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Results are a lagging indicator of vision, execution, and luck
It will take 7-10 yrs to prove that we’re good investors. But, we know we excel at networking, adapting & executing
I enjoyed writing this post and hope you find these gems helpful! (1/11) https://harlem.capital/gems-from-harlem-capital/
It will take 7-10 yrs to prove that we’re good investors. But, we know we excel at networking, adapting & executing
I enjoyed writing this post and hope you find these gems helpful! (1/11) https://harlem.capital/gems-from-harlem-capital/
1. “Advice is cheap, get the money”
When fundraising, it is best to focus on raising money. Advice is valuable before you raise and after you raise.
When you believe you will be successful with or without the potential investor, it changes the power dynamic in meetings. (2/11)
When fundraising, it is best to focus on raising money. Advice is valuable before you raise and after you raise.
When you believe you will be successful with or without the potential investor, it changes the power dynamic in meetings. (2/11)
2. “It’s a small world”
Relationships we built early in our career all came full circle.
As a start-up or first-time fund manager, your track record is limited, so investors are betting on you and your strategy. Reference checks and and reputation is important! (3/11)
Relationships we built early in our career all came full circle.
As a start-up or first-time fund manager, your track record is limited, so investors are betting on you and your strategy. Reference checks and and reputation is important! (3/11)
3. “Winners win”
People want to work with and support those who they perceive as successful. Having traction, momentum, a brand, and strong advisors increases people’s desire to work with you
Having smart and notable people supporting you helps when starting from scratch (4/11)
People want to work with and support those who they perceive as successful. Having traction, momentum, a brand, and strong advisors increases people’s desire to work with you
Having smart and notable people supporting you helps when starting from scratch (4/11)
4. “Don’t angel invest for financial reasons”
Start-ups have a high chance of failing. If they exit, you likely won’t own enough to receive a life changing return
Unless you are an experienced investor or operator, there’s probably adverse selection on the deals you see (5/11)
Start-ups have a high chance of failing. If they exit, you likely won’t own enough to receive a life changing return
Unless you are an experienced investor or operator, there’s probably adverse selection on the deals you see (5/11)
5. “It’s hard to make money as a VC”
Even VC backed start-ups have a high failure rate. To make money as a VC investor, you need an adequate level of diversification and have to make most of your return from the few investments that “win” and exit. (6/11)
Even VC backed start-ups have a high failure rate. To make money as a VC investor, you need an adequate level of diversification and have to make most of your return from the few investments that “win” and exit. (6/11)
6. “Put yourself in the other person’s shoes”
It takes humility to acknowledge that you may not know the person’s business across the table from you
Like most VC firms, we invest in 1/100 companies so pass on many deals that from the outside may look like they are a fit (7/11)
It takes humility to acknowledge that you may not know the person’s business across the table from you
Like most VC firms, we invest in 1/100 companies so pass on many deals that from the outside may look like they are a fit (7/11)
7. “Just in case vs. just in time”
“just in time” is taking a transactional approach and reaching out to someone when you need something
“Just in case” style networking is taking a long-term approach. If you do this and treat every person well, great things will happen (8/11)
“just in time” is taking a transactional approach and reaching out to someone when you need something
“Just in case” style networking is taking a long-term approach. If you do this and treat every person well, great things will happen (8/11)
8. “You can only give advice as far as you’ve gone”
Generic mass market advice may be good for most, but not for you
Most people are risk adverse. Despite their success, many people have only worked their way up established organizations and have not been entrepreneurial (9/11)
Generic mass market advice may be good for most, but not for you
Most people are risk adverse. Despite their success, many people have only worked their way up established organizations and have not been entrepreneurial (9/11)
9. “Good communication is essential”
Internally, it is important to be responsive. We can make decisions quickly, create quick feedback loops, and minimize bottlenecks.
Externally, our responsiveness to others helps us not miss great opportunities and instill confidence (10/11)
Internally, it is important to be responsive. We can make decisions quickly, create quick feedback loops, and minimize bottlenecks.
Externally, our responsiveness to others helps us not miss great opportunities and instill confidence (10/11)
10. “Why YOU?!”
Anyone raising money should be able to answer the question “Why YOU?! Because any investment in an early stage company or first time fund is a bet on the team. (11/11)
This thread is just a summary. There’s more gold in the article!
Anyone raising money should be able to answer the question “Why YOU?! Because any investment in an early stage company or first time fund is a bet on the team. (11/11)
This thread is just a summary. There’s more gold in the article!
