beat
Chris Shipley and I hosted a breakfast last week with 16 leading Silicon Valley investors about the state of the start-up community.
It was frank and engaging.
Some participants requested their comments remain off the record. Below are summaries of some of the remarks of participants who agreed to be referenced.
Here are [...]
Entrepreneurs, be careful when selling business
Commentary by Jeff Cornwall
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009905110317
There appears to be an increase in the number of entrepreneurs selling their businesses over the past few months. Financially strong companies and cash-rich investors looking for good acquisitions are starting to move into the market.
Just having assets such as buildings, land, equipment and even inventory is not what creates value. Those [...]
Buffett on "Having a lot of Money"
“It’s nice to have a lot of money, but you know, you don’t want to keep it around forever,” Buffett said. “I prefer buying things. Otherwise, it’s a little like saving sex for your old age.”
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After the Bank Failure Comes the Debt Collector
By ERIC LIPTON
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Rick Williamson, a Chicago banker turned junk-loan buyer, knew the name-calling would start again when he moved to foreclose on the Fayetteville Athletic Club, a sprawling, family-run gym and spa complex in this corner of northwest Arkansas.
“Vulture, bottom feeder,” Mr. Williamson said, recalling insults thrown his way during his years [...]