‘Asking for money’ is doing it wrong, messaging is what matters. Imagine if you go to your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, and say ‘I need your help’… no matter how much they love you, the statement naturally leads to a quick mental reaction of ‘what do you want’.
You have probably already absorbed many obvious caveats about setting up your own startup; don’t blow money you don’t have on fancy equipment or splash out on expensive rental space. But what about expenses you’re tempted to cut, but shouldn’t?
Earlier this week, we gave a comprehensive breakdown of the 29 companies with a preview of Batch 8 Demo Day. Today, we’ll be presenting our favorite ten of the day in ABC order. Bear in mind, we’re going to keep the financial specs under wraps (just tiny hints), but overall, Batch 8 performed very strongly across the board.
We cover a lot of ground on multiple topics including Chance’s inspirations behind the company, what the JOBS Act means for startups, and what role Crowdfunder plays. And for the entrepreneurs who have tuned in, he also gives some insights into best practices for those looking to raise cash, so you don’t want to miss out!
Not only does the Breathometer give accurate readings of your blood alcohol levels to rival devices many times more expensive and cumbersone than itself, it also gives you an approximate time estimate on when exactly you are expected to be at a safe level to drive.
Investors like milestone funding as it makes clear how much money you will need and what you’re going to do with it (which inspires confidence that they will see a return on their investment). It also helps to keep you on track, and, because it keeps you from raising too much, it keeps your dilution as low as possible.
The very mention of the word fundraising can illicit some powerful emotions among entrepreneurs. It’s frustrating, taxing; a full time job in itself. And those who have gone through the process, know. Fundraising is a complex dance with a distinct, dichotomous tone. On one end, entrepreneurs who have (at minimum) built something customers love and are willing to pay for, and the other hand, investors who are looking for the very companies who fit that profile.
Coming hot off the tail-end of a much involved SXSW week (where the talk of the town was wearables, alternate-communication apps, and the internet of things); I was excited to immediately find myself in the heart of Silicon Valley, discussing a personal subject of my own curiosity: Bitcoin.
To get some up to speed, Rap Genius, as a team and company have upheld a reputation as anomalies in the tech world.
Pushup Social seamlessly integrates a social network into an existing website in minutes. The unique technology adds a bar to the bottom of the site, which opens or closes the social network with a simple click. With this ability, website owners can now build and engage their community, control messaging, user analytics and advertising revenue, while gaining the increased site optimization that comes with keeping users on their website.
