Adapted from the Journal of the Heartland Angels
By: Douglas Yau, PhD
When asked for funding, one of the most frustrating things investors do to a startup company is give them the “Slow No.” What I mean by this is dragging on the process of evaluating, requesting more information, and setting up teleconferences for weeks or months without a clear process for making the decision to invest. Continue reading
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Adapted from the Journal of the Heartland Angels
Part 1 – by John Jonelis
In the world of private equity investing, the order of funding is supposed to go like this:
Compare that stack-of-three (above) to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Notice that Angels make up the good stuff in the middle. And yes—according to studies by the Kauffman Foundation—Angels make the best money. Continue reading
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Adapted from the Journal of the Heartland Angels
By Michael Gardiner
Chicago’s startup scene has grown dramatically in recent years. That includes a rapid increase in local accelerators, incubators, tech parks, and similar programs.
The term accelerator is used somewhat loosely, but the prototypical accelerator involves cohorts of between 10 and 20 startups that spend three to four months in a common physical location. Accelerators are sponsoring organizations that provide startups with a combination of small cash investments, intense mentoring, formal and informal networking opportunities, and organized investor pitch events—all designed to dramatically “accelerate” a startup’s development. Typically, graduating companies immediately seek a significant angel investment or venture “A” round funding. Continue reading
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Marketing Success Secrets for Tech StartupsBy John Ortbal
It is estimated that 40 percent of venture backed companies fail; 40 percent return moderate amounts of capital; and only 20 percent or less produce high returns. It is the small percentage of high return deals that are most responsible for the venture capital industry consistently performing above the public markets. So what separates the zeroes from the heroes? Continue reading
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Brain Tech – Part 3
Adapted from the Journal of the MIT Enterprise Forum – Chicago
John Jonelis;
A highly experienced parachute instructor wanted to film his students. (This actually happened in the ‘90s.) “He clips the camera to his visor and carries the rest of the unit on his back. Then he does everything the same as always. But on his way down, he reaches for the ripcord and it’s not there. He forgot his parachute.” How can that happen to a seasoned instructor? What caused the fatal mistake?
In our daily lives, why do we get frustrated? Why do we get upset? The answer lies in the lesson of the parachute. Continue reading
Filed under Conflict, Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
John Jonelis
“I must’ve walked down that alley 100 times, but for some reason something told me I shouldn’t go down there.” But the Marine dismisses the thought and carries on with his mission. Next, he gets blown up. Continue reading
Filed under Conflict, Death, Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Games, High Tech, Low Tech, Politics, Startup Companies, Startups
Brain Tech – Part 2Adapted from the Journal of the MIT Enterprise Forum – Chicago
John Jonelis
Daniel DiLorenzo came up with a concise list of what’s needed to succeed in fund raising. He filled in all the blanks before approaching venture capital. He was highly successful at gaining great gobs money.
Filed under Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Startup Companies, Startups
Three Key QuestionsJohn Jonelis
It’s crucial for an Angel Investor to leverage the strengths of a group. Great groups are out there but how do you identify them? Here are three key questions: Continue reading
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Techbash – Part 5John Jonelis
This is a story about raw love. Tough. Rugged. Unashamed.
I’m at i.c.stars—the premier social incubator in Chicago—and I find myself a bit overwhelmed by it all. I stop in to thank Sandee Kastrul, their President and Co-founder and she pours me some hot coffee.
“I think,” She says, “that at the end of the day, there are three things that you should know about us:
Those seem to me rather interesting assertions for a social venture. But she goes on to explain: Continue reading
Filed under Conflict, Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, High Tech, Low Tech, Politics, Poverty, Relationships, Startup Companies, Startups, The Economy
Techbash – Part 3VERBATIM – John Jonelis
This is a story of high expectations, high reality, and high energy. I may as well give it to you straight, because Loop Lonogan would want it that way. He’s in the lockup. Too much hard partying on Twelfth Night. His guests spilled into the street and all kinds of trouble erupted—part of it involving a policeman he knocked cold. So I’m here at i.c.stars headquarters. Here to finish Lonagan’s series of articles. I’m talking to the president and co-founder, Sandee Kastrul. Continue reading
Filed under Conflict, Education, Entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship, Giving, High Tech, Influence, Low Tech, Poverty, Relationships, The Economy
Where Tech Startups Come Up Short.From the Journal of the Heartland Angels
By John Ortbal
Far too many start-ups in the technology sector launch a great product with distinct advantages over competitors but fail to gain a solid footing in their marketplace. One of the major reasons is lack of adequate investment in what I call a solid marketing infrastructure. Continue reading
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by Terry Flanagan
Your next opportunity may be right under your nose. When people with common values and objectives—coachable individuals with unique expertise come together, they can deliver value in a very short timeframe. Continue reading
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Controlled Design Management – Part 1
Controlled Design Management – Part 2
Controlled Design Management – Part 3
Controlled Design Management – Part 4
How Hyperlocal Social Economies Evolve
Investors Losing Patience with Pivots
Millennials are Becoming Obsolete–Already!
Chicago–the Best Incubator in America?
Driving Value When Funding Runs Low
The 10 Commandments of Startups
Your Business and Your Children
The Hidden Danger in Your Data
Underestimating the Competition
The Girl in the Black Leather Pants
The Apprentice Meets Digital Boot Camp
Fear of Failure Is Not an Option
The Secret World of 3D Printing
Fascination of a Thought Leader
If We Build it, They Will Come
Shark Tank Meets The Apprentice
The Gamemaker's Father 