August 20, 2006
Added a link to the VC Circle website, which touts itself as a "360 degree view of Indian venture capital." It's in our Cool Blogs section.
July 30, 2006
How many VCs should an entrepreneur contact? Dr. VC provides advice for an entrepreneur who is "a-wantin' to know." And if you're looking for a good financial modeling program, check out this post.
July 25, 2006
RedHerring is reporting that venture capital funding for the second quarter of 2006 reached a four-year high of $6.3 billion. Review the NVCA report here (PDF). Also check out this breakdown of funding by region.
July 16, 2006
A poster to the forums has asked the age-old question, "What format is the best for approaching VC's?" Check out Bill's answer...and post your own comments.
July 2, 2006
Dr VC gives some advice for entrepreneurs who want to use the good Doctor's advice forum as a source to generate specific names of investors, otherwise known as the ubiquitous "Gimme the names of investors for my {insert business idea}...and make it snappy!" syndrome
June 29, 2006
Dr. VC chimes in yet again, this time answering a question for an entrepreneur who did work for free, and feels he was ripped off by his erstwhile partners.
June 26, 2006
Dr. VC has some great advice regarding how an early stage investor should evaluate a potential investment opportunity. Great reading for investors and entrepreneurs alike! Also, how should geologists in Spain seeking $50K go about finding venture capital? Long time readers of the good doc can probably guess the answer, but read this just to make sure.
May 5, 2006
Looking for an angel? A poster in our forums wrote to Dr VC and says he is an angel and he's looking for deals. Take a look here.
April 19, 2006
Social network and "Web 2.0" deals continue to be hot. Facebook raises $25MM according to Business Week, News Corp (which recently purchased MySpace) takes a stake in SimplyHired, Visible Path raises $17MM. Read more. We've recently discussed the valuations and business plans of Web 2.0 deals on our forums.
April 15, 2006
Added a link to the Infon Venture Capital Database to our site. This is a rather cool free database for searching for venture capital firms and contacts.
Posted by BJR
April 3, 2006
The latest forum post: Business Plan for a Web 2.0 company.
March 14, 2006
How did you find VC Fodder? Tell us in the forums.
March 12, 2006
Matt McCall from Portage Ventures has a new blog. Everyone from Moltz to Jacobsohn have been emailing us to alert us of this fact...so now we're alerting the rest of the world. Check it out, great points of view from a real-live-honest-to-goodness venture capitalist: VC Confidential.
And discuss it (and other VC blogs) in the forums.
February 19, 2006
Over the years, we've seen tons of crazy business ideas, and have reviewed many of the most bizarre business plans you could possibly imagine. So, we created a special "Craziest Business Ideas" section of our Forum. Know of a crazy business idea? Post it here.
Feburary 7, 2006
Dr. VC Forum thread: Existing company looks to expand
January 31, 2006
Check out Guy Kawasaki's The Venture Capitalist Wishlist post on his blog. Also feel free to chime in on VC Fodder's related thread.
January 22, 2006
Dr. VC Forum thread: Ripped Off By Predator VC Broker
January 18, 2006
We have just launched our new forum section. This is your opportunity to interact with your fellow VC Fodderites as well as the growing staff here are VC Fodder. Dr. VC will be running his advice column through the forums. We'll be redoing the layout of the site soon, but until then, click this to check out the world's greatest entrepreneurial forums!
Posted by WRS
December 27, 2005
Check out our friend Frances Fast's new angel group, Toronto Angels. They look to connect life science deals with angel capital. They are listed in our angel capital section, too. Ya hey der!
Posted by WRS
December 26, 2005
Dr. VC is back from his holiday break and chimes in with what might be 2005's final entry. Don't fear, there will be much more in 2006 -- it's going to be a big year! Anyhow, the good doc gives some advice about finding a key executive, some thoughts on dilution issues when raising VC vs. angel money, career advice for a starry eyed college kid who wants to be a VC, and some tough words for the ubiquitous "this isn't one of those African scams" emails. Enlighten thyself
Posted by WRS
November 5, 2005
Dr. VC has some words about patents and patent attorneys, capital raising scams, and elevator pitches. Click this to read the latest and greatest
Posted by WRS
November 3, 2005
If you've never heard of it, Ajax is a new technology that is powering the next generation of web apps. Popularized by GMail, Google Maps, Google Suggest, among others, Ajax-powered apps are quickly sweeping the web--and getting funded like mad.
Especially interesting about this new technology is the fact that it is possible to build cross-platform, cross-browser applications, supporting Firefox, Safari, and IE. Plus, there is no software for end users to install--everything necessary is already built into all the major web browers.
Think it's just eye candy? Think again. Yahoo! and Hotmail are readying new Ajax-powered webmail applications just to keep up with GMail. Soon, eBay, Amazon, NetFlix, and web-based database apps such as Salesforce.com will be using this technology as well.
My take? This will be a investment fad for a short time, but the buzz will wear off. Web development firms will make this a standard part of their toolkit before long.
Posted by BJR
September 29, 2005
We've posted a new article written for us by Maurice Martin, the Founder and President of iRise.
iRise is a developer of software simulation solutions that can be used by business and non-technical users to create a visual preview of software applications before doing any coding. Maurice discusses how simulation can improve the chances of success for a new start-up by greatly enhancing their pitch to VCs and for emerging companies by helping them get to market faster.
We'd also like to note that iRise just launched their new iDoc Reader software, which is available as a free download and contains some demos.
Posted by BJR
September 27, 2005
BitTorrent raises $8.75MM. Apparently they'll use the money to try prove the legitimacy of their business to Hollywood (the Napster route).
Posted by BJR
August 27, 2005
New Dr. VC! New Dr. VC! He's back from summer vacation and he's in rare form. Nightclubs, patents, and selling inventions. This, and much more, can be read by clicking here.
Posted by WRS
August 12, 2005
Our friends at Projected Financials have released a new version of their product. Take a look at Projected Financials 4.1
Posted by WRS
July 10, 2005
Dr. VC has 2 questions from South Africa! One asking about due diligence, the other about mineral mines. The doc also provides some advice for a would-be entrepreneur who has a long laundry list of reasons why he can't be an entrepreneur. Click here to read more.
Posted by WRS
July 1, 2005
Posted First Anthony's take on raising capital for your early-stage company. A dose of reality. Plus, their Three Dirty Secrets about raising outside capital.
Posted by BJR
June 20, 2005
Check out Mark Fletcher's rant about stealth startups. While we agree with his point, we find it humorous that he's generating a ton of interest in the very company he condemns in his post. Mark's blog entry just got picked up by slashdot, in fact.
Posted by BJR
May 26, 2005
Better than a Two-fer Tuesday, it is a Three-fer Thursday! Yippee! The good doc chimes in with some thoughts about whether there is a shortage of funds, whether a budding entrepreneur should take the dilution that comes with taking a venture capital deal, as well as more thoughts about intermediaries.
Click to read more. Do it! Now!
Posted by WRS
May 16, 2005
The doctor chimes in with some thoughts about intermediaries and non-disclosure agreements. Don't miss it!
Posted by WRS
May 12, 2005
Check out the latest VC Pro database.
Posted by BJR
April 26, 2005
As seen on Venture Blog... this cracked me up: Personal Hygiene and PowerPoint Don't Mix. Don't start clipping your nails while pitching your company to a VC.
We at VC Fodder get business ideas pitched to us all the time, despite the fact that VC Fodder is not a venture capital firm. Our esteemed colleague, Dr. VC, has posted some of our stories (and advice).
Posted by BJR
April 23, 2005
Loyal readers, lend me your ears! Er, I mean…so sorry for the lengthy delay. The good doctor has been smacking the VC Fodder boys over the head trying to get them to jazz up the veritable VC Fodder website (and it looks good!)
Also, the Doctor has been helping yet another start up wade through the process of venture capital (yes, the doctor is a real person). Lastly, the doctor has been seeking professional help for a very troubling neurological and psychological condition. Yes, as of March 15, the good doctor has been attending SAYITPA meetings. Not familiar with this group? It stands for Speaking About Yourself In Third Person Anonymous.
Despite the long lay off, the doctor has now provided answers to four new questions! Click this to read the latest from the doctor!
Posted by MVC, Ph.D.
March 15, 2005
The good doc provides some help for a student as she is looking for the "4 rules to raising capital." Always one to deliver value, Doc provides 5. And, the doctor provides some geographic advice, too. Yet another two-fer on Tuesday!
Posted by WRS
March 14, 2005
Bill's Internet radio interview (with Steve Miller and hosted by Barry Moltz) is live. Check it out.
Posted by WRS
March 4, 2005
Dr. VC provides career advice for a lawyer-in-training.
Posted by WRS
February 28, 2005
VC Fodder (well, Bill) recently had a chat with David Worrell. He's got a nifty site called dworrell.com ( I wonder where he got that name for the site?).
David also has a nifty ebook called "Finding Funding," a must read for all early stage and wannabe entrepreneurs. Take a look!
Posted by WRS
February 26, 2005
No, it’s not a sequel to an 80’s era Madonna movie, but the Doctor does provides hope and guidance, in his, well, acerbic style, for those "Desperately Seeking Capital.”
Posted by WRS
February 22, 2005
Two! Count 'em, two questions are answered by Dr. VC. A Tuesday Two-fer! First, the good doc puts his HR and legal hats on (they fit well with his multiple personalities) and tackles the question of executive equity compensation. And concluding the Two-fer, the doc gives yet another early stage wannabe the lowdown on VCs, consumer products, and early stage investment.
Posted by WRS
February 17, 2005
Dr. VC provides a little advice for an antsy entrepreneur who is not sure what happens next, following a verbal commitment from a mystery investor.
Posted by WRS
February 9, 2005
A new product! Well, it's kind of new. We've collected all the columns Bill wrote from 2001 thourgh 2004, and packaged them up in a little file called A Compendium of Bill Snow Columns. Well, not so little, it's 107 pages (32 columns), and it contains some extra commentary about each column. Buy it today!
Posted by WRS
February 7, 2005
Dr. VC answers a question about how to contact potential board members.
Posted by WRS
January 31, 2005
Dr. VC is in a vicious arms race with Bill, it seems. To see Doc's advice about when to raise different types of funding, as well as a list of names he will answer to (including "The Pompatus of VC," the weirdo), click this!
Posted by WRS
January 28, 2005
Not to be outdone by his nemesis, Dr. Evil, er, I mean Dr. VC, Bill is on a tear, too. Check out his latest column and chuckle at a silly lawyer's showdown with a snowmobile, and ponder the meaning of the world with Bill's thoughts on entrepreneurial alchemy.
Posted by WRS
January 26, 2005
New Bill Snow column debutes, check out the Velocity of Venture, you won't be sorry you did!
Posted by WRS
January 25, 2005
Dr. VC is on a tear, folk! Two more questions, two more replies! This time, both question askers receive answers they might not be looking for. If you want to know what to avoid when approaching investors, make sure you read Dr. VC's latest bits of brain twizzling bubbly effervesce.
Posted by WRS
January 21, 2005
The doctor is back from an extended holiday break! Tackling questions of exits and directories, the doctor is in fine form. Click this to visit his page.
Posted by WRS
January 20, 2005
Anyone who has any interest in Indian venture capital should promptly take a look at the VC Guide For India 2004-2005. Click this to take a look-see!
Posted by WRS
January 20, 2005
If you're in the Chicago area and you're looking to stay on top of the area's professional networking scene, we here at VC Fodder highly recommend you regularly visit the event's calendar at Jacobsohn.com. Jason does a great job keeping tabs of events.
Posted by WRS
January 11, 2005
Someone recently asked us to post links to some VC blogs. Well, I just happened across this article about VC blogging. The article includes links to lots of VC blogs, and profiles some of the people behind them.
Posted by BJR
December 22, 2004
As seen in the Mercury News: "Accounting rule makers handed down long-awaited final guidelines Thursday that will force companies to deduct the value of billions of dollars of employee stock options from reported profits starting in mid-2005." Read the article and check out a discussion of this.
Posted by BJR
December 16, 2004
Does anyone smell smoke? Dr. VC is at it again, this time answering the inevitable west coast question of, "are we smoking something?" Read more!
Posted by WRS
December 14, 2004
New products and links are listed in the Venture Capital Stuff section and the in the Investor Resources section.
Posted by WRS
December 9, 2004
Radio, Radio! VC Fodder co-founder Bill Snow is scheduled to be on a Internet radio show, hosted by Barry Moltz, discussing venture capital. Click this for more info. We'll post more details about when the show airs in the very near future.
Posted by WRS
December 8, 2004
Dr. VC - Well lookie here! Dr. VC is giving out more advice. This time the eternal question is posed to the good doctor...am I big enough? To read more, click this!
Also, we have a first post in the "Send Us Stuff" section.
Posted by WRS
December 7, 2004
Ask Dr. VC - Dr. VC was recently asked how a service provider might be able to contact venture capital firms, in the hopes of selling various services to the VCs. Click this to read the response.
Also, if you're an early stage dude (or dudette) looking for capital, you might be interested in our friends at Ground Floor Finance. Find them via our Angel Capital page.
Barry Moltz just suggested American Ventures as a good resource
Posted by WRS
December 6, 2004
Financial models? - Get your finacial models right here, pal! That's right, we got 'em! Well, almost. Ben and I are in the midst of updating this section. He's taking the charge of adding the functionality so we can upload excel files, PDF files, and so on. I'm in the midst of updating my super duper, handy dandy, financial model. We're going to give away this resource just so entrepreneurs can get an idea of how complicated financial modeling can be.
And once they get a sense of how complicated these things can be, entrepreneurs unwilling to pay my starting price of US $10,000 to build a custom financial model may be very interested in taking a look at the incredible product offered by our friends at Projected Financials. It is worth the money, trust me!
Posted by WRS
December 6, 2004
Pek sent in a great link: 17 Mistakes Start-Ups Make by John Osher, a successful serial entrepreneur. Includes things like overestimating sales volume and timing, bringing in unnecessary partners, lacking focus and identity, and much more.
Posted by BJR
November 23, 2004
Check out Seth Godin's The Bootstrapper's Bible, available for free download only until December 1st.
Posted by BJR
November 22, 2004
Articles about incorporation (courtesy Business Filings Incorporated) have been posted in the, guess what? Incorporation section.
Posted by WRS
November 10, 2004
Welcome to VC Fodder. We hope that you come back to our site early and often. Bookmark us, now!
This site is still a work in progress, although it will always be a work in progress. Take a look around, get a feel for what we're doing and what we plan to do.
If you haven't figured it out already, VC Fodder helps entrepreneurs be entreprenuers. We provide advice, help, guidance, links, products, and more. As we are constantly building and refining, we most definitely welcome feedback, suggestions, criticism, and free tickets to sporting events.
Post by...hmmm....we can't remember who wrote this
November 8, 2004
Site launched! Bill and Ben would like to welcome you to VC Fodder!
