VCs destroy more startups than they make unicornsLearn how to identify and avoid that trap The reason is the “marginal dollar problem”Understanding that will help you choose whether to accept venture capital investment with open eyes. Read the blog: https://ftb.bz/85BWatch the video: https://ftb.bz/85V Join Boot Prints for access to free office hours: https://ftb.bz/JoinMeet other founders in the Founders Alliance: https://ftb.bz/Alliance

How to Start Angel Investing 💰What you need to know to start investing in early-stage startup companiesBest practices for new angel investors This is the second in a series of videos on angel investing.It explains the best way to begin as a new angel investor, and some critical pitfalls to avoid. Read the blog: https://ftb.bz/84BWatch the Video https://ftb.bz/84V  Subscribe to Boot Prints https://ftb.bz/joinHere’s the episode on dangerous investment terms https://youtu.be/LCCXSS2ubn8Merch! https://ftb.bz/merch

Angel Investing 101 💰What is angel investing?How to invest in pre-IPO companies Angel investors put their own money into early-stage startup companies.This is the first in a series of episodes on becoming an effective angel investor / venture capitalist Read the article: https://ftb.bz/83BWatch the Video: https://ftb.bz/83VSignup for the mailing list and office hours: https://ftb.bz/join

📉Startup Funding in a Bear MarketAdapt your fundraising strategy to succeed in a downturnRaise angel investment and venture capital in challenging times When the economy is rough, investors become cautious.Learn how to position your company to survive these times and appeal to angel and VC investors. Read the article https://ftb.bz/82BWatch the Video https://ftb.bz/82V Founders Alliance https://ftb.bz/AllianceMailing list for office hours https://ftb.bz/join

My worst day as a founder 😭 how we pivoted, survived, and eventually thrivedStartup Stories: angel investor quits, acquisition falls through, & personal tragedyWhat to expect as a founder.Creating and growing a company can be an incredible experience, but you will have days that seriously suck. You will probably experience situations that challenge your determination to carry on.Because I frequently talk about how challenging launching a startup can be, I want to share my worst day as a founder. I hope it helps prepare you for some of the trials you will experience on your journey.Read the article https://ftb.bz/81BWatch the video https://ftb.bz/81VFounders Alliance https://ftb.bz/AllianceMailing list for office hours https://ftb.bz/join

Fire the Founder? 🔥 Take the initiative and replace yourself as CEOStartup typically outgrow their founding CEOIt’s better find your replacement then be replaced My board of directors wanted to replace me as CEO. This episode explains how I handled that with fantastic results.If you recruit the new CEO, you can find someone you want to work with, and who will respect you.They can help drive the company’s success and give you the exit you want. Read the article https://ftb.bz/80B Watch the video https://ftb.bz/80V Founders Alliance https://ftb.bz/AllianceMailing list for office hours https://ftb.bz/join

Cofounder Vesting 😭 Handling founder shares when things go wrongStock vesting can save you in multi-cofounder startupsInvestors may require founder vesting before investing This episode looks at the issue of founder vesting through the lens of a fictitious company founded by Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor and Loki. Read the article https://ftb.bz/79BWatch the video https://ftb.bz/79VFounders Alliance https://ftb.bz/AllianceMailing list for office hours https://ftb.bz/join

Term Sheet Red Flags ☠️ Venture CapitalAbusive terms cause dilution, loss of control, & sabotage future dealsLearn what they mean and when to push back Read the article https://ftb.bz/78BWatch the video https://ftb.bz/78VFounders Alliance https://ftb.bz/AllianceMailing list for office hours https://ftb.bz/join Article on pre-revenue startup valuations: https://ftb.bz/66BArticle on why high valuations can be bad: https://ftb.bz/70B Here are the standard term sheets I mentioned:Y Combinator https://ftb.bz/Y-Com-TSNational Venture Capital Association https://ftb.bz/NVCA-TSAngel Capital Association https://ftb.bz/ACA-TS

Have you ever tried to deliver a pitch deck or other presentation, and the technology just won’t cooperate? Either your computer won’t talk to their projector, or there is some issue with the PowerPoint.How can you handle these situations in a way that leaves you looking as good or better than you would have if everything had gone perfectly?Video: https://ftb.bz/77VArticle: https://ftb.bz/77BJoin: https://ftb.bz/Join

Get more from your investor updatesWhat to include and an easy template Get the template here: https://ftb.bz/investor-update-template  Watch the Video: https://ftb.bz/76V Get the podcast: https://ftb.bz/PodcastVisit the website: https://ftb.bz/Join the mailing list: https://ftb.bz/Join A regular investor update email is the best way to keep existing and prospective investors in the loop on your startup’s progress.Use it to ask for investments, introductions, advice, assistance, and more.In this episode I share how to craft an update that people will read and will keep them engaged and supportive.  Lance Cottrell has been an active startup advisor and startup mentor for over a decade.He has helped countless startups navigate the key decisions of their journey, like when to take venture capital investment and negotiating term sheets.He works with many companies in accelerators like Y Combinator and Founder Institute.He provides help with startup funding including raising venture capital and angel investment.He can help you achieve liquidity for your company at a high valuation.Feel the Boot is a startup vlog of tips and advice for early-stage founders.