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 In the world of startup investing, Angels invariably come across a lot of great entrepreneurs that they get to know on a personal level and think the world of. Unfortunately they sometimes have to say "no" to these individual because they aren't completely comfortable with the company's market space and/or technology. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/why_saying_"no"_is_hard_for_angels/a-00078.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/why_saying_"no"_is_hard_for_angels/a-00078.html Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:26:17 PDT In this article, Peter Lee, a venture capitalist at Baroda Ventures, discusses company valuation, and what the real goal of setting a value on a company is, and should be. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/valuation_optimization_vs_maximization_-_what_is_the_real_goal/a-00077.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/valuation_optimization_vs_maximization_-_what_is_the_real_goal/a-00077.html Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:08:09 PDT Docstoc's Jason Nazar makes a proposal on how to save MySpace: He says: "MySpace has lost the battle as the 'place for friends'. If the powers that be, can accept this, and move forward with breakneck speed, they have an incredibly huge opportunity to build something we will all be talking about again." http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_to_save_myspace/a-00076.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_to_save_myspace/a-00076.html Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:43:50 PDT In this article, Peter Lee, a venture capitalist at Baroda Ventures, an early-stage investment fund in Los Angeles, helps entrepreneurs understand the importance of matching different kinds of investors and their goals with their exit outcome expectations. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/entrepreneur_and_investor_alignment/a-00075.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/entrepreneur_and_investor_alignment/a-00075.html Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:17:10 PDT Ever wanted to hear how angels think of the terms they offer and the returns they expect? And what will happen if the outcome is less than a complete success? Frank Peters, of the Frank Peters Show, talks with Angel Capital Association Chairman John Huston. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/exit_outcomes/a-00074.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/exit_outcomes/a-00074.html Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:06:05 PDT Krisztina Holly, vice-provost for innovation and executive director of the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation, talks about how business leaders could learn valuable leadership lessons from the collaborative management style at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/cerns_collaborative_management_model/a-00073.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/cerns_collaborative_management_model/a-00073.html Tue, 26 May 2009 12:15:54 PDT Frank Peters, of the Frank Peters Show, talks with UCLA's Bob Foster, about his efforts helping out entrepreneurs. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/interview_with_bob_foster,_ucla/a-00072.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/interview_with_bob_foster,_ucla/a-00072.html Fri, 17 Apr 2009 06:01:31 PDT Cathy Ashbaugh, President of Pacific Shore Resources, a local recruiting firm, gives some well timed advice on how to handle a layoff. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_to_survive_a_layoff/a-00071.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_to_survive_a_layoff/a-00071.html Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:22:35 PDT Andrew Warner, founder of Mixergy, talks with Brian Johnson, the founder of eteamz, Zaadz, and Philospher's Notes, about what he's learned in launching his three companies. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/lessons_from_launching_three_companies/a-00070.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/lessons_from_launching_three_companies/a-00070.html Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:16:59 PDT Frank Peters, chairman emeritus of the Tech Coast Angels, and podcaster, talks with Dave Ryan of Mission ventures about what's going on in venture capital in San Diego, and how the changing venture economy will affect angel investors. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/venture_capital_in_san_diego/a-00069.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/venture_capital_in_san_diego/a-00069.html Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:12:45 PDT One of the biggest questions we get from entrepreneurs is if they should be having to pay to present to angel groups. Joe Platnick, a member of the Pasadena Angels, talks about whether fees are ever appropriate to present to an angel investors group. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/angel_investors_-_do_they_charge_fees/a-00068.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/angel_investors_-_do_they_charge_fees/a-00068.html Fri, 06 Mar 2009 05:48:26 PDT Americans are dealing with the worst financial and economic trouble in decades-and, unfortunately, it's going to get worse before it gets better (sorry!) Why then, you might ask, will this ultimately be a good and healthy thing for us, i.e., the 'us' that decides to take advantage of it? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/using_the_economic_trouble_to_your_advantage/a-00067.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/using_the_economic_trouble_to_your_advantage/a-00067.html Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:50:36 PDT Nicole Jordan, who has been instrumental in bringing together the Los Angeles technology industry, gives startup CEOs a primer on what to expect from their PR efforts--and why it takes time. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_slow_build/a-00066.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_slow_build/a-00066.html Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:08:17 PDT John Greathouse, a partner at Rincon Venture Partners, tells why a downturn is a great time to start a company, and why it shouldn't matter what the economy looks like in the first place: Attempting to determine the perfect time to enter the startup market, whether by starting or joining an venture, is akin to trying to time the financial markets. Those who attempt to do so find it is a consistently doomed strategy. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/starting_up_in_a_downturn/a-00065.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/starting_up_in_a_downturn/a-00065.html Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:56:48 PDT Frank Peters, chairman emeritus of the Tech Coast Angels, and podcaster, talks with John Taylor, VP of Research at the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) about the stresses on the venture capital industry today. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_stresses_on_venture_capital/a-00064.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_stresses_on_venture_capital/a-00064.html Wed, 18 Feb 2009 09:13:02 PDT John McKee, a Los Angeles resident and former executive at DirecTV, is an author and business coach. In this article, he gives seven tips to the currently unemployed on how to persevere through - and even make the most of - this difficult time. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/7_tips_to_help_jobless_americans__persevere_make_the_most_of_being_unemployed/a-00063.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/7_tips_to_help_jobless_americans__persevere_make_the_most_of_being_unemployed/a-00063.html Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:26:36 PDT Frank Peters, chairman emeritus of the Tech Coast Angels, and podcaster at the Frank Peters show, looks at the angel investing business and thinks about how to optimize the screening process to respond to the weakened economy and the corresponding lack of capital. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/screening_for_success/a-00062.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/screening_for_success/a-00062.html Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:59:19 PDT Krisztina "Z" Holly, the Vice Provost for Innovation at the University of Southern California and Executive Director for the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation, ponders the mass extinction of U.S. auto companies, and looks at how natural evolution might be applied to economics. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_innovation_ecosystem/a-00061.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_innovation_ecosystem/a-00061.html Thu, 05 Feb 2009 06:03:45 PDT Aaron Fyke, who was most recently a partner at Australia's biggest clean technology venture firm, and is now in Pasadena, gives some thoughts about what kinds of startup companies succeed, what kinds raise funding, and more. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/two_types_of_companies/a-00060.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/two_types_of_companies/a-00060.html Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:04:57 PDT Mixergy's Andrew Warner talks with Professor David Kirsch, founder of the Dot Com Archive, about some lessons that can be learned from the 1990's Internet bubble. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/5_survival_lessons_from_the_dot_com_bubble/a-00059.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/5_survival_lessons_from_the_dot_com_bubble/a-00059.html Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:59:42 PDT Janine Davis, of Technical Connections, gives some insight into today's job market. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_state_of_technical_recruiting_in_the_los_angeles_area/a-00058.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_state_of_technical_recruiting_in_the_los_angeles_area/a-00058.html Thu, 29 Jan 2009 05:46:11 PDT Jeff Cohn is a Los Angeles-based venture consultant, who helps source investment opportunities for San Francisco-based MHS Capital. Jeff shares some of his thoughts on how the incoming Obama administration can help create jobs. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/10_ways_president_obama_can_help_create_jobs/a-00057.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/10_ways_president_obama_can_help_create_jobs/a-00057.html Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:00:58 PDT Frank Peters, of the Frank Peters Show and former chairman of the Tech Coast Angels, talks with angel investors Dave Berkus, John Filla, and Bill Payne about pay-to-play, down rounds, liquidation preferences, and other terms, as the angels make their 2009 predictions. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/2009_angel_predictions/a-00056.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/2009_angel_predictions/a-00056.html Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:06:32 PDT Jason Nazar, CEO of Beverly Hills-based DocStoc, gives his advice on The 7 ways to Get Traffic on the Web. Nazar says: "Driving traffic to your website is a formula that can be reverse engineered. Other than paying for traffic with advertising, there are only so many ways to get people to show up at your door." http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_7_ways_to_get_traffic_on_the_web/a-00055.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_7_ways_to_get_traffic_on_the_web/a-00055.html Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:08:15 PDT Frank Peters, of the Frank Peters Show and former chairman of the Tech Coast Angels, talks with Jim Armstrong of Clearstone Ventures about the venture capital market and perspectives on how the economy is affecting the high tech and venture capital market. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/trouble_in_venture_capital/a-00054.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/trouble_in_venture_capital/a-00054.html Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:25:48 PDT In what looks to be a very tough year for finding venture and angel funding, lots of startups are looking to bootstrapping as a way to fund their businesses. One of the more successful firms to use the approach--before it was fashionable--was 37Signals. Andrew Warner of Mixergy talks with Jason Fried about their hints and tips on bootstrapping. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/bootstrapping_lessons_from_37_signals/a-00053.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/bootstrapping_lessons_from_37_signals/a-00053.html Wed, 31 Dec 2008 22:39:10 PDT John Greathouse, a partner at Rincon Venture Partners, gives startup entrepreneurs some key insights into advisors, advisory agreements, and how to make sure business advisors are valuable to your firm. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/properly_compensating_entrepreneurial_advisors/a-00052.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/properly_compensating_entrepreneurial_advisors/a-00052.html Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:42:32 PDT Andrew Warner, founder of Mixergy, gives the tips and hints on funding he gathered from Adeo Ressi, of The Funded. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/tips_on_funding_from_adeo_ressi/a-00051.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/tips_on_funding_from_adeo_ressi/a-00051.html Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:57:55 PDT With the down-turn of the local and national economy, there has been a shift in the Los Angeles commercial real estate market. Jake Bobek and Scott Steuber of Cushman & Wakefield give companies a few hints and tips on how to take advantage of the market conditions. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/market_shift_will_create_opportunities_for_tech_companies_in_2009/a-00050.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/market_shift_will_create_opportunities_for_tech_companies_in_2009/a-00050.html Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:06:27 PDT "With a name like Smucker's, it has to be good." Really? I would think that with a name like Smucker's it has to be a vile disease or possibly a large, poisonous, South American leech. If "Smucker's" can be slapped on food and annually generate billions of sales, chances are that your company name, no matter how mediocre, will not preclude you from achieving significant success. Thus, join the ranks of Yahoo, Google, Amazon, eBay, Cisco and Microsoft and focus your limited time and resources on perfecting your customer value proposition, not on devising an ideal company name. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/lousy_products_might_break_your_bones_-_but_a_name_will_seldom_hurt_you/a-00049.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/lousy_products_might_break_your_bones_-_but_a_name_will_seldom_hurt_you/a-00049.html Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:54:09 PDT California's economy is at war with itself. Like the Civil War almost 150 years ago, the factions are split geographically, but this time, the two sides are Northern California and Southern California-more particularly, Silicon Valley and Los Angeles. This battle turns on whether it's true that "content is king," as many people believe, or whether content is becoming a mere commoner while the technologies that distribute it become ever more valuable. The outcome of this struggle may determine the future of the entertainment industry. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/hollywood_under_siege/a-00048.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/hollywood_under_siege/a-00048.html Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:59:56 PDT William Quigley, a venture capitalist at Clearstone Venture Partners, counters the latest fear and doom attitude within the high tech community with this this editorial, entitled "Remaining objective when fear is in the air". http://www.socaltech.com/articles/remaining_objective_when_fear_is_in_the_air/a-00047.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/remaining_objective_when_fear_is_in_the_air/a-00047.html Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:17:52 PDT Jared Reitzen is CEO of Los Angeles-based MobileStorm, and gives six tips that can help your business through challenging times like we're seeing today in the markets. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/economic_crisis:_what_to_do/a-00046.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/economic_crisis:_what_to_do/a-00046.html Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:27:07 PDT John Greathouse, a partner at Rincon Venture Partners, gives some of his hints and tips of working with corporate investors (or, as he calls them, Big Dumb Corporate Investors). http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_entrepreneurs_can_get_the_love_without_a_bear_hug/a-00045.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_entrepreneurs_can_get_the_love_without_a_bear_hug/a-00045.html Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:58:19 PDT Parables, cliches, and axioms are wonderful things. They tend to exist because they tend to reflect generalities that have been tried and tested through time. So, it goes without saying that the tortoise does win the race against the hare, and the guy who doesn't have first mover advantage tends to have the best shot at avoiding the mistakes, and expectations, of the guy who jumped to market first. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/dont_look_for_first_mover_advantage/a-00044.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/dont_look_for_first_mover_advantage/a-00044.html Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:48:15 PDT Frank Peters, of the Tech Coast Angels and The Frank Peters Show, gives his cheat sheet on writing an effective Executive Summary for your business. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/i_love_executive_summaries/a-00043.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/i_love_executive_summaries/a-00043.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:43:28 PDT Andrew Warner, founder of Mixergy, gives some quick hints and tips about keeping your inbox clear. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_to_clear_your_inbox/a-00042.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_to_clear_your_inbox/a-00042.html Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:07:02 PDT "Uncle Saul" gives some hints and tips on negotiating agreements with big companies. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/kiss_of_death_-_contract_provisions_entrepreneurs_should_avoid_at_all_costs/a-00041.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/kiss_of_death_-_contract_provisions_entrepreneurs_should_avoid_at_all_costs/a-00041.html Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:05:14 PDT Sam Wu, a business, corporate and securities attorney and partner of Technology Capital Law Group, gives an in-depth look at how pre-money and post-money valuation works. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/venture_capital_101_for_startups_-__valuation/a-00040.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/venture_capital_101_for_startups_-__valuation/a-00040.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:59:51 PDT Yes, we are in a recession. Maybe not a textbook definition of one, but textbooks tend to be behind the times. So, we're in a recession. You can feel it. You can see the change in the business climate. Interestingly enough, those who have the resources - secure funding, or wealth - are relishing the inherent contradictions of the marketplace. They know that this is a time of great opportunity. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/succeeding_in_a_recession/a-00039.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/succeeding_in_a_recession/a-00039.html Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:22:36 PDT Your lawyer may be the most important member of your extended venture. The difference between a great lawyer and a good lawyer is startling and you will know it once you experience both. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/roping_in_the_legal_eagles/a-00038.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/roping_in_the_legal_eagles/a-00038.html Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:51:17 PDT Brian Ring, program director at the Greater Los Angeles Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program, gives some hints and tips on how to become a successful entrepreneur. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/seven_secrets_to_entrepreneurial_success/a-00037.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/seven_secrets_to_entrepreneurial_success/a-00037.html Wed, 18 Jun 2008 06:53:08 PDT Marc Averitt, a venture capitalist at Okapi Venture Capital, wrote this post for one simple reason: to be able to point every would-be-entrepreneur who asks him what it takes to "get venture capital." So, what are VCs looking for before they decide to invest in a start-up? The good news is that Marc discloses the secrets here. The bad news is that even if you cover all of these elements it still doesn't guarantee you will get funding. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/hope_is_not_a_strategy/a-00036.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/hope_is_not_a_strategy/a-00036.html Wed, 11 Jun 2008 06:00:24 PDT Angel investor Al Schneider, of the Tech Coast Angels and Pasadena Angels, talks about the ways investors value your startup, deal terms, and valuation concepts. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_to_value_your_startup/a-00035.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_to_value_your_startup/a-00035.html Tue, 27 May 2008 09:42:32 PDT Every startup faces the question of who to hire for their first sales position. Do you look for that fantastic VP of sales who is not only a great closer, but also a master strategist? Do you hire that friend of the founder who is young but promising? How do you decide? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/your_first_sales_hire/a-00034.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/your_first_sales_hire/a-00034.html Tue, 20 May 2008 09:25:11 PDT "Uncle Saul" talks about why most business books suck, and why. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_authors_dilemma_-_why_most_business_books_suck/a-00033.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_authors_dilemma_-_why_most_business_books_suck/a-00033.html Thu, 15 May 2008 11:20:25 PDT A well regarded, local technology exec--who has led one IPO, was closely involved in another, along with a number of M&A transactions, but who wishes to remain anonymous -- talks about the "rookie advantage" of being a startup. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_rookies_and_startups_can_maintain_their_unfair_advantage/a-00032.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/how_rookies_and_startups_can_maintain_their_unfair_advantage/a-00032.html Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:54:52 PDT Omid Rahmat--former publisher of Tom's Hardware Guide--speculates on the next Internet wave, which he thinks will involve web applications and software-as-a-service. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/webware,_saas,_webtops,_cloud_computing,_and_wapps/a-00031.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/webware,_saas,_webtops,_cloud_computing,_and_wapps/a-00031.html Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:58:57 PDT Sid Mohasseb, managing director of Venture Farm and an angel investor who is the incoming President of the Tech Coast Angels Orange County, talks about the importance of watching performance indicators -- even as a startup. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/entrepreneurial_consideration:_managing_the_ripple_effect/a-00030.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/entrepreneurial_consideration:_managing_the_ripple_effect/a-00030.html Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:54:38 PDT Scott Fox, the Los Angeles-based author of "Internet Riches," talks about the problem of Internet companies not telling people where their company is located. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/web_newbie_mistake_-_hiding_your_location/a-00029.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/web_newbie_mistake_-_hiding_your_location/a-00029.html Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:59:21 PDT Hitting the wall is a term that will be familiar to anyone who has attempted to run a marathon. Omid Rahmat, former CEO of Tom's Guide Publishing, talks about the current state of online publishing and advertising, and how online content is flagging a little these days, and may need to get a second wind. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/online_content:_hitting_the_wall/a-00028.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/online_content:_hitting_the_wall/a-00028.html Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:39:30 PDT Matt Ridenour, Managing Director at Momentum Venture Partners, a Los Angeles early stage venture fund and advisory firm, shares some hints and tips about basic corporate structure for startups and entrepreneurs. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/corporate_structure_101/a-00027.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/corporate_structure_101/a-00027.html Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:38:18 PDT Jared Reitzen, CEO and Founder of Los Angeles-based mobileStorm, gives some hints and tips on making sure important things don't slip through the cracks when running a growing business. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/slipping_through_the_cracks/a-00026.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/slipping_through_the_cracks/a-00026.html Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:47:52 PDT Building a great company requires a combination of talent, persistence and luck. Angel investor Ken Deemer discusses the five things that he believes will ultimately have the most impact on your chances for success. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/five_things_an_early_stage_company_can_do_to_ensure_success/a-00025.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/five_things_an_early_stage_company_can_do_to_ensure_success/a-00025.html Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:43:50 PDT Entrepreneurs often find themselves in high-stakes negotiations with big, savvy players, with significant negotiating power (referred to herein as "Big Boys") -- whether it be a venture capital firm in connection with a financing or a private equity firm in connection with the sale of the entrepreneur's business; the situation can indeed be daunting. Scott Edward Walker gives ten tips to entrepreneurs. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/selling_a_business:_top_ten_tips_for_entrepreneurs/a-00024.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/selling_a_business:_top_ten_tips_for_entrepreneurs/a-00024.html Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:51:14 PDT Mark Averitt, a venture capitalist at Okapi Venture Capital, talks about the different kinds of risk that venture capitalists assess when deciding to invest--or not invest--in a startup. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/venture_capital_and_investment_risk_assessment/a-00023.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/venture_capital_and_investment_risk_assessment/a-00023.html Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:06:12 PDT Most entrepreneurs looking for funding have heard about the various avenues available to them, but are not familiar with the positives and negative of each. Sid Mohasseb of Venture Farm gives a 10,000 foot view of different funding sources. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/more_on_the_channels_for_raising_equity/a-00022.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/more_on_the_channels_for_raising_equity/a-00022.html Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:58:16 PDT Scott Edward Walker, a corporate attorney, gives ten tips for entrepreneurs who are launching a start-up that will seek venture capital financing. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/tips_on_starting_a_venture/a-00021.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/tips_on_starting_a_venture/a-00021.html Sun, 11 Nov 2007 10:36:14 PDT Your company name. Your logo. Your slogans. The look and feel of your business and products. These all set your business apart from your competition, and therefore can act as trademarks. Steven C. Sereboff, Mark A. Goldstein, and Michael D. Harris discuss some of the basic issues behind trademarks. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/basic_information_about_trademarks/a-00020.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/basic_information_about_trademarks/a-00020.html Sun, 11 Nov 2007 10:35:46 PDT Scott Edward Walker, a corporate attorney, gives ten tips to entrepreneurs who are thinking about, or want to know more about, selling their business. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/selling_a_business:_ten_tips_for_entrepreneurs/a-00019.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/selling_a_business:_ten_tips_for_entrepreneurs/a-00019.html Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:52:55 PDT The decision to pursue patents, which kind and how much to spend is a business decision that merits both consideration and planning. Steven C. Sereboff, Mark A. Goldstein, and Michael D. Harris discuss some of the basic issues and costs of filing a patent. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/basic_information_about_patents/a-00018.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/basic_information_about_patents/a-00018.html Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:05:21 PDT How do entrepreneurs identify and manage the personal connections that are central to their new ventures? Perhaps more importantly, what network-building strategies are most effective? http://www.socaltech.com/articles/reflections_on_entrepreneurial_networking/a-00017.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/reflections_on_entrepreneurial_networking/a-00017.html Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:40:00 PDT Scott Steuber and Ted Simpson look at the changing Los Angeles real estate landscape for technology focused startups who are looking for office space, and answer the question about where people are putting their startups today. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_changing_startup_real_estate_landscape_for_los_angeles/a-00016.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_changing_startup_real_estate_landscape_for_los_angeles/a-00016.html Sat, 23 Jun 2007 21:33:30 PDT Mark Skaist, a corporate lawyer at Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth, gives some hints and tips for entrepreneurs. Skaist talks in this interview about shareholders agreements, valuation, and intellectual property protection. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/legal_tips_for_entrepreneurs/a-00015.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/legal_tips_for_entrepreneurs/a-00015.html Mon, 04 Jun 2007 13:16:56 PDT The success of your startup is likely to be greater if you plan your business. The ensuing discussion focuses on proper planning prior to the start of operations, and continued planning during implementation. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/planning_for_your_business:_a_look_at_business,_strategic_marketing_and_information_technology_plans/a-00014.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/planning_for_your_business:_a_look_at_business,_strategic_marketing_and_information_technology_plans/a-00014.html Thu, 12 Apr 2007 16:47:16 PDT In a perfect world, the most creative and innovative ideas would have an easy time getting funded, while all of the flawed business concepts would quickly fall by the wayside. Unfortunately, we don't live in a perfect world: we live in Southern California, a place where even the "next big thing" can have trouble lining up money. Technology entrepreneurs could save themselves a lot of time - and heartache - if they followed a few rules before they approached angel investors and venture capitalists. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/think_like_an_investor:_developing_the_right_mindset_for_successful_fundraising/a-00013.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/think_like_an_investor:_developing_the_right_mindset_for_successful_fundraising/a-00013.html Sun, 08 Apr 2007 21:26:32 PDT 5 software applications that every startup needs, according to the author of The Streetwise Small Business Book of Lists. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/5_applications_every_startup_needs/a-00012.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/5_applications_every_startup_needs/a-00012.html Thu, 15 Mar 2007 18:44:43 PDT Seven Habits of Highly Effective Tenants: How Los Angeles Technology Companies Can Make Real Estate Work for Them covers some key basic topics for high tech companies planning for their future. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/seven_habits_of_highly_effective_tenants/a-00011.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/seven_habits_of_highly_effective_tenants/a-00011.html Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:05:28 PDT Venture Capital: A Practice Guidebook for Capital-Seeking Business, Owners, Managers and Advisors is a complete book covering the basics of venture capital funding, including a overview of venture capital funds; investors rights agreements;what to expect in a VC transaction; terms sheets; venture capital terms and jargon, and more. The book comes courtesy of Michael Colwin, SVP of Sales at Bowne, who can be reached at mike.colwin@bowne.com or (310)282-8800. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a_practical_guide_to_venture_capital/a-00010.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/a_practical_guide_to_venture_capital/a-00010.html Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:05:22 PDT You don't have to wait for angel investors or venture capitalists to fund your business in order to start. Steven Mednick gives some tips to get going on your own. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/bootstrapping_your_business._get_real.__get_started./a-00009.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/bootstrapping_your_business._get_real.__get_started./a-00009.html Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:04:50 PDT Angel funding for growing companies is a mysterious process to most entrepreneurs. Somewhere between hitting up your rich uncle and begging for a loan at the bank, a professional angel group can provide $250,000 to $1.5m in equity funds to accelerate growth and make it attractive to later stage investors. Ken Hayes, a member of the Pasadena Angels, gives a rundown of the angel funding process and how it works. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_angel_funding_process/a-00008.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_angel_funding_process/a-00008.html Thu, 04 Jan 2007 12:14:04 PDT While one can't underestimate the importance of funding, it's not the make-or-break factor that separates successful ventures from the also-rans. Rather, the most important issue is leadership. Simply put, companies need to have senior-level decision makers with the experience to understand how to navigate the unique and challenging path that start-up ventures need to take. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_value_of_leadership:_why_start-up_ventures_need_a_steady_hand_at_the_helm/a-00007.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_value_of_leadership:_why_start-up_ventures_need_a_steady_hand_at_the_helm/a-00007.html Sun, 17 Dec 2006 20:46:09 PDT Frank Addante, a successful Los Angeles entrepreneur, and former founder and CEO of StrongMail Systems and CTO and founder of L90, talks about when it is, and isn't appropriate to look for venture capital, and why. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/venture_capital_-_whats_the_rush/a-00006.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/venture_capital_-_whats_the_rush/a-00006.html Wed, 06 Dec 2006 16:34:39 PDT What really turns you on? Think about it - what would cause you to jump out of bed every morning with a fire in your belly instead of dreading that train ride into "work?" What would you do if you could do anything in the world? Now, get ready for this question: Why aren't you doing it? Kelly Perdew, Managing Director at Angel-Led Venture Partners and winner of "The Apprentice", talks about finding your passion. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/finding_your_passion/a-00005.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/finding_your_passion/a-00005.html Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:49:30 PDT Matt Ridenour, Managing Director at of Momentum Venture Management, talks about some tips on finding early stage investors. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_road_to_funding:_three_basic_steps_to_attract_early_investors/a-00004.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/the_road_to_funding:_three_basic_steps_to_attract_early_investors/a-00004.html Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:04:25 PDT Richard Abbitt, CEO and President of Venture Realty Group, gives some hints and tips to startups looking for real estate and office space. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/common_questions_on_real_estate_and_startups/a-00003.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/common_questions_on_real_estate_and_startups/a-00003.html Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:59:05 PDT Three Keys to Obtaining Venture Capital is designed to help first-time entreprenuers understand the venture capital process and provides a useful step-by-step tool for creating a business plan. Through this understanding, and armed with a comprehensive and thorough business plan, and entreprenuer will have realistic expectations and can concentrate on targeting the financing search for the most promising business investment sources. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/three_keys_to_obtaining_venture_capital/a-00002.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/three_keys_to_obtaining_venture_capital/a-00002.html Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:58:57 PDT What are venture capitalists looking for today? Entrepreneurs often have a hard time figuring out what venture capitalists are looking for, and when the best time it is to approach them for funding. This article looks at what VCs are looking for. http://www.socaltech.com/articles/finding_funding_for_your_startup/a-00001.html http://www.socaltech.com/articles/finding_funding_for_your_startup/a-00001.html Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:58:50 PDT