Building a startup is hard.
Figuring out fundraising and venture capital shouldn’t get in your way.
Here you will find all of my posts, starting with the most recent.
You can also jump directly to the following categories:
The Life and Death of Project Stag
There is a startup I cofounded that almost no one knows about. This is the story of Project Stag.
It’s Okay to Go Outside
There’s growing evidence that spending time away from work — particularly in nature — not only has a powerful effect on our health and well-being but improves our productivity.
Let’s Celebrate Risk-Taking!
One of the biggest cultural differences between the US and other countries is the degree to which Americans value and celebrate risk-taking.
Know Your Competition
If an investor knows more about your competition than you do, that’s a problem.
What Happens After You Sign a Term Sheet?
Here are the steps that occur between signing a VC term sheet and the money being deposited into your startup’s bank account.
The Times They Are A-Changin’
Ecosystems around the world have been evolving, adapting and reconfiguring themselves post-Covid.
Things I Think I Think - Q3 2024
We're heading into the home stretch of 2024. Here are 5 Things I Think I Think: Q3 2024.
Why I Don’t Invest in “Outsourced” Startups
Startups that outsource the majority of their core work can be extremely profitable. But as a VC, I will never invest in one.
YC's Move to 4 Batches is a Win for Founders
Last week, YC doubled the number of batches it's running each year. Here's what that's good news for founders.
Thank You, Jerry
This week, angel investor and prolific blogger, Jerry Neumann, penned his "resignation letter"
When Life Gives You Lemons 🍋
I come from a family of entrepreneurs, which makes running a lemonade stand a rite of passage in our family.
2 Minutes for Instigating
My name is Chris. And I’m an instigator. Here's the story of Vancouver Founders Day.
The Mythical U.S. Lead Investor
The stereotype that local investors don’t lead rounds but "foreign investors" do exists all over the world. But is it true?
How to Pitch Hard Tech to a Generalist VC
To increase fundraising success with generalist VCs, hard tech founders must show that your startup fits the traditional VC model. Here's how.
I Never Wanted to be a VC
When I graduated from Stanford more than 20 years ago, nobody aspired to "be a VC".
How to Connect with a VC on LinkedIn
Connecting on LinkedIn can be the easiest way to open a direct line of communication with a potential investor. But you have to do it right.
How to Pitch a VC at a Party
Pitching an investor at a party is very different from pitching in an office, a coffee shop or over Zoom. Here are 6 tips for pitching a VC at a party.
Why is Summer a Bad Time to Fundraise?
Is summer really a bad time to fundraise? And if so, why?
Things I Think I Think - Q2 2024
Q2 has come to a close and we’re into that sweet, sweet Canadian summer. Here are 5 Things I Think I Think: Q2 2024.