As I have read the various articles and blogs about Google Glass over the last few weeks, it has led me to marvel at how completely people are missing the point.  Whether it’s arguing that Google Glass won’t be attractive to consumers, or it’s Congress worrying about privacy, it just strikes me as a side show.  Kind of like arguing while Nero played the violin about his choice of bow resin, song choice or quality of the performance. It’s not just in connection with Google Glass.  … [Read more...]

It seems some days that getting an education is portrayed as the pursuit of mugs and fools.  I have lost count of the articles and blogs I read, and the talking heads I hear, spouting nonsense about the folly of pursuing a college education or an advanced degree like an MBA.  It is a large and recurring theme in startup land – the argument that real entrepreneurs don’t need an education, or that an education (or an MBA) is just an impediment to the inherent greatness and creativity of the … [Read more...]

A few days ago I read a story about Survey Monkey’s recent venture financing. The article pointed out, with a somewhat surprised tone, that Hedge funds were financing expansion stage startups as an alternative to venture funds when a tech startup was seeking an expansion round.  The article reminded me of the many that have been written about the “Series A funding void,” where the decline in the number of venture capital funds is creating a severe mismatch between entrepreneurial startups … [Read more...]

I have often tried to explain the dynamic of fundraising by analogizing it to a human behavior most entrepreneurs are familiar with – dating and relationships.  In saying this I often get nervous laughs from an audience.  My guess is that it reflects an internal thought process in the listener that goes like this.  “Hmmm, that makes no sense…. Wait, I think I get it it…. Oh man, when I think of the goofy things I have done to get ____.... Ugh (nervous laugh).” Anyway, to extend … [Read more...]

A statement I make regularly to my students is that entrepreneurs are focused on satisfying needs.  This is stated in connection with the basic requirement that a business needs customers.  And, in that context it is essentially important.  Frankly, I wish more entrepreneurs understood this when they started new businesses.  Recently, though, I have had some conversations with a few friends that have reminded me that entrepreneurship also often fills a more immediate need.  And, that is the … [Read more...]