Blog
The Venture Capital Cycle and Where We Are Now
In a recent Wall Street Journal Pro article, Mark Vartabedian writes that venture capital startup activity has slowed to a “trickle.” He says there were more than 54,000 venture-backed U.S. startups at the end of 2023. This was compared to only 12,522 at the end of 2010. He quotes Guru Chahal of Lightspeed Venture Partners, saying, ‘Many ideas got backed at the height of the market that, in...
Developing a Competitive Positioning Strategy
In my last blog I covered the types of competition in startups. Because understanding competition is essential to developing a competitive positioning strategy, I highly recommend you read that blog first. This post is part two of the series, and it will cover competitive analysis, and competitive dynamics so your startup is prepared to develop a competitive positioning strategy. What is...
Competition in Startup Companies: An Explainer
Why an In-Depth Understanding of Competition in Startup Companies is Necessary Competitive strategy is one of the most important aspects of creating a successful startup company, but in my experience, it is probably the least understood. Many startup companies, founders, and CEOs have a superficial understanding of what competition is. They need to know how to think about it, how to analyze...
How to Manage Startups in Difficult Times
Use this time to tighten up your pitch deck. Make sure it addresses all the questions investors want answered. Ensure that it sends clear and compelling messages. Also be sure you have a pitch deck that is effective for your first contact with potential investors—for requesting a meeting for example.
Potential Challenges Affecting Startups in 2024
In normal times, I would say there’s always a sliver of venture capital available for startups, which already absorb a very small portion of total venture capital investment. But these may be unique times. Therefore, there can be unique factors affecting startups in 2024.
A 10 Item New Year’s Checklist for Startups
The beginning of a new year is time for resolutions for individuals and businesses alike. For startups this is a good time to both set goals and reevaluate practices and systems in order to analyze what is working and what is not. Therefore, it is a smart idea to follow a checklist for startups, covering resolutions for the upcoming year. Below are the items I recommend. A Yearly Checklist...
Creating Winning Pitch Decks: What Investors Want to See
In my last blog I discussed the purpose of pitch decks and explained how many companies will overuse graphics. Graphics may make the deck look organized but they rarely contain the information investors are looking for. I’ll explain how you can begin creating winning pitch decks by including the right information, in the right format. The Key to Creating a Winning Pitch Decks There is...
The Purpose of a Pitch Deck
The pitch deck is the most important weapon in a startup company’s tool box. The purpose of a pitch deck is to raise capital and negotiate partnerships. But they are also used for hiring and communicating internally with employees about the company’s mission, vision, goals and objectives. This article will clarify the purpose of a pitch deck and presents specific approaches to creating winning...
What’s Really Behind the Questions Investors Ask?
A Slide-By-Slide Guide to a Winning Pitch Deck. You get one shot when you present to investors, so make it count. Over the past 40 years, as an investor, I have reviewed thousands of startup company pitch decks and I think fewer than 5% do an effective job of describing the investment opportunity. Where does it go wrong? Here are some examples: · Presenters answer the wrong question. For...
22 subtleties that can turn a losing pitch deck into a winner
Introduction. When a startup company tries to raise capital from a venture capital fund, an angel investor or a group of angel investors, it prepares a “pitch deck” that explains to prospective investors exactly how the company plans to make money and how investors will receive a return on their investment. The purpose of a pitch deck is to capture the attention of investors and possibly...
