An entrepreneur without funding is a musician without an instrument.― Robert A. Rice Jr.

The process of obtaining investment funding from Venture Capital Firms, (VCs) is typically difficult and time consuming for the entrepreneur. There are hundreds of VCs and each focus on different criteria. As a result, a targeted approach by the entrepreneur may be appropriate.

Startup due diligence is one of the most important components of the funding process for a new business…

“A term sheet is like a prenuptial agreement and a coach’s playbook. Spend the time to understand the plays, and what happens should you ever separate from the business.”- Mitch Thrower

noun: value in a property, business, etc., that results from the work that a person does to improve it;
also : the work itself”

Every scalable startup will require external funding. A great team with an amazing idea where there is a clear demand is still doomed without the finances to make it happen.

“We filter out half of these qualified interviewees in the first minute.”

Since the business side of my world is focused on entrepreneurialism and business growth, so is my new year reading list.

While there is no formalized list of “Thou Shall Not” items for start-ups seeking funding similar to the Ten Commandments, if there were, Thou Shall Not encumber your balance sheet with debt, would certainly make the list.

Even the great ones can screw this one up, case-in-point: Apple, Inc. Consider this lesson when preparing for your next investor pitch.