Should You Raise Venture Capital

[00:27] Today’s Topic: Should You Raise Venture Capital

[00:40] Neil still raises venture capital.

[00:50] If your idea is huge and you’re trying to swing for the fences, it is hard to do without raising venture capital.

[01:18] It depends on what you’re trying to do with your business.

[01:40] Rand Fishkin got so diluted while running Moz, that it ended up hurting him in the long run.

[01:55] He could have sold the business for a profit, but did not take advantage of this opportunity.

[02:20] His VC’s dissuaded him from taking what would have been a great deal.

[02:35] VC’s can often steer you away from a clear vision, because they have their own desires.

[03:25] Instead of trying to take money to make life easier up front. Think about the long term consequences.

[03:50] You could end up in a fundraising cycle.

[04:15] Build an audience first, so you have some leverage when you go to VC’s.

[04:35] Neil met with some private equity guys in New York.

[04:52] Neil didn’t want to do monthly or quarterly meetings, nor did he want to be beholden to investors.

[05:15] Raising money is more painful than just working for yourself and getting to call all the shots.

[05:25] Read Vivid Vision; it will help you figure out your goals.

[05:44] That’s all for today!

[05:48] Go to Singlegrain.com/Giveway for a special marketing tool giveaway!

Should You Raise Venture Capital | Ep. #693