As a founder and former VC, I am often asked my views on the best way to raise capital. Raising capital is time-consuming and distracting. The less time you spend raising money, the more you can spend on the main event, which is leading and running your startup. This is a short guide in capital raising.
Read MoreWhen I ask founders why startups fail, some show a degree of understanding, but many more have never even given it a thought. One of the inspiring things about founders is their drive and passion, but idealism can often blind them to the common causes of failure.
Read MoreStartups seem to be the new black - approximately three are founded every minute. More than $50b in venture funding is invested every year. 9 out of 10 will fail within three years of being established. Not great odds. So why do founders keep at it? There is no magic formula for startup success; however, I will try and give you three things that might tip the scales of success in your favour.
Read MoreAs an investor in startups, I see well over 100 formal startup pitches every year – and probably even more “elevator” pitches. There are many factors that determine if I invest in a company, but when evaluating the “idea”, I test for four key components: desirability, viability, feasibility and adaptability.
Read MoreApproximately 3 startups are founded every minute - “startup” is definitely the new black. The barriers to entry are low - pretty much anyone with a laptop and an idea can start a business. This democratisation of entrepreneurship has produced some amazing results - everything from ride sharing, food delivery to electric cars - and our society and our economy are better for it. Yet, increasingly we are seeing a darker side - with entrepreneurs being unprepared for the physical, mental and emotional stresses of putting it all on the line for their business.
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