Start Planning for Capital When You Don't Need It
I would self-fund to validate my concepts or get some early traction. I choose short term financing options such as credit lines when I know there would be an ROI rather quickly. If longer term growt…
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Be Prepared for Investors' Questions
A solid business plan provides an insurance policy. Raising money from others is not easy but it can act as a sounding-board insurance policy and will ensure you have a sound business plan.Ask the ri…
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Looking for Angels Can Be a Full-Time Job
Traditional bank financing is not really available to internet startups. As a former venture capitalist, I knew that large venture capital funds need to invest more money than our business model requ…
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Credit Cards & Low Cost Marketing Help Startup
Due to the fact that finances have been a significant issue in the development of this company, we have turned to using VISA credit cards to purchase equipment, pay for initial logistics and start up…
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Investors Won't Buy Your Hockey Stick Chart
I assumed the best route to start up capital was venture capital. I couldn't have been more wrong -- or more insane. I remember thinking, “How hard could it be to raise $15 million?” My f…
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Growth Funded by Your Own Pocketbook
I originally had thought I would obtain a loan from the bank. I filled out the application and met with a loan officer. After waiting several weeks, I learned that my firm wouldn't qualify because we…
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