WHAT WE LOOK FOR

· Great TEAM #1...."chemistry with Founders"
· Solid idea or product is important - pre requisite
· Company in Growth sector
· Solving a practical and REAL problem
· Network effects and first mover advantage…
· Metrics matter...Know signals of consumer adoption
· Early traction and working beta product
· Good elevator pitch...keep it simple

· Decisiveness--often tested in building the team
· Exec summary important as door opener
· IP does Matter
· Don't over-negotiate terms or dwell on terms…Build a big company!
· Hire ahead of needs if possible and do backdoor references
· Understand success rate
· Distribution and Business Development always important = SALES!

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
· Decisiveness--often tested in building the team

      · Do not procrastinate

      · Be proactive

· Clear vision, all the team understands direction and mission
· Team and team builder as CEO
· Passion
· Flexibility on idea and morph constantly
· Good listeners....strong willed but flexible
· Reliability and responsiveness...
· Move fast...sweat logistics...devil in details
· Execution is everything....make mistakes but learn from them
· Trust your gut...make decisions
· Reliability and Responsiveness
· Over-communicate...with all food chain, Team AND Investors and Customers
· Hire ahead of needs if possible and backdoor refs etc
· Lead by example...24/7  no distractions

HOW TO PICK INVESTOR
· Rolodex vs time vs Pedigree and Track Record
· Helping on next round
· How many repeat entreps
· Backdoor references
· Value add
· Business advice....via pattern recognition
· Experience/Mentoring
· Network/syndicate
· Responsiveness

NEVER FORGET…Your reputation is your biggest asset.