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Resources
Starting a Company
Starting a company requires more than just a great idea. As one of our most successful CEOs says, “A good idea is 2% of a great company.” Here are some things to keep in mind as you launch your venture.
Launching Tech Ventures: Part IV, Readings
Link added 1 year agoA list of must reads for entrepreneurs
Visit the LinkA Compilation of the Web's Best Advice for Entrepreneurs
Link added 1 year agoA list of must reads for entrepreneurs
Goodwin Procter's Founder's Workbench
Link added 1 year agoAs part of Goodwin Procter's ongoing commitment to start-ups, emerging companies and the entrepreneurial community, Founder's Workbench provides access to critical forms, memoranda, best practices and other resources to enable capital efficient company formation.
15 mistakes young entrepreneurs make, but don't have to
Link added 1 year agoLearn from their mistakes rather than repeat them
Virtual Paralegal Services
Link added 2 years agoVirtual Paralegal Services™ ("VPS") is a team of senior level paralegals providing on-demand paralegal services™ exclusively to lawyers and their clients. Whether you need quick research, help on a specific project or on-going assistance, VPS strengthens your legal team as an experienced, affordable and fast-responding team member.
Toolkit for starting a company.
Link added 2 years agoI wish there was one, but this is a good start. Lots of great links, articles and information for entrepreneurs starting a new venture.
Resources & Mentoring
Link added 2 years agoList of Small Business Administration resources and mentoring links by geography.
Lessons Learned
Link added 2 years agoGreat article on lessons learned from a serial entrepreneur turned VC.
Small Business Administration: Business Plan Basics
Link added 2 years agoA good overview of how to write a business plan.
Analyze the market
- Understand the market, competitive landscape and why you’ll be successful before investing significant time or money.
- Are you doing something fundamentally different that has the ability to disrupt a large industry or, better yet, change the world? If not, think twice. Incrementalists have a difficult time raising money from venture capitalists.
- It’s never too early to involve customers in the design and validation of your solution—talk to at least 10 to 15 prospective customers to get their thoughts on your concept.
Assemble your team
- Know your weaknesses and surround yourself with talented people whose skills complement your own.
- Pick your partners carefully. Are these people to whom you would write a check and entrust a significant amount of your net worth? Personality fit is necessary but not sufficient – hire for competency and attitude.
- Put together a board of advisors, even if it is informal.
- Invest in good professional advisors (legal, accounting, tax) sooner rather than later.
Know yourself
- Decide early what kind of business you’d like to build (quick cash-flowing, high-growth, etc.).
- Start something you’re passionate about—you’re going to spend a lot of time on it!
- Bootstrap for as long as possible while not sub-optimizing the opportunity.
