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 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST 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 PST Megan Jones, an investment banker at Hadley Partners, talks about how consolidation is a normal part of industry evolution. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/consolidation:-or-one-industry-evolution-which-often-repeats/a-00133.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/consolidation:-or-one-industry-evolution-which-often-repeats/a-00133.html Wed, 08 Sep 2010 21:16:41 PST Joe Moreno, an entrepreneur and founder of Epics3.com, talks about why you shouldn't spend too much time thinking about your company logo. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/no-one-cares-about-your-company-logo/a-00132.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/no-one-cares-about-your-company-logo/a-00132.html Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:11:47 PST Jeff Cohn, a local entrepreneurs who also has extensive experience working for angel groups and VC funds, talks about what the recently liquidity means for investors. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/angel-and-venture-capital-shareholder-liquidity/a-00131.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/angel-and-venture-capital-shareholder-liquidity/a-00131.html Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:20:04 PST Jon Funk takes a further look at the returns of Southern California IPOs, in his third and final analysis of how investors have fared in the region. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/by-the-numbers:-the-returns-from-southern-california-it-ipos-1995-2009-(part-3)/a-00130.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/by-the-numbers:-the-returns-from-southern-california-it-ipos-1995-2009-(part-3)/a-00130.html Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:51:50 PST Lee Weinberg -- a local attorney, entrepreneur, and angel investor here in Los Angeles -- comments on the cast of Jersey Shore ringing the bell at the NYSE last week. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/jersey-shore-cast-rings-bell-at-nyse:-signaling-a-new-american-(market)-low/a-00129.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/jersey-shore-cast-rings-bell-at-nyse:-signaling-a-new-american-(market)-low/a-00129.html Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:23:52 PST Michael Terpin, of SocialRadius, asks where all the social media IPOs are? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/where-are-the-social-media-ipos/a-00128.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/where-are-the-social-media-ipos/a-00128.html Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:13:25 PST Ryan Born, the founder and CEO of Los Angeles Startup AudioMicro, gives tips and hints on attracting traffic to your website. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-3-ways-to-get-traffic-to-your-website-/a-00127.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-3-ways-to-get-traffic-to-your-website-/a-00127.html Wed, 28 Jul 2010 11:21:59 PST Marc Averitt, a venture capitalist at Okapi Ventures and "recovering attorney", gives some hints and tips about choosing an attorney for your startup. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/choose-counsel-carefully/a-00126.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/choose-counsel-carefully/a-00126.html Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:09:51 PST Jason Nazar, CEO and co-founder of Docstoc, give his top ten tips for business development in the online world. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/business-development-advice-(for-the-online-world)/a-00125.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/business-development-advice-(for-the-online-world)/a-00125.html Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:58:21 PST Nicole Jordan, who has been instrumental in bringing together the Los Angeles technology industry over the last few years, talks about the issues that come when a CEO is out of sync with their target market and the media, and how PR pros deal with it. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/when-the-ceo-gets-in-the-way/a-00124.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/when-the-ceo-gets-in-the-way/a-00124.html Thu, 17 Jun 2010 14:05:24 PST Jeffrey Swartz takes a look at the overwhelming flood of social media, and how to deal with it. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/im-drowning-in-social-media-and-going-down-for-the-count/a-00123.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/im-drowning-in-social-media-and-going-down-for-the-count/a-00123.html Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:04:51 PST Earlier this year, socalTECH.com profiled a study of the financial outcomes of 700+ southern California IT startups from 1995-2009, and how they have created value for investors. Jon Funk, the author of the study, profiled the outcomes of southern California IT IPO's from 1995-1998, and described a simple arithmetic proxy to approximate the eventual potential return to pre-IPO shareholders, including venture capital firms. This Insights and Opinions column is the second in the series and looks at the same category of IPO's for the period 1999-2000. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/by-the-numbers:-the-returns-from-southern-california-it-ipos-1995-2009-(part-2)/a-00122.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/by-the-numbers:-the-returns-from-southern-california-it-ipos-1995-2009-(part-2)/a-00122.html Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:21:20 PST Angel investor Frank Peters, of the Frank Peters show. Frank talks about mixer events, such the Open Angel Forums from Jason Calacanis, and similar entrepreneur mixers from the Tech Coast Angels--and how to best take advantage of them. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-network-in-10-easy-steps/a-00121.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-network-in-10-easy-steps/a-00121.html Fri, 11 Jun 2010 09:03:07 PST Social media strategist Drew Mehl, who talks about why social media is so important in today's high tech world. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/social-media-goes-medieval/a-00120.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/social-media-goes-medieval/a-00120.html Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:29:18 PST Lee Weinberg takes on the idea of equity grants and how they're used in the high tech world. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/stock-plans:-give-the-people-what-they-want/a-00119.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/stock-plans:-give-the-people-what-they-want/a-00119.html Wed, 26 May 2010 09:20:26 PST Tony Karrer, CEO and CTO of TechEmpower, gives some hints and tips about finding technical developers in Los Angeles. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/finding-developers-is-tough-again/a-00118.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/finding-developers-is-tough-again/a-00118.html Thu, 20 May 2010 10:09:23 PST Frank Peters gives his top 10 ways you can win a business plan competition. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/top-10-ways-to-win-a-business-plan-competition/a-00117.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/top-10-ways-to-win-a-business-plan-competition/a-00117.html Wed, 19 May 2010 11:58:30 PST Dave Berkus, an angel investor, talks about how to structure equity ownership in your startup. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/equity-is-the-currency-of-early-stage-businesses/a-00116.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/equity-is-the-currency-of-early-stage-businesses/a-00116.html Wed, 12 May 2010 12:25:56 PST Aaron continues his description of "The Hook," and why it is important when you're pitching investors. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-hook,-part-2/a-00115.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-hook,-part-2/a-00115.html Tue, 11 May 2010 16:07:14 PST Aaron Fyke, who has been a clean technology insider and investor for many years, gives his take on how you should be pitching your firm--and why "the hook" is important. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-hook/a-00114.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-hook/a-00114.html Mon, 10 May 2010 14:05:12 PST Joe Platnick, a member of the Pasadena Angels, addresses that issue of less-than-desirable angel investors. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/angels-behaving-badly/a-00113.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/angels-behaving-badly/a-00113.html Tue, 04 May 2010 14:41:26 PST Recently, the U.S. Department of Labor indicated that it is cracking down on the use of unpaid interns, saying that the practice is a violation of minimum wage laws and other requirements. Robin D. Richards, Chairman and CEO of Internships.com -- and a successful Southern California serial entrepreneur and investor -- addresses the issue in this open letter on Paid Versus Unpaid Internships. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/open-letter-on-paid-versus-unpaid-internships/a-00112.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/open-letter-on-paid-versus-unpaid-internships/a-00112.html Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:17:33 PST On March 10, socalTECH.com profiled a study of the financial outcomes of 700+ southern California IT startups from 1995-2009, and how they have created value for investors. Jon Funk, the author of the study, delves further into how IPOs in the region have done. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/by-the-numbers:-the-returns-from-southern-california-it-ipos-1995-2009/a-00111.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/by-the-numbers:-the-returns-from-southern-california-it-ipos-1995-2009/a-00111.html Mon, 05 Apr 2010 06:03:53 PST With a nod to Garage Venture's Guy Kawasaki and his Top Ten Lies of Venture Capitalists, Frank Peters offers his Top Ten Lies Angels Tell. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/top-ten-lies-angels-tell/a-00110.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/top-ten-lies-angels-tell/a-00110.html Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:56:39 PST Dan Bliss, co-founder of Los Angeles-based Perfect Business, talks about how important passion for your business is in making your startup a success. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/do-you-want-your-startup-bad-enough/a-00109.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/do-you-want-your-startup-bad-enough/a-00109.html Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:22:20 PST Cliff Allen, founder of SureToMeet, gives a great primer on how to create, organize, and promote a networking group. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-start-a-networking-group/a-00108.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-start-a-networking-group/a-00108.html Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:34:14 PST Scott Fox, author of Internet Riches, and a frequent commentator on high tech companies, makes the argument that Twitter has "jumped the shark." http://www.socaltech.com/articles/twitter-has-jumped-the-shark/a-00107.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/twitter-has-jumped-the-shark/a-00107.html Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:48:33 PST Ryan Blair talks about entrepeneurship, and asks: Why do you want to step out on your own? Something must be driving this decision, and it's something inside you. Without a clear answer to this question, it will be nearly impossible to build a viable business. But once you determine your driver, it becomes the jumping-off point for everything that follows as you become an entrepreneur. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/finding-your-driver/a-00106.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/finding-your-driver/a-00106.html Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:23:07 PST Joe Platnick, a member of the Pasadena Angeles, outlines his list of some criteria to look at when selecting an investor. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/do-they-have-a-great-rolodex,-connections-and-advice/a-00105.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/do-they-have-a-great-rolodex,-connections-and-advice/a-00105.html Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:38:31 PST Frank Addante, CEO and Founder of Rubicon Project, talks about how he's had to change his management style, having grown his company from a small startup to a much larger team. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/get-out-of-the-office!/a-00104.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/get-out-of-the-office!/a-00104.html Tue, 16 Feb 2010 14:16:39 PST Dave Berkus, an angel investor, sums up why -- even for an angel backed firm-- taking venture capital makes a lot of sense. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/money-comes-smart-or-dumb.-find-smart./a-00103.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/money-comes-smart-or-dumb.-find-smart./a-00103.html Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:15:01 PST Jared Reitzen, CEO of Los Angeles-based MobileStorm, gives a few opinions on how to make you and your resume stand out above the crowd, when applying for a job. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/you-want-a-job/a-00102.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/you-want-a-job/a-00102.html Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:57:46 PST Mark Suster, a venture capitalist at GRP Ventures, gives his hints and tips on pitching your company to large groups. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-not-suck-at-a-group-presentation/a-00101.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-not-suck-at-a-group-presentation/a-00101.html Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:51:48 PST John Savageau, President of Pacific-Tier Communications, says that technology jobs are on a comeback--and asks companies in Southern California to put local talent back to work. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/southern-california-tech-jobs-make-a-comeback/a-00100.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/southern-california-tech-jobs-make-a-comeback/a-00100.html Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:40:57 PST Dave Berkus, an angel investor, gives a good summary and rundown of the various different places you can raise money for your business. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/raising-money-for-your-business/a-00099.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/raising-money-for-your-business/a-00099.html Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:42:45 PST Robert Kibble, Managing Partner at Mission Ventures and a Director at the National Venture Capital Association, writes on why the "Tax Extenders Bill" will stifle innovation in the U.S. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/tax-extenders-bill-will-stifle-innovation-in-the-us/a-00098.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/tax-extenders-bill-will-stifle-innovation-in-the-us/a-00098.html Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:51:34 PST Just think. Your entire collection in the sky, accessible from wherever, whenever, without the hassle of hard drives, synchronizations, or downloads. Now, just think about what happens when it all goes away, without warning. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/when-the-cloud-goes-poof.../a-00097.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/when-the-cloud-goes-poof.../a-00097.html Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:04:44 PST John Dilts, founder of the Maverick Angels, addresses what he calls the New Angel Investor Paradigm -- a different approach to angel funding -- in this piece. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-rise-of-the-new-angel-investor-paradigm/a-00096.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-rise-of-the-new-angel-investor-paradigm/a-00096.html Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:06:32 PST Angel investor Dave Berkus, gives his list of ten factors to see if the vision for your technology might be attractive to customers or investors. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/ten-vision-tests-for-success/a-00095.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/ten-vision-tests-for-success/a-00095.html Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:39:50 PST Scott Edward Walker, a corporate attorny, gives 10 tips for entrepreneurs looking to buy a distressed business. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/buying-a-distressed-business:-10-tips-for-entrepreneurs/a-00094.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/buying-a-distressed-business:-10-tips-for-entrepreneurs/a-00094.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:33:07 PST Andy Wilson, of Momentum Venture Partners, takes on Wil Schroter's earlier post and says there is a deep freeze in venture investing; and in fact, we're in the middle of a nuclear winter. Wilson talks about the environment, and what to do about it. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/in-the-midst-of-the-nuclear--winter/a-00093.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/in-the-midst-of-the-nuclear--winter/a-00093.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 08:54:59 PST Wil Schroter is the CEO and founder of Santa Monica-based Affordit, and founded Go Big Network, an online community for entrepreneurs. He recently landed a round of funding, and talks about how he managed to raise a round of funding in this economy, and why. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-i-got-investors-to-write-checks-this-year/a-00092.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-i-got-investors-to-write-checks-this-year/a-00092.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:23:52 PST In September of 2008, due to the financial meltdown, a "VC Ice Age" set in, which stalled out venture activity in the mraket. Mark Suster, a venture capitalist at GRP Partners, says that the "ice age" has started to thaw. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-great-vc-ice-age-is-thawing-(for-now)-/a-00089.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the-great-vc-ice-age-is-thawing-(for-now)-/a-00089.html Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:25:34 PST Serena Ehrlich, SVP Social Media at Startup Army, gives a quick primer on using social media to promote your startup. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-use-social-media-to-find-prospects...-or-sell-a-house.../a-00091.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how-to-use-social-media-to-find-prospects...-or-sell-a-house.../a-00091.html Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:49:46 PST Scott Edward Walker, an attorney at Walker Corporate Law Group, outlines five of the common mistakes he sees entrepreneurs making while negotiating a deal. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/five-basic-mistakes-entrepreneurs-make-in-dealmaking-/a-00090.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/five-basic-mistakes-entrepreneurs-make-in-dealmaking-/a-00090.html Thu, 08 Oct 2009 05:42:51 PST Frank Peters, of the Frank Peters Show, interviews John Dilts of angel group the Maverick Angels. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/frank-peters-interviews-john-dilts/a-00088.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/frank-peters-interviews-john-dilts/a-00088.html Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:26:30 PST This post discusses the five most common mistakes entrepreneurs make in raising capital: (i) playing securities lawyer; (ii) selling securities to non-"accredited investors"; (iii) advertising or soliciting investors; (iv) using an unregistered finder to sell securities; and (v) selling preferred stock to angel investors. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/five-common-mistakes-entrepreneurs-make-in-raising-capital/a-00087.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/five-common-mistakes-entrepreneurs-make-in-raising-capital/a-00087.html Thu, 24 Sep 2009 10:48:40 PST Tracy Olmstead Williams, gives companies advice on how to take command in the new world of social media. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/social-media:-you-at-the-helm-of-your-own-new-starship-/a-00086.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/social-media:-you-at-the-helm-of-your-own-new-starship-/a-00086.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:58:17 PST