Over the last few years, you’ve probably heard me talk about TechStars or read a post about them in this blog. If you have, it will come as no surprise to you that I believe TechStars is probably the most unique and innovative mentorship program to help foster and support startups that I’ve seen in […]
Archive for the ‘Entrepreneur’ Category
Apr
07
Mar
22
Mar
04
Five Reasons To Support Startup Visa
The Startup Visa movement showed a lot of momentum yesterday, actually trending into the top 5 on Twitter. As an entrepreneur who is working on my own startup, I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of other entrepreneurs, and I am happy with the vast support in the entrepreneur community for the Startup Visa. […]
Feb
18
My New Role as Entrepreneur-In-Residence
I’m thrilled to be taking on the role of Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Highway 12 Ventures. I’ve learned a lot from Phil, George, Glenn & Mark over the last couple of years, and am looking forward to learning a lot more as I embark on this new role. It’s a terrific group that I’m proud to be […]
Feb
12
Our New Entrenpreneur-In-Residence (2.0)
As many of you know, last year we enjoyed a terrific experience and built a sure-to-be lifelong friendship with Tac Anderson, our first-ever Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR). Tac was a real visionary in the area of social media whose inspiring leadership galvanized the members of Boise’s innovative community like no one before him. Over the last several […]
Feb
08
The Open Angel Forum & The Changing Face Of The Venture Industry
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the first Colorado Open Angel Forum (OAF). The OAF was born out of the frustration of some well-known investors including Brad Feld (An Angel Investor Group That Makes Me Vomit), David Cohen (An Offer To Funding Universe) and then inculcated and formed by Jason Calcanis (Why Startups […]
Feb
02
Saying No Sucks (Part II)
(This is a follow-up to yesterday’s post) A couple of months ago, I met with a particular entrepreneur who was looking to raise capital for his startup. This guy acted particularly coy with me saying that he wasn’t sure we were the “right firm” or that I’d really “get” his business. Nevertheless, as he described […]
Feb
01
Saying No Sucks…
Every single day, my partners and I have to tell passionate entrepreneurs that we’re passing on an investment in their company. For me, saying “No” to someone who has poured his or her heart and soul into a start-up is hands down the hardest thing I have to do as a professional investor. Actually, it […]
Dec
15
A Startup’s Twelve Days Of Christmas
With Christmas right around the corner, I thought I’d take this chance to give an early Christmas present to all the entrepreneurs I know. I wrote this article for the Idaho Statesman last year and I think it’s worth sharing again. I’ve spent the bulk of my career investing in companies and interacted with hundreds […]
Nov
24
Smooth Seas Don’t Make Skillful Sailors
The other day, I received a phone call from Geof Barker. Geof was the founder & CEO of Vigilos, the second company we ever invested in at Highway 12 Ventures, way back in 2002. I hadn’t heard from Geof in some time and it was good to hear his voice. Our investment in Vigilos hadn’t […]