http://www.socaltech.com/Startup Insights and Opinions from Southern California's Technology Community en-us Copyright 2007 SOCALTECH LLC http://www.socaltech.com/logo.gif http://www.socaltech.com/Insights David Ehrenberg talks about the most important financial items that startup entrepreneurs ought to be tracking. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-most-important-financial-items-entrepreneurs-should-track/a-00233.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-most-important-financial-items-entrepreneurs-should-track/a-00233.html Fri, 17 May 2013 16:44:09 PDT Ivan Nikkhoo of Siemer & Associates talks about the challenges of raising growth capital. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/raising-growth-capital/a-00232.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/raising-growth-capital/a-00232.html Wed, 15 May 2013 13:59:29 PDT Gaurav Krishan, an attorney with Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP discusses under what circumstances noncompete covenanants are enforceable under California law. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/under-what-circumstances-are-noncompete-covenants-enforceable-under-california-law/a-00231.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/under-what-circumstances-are-noncompete-covenants-enforceable-under-california-law/a-00231.html Fri, 10 May 2013 14:53:41 PDT How do you raise money, if you're not in one of the big venture capital centers? Mark Suster of GRP Partners gives some tips. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-raise-money-when-you’re-not-in-a-major-vc-market/a-00230.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-raise-money-when-you’re-not-in-a-major-vc-market/a-00230.html Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:20 PDT 40 years ago, the mobile phone was invented. What's next now? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/in-40-years,-the-mobile-phone-transformed-the-world.-whats-next/a-00229.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/in-40-years,-the-mobile-phone-transformed-the-world.-whats-next/a-00229.html Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:04:13 PDT What would you do if a key employee walked away or was hit by a bus? Dave Berkus talks about why it's important to document the "tribal knowledge" in your company. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/document-your-tribal-knowledge/a-00228.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/document-your-tribal-knowledge/a-00228.html Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:20:01 PDT David Ehrenberg talks about some of the positive aspects of bootstrapping your startup. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/why-you-should-bootstrap-your-startup/a-00227.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/why-you-should-bootstrap-your-startup/a-00227.html Fri, 01 Mar 2013 05:38:49 PDT Sean Callahan, author of Startup Field Guide, Mistakes To Avoid, Tips to Get Ahead, gives 13 tips for technology founders in Southern California. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/13-tips-for-tech-startup-founders/a-00226.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/13-tips-for-tech-startup-founders/a-00226.html Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:34:42 PDT Ron McElroy of RealOfficeCenters talks about why Silicon Beach is flourishing. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/why-silicon-beach-is-flourishing/a-00225.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/why-silicon-beach-is-flourishing/a-00225.html Wed, 20 Feb 2013 07:56:55 PDT Author and former IT executive Janet Pucino explains why doing your best work every day is the key to success. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/for-success,-do-your-best-work,-every-day/a-00224.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/for-success,-do-your-best-work,-every-day/a-00224.html Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:44:27 PDT Eric Koester, cofounder of Zaarly, talks about how one serendipitous weekend ended up in founding their company. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/keeping-your-eyes-open-for-the-people-youll-meet/a-00223.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/keeping-your-eyes-open-for-the-people-youll-meet/a-00223.html Thu, 31 Jan 2013 15:48:08 PDT John Shiple, a technology consultant to CEOs, helps outline some of the key steps that are required to improve the communications between CEOs and CTOs. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/turbo-charging-your-cto/a-00222.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/turbo-charging-your-cto/a-00222.html Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:12:35 PDT Steve Goldstein, of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles LLP talks about some of the legal issues video game developers might run into working for clients. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/navigating-the-waters-of-work-for-hire/a-00221.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/navigating-the-waters-of-work-for-hire/a-00221.html Fri, 25 Jan 2013 15:39:04 PDT Tony Karrer talks about the difference between startup mentors and advisors, and how to find them. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/startup-mentors/a-00220.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/startup-mentors/a-00220.html Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:30:34 PDT David Ehrenberg talks about five things NOT to do when trying to raise startup funding. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/5-"donts"-for-raising-startup-funds/a-00219.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/5-"donts"-for-raising-startup-funds/a-00219.html Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:07:05 PDT Michael Terpin talks about the latest fake press release scandal at Google/ICOA/PRweb, and gives some perspective. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/fake-press-releases:-what-have-we-learned-in-the-past-twelve-years/a-00218.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/fake-press-releases:-what-have-we-learned-in-the-past-twelve-years/a-00218.html Mon, 03 Dec 2012 06:00:37 PDT How do you find a startup that will succeed? Nick Hulse gives some tips. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/whats-preventing-you-from-finding-and-joining-start-ups-that-will-succeed/a-00217.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/whats-preventing-you-from-finding-and-joining-start-ups-that-will-succeed/a-00217.html Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:12:46 PDT Your employees, your shareholders, your customers, and your suppliers are all driven by one question: what's in it for me? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/whats-in-it-for-me/a-00216.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/whats-in-it-for-me/a-00216.html Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:41:14 PDT Mark Suster, blogger and venture capitalist, gives a frank and honest view of what entrepreneurship is really like. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/entrepreneurship:-what-its-really-like/a-00215.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/entrepreneurship:-what-its-really-like/a-00215.html Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:26:00 PDT Louis Wharton, Partner with Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP gives a brief primer on anti-dilution protection. Louis's practice focuses on advising startup, emerging growth and middle market companies across a spectrum of industries in securities compliance, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and general corporate matters. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a-primer-on-anti-dilution/a-00214.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a-primer-on-anti-dilution/a-00214.html Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:39:41 PDT Steve Reich, an angel investor and entrepreneur, talks about how having a engaging story is important to fundraising. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/storytelling-and-startup-fundraising/a-00213.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/storytelling-and-startup-fundraising/a-00213.html Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:56:30 PDT Sean Greaney, attorney with Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP gives an informative introduction to Restricted Stock for startup companies. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/founder-restricted-stock-101/a-00212.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/founder-restricted-stock-101/a-00212.html Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:35:09 PDT Dave Berkus, author and angel investor, asks: is it ever okay to tell a little business lie? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/can-you-just-tell-little-business-lies/a-00211.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/can-you-just-tell-little-business-lies/a-00211.html Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:09:41 PDT Gaurav Krishan, attorney with Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP gives a brief introduction to 83(b) Elections for startup companies. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/an-introduction-to-83(b)-elections/a-00210.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/an-introduction-to-83(b)-elections/a-00210.html Fri, 12 Oct 2012 11:32:32 PDT Greg Akselrud, Chair of the Internet, New Media & Entertainment Practice Group at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP discusses the difference between co-marketing and a joint venture, and the benefits and risks involved with each. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/co-marketing-or-joint-venture/a-00209.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/co-marketing-or-joint-venture/a-00209.html Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:29:28 PDT Alex Quilici, CEO of YouMail, talks about how his company handles bad reviews in the app stores. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/everybodys-a-critic:--how-developers-can-be-proactive-in-policing-reviews/a-00208.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/everybodys-a-critic:--how-developers-can-be-proactive-in-policing-reviews/a-00208.html Thu, 04 Oct 2012 12:50:16 PDT John Greathouse has some advice for entrepeneurs who are interested in politics: just shutup and sell. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/shutup-and-sell:-entrepreneurs-shouldnt-discuss-religion,-politics-or-sex(ual-orientation)/a-00207.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/shutup-and-sell:-entrepreneurs-shouldnt-discuss-religion,-politics-or-sex(ual-orientation)/a-00207.html Tue, 02 Oct 2012 13:17:12 PDT Jonathan Hodes, an attorney at Stubbs Alderton & Markiles LLP, talks about the steps you need to do to position your company for a sale. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-position-your-company-for-a-sale/a-00206.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-position-your-company-for-a-sale/a-00206.html Tue, 25 Sep 2012 13:28:49 PDT Dave Berkus asks: should you allows follow the advice of your board members? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/do-you-always-follow-the-advice-of-your-board/a-00205.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/do-you-always-follow-the-advice-of-your-board/a-00205.html Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:41:49 PDT Steve Reich talks about how to handle VC rejection, and the story of how one startup founder reacted. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/they-just-didnt-get-it:-vc-rejection/a-00204.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/they-just-didnt-get-it:-vc-rejection/a-00204.html Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:13:24 PDT Miron Lulic, co-founder of Swagsy, share the ups and downs his startup had in raising outside funding. Lulic shares his advice with other aspiring entrepreneurs. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-we-raised-our-first-$100k/a-00203.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-we-raised-our-first-$100k/a-00203.html Tue, 21 Aug 2012 14:14:53 PDT Megan Lisa Jones, an investment banking vet, comments on the travails of Facebook, and its stock price and life as a public company. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/facebook,-revisited/a-00202.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/facebook,-revisited/a-00202.html Mon, 13 Aug 2012 12:57:54 PDT Steve Reich, an angel investor at the Pasadena Angels, talks about the weird relationship between local angels and accelerators. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-odd-couple:-angels-and-accelerators/a-00201.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-odd-couple:-angels-and-accelerators/a-00201.html Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:29:21 PDT Howard Marks, founder of startup accelerator StartEngine, and co-founder of Activision, talks about why universities should help encourage entrepreneurship. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/experience-is-the-best-teacher/a-00200.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/experience-is-the-best-teacher/a-00200.html Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:01:57 PDT Matt Fitz-Henry, a marketer at local digital agency HYFN, speculates on the shape of the social media marketing landscape after Salesforce.com's movement into the market via Buddy Media. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/social-at-scale-/a-00199.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/social-at-scale-/a-00199.html Wed, 11 Jul 2012 16:11:25 PDT It was a rough weekend for the cloud, with an outage over at Amazon Web Services, plus a leap second bug. Steve Zivanic, at San Diego's Nirvanix, makes the case for avoiding those issues. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/aws:-time-for-a-multi-vendor-cloud-strategy/a-00198.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/aws:-time-for-a-multi-vendor-cloud-strategy/a-00198.html Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:01:48 PDT Investment banker Megan Lisa Jones talks about the issues behind the Facebook IPO. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a-contrarians-viewpoint-on-the-facebook-ipo/a-00197.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a-contrarians-viewpoint-on-the-facebook-ipo/a-00197.html Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:59:33 PDT Attorney Matt Crowley, author of Getting Into The game, talks about how to network with investors and others who can help you raise money. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/learning-how-to-meet-investors-and-people-who-can-help-you-raise-money/a-00196.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/learning-how-to-meet-investors-and-people-who-can-help-you-raise-money/a-00196.html Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:01:19 PDT Need to accelerate your career or success? Nick Hulse has some advice: find a mentor! http://www.socaltech.com/articles/find-a-mentor/a-00195.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/find-a-mentor/a-00195.html Tue, 12 Jun 2012 10:52:36 PDT Howard Marks, the co-founder of Activision and co-chair of accelerator StartEngine asks: why is there a discount for being in Los Angeles as a startup? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-la-discount/a-00194.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-la-discount/a-00194.html Fri, 01 Jun 2012 12:32:09 PDT Frank Addante tells how a "not right now" list really helps him prioritize his day. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/long-to-do-list-make-a-not-right-now-list/a-00193.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/long-to-do-list-make-a-not-right-now-list/a-00193.html Tue, 29 May 2012 06:00:34 PDT Stanley Holt, now head of a company with operations in both China and Southern California, talks about the dynamics of doing business in China. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/targeting-china---notes-from-a-new-china-hand/a-00192.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/targeting-china---notes-from-a-new-china-hand/a-00192.html Wed, 23 May 2012 17:15:28 PDT Scott Thompson talks about why those in sales and marketing need to learn what they should NOT be doing. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/in-sales-or-marketing-focus...-and-throw-out-the-laundry-list!/a-00191.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/in-sales-or-marketing-focus...-and-throw-out-the-laundry-list!/a-00191.html Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:37:35 PDT Mark Suster weighs in on whether Los Angeles should brand itself "Silicon Beach", or not. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/some-thoughts-on-branding-startups-and-communities/a-00190.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/some-thoughts-on-branding-startups-and-communities/a-00190.html Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:32:23 PDT How do you figure out if you've got a real business, or just an idea? Matt Crowley, an attorney and author of Getting Into The Game, a new guide to venture capital and angel investment, gives some guidance. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-decide-if-you-have-a-business-or-just-an-idea/a-00189.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-decide-if-you-have-a-business-or-just-an-idea/a-00189.html Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:40:56 PDT What's the key to connecting with angel investors? Steve Reich sums it up: respect and understand their culture. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-key-to-success-with-angel-investors:-respect-their-culture/a-00188.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-key-to-success-with-angel-investors:-respect-their-culture/a-00188.html Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:48:24 PDT Jon Funk, a venture capital veteran, gives five tips to keep in mind when raising capital. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/five-by-five:-considerations-for-raising-capital/a-00187.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/five-by-five:-considerations-for-raising-capital/a-00187.html Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:43:41 PDT Nick Hulse, Chief Revenue Officer at Rubicon Project, talks about how to build a customer facing team. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/building-a-team-to-win!/a-00186.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/building-a-team-to-win!/a-00186.html Thu, 01 Mar 2012 12:39:19 PDT Eric M. Jackson, CEO and co-founder of CapLinked, talks about some of the mistakes made by entrepreneurs trying to raise capital. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/5-mistakes-entrepreneurs-make-while-raising-capital/a-00185.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/5-mistakes-entrepreneurs-make-while-raising-capital/a-00185.html Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:01:57 PDT Dave Berkus, author and angel investor, tells entrepreneurs why it is important, if things don't look like they are working out, to fail fast. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/fail-fast!/a-00184.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/fail-fast!/a-00184.html Thu, 12 Jan 2012 09:18:12 PDT Forecaster Daniel Burrus talks about why gameification is changing both education and business. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/gameification:-a-rapidly-growing-hard-trend-that-will-accelerate-learning-for-both-business-and-education/a-00183.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/gameification:-a-rapidly-growing-hard-trend-that-will-accelerate-learning-for-both-business-and-education/a-00183.html Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:22:30 PDT Megan Lisa Jones, an investment banker and author, talks about the revolution in online content and how it's much like the Punk Rock revolution circa 1974. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/punk-rock-circa-2012/a-00182.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/punk-rock-circa-2012/a-00182.html Mon, 02 Jan 2012 15:11:53 PDT William Quigley, a venture capitalist at Clearstone Ventures, talks about why Idealab and Bill Gross paved the way for Southern California's technology community. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/idealab,-the-roots-of-the-socal-tech-community,-and-the-bill-gross-legacy/a-00181.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/idealab,-the-roots-of-the-socal-tech-community,-and-the-bill-gross-legacy/a-00181.html Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:40:02 PDT Tony Greenberg talks about the issues with sky high valuations. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/when-valuations-dont-actually-mean-valuable/a-00180.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/when-valuations-dont-actually-mean-valuable/a-00180.html Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:39:54 PDT Ryan Born, a Los Angeles entrepreneur, compares the many emerging accelerators, mentorship organizations, and incubators in the Los Angeles area--using NCAA Football Conferences. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/las-startups-accelerators-compared-to-ncaa-football-conferences/a-00179.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/las-startups-accelerators-compared-to-ncaa-football-conferences/a-00179.html Fri, 11 Nov 2011 06:00:21 PDT Looking to raise some funding for a concept? Not going to happen, says investment banker Megan Lisa Jones. The best think you can do, is just start something. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/start-something/a-00178.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/start-something/a-00178.html Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:37:21 PDT Dave Berkus, an angel investor, talks about leaving a legacy, and how people will remember you after your business. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/everyone-loves-to-leave-a-legacy/a-00177.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/everyone-loves-to-leave-a-legacy/a-00177.html Fri, 14 Oct 2011 06:04:57 PDT Jack K.N. Tsai, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and consultant, talks about how to deal with the dreaded disgruntled employee. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/managing-disgruntled-employees/a-00176.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/managing-disgruntled-employees/a-00176.html Tue, 04 Oct 2011 10:25:33 PDT Congress recently passed some major changes to federal patent law. To address what has changed, and how it might affect startups, Vic Lin of Innovation Law Group, contributed this article. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/what-startups-need-to-know-about-patent-reform/a-00175.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/what-startups-need-to-know-about-patent-reform/a-00175.html Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:12:34 PDT Ryan Blair, a serial entrepreneur and author, has a simple proposal for President Obama on how to create jobs. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/letter-to-president-obama:-jobs,-entrepreneurs,-and-the-simple-solution/a-00174.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/letter-to-president-obama:-jobs,-entrepreneurs,-and-the-simple-solution/a-00174.html Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:24:25 PDT Mark Suster, a venture capitalist at GRP Partners, talks about how it's important to have a wide experience and look beyond the narrow confines of your company and Silicon Valley culture. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/avoid-monoculture.-travel.-read-widely.-let-experience-be-your-compass./a-00173.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/avoid-monoculture.-travel.-read-widely.-let-experience-be-your-compass./a-00173.html Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:09:58 PDT Frank Peters opines on the unlikelihood of being acquired by Google, and why startups ought not to count on it. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/waiting-for-google/a-00172.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/waiting-for-google/a-00172.html Fri, 19 Aug 2011 08:13:22 PDT Megan Lisa Jones, an investment banker and author, talks about what people are looking for in work, and how companies can help. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/mans-search-for-meaning(ful-work)./a-00171.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/mans-search-for-meaning(ful-work)./a-00171.html Fri, 29 Jul 2011 10:42:38 PDT Ryan Born gives seven new DO's and DON'Ts for LA entrepreneurs. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/7-dos-and-5-donts-for-entrepreneurs-(la-vc-revisited)/a-00170.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/7-dos-and-5-donts-for-entrepreneurs-(la-vc-revisited)/a-00170.html Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:47:59 PDT Frank Peters, an angel investor, talks about his experience with angel group Golden Seeds. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/why-ill-never-invest-in-a-golden-seeds-deal/a-00169.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/why-ill-never-invest-in-a-golden-seeds-deal/a-00169.html Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:10:53 PDT Jeff Solomon, entrepreneur and co-founder of Leads360, tells new entrepreneurs: figure out a business model, as soon as possible. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/come-on,-man!-what-is-your-business/a-00168.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/come-on,-man!-what-is-your-business/a-00168.html Thu, 02 Jun 2011 10:36:40 PDT Philip Lieberman, president and founder of Lieberman Software, comments on Sony's catastrophic security mistakes. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/learning-from-sonys-mega-mistakes/a-00167.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/learning-from-sonys-mega-mistakes/a-00167.html Fri, 27 May 2011 14:15:53 PDT Frank Peters, angel investor and podcaster, tells new grads having a tough time finding a job: start your own company. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/grads:-save-yourself,-start-a-company/a-00166.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/grads:-save-yourself,-start-a-company/a-00166.html Wed, 25 May 2011 10:46:55 PDT Gil Elbaz, founder of Factual and Applied Semantics (the firm which became Google's AdSense), talks about entrepreneurship... http://www.socaltech.com/articles/if-it-walks-like-an-entrepreneur/a-00165.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/if-it-walks-like-an-entrepreneur/a-00165.html Tue, 24 May 2011 16:25:52 PDT Megan Lisa Jones, an investment banker and investor, talks about ten good reasons; and ten bad reasons; to start a company. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/ten-reasons-to-start-a-company;-ten-reasons-not-to/a-00164.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/ten-reasons-to-start-a-company;-ten-reasons-not-to/a-00164.html Mon, 23 May 2011 21:33:53 PDT Christopher Grey, co-founder of CapLinked, gives his top 5 reasons why entrepreneurs fail. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/top-5-reasons-entrepreneurs-fail/a-00163.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/top-5-reasons-entrepreneurs-fail/a-00163.html Thu, 19 May 2011 10:31:54 PDT Lee Weinberg -- a local attorney, entrepreneur, and angel investor here in Los Angeles -- talks about how there are two kinds of investors in the world -- those who have started a company, and haven't. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/there-are-two-kinds-of-people-in-the-world/a-00162.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/there-are-two-kinds-of-people-in-the-world/a-00162.html Thu, 19 May 2011 08:01:31 PDT Ryan Born, entrepreneur and CEO of AudioMicro, talks about why he tries every day to get rejected--as a way to learn and grow. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/every-day-i-try-and-get-rejected/a-00161.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/every-day-i-try-and-get-rejected/a-00161.html Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:36:35 PDT Neil Senturia, a serial entrepreneur and investor in San Diego at Blackbird Ventures, talks about listening to the words--but most importantly, focusing on the meaning behind those words. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/listen-to-the-words,-but-focus-on-the-meaning/a-00160.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/listen-to-the-words,-but-focus-on-the-meaning/a-00160.html Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:51:23 PDT Despite the huge email database hack this week, James Siminoff, CEO of Los Angeles Unsubscribe.com, says it doesn't make a difference anyway. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/dont-worry,-your-email-is-no-more-dangerous-today/a-00159.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/dont-worry,-your-email-is-no-more-dangerous-today/a-00159.html Tue, 05 Apr 2011 08:56:47 PDT Frank Peters, an angel investor and podcaster at the Frank Peters Show, talks about his turn towards social entrepreneurship deals. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/turning-soft-on-social-entrepreneurship/a-00158.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/turning-soft-on-social-entrepreneurship/a-00158.html Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:58:23 PDT Jason Nazar, the CEO of Santa Monica-based DocStoc, and organizer of the Startups Uncensored events, gives his summary of the challenges and opportunities of starting a startup in Los Angeles. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-challenges-(&-opportunities)-of-starting-a-tech-company-in-la-jason-nazar/a-00157.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-challenges-(&-opportunities)-of-starting-a-tech-company-in-la-jason-nazar/a-00157.html Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:09:24 PDT Megan Jones talks about the right--and wrong--way to use an introduction. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/introductions-are-a-privilege-not-a-right/a-00156.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/introductions-are-a-privilege-not-a-right/a-00156.html Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:07:48 PDT Christopher Grey, co-founder of CapLinked, talks about how to leverage your network of contacts when raising capital. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-leverage-your-network-for-raising-capital/a-00155.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-leverage-your-network-for-raising-capital/a-00155.html Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:11:52 PDT Megan Jones looks at the elephant in the room--the skyrocketing valuations of high tech companies. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/valuations-like-its-1999/a-00154.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/valuations-like-its-1999/a-00154.html Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:07:12 PDT Brian Horakh, CEO of Zoovy, a developer of e-commerce software, gives some hints and tips on creating a high barrier to entry. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/creating-high-barriers-to-entry/a-00153.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/creating-high-barriers-to-entry/a-00153.html Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:26:00 PDT Megan Lisa Jones gives a list of the fifteen things investment banker's won't tell you -- and will. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/fifteen-things-investment-bankers-wont-tell-you/a-00152.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/fifteen-things-investment-bankers-wont-tell-you/a-00152.html Thu, 03 Feb 2011 08:44:44 PDT Lloyd Krieger, a plastic surgeon, entrepreneur, and venture capital advisor, talks about how healthcare startups have to look beyond clinical efficacy, and towards milestones, timelines and budgets to accomplish their goals. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/in-the-new-world-of-healthcare-investing,-clinical-efficacy-is-the-easy-part/a-00151.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/in-the-new-world-of-healthcare-investing,-clinical-efficacy-is-the-easy-part/a-00151.html Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:33:18 PDT Jim Armstrong, a venture capitalist at Clearstone Venture Partner, responds to Ryan Born's post of finding investors in Los Angeles. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a-vcs-response-to-3-things/a-00150.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a-vcs-response-to-3-things/a-00150.html Thu, 20 Jan 2011 09:57:53 PDT Tom Tierney, an angel investor with the Tech Coast Angels, responds to Ryan Born's post about things to avoid when fundraising, with his own version. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/response-to-3-things-to-avoid-when-fundraising-in-la/a-00149.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/response-to-3-things-to-avoid-when-fundraising-in-la/a-00149.html Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:20:01 PDT Ryan Born, CEO of AudioMicro, gives a frank and blunt assessment of what to avoid when fundraising in Los Angeles. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/3-things-to-avoid-when-fundraising-in-la/a-00148.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/3-things-to-avoid-when-fundraising-in-la/a-00148.html Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:53:11 PDT Jim Armstrong, Managing Director at Clearstone Ventures, talks about the problem with super angel funding. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-problem-with-the-super-angels/a-00147.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-problem-with-the-super-angels/a-00147.html Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:46:29 PDT John Greathouse, of Rincon Venture Partners, talks about why entrepreneurs should find an investor who understands the benefits of capital efficiency. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/seek-investors-aligned-with-your-interests,-not-their-egos/a-00146.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/seek-investors-aligned-with-your-interests,-not-their-egos/a-00146.html Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:26:53 PDT Tony Greenberg, CEO of Ramprate, shares his views on what the IT and media world might bring in 2011. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a-cynic-predicts-it-and-media-in-2011/a-00145.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a-cynic-predicts-it-and-media-in-2011/a-00145.html Wed, 05 Jan 2011 11:12:55 PDT Gray DeFevere is active in serving the local technology community, is an angel investor, and also helps run one of the longest running private technology networking groups in the Los Angeles area for venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and service providers. DeFevere gives his Ten Commandments of Fundraising. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-ten-commandments-of-fundraising/a-00144.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-ten-commandments-of-fundraising/a-00144.html Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:35:10 PDT Joe Moreno provides a quick primer and his opinions on net neutrality and what it means to Internet users. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/insights-and-opinions:-net-neutrality-for-poets/a-00143.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/insights-and-opinions:-net-neutrality-for-poets/a-00143.html Tue, 21 Dec 2010 10:41:03 PDT Jeff Solomon, co-founder and Chief Evangelist at Leads360--and frequent blogger at The Complex System--gives his view on the tax cut conversation going on now in Washington. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/death-and-taxes/a-00142.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/death-and-taxes/a-00142.html Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:34:47 PDT Marc Averitt, a venture capitalist at Okapi Venture Capital, gives his thoughts on the art of leadership. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/leadership/a-00141.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/leadership/a-00141.html Fri, 12 Nov 2010 05:43:56 PDT Megan Jones, an investment banker at Hadley Partners, talks about why it's better to identify problems in a transaction early, and how to go about due diligence. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/due-diligence:-better-to-identify-problems-early-on/a-00140.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/due-diligence:-better-to-identify-problems-early-on/a-00140.html Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:58:40 PDT Jason Calacanis, CEO of Mahalo.com, host of This Week in Startups, and serial entrepreneur, talks about how having his daughter almost a year ago has changed running a startup for him. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/having-kids-and-a-startup/a-00139.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/having-kids-and-a-startup/a-00139.html Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:55:00 PDT Dustin Luther, chief storyteller and founder of social media consultancy 4realz, talks about 21 strategies for generating good search engine optimization (SEO) on your web site. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/21-strategies-for-generating-irresistible-seo-benefits/a-00138.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/21-strategies-for-generating-irresistible-seo-benefits/a-00138.html Tue, 19 Oct 2010 13:18:49 PDT Megan Jones talks about the new world of mergers and acquisitions. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/exit-strategies:-practical-realities-for-2010/a-00137.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/exit-strategies:-practical-realities-for-2010/a-00137.html Mon, 11 Oct 2010 19:04:36 PDT Jeffrey Swartz, of Daly-Swartz PR, contributes a letter to the CEO, from the customer. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/dear-ceo:-i-dont-give-two-cents-about-you-or-your-company/a-00136.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/dear-ceo:-i-dont-give-two-cents-about-you-or-your-company/a-00136.html Thu, 30 Sep 2010 13:59:47 PDT The clean technology industry in Los Angeles is poised for growth, and even more can be done to stimulate investment in Los Angeles startups, says Pepperdine's John Paglia--if spurred by entrepreneurial drive and public policy. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/vcs-planting-the-seeds-for-a-cleantech-bumper-crop-in-l.a./a-00135.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/vcs-planting-the-seeds-for-a-cleantech-bumper-crop-in-l.a./a-00135.html Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:33:56 PDT Tim Howell, of Binary Pulse Technology Marketing, gives his opinion on Google's new Google Instant search results. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/instant-reaction-to-google-instant/a-00134.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/instant-reaction-to-google-instant/a-00134.html Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:32:21 PDT