When I was much younger everyone, myself included, wanted to be a hedge fund manager. And who could blame us. After seeing the kind of houses these folks lived in, any sensible bloke with aspirations of ditching the 30-year old Fiat for a Porsche wanted a hedge fund of their very own. They clearly brought… Read More
angel investing
The March of Technology
My recent post “It’s over!” stirred up a lot of emotions. I received many thoughtful replies commending me on it, and quite a few others threatening me and wishing me bodily harm, disease, death or a job at the TSA. I’m not sure which would be worse…? In that piece I discussed how angry people… Read More
These 7 Traits Make For Great Entrepreneurs
There is a scene in the movie “Madagascar”… Skipper: “We’ll fix it.” Alex: “How are you gonna fix this?” Skipper: “Grit, spit and a whole lot of duct tape.” This attitude epitomizes one of the traits we look for in founders. Great businesses are not dumb luck, they’re usually the result of some unique traits…. Read More
But It Says So on Facebook!
Funny story. I spoke with a fellow angel investor recently who is now a successful investor but wasn’t always. We were regaling past successes and failures. He told me a story of a terrible deal, which as he recounted the story involved a “Doctor”. The company in question was a start-up and was selling drugs… Read More
Drag-Along Rights – Why Investors Use Such Agreements
Frankly I am often puzzled as to why investors simply buy common stock, all too often taking what the market offers them. It’s no secret that the majority of what we do right now is investing in private equity. Today I’m going to provide yet another reason why getting involved in private rather than public equity… Read More
THIS Will Destroy Shareholder Value
Drinks at the Corney and Barrow matey? I winced, feeling my wallet lighter already. You coming? Urgh, 5 quid for a pint, can’t we go someplace else? I don’t make nearly as much as you overpaid traders. Don’t worry about it, it’s sorted, the boss is coming so it’s on the expense account. Put your… Read More
