Category: Main

Seed stage

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

There is always lots of ways to raise funds and lots of places one can raise from but I also think it’s important to choose wisely when you are at the start of growth and have a need for capital.

That being said – I love this Fred Wilson post :: http://avc.com/2018/01/a-low-volume-high-conviction-high-support-investor/

Low volume, high conviction, and high support.

Work goals…

I love how they describe themselves as “a low-volume, high-conviction, high-support investor.” That is who you want at your side when you are starting a business. There are a number of those types of firms out there, USV is one, Bonfire is another, and there are plenty more. But there are also plenty of the other variety; high volume, low conviction, can’t get them on the phone when you need them investors. So finding a high conviction investor to lead your seed or Srs A round is ideal and we have one more VC firm like that now.

Singapore the 🎯 

~ michael_msft ~ 1 Comment

Was quoted today in this article :: https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/22/alibaba-tencent-southeast-asia-game-of-thrones/

My general view is that although the Chinese VC and Chinese company activity in SEA region is probably the most as compared to any other region – my gut says that in general Singapore will continue grow to become a target of other regions like the USA and Europe as well.

Singapore has become the default SEA HQ and as the startups continue to mature – the attractiveness to Singapore acquisitions and investment will climb.

Ask A VC #6

~ michael_msft ~ Leave a comment

Question:

Planning on creating a startup and looking to raise some angel money to kick things off. I want to raise money first from friends and family. Any advice?

Answer:

First off, although it might be called the friends and family round, I suggest exercising caution in actually taking that round label seriously.

Note that most startups fail and if you lose all your capital you might find your family and friends to be a little upset. So make sure they know the risks and that this is disposable capital for them since they may think this is the new gravy train and trust me, it’s not.

Also make sure you do the paperwork right and structure it as a proper note and treat it like all other investors. Maybe sweeten the discount but don’t do silly stuff like promise to pay it back early or do non-standard terms that scare off your future institutional investors.