Comments on: One More Thought on Getting A VC’s Attention

By: lou_paglia

lou_paglia — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:51 +0000

bringing out the yoda-based wisdom, good stuff.

By: Darran Foxon

Darran Foxon — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:51 +0000

I work with an early-stage VC fund in the UK; one of our portfolio media companies was producing a series of films for a senior VP at American Express. The entrepreneurs wanted to use FTP-software to showcase the work. We pointed out that it "ain't the friendliest bit of software". Over the weekend, the team identified and installed a PHP-based viewing system. They even blagged the URL http://www.watchyouredit.com . The result; a happy investor seeing a quick and effective response and, more importantly, a very happy customer

By: john_mccart7589

john_mccart7589 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:51 +0000

"Do, or do not. There is no try." ... Yoda

As my son and daughter begin a new little league season I am glad to be reminded of this advice I have been known to give them as a coach, which of course contradicts the phrase I also use "Just do your best and have fun."

As long as I am quoting Yoda I have my son's attention...One of the key challenges as a parent/coach and I think as an investor or manager is knowing when to use each of thes e contradictory phrases.

By: jay_parkhil2393

jay_parkhil2393 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:51 +0000

I just listened to an interview with the founder of Stonyfield Farms. He had numerous quotable moments. One of my favorites was his emphasis on maintaining a high "talk/do" ratio. Exactly.

By: Derek Scruggs

Derek Scruggs — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:51 +0000

As seen on a t-shirt (mine!):

do || ! do: try;
>> try: command not found

By: aziz_griese5636

aziz_griese5636 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:51 +0000

The Stonyfield Farms founder is very passionate about his organic yogurt, and sustainability. He spoke at my MBA graduation at Babson College, and man, did he piss off the republicans in attendance. I don't think he even talked about us, or our futures once. It was all about the environment and how we need to stop doing what we're doing now. That and buy his yogurt. LOL

Someone I could easily see as a green-peace-bomber, blowing up a Japanese whaling boat in the middle of The Pacific.

By: aziz_griese5636

aziz_griese5636 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 01:55:51 +0000

The game of "pin the tail on the VC" is pretty boring, IMO, but it is necessary. I think the best thing that I've learned is to keep my communication to a minimum and in context. That way my comments are quick reads and stand out somewhat.

The trouble is that too many startups feel that they need capital to "do", and therefore they come across as all "talk". I agree with the need to "do" in the eyes of a potential investor, but the "step" function that requires significant customer traction (10k users) is sometimes unattainable. Additionally, what risk does the investor take, if any, if they are only interested in slipping on board once a website "hits" an opportunity. So are every other VC firm and money, is just that, money. The main VC differentiation in the eyes of an entrepreneur, like me, is when someone in the VC firm "gets it" enough to invest prior to any major success.

In our conversation (Brad's and mine about my company), Brad did something along those same lines that made me think he might not "get it", but he does see there could be potential and offered to connect me to relevant contacts at his disposal when the time comes. This is just as valuable to someone striving for the chance to justify themselves in the market.

Take er easy.