After releasing its first ever report, Amazon has left many consumers and users wondering about a number of things. Of all Fortune 500 companies dealing with tech, Amazon is the last one to disclose publicly the number of data requests it has received from the government. Between January and May 2015, Amazon has indicated it has received about 813 subpoenas with 542 already responded to.
Launched in Los Angeles in 2012, early-stage venture capital firm Karlin Ventures has announced a new elite tech fellowship program that will kickoff today. The program will feature four master classes each year, giving groups of 12 to 15 rising industry leaders an opportunity to learn directly from experts on specialized topics in areas such as business development, marketing, engineering, and product management.
In the best case, getting funded can take months, and in the worst, you might end your quest without a single signed term sheet. Oh, and have I mentioned that it’s a full-time job? Physical endurance is one thing, but how do you prepare yourself for the mental and emotional toll?
As more and more tech startups launch vying for the attention of both consumers and investors, founders are figuring out which niche to serve and which industry to disrupt. Launching in 2012, Moreboats.com has been successful in reinventing the market of a mature boating industry.
The relationship between investors and founders can be tricky to navigate. At the best of times, it’s symbiotic, leading to gains for both sides. At others it can degenerate into a test of wills, or worse. How can you forge mutually beneficial, productive relationships with VCs that make best use of your respective strengths and effectively utilize your time?
There are good times to focus on fundraising and, well, not so good times. If you think that you’re ready to start pursuing investors, you need to make sure that the time is right.
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!
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.
To get some up to speed, Rap Genius, as a team and company have upheld a reputation as anomalies in the tech world.
