Startup Funding When startup ventures raise capital, they do it from a number of resources, typically starting with their own savings. If a startup is lucky enough, it can fund its own growth through its earnings; however, that success story is rare. Most ventures find funding through multiple sources, and not always in one particular […]
In a previous post, we detailed the first three phases of fundraising for startups: seed, early, and friends and family phases. These early phases have one thing in common – most of your capital comes from you and your family. Jim Marshall of Silicon Valley Bank jokingly calls these the Three Fs of Startup Finance: […]
On March 5-7, 234 investors, inventors and startup fans converged on Talking Stick Resort for the inaugural Venture Madness Conference. They watched the final 16 live pitch before panels of judges, as the competitors were narrowed to eight, then four, then two and a champion was crowned. Pinnacle Transplant Technologies emerged victorious late Friday, and […]
Infusionsoft Co-Founder Clate Mask calls himself a bootstrapping evangelist. “When I was in business school, we learned the ‘MBA way’ to grow a business,” he says. “You write a business plan, raise some money and then roll it out. Not only is that the wrong approach, but gives false hopes.” Mask says a business plan […]
What state has the highest number of entrepreneurs per capita? It’s not what you think. It’s probably not your second guess either. Do more entrepreneurs have bachelor degrees, master degrees or no degree at all? What area of innovation has the highest rate of growth? That answer shouldn’t surprise you, though you’ll find a large […]
Entrepreneurs are perceived as go-getters with great ideas. What if you’re someone with a cool idea who feels a bit awkward socially? You know that networking is essential to grow your new venture, yet you shy away from networking opportunities and have no idea how to work a crowd. Miguel Jardine of the Arizona Commerce […]
Whether you’re a local resident or an out-of-towner attending the 2014 Venture Madness Conference in March, you will experience Scottsdale at its best time of year. The weather is perfect – highs in the high 70s and nighttime lows in the mid 40s – and the desert is blooming with activity. “A major draw of […]
Albert Martinez, leader of the relationship management team at Silicon Valley Bank, provides solid advice to entrepreneurs looking to raise capital: What is your role at Silicon Valley Bank? I primarily work with early and mid-stage software and digital media companies. Silicon Valley Bank works with innovation companies in all tech and life science sectors and regions […]
The Venture Madness judges have deliberated and the verdict is in. It was no easy decision to select 64 finalists from the field of 119, as the quality of all applications was impressive. This is a true testament to the vibrant startup scene in the Southwest. Now that the 64 have been chosen, the first […]
Venture Madness is already living up to its name, with nearly 120 startups from five states across 26 different industries applying to compete in the inaugural event. Only 64 ventures will make the cut to be seeded in the first bracket, which will be announced on Jan. 30, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. MST. Follow the […]