Author: michael_msft

GM Microsoft for Startups APAC

Whither the Australian tech scene

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

Sad state of affairs down under in tech land these days.

First: https://www.afr.com/technology/tech-firms-including-airtasker-hit-by-rd-incentive-crackdown-that-threatens-software-sector-20181129-h18j51

This one seems pretty damaging – not a body blow but isn’t good sign.

Now this: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-06/australia-moves-toward-passing-law-targeting-whatsapp-signal

But the fundamental fact remains that the powers being sought by law enforcement are ill-informed, badly drafted and a gross overreach,” Digital Rights Watch said in a statement. “This bill is still deeply flawed, and has the likely impact of weakening Australia’s overall cyber-security, lowering confidence in e-commerce, reducing standards of safety for data storage and reducing civil right protections.”

RMIT University’s Gregory said the effect of the laws would likely spread beyond terrorist or criminal activities and into private-sector investigations.

“It’s too rushed, too broad, not well-defined and ultimately will be misused,” he added. “People will also be able to use this not just for criminal law matters but also corporation law matters.”

Feels pretty dangerous and I wouldn’t want to be working in security down under.

Maybe this will all blow over but to me it doesn’t bode well for the Australian tech scene.

Track Record – AVC

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

I probably link to Fred too much but he is only hitting a nerve with me.

I don’t have a long track record yet – I would say I barely have one but I can very conscientious about that it is being built day by day, deal by deal.

VC is a slow game – especially when it come to building a track record.

I hope to be celebrating some wins but I am sure there will be losses as well.

The learnings from all sides of VC pour in daily. There are the regrets about lost deals – these are the ones that you were in but got away.

There are the regrets about looking back on a deal and realizing that you should have done it another way.

Tons to learn. 

ABL. 

Track Record – AVC

How do you DD a VC who issues a term sheet? – grayscale_vc

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

Interesting list. I won’t say I don’t agree with the list but I think it is missing one big section.

#4 hints at it a little but not directly enough.

Do you get along with your VC is one I would add.

You will be spending potentially years around your VC either in board meetings, in coffee chats or on WhatsApp. I always tell founders to spend some time with the VC over lunch or coffee – just to get to know each other more. 

I don’t think its only a financial transaction but there are lots of other elements involved.

How do you DD a VC who issues a term sheet? – grayscale_vc:

4. Operating Style Connected with value-add is the fund’s operating style. Are they hands-on or hands-off? If hands-on, how many times a month do they like to meet and what do they usually want to discuss. Will they get to know your whole management team or just the founders. And then choose which kind of VC you want for the next phase of growth. It’s preferable that you talk to companies regarding the specific manager within the fund team who’ll handle you post investment.

Seed funding in Singapore isn’t dead. Here’s all the proof you need.

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

Normally behind a paywall but this article is free for the day.

Here is one of my incendiary quotes:

Smith adds: “The meme that there is a stage-specific crunch is usually started by founders who have struggled to raise a round. The truth is that everyone struggles and fundraising for startups or venture funds are never easy.”

Seed funding in Singapore isn’t dead. Here’s all the proof you need.