http://www.odeo.com/channels/30456-Texas-Venture-Capital-Blog-via-Talkr-com AlexanderMuse no With a special focus on Web 2.0 initiatives in North Texas With a special focus on Web 2.0 initiatives in North Texas With a special focus on Web 2.0 initiatives in North Texas en 40 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:13:01 -0800 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:13:01 -0800 http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25412472-ShopSavvy-Beta-Testers-Wanted-ASAP Okay, I convinced the development team to STOP working on ShopSavvy for the iPhone and submit it to the iTunes app store. We demo'd ShopSavvy for the iPhone at the PayPal Innovate Conference and EVERYONE seemed to love it. While we wait for Apple to approve the app we decided we would allow the first 75 people who email me their device ID to play with the app. All we ask in return is a list of a) bugs, b) suggestions, c) ideas, d) criticisms 48 hours after you install it. If you agree just email support@biggu.com with your device ID (it works on both legacy and current iPhones) and the first 75 people will receive the application. How do you get your device id? Follow these steps: Connect the device to your Mac or PC. On the "Summary" tab in iTunes, click the "Serial Number" label. You'll notice "Serial Number" changes to "Identifier". Click on "Edit" in the menu at the top and select "Copy". Now you can paste the device ID into an email. Send to support@biggu.com YOU MUST SUBMIT YO... Okay, I convinced the development team to STOP working on ShopSavvy for the iPhone and submit it to the iTunes app store. We demo'd ShopSavvy for the iPhone at the PayPal Innovate Conference and EVERYONE seemed to love it. While we wait for Apple to approve the app we decided we would allow the first 75 people who email me their device ID to play with the app. All we ask in return is a list of a) bugs, b) suggestions, c) ideas, d) criticisms 48 hours after you install it. If you agree just email support@biggu.com with your device ID (it works on both legacy and current iPhones) and the first 75 people will receive the application. How do you get your device id? Follow these steps: Connect the device to your Mac or PC. On the "Summary" tab in iTunes, click the "Serial Number" label. You'll notice "Serial Number" changes to "Identifier". Click on "Edit" in the menu at the top and select "Copy". Now you can paste the device ID into an email. Send to support@biggu.com YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR DEVICE ID BY COB Friday to get the App!!! We are reserving 25 installs for bloggers. If you are a blogger and want the application to write a story email your device ID and a link to your blog and we will send the application to the first 25 bloggers who respond. For those of you who want to wait until it is available in the App Store you can watch this short video I made this morning: Okay, I convinced the development team to STOP working on ShopSavvy for the iPhone and submit it to the iTunes app store. We demo'd ShopSavvy for the iPhone at the PayPal Innovate Conference and EVERYONE seemed to love it. While we wait for Apple to approve the app we decided we would allow the first 75 people who email me their device ID to play with the app. All we ask in return is a list of a) bugs, b) suggestions, c) ideas, d) criticisms 48 hours after you install it. If you agree just email support@biggu.com with your device ID (it works on both legacy and current iPhones) and the first 75 people will receive the application. How do you get your device id? Follow these steps: Connect the device to your Mac or PC. On the "Summary" tab in iTunes, click the "Serial Number" label. You'll notice "Serial Number" changes to "Identifier". Click on "Edit" in the menu at the top and select "Copy". Now you can paste the device ID into an email. Send to support@biggu.com YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR DEVICE ID BY COB Friday to get the App!!! We are reserving 25 installs for bloggers. If you are a blogger and want the application to write a story email your device ID and a link to your blog and we will send the application to the first 25 bloggers who respond. For those of you who want to wait until it is available in the App Store you can watch this short video I made this morning: tag:odeo.com,2009-11-05,25412472 Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:13:01 -0800 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25399416-Reminder-Startup-Happy-Hour-Tonight Its that time again.  Just a quick reminder that the Startup Happy Hour is tonight.  Take a minute to RSVP here.  The community building event for entrepreneurs starts at 5PM at the INFOMART's High Tech Bar. Its that time again.  Just a quick reminder that the Startup Happy Hour is tonight.  Take a minute to RSVP here.  The community building event for entrepreneurs starts at 5PM at the INFOMART's High Tech Bar. Its that time again.  Just a quick reminder that the Startup Happy Hour is tonight.  Take a minute to RSVP here.  The community building event for entrepreneurs starts at 5PM at the INFOMART's High Tech Bar. tag:odeo.com,2009-11-02,25399416 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:31:37 -0800 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25399422-Our-country-club-for-developers-iPhoneDevTeam TechCrunch has a pretty extensive story on our iPhone development country club concept in a post titled, "Big in Japan Has a Massive Goal."  The story began this summer when Adam Majewski brought us the idea.  What if we created a development shop 50% owned by the developers who did the work?  Over the course of the summer we worked on the idea until we settled on a country club model: 25 Developers 25 Designers 1% ownership, 1% share of gross revenue for each Members could sell their 'seat' as long as 25% of the members approved the new member. Members could be voted out if 75% of the members decided they weren't a good fit. Each team (1 dev + 1 designer) would be required to build one app per quarter to remain part of team. Apps would use our own ad network, members would get half of the remnants to use or sell. Members get access to all contract work presented to Big in Japan. MG's article really spells out the program in his article, check it out.  If you are interested drop me ... TechCrunch has a pretty extensive story on our iPhone development country club concept in a post titled, "Big in Japan Has a Massive Goal."  The story began this summer when Adam Majewski brought us the idea.  What if we created a development shop 50% owned by the developers who did the work?  Over the course of the summer we worked on the idea until we settled on a country club model: 25 Developers 25 Designers 1% ownership, 1% share of gross revenue for each Members could sell their 'seat' as long as 25% of the members approved the new member. Members could be voted out if 75% of the members decided they weren't a good fit. Each team (1 dev + 1 designer) would be required to build one app per quarter to remain part of team. Apps would use our own ad network, members would get half of the remnants to use or sell. Members get access to all contract work presented to Big in Japan. MG's article really spells out the program in his article, check it out.  If you are interested drop me an email at amuse@biggu.com. TechCrunch has a pretty extensive story on our iPhone development country club concept in a post titled, "Big in Japan Has a Massive Goal."  The story began this summer when Adam Majewski brought us the idea.  What if we created a development shop 50% owned by the developers who did the work?  Over the course of the summer we worked on the idea until we settled on a country club model: 25 Developers 25 Designers 1% ownership, 1% share of gross revenue for each Members could sell their 'seat' as long as 25% of the members approved the new member. Members could be voted out if 75% of the members decided they weren't a good fit. Each team (1 dev + 1 designer) would be required to build one app per quarter to remain part of team. Apps would use our own ad network, members would get half of the remnants to use or sell. Members get access to all contract work presented to Big in Japan. MG's article really spells out the program in his article, check it out.  If you are interested drop me an email at amuse@biggu.com. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-30,25399422 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:33:00 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25399419-My-Twitter-Dilemma-PLEASE-HELP In early October I noticed that the Twitter API was posting updates to my Twitter account.  Someone suggested that I change my password, but on October 12th at 9:15PM my NEW password stopped working.  I tried the password recovery system, but I never received an email from Twitter with my new password.  My theory is that someone had ‘hacked' or ‘phished' my Twitter password and then changed the email associated with my account.  When I changed the password they recovered it using the password recovery tool.  When I tried to use the recovery tool THEY received the new password - not me.  I emailed Twitter Support several times, but I have never heard back.  I can still tweet on the account using cotweet because it is still connected using oauth.  The bad news is that the ‘hacker' has been posting updates to my Twitter account and since I can't login, I can't delete them.  Here is the latest: I have been a Twitter users since 2007 and have more than 25,000 followers.... In early October I noticed that the Twitter API was posting updates to my Twitter account.  Someone suggested that I change my password, but on October 12th at 9:15PM my NEW password stopped working.  I tried the password recovery system, but I never received an email from Twitter with my new password.  My theory is that someone had ‘hacked' or ‘phished' my Twitter password and then changed the email associated with my account.  When I changed the password they recovered it using the password recovery tool.  When I tried to use the recovery tool THEY received the new password - not me.  I emailed Twitter Support several times, but I have never heard back.  I can still tweet on the account using cotweet because it is still connected using oauth.  The bad news is that the ‘hacker' has been posting updates to my Twitter account and since I can't login, I can't delete them.  Here is the latest: I have been a Twitter users since 2007 and have more than 25,000 followers.  It was one thing when I couldn't use my account, but now someone else is pretending to be me.  This is unacceptable.  I am hoping someone from Twitter can help, someone like Josh Elman, Vitor Lourenco, Mark Trammell, Kevin Thau, Jason Stirman, Dick Costolo, Santosh Jayaram, Peter Fenton, Doug Cook, Abdur Chowdhury, Alexander Macgillivray, Evan Williams, Rael Dornfest, Chris Sacca, Jack Dorsey, Greg Pass, Andrew Lorek, Jeremy LaTrasse, John Adams, Rudy Winnacker, Britt Selvitelle, Alex Payne, Bijan Sabet, Jay Edwards, Steve Jensen, John Kalucki, Blaine Cook, Lee Mighdoll, Biz Steon, or Jack Dorsey - anyone? In early October I noticed that the Twitter API was posting updates to my Twitter account.  Someone suggested that I change my password, but on October 12th at 9:15PM my NEW password stopped working.  I tried the password recovery system, but I never received an email from Twitter with my new password.  My theory is that someone had ‘hacked' or ‘phished' my Twitter password and then changed the email associated with my account.  When I changed the password they recovered it using the password recovery tool.  When I tried to use the recovery tool THEY received the new password - not me.  I emailed Twitter Support several times, but I have never heard back.  I can still tweet on the account using cotweet because it is still connected using oauth.  The bad news is that the ‘hacker' has been posting updates to my Twitter account and since I can't login, I can't delete them.  Here is the latest: I have been a Twitter users since 2007 and have more than 25,000 followers.  It was one thing when I couldn't use my account, but now someone else is pretending to be me.  This is unacceptable.  I am hoping someone from Twitter can help, someone like Josh Elman, Vitor Lourenco, Mark Trammell, Kevin Thau, Jason Stirman, Dick Costolo, Santosh Jayaram, Peter Fenton, Doug Cook, Abdur Chowdhury, Alexander Macgillivray, Evan Williams, Rael Dornfest, Chris Sacca, Jack Dorsey, Greg Pass, Andrew Lorek, Jeremy LaTrasse, John Adams, Rudy Winnacker, Britt Selvitelle, Alex Payne, Bijan Sabet, Jay Edwards, Steve Jensen, John Kalucki, Blaine Cook, Lee Mighdoll, Biz Steon, or Jack Dorsey - anyone? tag:odeo.com,2009-10-30,25399419 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:05:37 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25346762-Holy-Cow-Angels-Read-Blogs The Keiretsu Forum is dropping their ‘pay to pitch' model for early-stage startups.  The angel group claims this change, announced today, is not in response to Jason Calacanis who threatened a shooting war if Keiretsu and other angel groups did not drop their fees by November 16th.  I have been railing against angel groups who charge entrepreneurs to ‘pay to pitch‘ for years, but my voice didn't seem to resonate with angels.  Jason's take no prisoners approach was a lot more effective.  I think entrepreneurs owe Jason a debt of gratitude and at least a beer the next time they seem him.  Thanks Jason! The Keiretsu Forum is dropping their ‘pay to pitch' model for early-stage startups.  The angel group claims this change, announced today, is not in response to Jason Calacanis who threatened a shooting war if Keiretsu and other angel groups did not drop their fees by November 16th.  I have been railing against angel groups who charge entrepreneurs to ‘pay to pitch‘ for years, but my voice didn't seem to resonate with angels.  Jason's take no prisoners approach was a lot more effective.  I think entrepreneurs owe Jason a debt of gratitude and at least a beer the next time they seem him.  Thanks Jason! The Keiretsu Forum is dropping their ‘pay to pitch' model for early-stage startups.  The angel group claims this change, announced today, is not in response to Jason Calacanis who threatened a shooting war if Keiretsu and other angel groups did not drop their fees by November 16th.  I have been railing against angel groups who charge entrepreneurs to ‘pay to pitch‘ for years, but my voice didn't seem to resonate with angels.  Jason's take no prisoners approach was a lot more effective.  I think entrepreneurs owe Jason a debt of gratitude and at least a beer the next time they seem him.  Thanks Jason! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-21,25346762 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:55:56 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25324386-How-to-find-angels-who-won-t-charge-you-to-pitch Lots of people ask me, "How do I find angel investors?"  I just finished posting on what not to - i.e. paying angel investors to pitch.  I don't have a great answer, but perhaps I can help some of you think about who angels are and as a result perhaps you will be able to find them more easily.  To start, I think it is important to classify angels in a few classes: Type 1: Novice angels with financial objectives Type 2: Experienced angels with financial objectives Type 3: Novice angels with subject matter expertise Type 4: Experienced angels with subject matter expertise Type 5: Family, friends and colleagues You will find lots of Type 1 and 2 angels at angel investment groups.  The main problem with this group is that they have usually have a very limited understanding of your space and as a result require more information about your startup than you will be able to provide.  They want to be convinced that the IRR is going to be sufficient, but you aren't even sure what the product ... Lots of people ask me, "How do I find angel investors?"  I just finished posting on what not to - i.e. paying angel investors to pitch.  I don't have a great answer, but perhaps I can help some of you think about who angels are and as a result perhaps you will be able to find them more easily.  To start, I think it is important to classify angels in a few classes: Type 1: Novice angels with financial objectives Type 2: Experienced angels with financial objectives Type 3: Novice angels with subject matter expertise Type 4: Experienced angels with subject matter expertise Type 5: Family, friends and colleagues You will find lots of Type 1 and 2 angels at angel investment groups.  The main problem with this group is that they have usually have a very limited understanding of your space and as a result require more information about your startup than you will be able to provide.  They want to be convinced that the IRR is going to be sufficient, but you aren't even sure what the product or service will end up looking like.  Type 1 investors have NEVER made an angel investment and it is unlikely that they will invest in your deal unless they know a Type 2 investor who has already agreed to invest.  As a result, you might consider spending very little time targeting Type 1 guys.  Spending time with Type 2 guys is fine, but only if they have clear and provable access to professional investors.  Their relationship with professional investors (i.e. VCs) needs to be vetted prior to spending a tremendous amount of time with them (i.e. ask them for references to CEOs they funded and ultimately introduced to real VCs).  Talk to CEOs they funded and get an understanding of what it was like working with them.  Make sure there is value beyond the money. Type 3 and 4 angels are the best, but they are hard to find (they rarely join angel investment groups).  They are people who have previously made lots of money in and around your space.  They have subject matter expertise around your idea and can often provide a lot more than money.  In many cases they will know the ultimate customer that will ensure your success and their investment.  Novice angels in this space are almost as good as experienced angels, both groups will be able to understand your idea very quickly and will be able to evaluate your idea without lots of bogus financial models.  Start by talking to your lawyer, your friends, your colleagues, your competitors - anyone who might know people who had prior success in and around your space.  Check out LinkedIn and Facebook, use their advanced search functions.  Type 3 and 4 angels will be able to act on their own, investing without the ‘buy-in' a Type 1 or 2 angel might need. Type 5 angels are good and bad. They are your family, friends and colleagues.  They will invest in YOU, not necessarily your idea.  This is a good thing until and unless your idea fails and YOU fail them.  They won't understand that angel investing is risky and they they are likely to lose 100% of the their money 90% of the time.  No matter whether or not you explain this prior to their investment, they won't understand - EVER.  You may lose relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. My advice? Focus on Type 3 and 4 angels.  Otherwise use your savings, borrow against your 401K, borrow against your home equity, get an SBA loan until your idea is ready for real investment dollars. Lots of people ask me, "How do I find angel investors?"  I just finished posting on what not to - i.e. paying angel investors to pitch.  I don't have a great answer, but perhaps I can help some of you think about who angels are and as a result perhaps you will be able to find them more easily.  To start, I think it is important to classify angels in a few classes: Type 1: Novice angels with financial objectives Type 2: Experienced angels with financial objectives Type 3: Novice angels with subject matter expertise Type 4: Experienced angels with subject matter expertise Type 5: Family, friends and colleagues You will find lots of Type 1 and 2 angels at angel investment groups.  The main problem with this group is that they have usually have a very limited understanding of your space and as a result require more information about your startup than you will be able to provide.  They want to be convinced that the IRR is going to be sufficient, but you aren't even sure what the product or service will end up looking like.  Type 1 investors have NEVER made an angel investment and it is unlikely that they will invest in your deal unless they know a Type 2 investor who has already agreed to invest.  As a result, you might consider spending very little time targeting Type 1 guys.  Spending time with Type 2 guys is fine, but only if they have clear and provable access to professional investors.  Their relationship with professional investors (i.e. VCs) needs to be vetted prior to spending a tremendous amount of time with them (i.e. ask them for references to CEOs they funded and ultimately introduced to real VCs).  Talk to CEOs they funded and get an understanding of what it was like working with them.  Make sure there is value beyond the money. Type 3 and 4 angels are the best, but they are hard to find (they rarely join angel investment groups).  They are people who have previously made lots of money in and around your space.  They have subject matter expertise around your idea and can often provide a lot more than money.  In many cases they will know the ultimate customer that will ensure your success and their investment.  Novice angels in this space are almost as good as experienced angels, both groups will be able to understand your idea very quickly and will be able to evaluate your idea without lots of bogus financial models.  Start by talking to your lawyer, your friends, your colleagues, your competitors - anyone who might know people who had prior success in and around your space.  Check out LinkedIn and Facebook, use their advanced search functions.  Type 3 and 4 angels will be able to act on their own, investing without the ‘buy-in' a Type 1 or 2 angel might need. Type 5 angels are good and bad. They are your family, friends and colleagues.  They will invest in YOU, not necessarily your idea.  This is a good thing until and unless your idea fails and YOU fail them.  They won't understand that angel investing is risky and they they are likely to lose 100% of the their money 90% of the time.  No matter whether or not you explain this prior to their investment, they won't understand - EVER.  You may lose relationships with family members, friends and colleagues. My advice? Focus on Type 3 and 4 angels.  Otherwise use your savings, borrow against your 401K, borrow against your home equity, get an SBA loan until your idea is ready for real investment dollars. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-21,25324386 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 02:11:38 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25324385-Paying-to-pitch-revisited Jason Calacanis wrote a post titled, "Why startups shouldn't have to pay to pitch angel investors."  Jason was recently made aware of angel investor groups that charge startups to pitch and he isn't the least bit happy about it.  I wrote about the problem back in May of 2008 asking, "Should startups pay to pitch…"  the short answer was "NEVER!".  Just yesterday I was talking to some folks from Austin who were bashing the angel scene in Dallas because they claimed it is filled with ripoff artists and crooks.  I asked who they were referring to and they explained the only game in town was the InvestIN Forum - a group that charges $2,000 to entrepreneurs to pitch.  I argued that I never heard any mention of the group doing anything illegal, but I did agree that charging an entrepreneur to pitch is a distant cousin to theft.  Jason mentioned a few more groups that are charging entrepreneurs including the Keiretsu Forum, Maverick Angels, Private Equity Forums, Tech Super Club and A... Jason Calacanis wrote a post titled, "Why startups shouldn't have to pay to pitch angel investors."  Jason was recently made aware of angel investor groups that charge startups to pitch and he isn't the least bit happy about it.  I wrote about the problem back in May of 2008 asking, "Should startups pay to pitch…"  the short answer was "NEVER!".  Just yesterday I was talking to some folks from Austin who were bashing the angel scene in Dallas because they claimed it is filled with ripoff artists and crooks.  I asked who they were referring to and they explained the only game in town was the InvestIN Forum - a group that charges $2,000 to entrepreneurs to pitch.  I argued that I never heard any mention of the group doing anything illegal, but I did agree that charging an entrepreneur to pitch is a distant cousin to theft.  Jason mentioned a few more groups that are charging entrepreneurs including the Keiretsu Forum, Maverick Angels, Private Equity Forums, Tech Super Club and Angels Den UK. If you are considering paying someone to pitch my first bit of advice: DON'T DO IT! If you don't believe me read through Jason's post.  Here is a summary: There is no circumstance where an angel investing group should charge a startup to pitch We've launched an investigation into these groups and need any information you have If you would spread the word about this issue by discussing it with angel investors and startups we would appreciate it We are demanding that angel groups waive all fees starting today We are going to crush any group that doesn't comply with our demands There is no negotiation Angel forums upset by this email: Jason doesn't care what you think of him and could care less if you email his investors, his mother or the Principal of the Internet to complain about his bad behavior (plus these folks get emails all the time and are used to it). Jason Calacanis wrote a post titled, "Why startups shouldn't have to pay to pitch angel investors."  Jason was recently made aware of angel investor groups that charge startups to pitch and he isn't the least bit happy about it.  I wrote about the problem back in May of 2008 asking, "Should startups pay to pitch…"  the short answer was "NEVER!".  Just yesterday I was talking to some folks from Austin who were bashing the angel scene in Dallas because they claimed it is filled with ripoff artists and crooks.  I asked who they were referring to and they explained the only game in town was the InvestIN Forum - a group that charges $2,000 to entrepreneurs to pitch.  I argued that I never heard any mention of the group doing anything illegal, but I did agree that charging an entrepreneur to pitch is a distant cousin to theft.  Jason mentioned a few more groups that are charging entrepreneurs including the Keiretsu Forum, Maverick Angels, Private Equity Forums, Tech Super Club and Angels Den UK. If you are considering paying someone to pitch my first bit of advice: DON'T DO IT! If you don't believe me read through Jason's post.  Here is a summary: There is no circumstance where an angel investing group should charge a startup to pitch We've launched an investigation into these groups and need any information you have If you would spread the word about this issue by discussing it with angel investors and startups we would appreciate it We are demanding that angel groups waive all fees starting today We are going to crush any group that doesn't comply with our demands There is no negotiation Angel forums upset by this email: Jason doesn't care what you think of him and could care less if you email his investors, his mother or the Principal of the Internet to complain about his bad behavior (plus these folks get emails all the time and are used to it). tag:odeo.com,2009-10-21,25324385 Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:48:26 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25317821-ACA-Program-for-Angel-Investors Are you an Angel investor or want to be one?  The North Texas Angel Network in cooperation with the Angel Capital Association is hosting a one day conference titled ‘The Power of Angel Investing".  The event will be held at UT Dallas Executive Education Center from 7:30AM to 7:00PM on November 4th, 2009.  Register here. Are you an Angel investor or want to be one?  The North Texas Angel Network in cooperation with the Angel Capital Association is hosting a one day conference titled ‘The Power of Angel Investing".  The event will be held at UT Dallas Executive Education Center from 7:30AM to 7:00PM on November 4th, 2009.  Register here. Are you an Angel investor or want to be one?  The North Texas Angel Network in cooperation with the Angel Capital Association is hosting a one day conference titled ‘The Power of Angel Investing".  The event will be held at UT Dallas Executive Education Center from 7:30AM to 7:00PM on November 4th, 2009.  Register here. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-19,25317821 Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:51:18 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25312387-Arrington-All-About-Android Mike Arrington switched from the iPhone to Android earlier this year.  Most recently he had a chance to get his hands on Motorola's new Android phone (launching on Verizon next month) and he is amazed.  Here are a few quotes from his blog: "Make no mistake, this is Android's flagship product, and the first phone that will pose a significant threat to Apple's iPhone." "The Droid poses a different and more significant challenge to the iPhone than any other phone to date." "And the scary thing for Apple is, it may only be a few months before something even better than the Droid comes out. With the flood of Android devices that are hitting the market, a few are bound to be hits. No wonder Google CEO Eric Schmidt is so bullish on Android right now. Things are about to get very, very interesting." If I worked for Apple I would have figured out a way to have Steve Jobs meet with Mike when he was threatening to switch.  It is great to have someone like Mike on ‘our' side - i.e. the An... Mike Arrington switched from the iPhone to Android earlier this year.  Most recently he had a chance to get his hands on Motorola's new Android phone (launching on Verizon next month) and he is amazed.  Here are a few quotes from his blog: "Make no mistake, this is Android's flagship product, and the first phone that will pose a significant threat to Apple's iPhone." "The Droid poses a different and more significant challenge to the iPhone than any other phone to date." "And the scary thing for Apple is, it may only be a few months before something even better than the Droid comes out. With the flood of Android devices that are hitting the market, a few are bound to be hits. No wonder Google CEO Eric Schmidt is so bullish on Android right now. Things are about to get very, very interesting." If I worked for Apple I would have figured out a way to have Steve Jobs meet with Mike when he was threatening to switch.  It is great to have someone like Mike on ‘our' side - i.e. the Android-fanboy side.  :)  Mike Arrington switched from the iPhone to Android earlier this year.  Most recently he had a chance to get his hands on Motorola's new Android phone (launching on Verizon next month) and he is amazed.  Here are a few quotes from his blog: "Make no mistake, this is Android's flagship product, and the first phone that will pose a significant threat to Apple's iPhone." "The Droid poses a different and more significant challenge to the iPhone than any other phone to date." "And the scary thing for Apple is, it may only be a few months before something even better than the Droid comes out. With the flood of Android devices that are hitting the market, a few are bound to be hits. No wonder Google CEO Eric Schmidt is so bullish on Android right now. Things are about to get very, very interesting." If I worked for Apple I would have figured out a way to have Steve Jobs meet with Mike when he was threatening to switch.  It is great to have someone like Mike on ‘our' side - i.e. the Android-fanboy side.  :)  tag:odeo.com,2009-10-18,25312387 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:01:13 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25302755-Why-I-do-startup-stuff The other day my business partner, Scott Ryan, asked me why I do startup stuff like Barcamp, Pitchcamp, Startup Happy Hour, SpringStage and Startup Weekend.  He suggested that these events don't really make us any money and they take a lot of time.  I am a pretty good debater and normally I would come argue his premise that they ‘don't make us any money', but this time I actually thought about the real question - ‘why do you do all this startup stuff?' First, for those of you just tuning in, I endeavor to be an instigator or catalyst for entrepreneurial activity here in the Dallas area.  Back in 2005 I started this blog to share my experiences and thoughts about entrepreneurship.  As a result, over the years, I have had the privileged of meeting thousands of entrepreneurs.  Some just pick up the phone and call me - at least one or two catch me everyday.  More simply email me - I respond to about 75% of the messages I get from entrepreneurs.  There are even some who come ... The other day my business partner, Scott Ryan, asked me why I do startup stuff like Barcamp, Pitchcamp, Startup Happy Hour, SpringStage and Startup Weekend.  He suggested that these events don't really make us any money and they take a lot of time.  I am a pretty good debater and normally I would come argue his premise that they ‘don't make us any money', but this time I actually thought about the real question - ‘why do you do all this startup stuff?' First, for those of you just tuning in, I endeavor to be an instigator or catalyst for entrepreneurial activity here in the Dallas area.  Back in 2005 I started this blog to share my experiences and thoughts about entrepreneurship.  As a result, over the years, I have had the privileged of meeting thousands of entrepreneurs.  Some just pick up the phone and call me - at least one or two catch me everyday.  More simply email me - I respond to about 75% of the messages I get from entrepreneurs.  There are even some who come by the office to meet.  In almost all cases they are looking for feedback and advice - something I am not shy about sharing.  My pet peeve - I will not sign an NDA, but I never ask for anything in return.  I don't want their cash or their stock - I am happy to share my experience, opinions and advice for free.  Additionally, we (i.e. me and Scott my partner) host a happy hour for entrepreneurs each month and we even buy the drinks.  Finally, we opened our offices at the INFOMART as a coworking space and server colocation to anyone working on a startup at no cost - we ask for nothing in return. With this background I will try to answer Scott's question.  First and foremost I want to help Dallas become known for its startup and entrepreneurial community.  When I started my first company my father advised me to move to Silicon Valley - I stubbornly stayed and set out to prove I could start my company and raise money right here in Dallas.  Now that I am in my late thirties I thought it was time for to quit complaining about how our startup community 'sucks' and start doing something to make it better. You might ask yourself why I am writing this post today.  For the past year I have wanted to bring an event born in Boulder, CO called Startup Weekend to Dallas.  The planets finally aligned and we were able to schedule the event later next month (Nov. 20-22).  I blogged about the event and sent out emails to people I hoped would participate.  Turns out a number of people were turned off by the $75 charge for the event.  Several people commented that I was being opportunistic, making money off of entrepreneurs.  Others suggested that I ‘generally' take advantage of entrepreneurs on a regular basis.  They claimed that I ask entrepreneurs to pay (cash or stock) for my assistance.  I was floored by the comments.  I have NEVER taken cash or stock from an entrepreneur who participated in one of my events.  I have NEVER taken cash or stock from any of the thousands entrepreneurs who have called, emailed or visited me. There are a few guys who locate equipment in our data center and they have tried to pay us, but in each case I have refused payment. In a single case I went into business with an entrepreneur who I met at one of the happy hour events.  Far from asking for cash or stock, we invested $700,000 in the business and I am excited to announce that looks as though will be the best deal I have ever done.  I think my partner agrees. So what about the $75?  The funny part is that I am not charging the fee, the folks from Startup Weekend are.  They are flying down, renting hotel rooms and providing meals - the fee is simply to cover their expenses.  The Eventbrite account is NOT mine.  So for those of you who are concerned that I am making money off of entrepreneurs be assured I am not.  I have received more than I deserve from our community - I hope this is clear. The other day my business partner, Scott Ryan, asked me why I do startup stuff like Barcamp, Pitchcamp, Startup Happy Hour, SpringStage and Startup Weekend.  He suggested that these events don't really make us any money and they take a lot of time.  I am a pretty good debater and normally I would come argue his premise that they ‘don't make us any money', but this time I actually thought about the real question - ‘why do you do all this startup stuff?' First, for those of you just tuning in, I endeavor to be an instigator or catalyst for entrepreneurial activity here in the Dallas area.  Back in 2005 I started this blog to share my experiences and thoughts about entrepreneurship.  As a result, over the years, I have had the privileged of meeting thousands of entrepreneurs.  Some just pick up the phone and call me - at least one or two catch me everyday.  More simply email me - I respond to about 75% of the messages I get from entrepreneurs.  There are even some who come by the office to meet.  In almost all cases they are looking for feedback and advice - something I am not shy about sharing.  My pet peeve - I will not sign an NDA, but I never ask for anything in return.  I don't want their cash or their stock - I am happy to share my experience, opinions and advice for free.  Additionally, we (i.e. me and Scott my partner) host a happy hour for entrepreneurs each month and we even buy the drinks.  Finally, we opened our offices at the INFOMART as a coworking space and server colocation to anyone working on a startup at no cost - we ask for nothing in return. With this background I will try to answer Scott's question.  First and foremost I want to help Dallas become known for its startup and entrepreneurial community.  When I started my first company my father advised me to move to Silicon Valley - I stubbornly stayed and set out to prove I could start my company and raise money right here in Dallas.  Now that I am in my late thirties I thought it was time for to quit complaining about how our startup community 'sucks' and start doing something to make it better. You might ask yourself why I am writing this post today.  For the past year I have wanted to bring an event born in Boulder, CO called Startup Weekend to Dallas.  The planets finally aligned and we were able to schedule the event later next month (Nov. 20-22).  I blogged about the event and sent out emails to people I hoped would participate.  Turns out a number of people were turned off by the $75 charge for the event.  Several people commented that I was being opportunistic, making money off of entrepreneurs.  Others suggested that I ‘generally' take advantage of entrepreneurs on a regular basis.  They claimed that I ask entrepreneurs to pay (cash or stock) for my assistance.  I was floored by the comments.  I have NEVER taken cash or stock from an entrepreneur who participated in one of my events.  I have NEVER taken cash or stock from any of the thousands entrepreneurs who have called, emailed or visited me. There are a few guys who locate equipment in our data center and they have tried to pay us, but in each case I have refused payment. In a single case I went into business with an entrepreneur who I met at one of the happy hour events.  Far from asking for cash or stock, we invested $700,000 in the business and I am excited to announce that looks as though will be the best deal I have ever done.  I think my partner agrees. So what about the $75?  The funny part is that I am not charging the fee, the folks from Startup Weekend are.  They are flying down, renting hotel rooms and providing meals - the fee is simply to cover their expenses.  The Eventbrite account is NOT mine.  So for those of you who are concerned that I am making money off of entrepreneurs be assured I am not.  I have received more than I deserve from our community - I hope this is clear. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-16,25302755 Fri, 16 Oct 2009 21:41:24 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25289730-Rights-are-not-granted-by-governments I wrote a post titled, "Shame on TechCrunch!" earlier today where I suggested that Robin Wauters‘ applause of Finland's declaration that "the internet is a right" was a mistake.  Jeff Jarvis suggested almost a year ago that, "The internet is a right".  I believe both Robin and Jeff are wrong.  I know Jeff read Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man" when he was in high school or college, but I think he (like many Americans) has forgotten the very tenants our country was founded on.  Our founding fathers believed that human rights originated in nature, that rights cannot be granted by governments.  The believed this to be true because if rights are ‘granted' by governments (as Finland sought to do today) they can be revoked by law.  Anything the state has the power to revoke is NOT a right, but instead a privilege.  Internet access is not a right, it is a privilege provided by private companies or by the state.  Either party can revoke the privilege as they see fit.  The purpose o... I wrote a post titled, "Shame on TechCrunch!" earlier today where I suggested that Robin Wauters‘ applause of Finland's declaration that "the internet is a right" was a mistake.  Jeff Jarvis suggested almost a year ago that, "The internet is a right".  I believe both Robin and Jeff are wrong.  I know Jeff read Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man" when he was in high school or college, but I think he (like many Americans) has forgotten the very tenants our country was founded on.  Our founding fathers believed that human rights originated in nature, that rights cannot be granted by governments.  The believed this to be true because if rights are ‘granted' by governments (as Finland sought to do today) they can be revoked by law.  Anything the state has the power to revoke is NOT a right, but instead a privilege.  Internet access is not a right, it is a privilege provided by private companies or by the state.  Either party can revoke the privilege as they see fit.  The purpose of government was to safeguard our rights.  People (i.e. us) have freely entered into a compact with each other to create a government, but by doing so we the people have NOT annulled our rights, our personal sovereignty. I wrote a post titled, "Shame on TechCrunch!" earlier today where I suggested that Robin Wauters‘ applause of Finland's declaration that "the internet is a right" was a mistake.  Jeff Jarvis suggested almost a year ago that, "The internet is a right".  I believe both Robin and Jeff are wrong.  I know Jeff read Thomas Paine's "Rights of Man" when he was in high school or college, but I think he (like many Americans) has forgotten the very tenants our country was founded on.  Our founding fathers believed that human rights originated in nature, that rights cannot be granted by governments.  The believed this to be true because if rights are ‘granted' by governments (as Finland sought to do today) they can be revoked by law.  Anything the state has the power to revoke is NOT a right, but instead a privilege.  Internet access is not a right, it is a privilege provided by private companies or by the state.  Either party can revoke the privilege as they see fit.  The purpose of government was to safeguard our rights.  People (i.e. us) have freely entered into a compact with each other to create a government, but by doing so we the people have NOT annulled our rights, our personal sovereignty. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-14,25289730 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:31:50 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25264568-Startup-Weekend-Dallas-Nov-20-22nd We are hosting Startup Weekend Dallas the weekend of November 20st - 22nd at our offices in the INFOMART.  Startup Weekend recruits a highly motivated group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists and more to a 54 hour event that builds communities, companies and projects. The weekend is a concept of a conference focusing on learning by creating. It is known for its quick decisions, ‘out of the box' thinking (oh no, the buzzwords are attacking!), unique facilitation technique and letting the founders show what they can do. The program has already met with success in Boulder, Toronto, New York, Hamburg, Houston, West Lafayette, DC and more. The participants that attend a Startup Weekend decide what they want to tackle over the weekend and come out at the end with several developed companies or projects. Attendees are responsible for bringing the same desire and passion to the project and walk out of the room with the task at hand, in a ... We are hosting Startup Weekend Dallas the weekend of November 20st - 22nd at our offices in the INFOMART.  Startup Weekend recruits a highly motivated group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists and more to a 54 hour event that builds communities, companies and projects. The weekend is a concept of a conference focusing on learning by creating. It is known for its quick decisions, ‘out of the box' thinking (oh no, the buzzwords are attacking!), unique facilitation technique and letting the founders show what they can do. The program has already met with success in Boulder, Toronto, New York, Hamburg, Houston, West Lafayette, DC and more. The participants that attend a Startup Weekend decide what they want to tackle over the weekend and come out at the end with several developed companies or projects. Attendees are responsible for bringing the same desire and passion to the project and walk out of the room with the task at hand, in a short 54 hours. Sound intense? It is. A typical weekend might go something like below, although most weekends find their own schedule that works best: 6pm Friday: Everyone gets together; figures out who else is there; what would be interesting to build. 7pm: Pitches start (if you have an idea for a product you pitch it to the group). 8pm: Teams start breaking off (generally about nine teams will form during the weekend, creating nine products or companies). 9pm: Hopefully teams have solidified their concept and created an elevator pitch (even a simple one) by now. 10pm: Break off to a bar or coffee shop to continue the discussion and attempt to paper prototype out their application. 9am Saturday: Crowds pour in; work starts on development. Noon: Lunch. 3pm: More coding, business plan development, and a special guest (music, vc, sponsor etc). 6pm: Special guest drop-ins and pitches from the teams. 9pm: Gut check on the product; basic prototype building; group get-together for drinks and to talk about the products everyone is working on. 9am Sunday: The day's work starts again. Noon: Projects are being developed; live website with signup is possibly set up; more special guests drop in. 6pm: Sink or swim time for those looking for a weekend launch. 9pm: Presentations from each company; what worked, what didn't, what could go better and contacts are exchange for those continuing in the future. What do Attendees get? Startup Weekend provides an unprecedented level of networking, team building, learning, and life changes for its attendees and their communities. Don't forget that there will be 6-7 meals and drinks provided. There is a reason that most attendees come back for every event – it's just plain fun and provides amazing opportunities you can't get anywhere else. Sometimes a company emerges, sometimes one doesn't, but every time people leave with more experience, insight, knowledge, friends, and resources than they came with. Sponsorship Startup Weekend Dallas is actively seeking sponsors. For more information and to discuss possible opportunities please email me amuse@biggu.com. We are hosting Startup Weekend Dallas the weekend of November 20st - 22nd at our offices in the INFOMART.  Startup Weekend recruits a highly motivated group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists and more to a 54 hour event that builds communities, companies and projects. The weekend is a concept of a conference focusing on learning by creating. It is known for its quick decisions, ‘out of the box' thinking (oh no, the buzzwords are attacking!), unique facilitation technique and letting the founders show what they can do. The program has already met with success in Boulder, Toronto, New York, Hamburg, Houston, West Lafayette, DC and more. The participants that attend a Startup Weekend decide what they want to tackle over the weekend and come out at the end with several developed companies or projects. Attendees are responsible for bringing the same desire and passion to the project and walk out of the room with the task at hand, in a short 54 hours. Sound intense? It is. A typical weekend might go something like below, although most weekends find their own schedule that works best: 6pm Friday: Everyone gets together; figures out who else is there; what would be interesting to build. 7pm: Pitches start (if you have an idea for a product you pitch it to the group). 8pm: Teams start breaking off (generally about nine teams will form during the weekend, creating nine products or companies). 9pm: Hopefully teams have solidified their concept and created an elevator pitch (even a simple one) by now. 10pm: Break off to a bar or coffee shop to continue the discussion and attempt to paper prototype out their application. 9am Saturday: Crowds pour in; work starts on development. Noon: Lunch. 3pm: More coding, business plan development, and a special guest (music, vc, sponsor etc). 6pm: Special guest drop-ins and pitches from the teams. 9pm: Gut check on the product; basic prototype building; group get-together for drinks and to talk about the products everyone is working on. 9am Sunday: The day's work starts again. Noon: Projects are being developed; live website with signup is possibly set up; more special guests drop in. 6pm: Sink or swim time for those looking for a weekend launch. 9pm: Presentations from each company; what worked, what didn't, what could go better and contacts are exchange for those continuing in the future. What do Attendees get? Startup Weekend provides an unprecedented level of networking, team building, learning, and life changes for its attendees and their communities. Don't forget that there will be 6-7 meals and drinks provided. There is a reason that most attendees come back for every event – it's just plain fun and provides amazing opportunities you can't get anywhere else. Sometimes a company emerges, sometimes one doesn't, but every time people leave with more experience, insight, knowledge, friends, and resources than they came with. Sponsorship Startup Weekend Dallas is actively seeking sponsors. For more information and to discuss possible opportunities please email me amuse@biggu.com. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-09,25264568 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:04:26 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25264567-Living-your-dream-is-often-expensive I had the pleasure of working with a musician named Shannon Barrett for the last two years.  He has a band called Farstar and recently released an album called Strange Kids.  Shannon ran our help desk for the first year and it wasn't until he had worked for us for quite a while before we learned he was in a band.  He always kept his personal life personal and was a complete professional at the office.  After learning of his passion and talent for music I convinced him to give me one of his CDs and I was surprised how much I enjoyed his music.  Very cool stuff.  Shannon and his band have received great press from local news outlets like the Dallas Observer who suggest, "Very Coldplay and U2ish if you ask me–that is, if anyone is asking me. This style of epic, emotional rock must have a place in the Dallas scene, right? And The Farstar appears to have a sound that could garner them some national attention." You can listen to the single, "The Healing Kiss of a Blowtorch". The sec... I had the pleasure of working with a musician named Shannon Barrett for the last two years.  He has a band called Farstar and recently released an album called Strange Kids.  Shannon ran our help desk for the first year and it wasn't until he had worked for us for quite a while before we learned he was in a band.  He always kept his personal life personal and was a complete professional at the office.  After learning of his passion and talent for music I convinced him to give me one of his CDs and I was surprised how much I enjoyed his music.  Very cool stuff.  Shannon and his band have received great press from local news outlets like the Dallas Observer who suggest, "Very Coldplay and U2ish if you ask me–that is, if anyone is asking me. This style of epic, emotional rock must have a place in the Dallas scene, right? And The Farstar appears to have a sound that could garner them some national attention." You can listen to the single, "The Healing Kiss of a Blowtorch". The second year of his employment he worked directly with me in business development and I got to know him a lot better.  Shannon maintains a blog called ‘Numbers for Letters' and recently wrote a post titled, "My Dreams Cost Me $500 - 4 Times a Year" where he gives a glimpse into the business side of being in a band.  Shannon doesn't really operate Farstar as a business, but I would argue that he should.  I think Farstar could be a viable business - not just an expensive hobby.  However, making a band viable is VERY hard work.  First it takes talent - something Shannon has in spades.  Second it requires taking significant risk - focusing 100% of your energy on the band.  Bands are, in many ways, just like startups.  Hundreds of new startups/bands are created each month.  Less than 1% of new startups/bands get funded.  Of these fewer than 10% ever provide a return to their investors and founders.  It is a very difficult game to play, but it IS a game you have to play - I think Shannon should start playing… I had the pleasure of working with a musician named Shannon Barrett for the last two years.  He has a band called Farstar and recently released an album called Strange Kids.  Shannon ran our help desk for the first year and it wasn't until he had worked for us for quite a while before we learned he was in a band.  He always kept his personal life personal and was a complete professional at the office.  After learning of his passion and talent for music I convinced him to give me one of his CDs and I was surprised how much I enjoyed his music.  Very cool stuff.  Shannon and his band have received great press from local news outlets like the Dallas Observer who suggest, "Very Coldplay and U2ish if you ask me–that is, if anyone is asking me. This style of epic, emotional rock must have a place in the Dallas scene, right? And The Farstar appears to have a sound that could garner them some national attention." You can listen to the single, "The Healing Kiss of a Blowtorch". The second year of his employment he worked directly with me in business development and I got to know him a lot better.  Shannon maintains a blog called ‘Numbers for Letters' and recently wrote a post titled, "My Dreams Cost Me $500 - 4 Times a Year" where he gives a glimpse into the business side of being in a band.  Shannon doesn't really operate Farstar as a business, but I would argue that he should.  I think Farstar could be a viable business - not just an expensive hobby.  However, making a band viable is VERY hard work.  First it takes talent - something Shannon has in spades.  Second it requires taking significant risk - focusing 100% of your energy on the band.  Bands are, in many ways, just like startups.  Hundreds of new startups/bands are created each month.  Less than 1% of new startups/bands get funded.  Of these fewer than 10% ever provide a return to their investors and founders.  It is a very difficult game to play, but it IS a game you have to play - I think Shannon should start playing… tag:odeo.com,2009-10-09,25264567 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:33:06 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25259319-Vote-for-Art Jeremy Parker founded www.voteforart.com, a new startup backed by the large apparel company David Peyser Sportswear (owner of brands such as Weatherproof and MV Sport). Vote For Art is similar to Threadless but with a collegiate focus. They have partnered with six major universities for their main launch in November. The winners' artwork will be printed on t-shirts and sold at the University bookstore. MV Sport already vendor relationships with university bookstores, allowing Vote For Art the platform to take part in the cool, crowd-sourced t-shirt market.  They are currently hosting the "Design Our Logo" contest.  Members of the Vote For Art community will be able to design and vote for the actual logo to be displayed on their site and on all of the tees sold online and in book stores around the country.  Give Jeremy some love and check them out.  Not to be confused with ‘i vote for art‘ from Australia. Jeremy Parker founded www.voteforart.com, a new startup backed by the large apparel company David Peyser Sportswear (owner of brands such as Weatherproof and MV Sport). Vote For Art is similar to Threadless but with a collegiate focus. They have partnered with six major universities for their main launch in November. The winners' artwork will be printed on t-shirts and sold at the University bookstore. MV Sport already vendor relationships with university bookstores, allowing Vote For Art the platform to take part in the cool, crowd-sourced t-shirt market.  They are currently hosting the "Design Our Logo" contest.  Members of the Vote For Art community will be able to design and vote for the actual logo to be displayed on their site and on all of the tees sold online and in book stores around the country.  Give Jeremy some love and check them out.  Not to be confused with ‘i vote for art‘ from Australia. Jeremy Parker founded www.voteforart.com, a new startup backed by the large apparel company David Peyser Sportswear (owner of brands such as Weatherproof and MV Sport). Vote For Art is similar to Threadless but with a collegiate focus. They have partnered with six major universities for their main launch in November. The winners' artwork will be printed on t-shirts and sold at the University bookstore. MV Sport already vendor relationships with university bookstores, allowing Vote For Art the platform to take part in the cool, crowd-sourced t-shirt market.  They are currently hosting the "Design Our Logo" contest.  Members of the Vote For Art community will be able to design and vote for the actual logo to be displayed on their site and on all of the tees sold online and in book stores around the country.  Give Jeremy some love and check them out.  Not to be confused with ‘i vote for art‘ from Australia. tag:odeo.com,2009-10-08,25259319 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:09:46 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25259318-eCornell-Entrepreneur-Online-Video-Contest Tai Giang asked me to write a post about Cornell University's video contest for entrepreneurs.  Now through November 30, eCornell is inviting entrepreneurs who are developing (or have already developed) a new product or service to submit a 30- to 60-second video that explains or demonstrates their process for understanding what customers want and satisfying their needs. The first-place winner will receive a full scholarship (a $3,500 value) for Cornell's newest online certificate program, A Systems Approach to Product and Service Design, (http://www.ecornell.com/certificate-programs/?crt=cesc1), which arms entrepreneurs with a unique eight-step process for effective product development. Second- and third-place winners will have the opportunity to enroll in two eCornell product design courses each, free of charge ($1,250 value per course). Winners will be selected based on quality of response, creativity, and methodology, and will be announced on December 14, 2009.  Apply here: http:... Tai Giang asked me to write a post about Cornell University's video contest for entrepreneurs.  Now through November 30, eCornell is inviting entrepreneurs who are developing (or have already developed) a new product or service to submit a 30- to 60-second video that explains or demonstrates their process for understanding what customers want and satisfying their needs. The first-place winner will receive a full scholarship (a $3,500 value) for Cornell's newest online certificate program, A Systems Approach to Product and Service Design, (http://www.ecornell.com/certificate-programs/?crt=cesc1), which arms entrepreneurs with a unique eight-step process for effective product development. Second- and third-place winners will have the opportunity to enroll in two eCornell product design courses each, free of charge ($1,250 value per course). Winners will be selected based on quality of response, creativity, and methodology, and will be announced on December 14, 2009.  Apply here: http://www.ecornell.com/l-entrepreneur-video-contest/ Tai Giang asked me to write a post about Cornell University's video contest for entrepreneurs.  Now through November 30, eCornell is inviting entrepreneurs who are developing (or have already developed) a new product or service to submit a 30- to 60-second video that explains or demonstrates their process for understanding what customers want and satisfying their needs. The first-place winner will receive a full scholarship (a $3,500 value) for Cornell's newest online certificate program, A Systems Approach to Product and Service Design, (http://www.ecornell.com/certificate-programs/?crt=cesc1), which arms entrepreneurs with a unique eight-step process for effective product development. Second- and third-place winners will have the opportunity to enroll in two eCornell product design courses each, free of charge ($1,250 value per course). Winners will be selected based on quality of response, creativity, and methodology, and will be announced on December 14, 2009.  Apply here: http://www.ecornell.com/l-entrepreneur-video-contest/ tag:odeo.com,2009-10-08,25259318 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:49:50 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25259317-Gloomy-Data-on-VC-Funds According to the Wall Street Journal, the VC community has stopped trying to raise money suggesting the effort is "not worth the brain damage".  The money VCs raise this year is the seed corn for the next five years.  VCs are investing in startups with funds raised just after the internet/telecom bubble burst in 2001.  When those funds are gone the landscape will be bleak for startups.  Here are some of the charts from the story: According to the Wall Street Journal, the VC community has stopped trying to raise money suggesting the effort is "not worth the brain damage".  The money VCs raise this year is the seed corn for the next five years.  VCs are investing in startups with funds raised just after the internet/telecom bubble burst in 2001.  When those funds are gone the landscape will be bleak for startups.  Here are some of the charts from the story: According to the Wall Street Journal, the VC community has stopped trying to raise money suggesting the effort is "not worth the brain damage".  The money VCs raise this year is the seed corn for the next five years.  VCs are investing in startups with funds raised just after the internet/telecom bubble burst in 2001.  When those funds are gone the landscape will be bleak for startups.  Here are some of the charts from the story: tag:odeo.com,2009-10-08,25259317 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:55:39 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25221723-Roll-your-own-VC-referrals You need a referral to get most VCs to return your call.  If you are trying to raise capital from VCs you will need to talk to them over the phone to a) gauge their interest in your business, b) see if your business philosophies mesh and c) to schedule the ever important face-to-face meeting.  When I was in money raising mode in the late nineties there were over 1,000 venture capital firms across the United States.  I must have talked to more than 100 of them, scheduling meetings with perhaps half of that many.  I could get less than 10% of venture partners to even return my call without a referral. Today, lots of people call me and ask, "do you know such-and-such at such-and-such venture firm, I need a referral."  In some cases where I know both the entrepreneur and the venture partner I will make a call to grease the wheels.  In other cases I may just say, "you can use my name and explain that I recommended you call."  It all depends on how well I know the entrepreneur or the VC. ... You need a referral to get most VCs to return your call.  If you are trying to raise capital from VCs you will need to talk to them over the phone to a) gauge their interest in your business, b) see if your business philosophies mesh and c) to schedule the ever important face-to-face meeting.  When I was in money raising mode in the late nineties there were over 1,000 venture capital firms across the United States.  I must have talked to more than 100 of them, scheduling meetings with perhaps half of that many.  I could get less than 10% of venture partners to even return my call without a referral. Today, lots of people call me and ask, "do you know such-and-such at such-and-such venture firm, I need a referral."  In some cases where I know both the entrepreneur and the venture partner I will make a call to grease the wheels.  In other cases I may just say, "you can use my name and explain that I recommended you call."  It all depends on how well I know the entrepreneur or the VC.  Bottom line, in my experience, without a referral you aren't very likely to receive a return call.  With a referral your success rate will be 50/50 based on the quality and type of referral. For those of you who don't know me and need a referral to a specific VC I recommend a simple way to "Make Your Own VC Referral." Step One: Determine which firms you want to talk to.  Based this decision on which firms have previously funded deals in your space. Step Two: Figure out which partner at your target firms you want to work with.  Based this decision on which partners managed the deals you used to decide which firm to call. Step Three: Contact the CEOs of the companies the VC partner funded.  Let the CEO know that you are considering working with one of their VCs and suggest that you plan to talk to the partner they work with.  See if he will answer a few questions about his experience with them.  Usually a CEO will return your call very quickly.  Ask him real questions that might help you determine if, in fact, you really want to work with the firm and partner you found on the Internet.  Hint: not every VC is fun to work with. Step Four: Contact the VC partner (i.e. leave him a message) and explain that you had a chance to talk to such-and-such CEO of his portfolio company.  Tell him that based on that conversation he sounds like just the sort of investor you are interested in working with.  Ask him if he would be interested in getting together for coffee to discuss your business.  More often than not you will get a return call. Get it?  By following these simple steps you can create your own referral.  Of course, don't be deceptive, the VC will soon realize that you don't really know his CEO and that is fine.  You are obviously the sort of business person that does his homework.  You are just as concerned about him as he should be in you and your business. One side note, if you ever see that "submit a plan" button on a VCs website run away. NEVER, EVER submit your business plan blindly to a VC.  You don't want to be ‘that guy.'  Always send your plan to a real person, someone you have actually talked to.  It would be like putting a "Submit Termsheet" button on your website.  If you actually got one from someone who obviously knows nothing about you would you take it seriously (assuming you can make payroll next month).  Good Luck! You need a referral to get most VCs to return your call.  If you are trying to raise capital from VCs you will need to talk to them over the phone to a) gauge their interest in your business, b) see if your business philosophies mesh and c) to schedule the ever important face-to-face meeting.  When I was in money raising mode in the late nineties there were over 1,000 venture capital firms across the United States.  I must have talked to more than 100 of them, scheduling meetings with perhaps half of that many.  I could get less than 10% of venture partners to even return my call without a referral. Today, lots of people call me and ask, "do you know such-and-such at such-and-such venture firm, I need a referral."  In some cases where I know both the entrepreneur and the venture partner I will make a call to grease the wheels.  In other cases I may just say, "you can use my name and explain that I recommended you call."  It all depends on how well I know the entrepreneur or the VC.  Bottom line, in my experience, without a referral you aren't very likely to receive a return call.  With a referral your success rate will be 50/50 based on the quality and type of referral. For those of you who don't know me and need a referral to a specific VC I recommend a simple way to "Make Your Own VC Referral." Step One: Determine which firms you want to talk to.  Based this decision on which firms have previously funded deals in your space. Step Two: Figure out which partner at your target firms you want to work with.  Based this decision on which partners managed the deals you used to decide which firm to call. Step Three: Contact the CEOs of the companies the VC partner funded.  Let the CEO know that you are considering working with one of their VCs and suggest that you plan to talk to the partner they work with.  See if he will answer a few questions about his experience with them.  Usually a CEO will return your call very quickly.  Ask him real questions that might help you determine if, in fact, you really want to work with the firm and partner you found on the Internet.  Hint: not every VC is fun to work with. Step Four: Contact the VC partner (i.e. leave him a message) and explain that you had a chance to talk to such-and-such CEO of his portfolio company.  Tell him that based on that conversation he sounds like just the sort of investor you are interested in working with.  Ask him if he would be interested in getting together for coffee to discuss your business.  More often than not you will get a return call. Get it?  By following these simple steps you can create your own referral.  Of course, don't be deceptive, the VC will soon realize that you don't really know his CEO and that is fine.  You are obviously the sort of business person that does his homework.  You are just as concerned about him as he should be in you and your business. One side note, if you ever see that "submit a plan" button on a VCs website run away. NEVER, EVER submit your business plan blindly to a VC.  You don't want to be ‘that guy.'  Always send your plan to a real person, someone you have actually talked to.  It would be like putting a "Submit Termsheet" button on your website.  If you actually got one from someone who obviously knows nothing about you would you take it seriously (assuming you can make payroll next month).  Good Luck! tag:odeo.com,2009-10-01,25221723 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:01:44 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25221722-Entrepreneur-of-the-year-Dawn-Rizos I fell out of my chair when I heard that Dawn Rizos was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year' by the group American Solutions for Winning the Future.  Rizos runs a strip club in Dallas called the Lodge, but the legal name is DCG Inc.  The group realized that The Lodge was a topless bar - not another company based in Virginia.  American Solutions indicated they thought they were awarding DCG Inc., a company with the same name, based in Virginia.  Anyway, the group realized their mistake after reading a press release by Dawn suggesting she was going to "educate [Gingrich] about the realities of the online porn market."  American Solutions notified Rizos of the mistake who then reported the story to local news outlets including WFAA and The Dallas Morning News - each of whom picked up the story. Update: Mike Precker from The Lodge contacted me via email and subsequently via phone suggesting I had mixed up the story.  Mike explained that the quote "educate [Gingrich] about the realitie... I fell out of my chair when I heard that Dawn Rizos was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year' by the group American Solutions for Winning the Future.  Rizos runs a strip club in Dallas called the Lodge, but the legal name is DCG Inc.  The group realized that The Lodge was a topless bar - not another company based in Virginia.  American Solutions indicated they thought they were awarding DCG Inc., a company with the same name, based in Virginia.  Anyway, the group realized their mistake after reading a press release by Dawn suggesting she was going to "educate [Gingrich] about the realities of the online porn market."  American Solutions notified Rizos of the mistake who then reported the story to local news outlets including WFAA and The Dallas Morning News - each of whom picked up the story. Update: Mike Precker from The Lodge contacted me via email and subsequently via phone suggesting I had mixed up the story.  Mike explained that the quote "educate [Gingrich] about the realities of the online porn market." came from a porn star that was unrelated to Dawn or The Lodge.  He specifically explained that Dawn didn't want anything to do with the porn market and didn't want to be associated with porn in anyway.  I agreed to clarify the post, but I thought it was funny that Dawn didn't want to be associated with porn - The Lodge is a strip club - isn't that a pornographic business? I fell out of my chair when I heard that Dawn Rizos was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year' by the group American Solutions for Winning the Future.  Rizos runs a strip club in Dallas called the Lodge, but the legal name is DCG Inc.  The group realized that The Lodge was a topless bar - not another company based in Virginia.  American Solutions indicated they thought they were awarding DCG Inc., a company with the same name, based in Virginia.  Anyway, the group realized their mistake after reading a press release by Dawn suggesting she was going to "educate [Gingrich] about the realities of the online porn market."  American Solutions notified Rizos of the mistake who then reported the story to local news outlets including WFAA and The Dallas Morning News - each of whom picked up the story. Update: Mike Precker from The Lodge contacted me via email and subsequently via phone suggesting I had mixed up the story.  Mike explained that the quote "educate [Gingrich] about the realities of the online porn market." came from a porn star that was unrelated to Dawn or The Lodge.  He specifically explained that Dawn didn't want anything to do with the porn market and didn't want to be associated with porn in anyway.  I agreed to clarify the post, but I thought it was funny that Dawn didn't want to be associated with porn - The Lodge is a strip club - isn't that a pornographic business? tag:odeo.com,2009-10-01,25221722 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:25:09 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25209670-Should-you-cut-your-deal-with-a-handshake When you start a new business or join a new business it is important to negotiate your ownership and compensation on the front-end.  Don't rely on a basic handshake or verbal agreement.  This is simply a way to avoid having the hard conversation - avoiding conflict and confrontation.  Over and over I have seen co-founders or early key employees delay negotiations.  Some are uncomfortable negotiating, while others are waiting for the best possible deal.  You never know how a deal is going to work out, you never know what is going to end up being fair.  The truth is, the whole thing is more likely to fail than not so you might as well split things up as soon as possible so that you can all get to work building the new business.  Of course how to split things up (i.e. founders equity) is a whole other matter entirely.  Noam Wasserman has a detailed post titled, "Splitting the Pie" that I recommend. For Employees/Co-Founders: If you wait to negotiate your deal and the company progresses... When you start a new business or join a new business it is important to negotiate your ownership and compensation on the front-end.  Don't rely on a basic handshake or verbal agreement.  This is simply a way to avoid having the hard conversation - avoiding conflict and confrontation.  Over and over I have seen co-founders or early key employees delay negotiations.  Some are uncomfortable negotiating, while others are waiting for the best possible deal.  You never know how a deal is going to work out, you never know what is going to end up being fair.  The truth is, the whole thing is more likely to fail than not so you might as well split things up as soon as possible so that you can all get to work building the new business.  Of course how to split things up (i.e. founders equity) is a whole other matter entirely.  Noam Wasserman has a detailed post titled, "Splitting the Pie" that I recommend. For Employees/Co-Founders: If you wait to negotiate your deal and the company progresses the other owners will perceive the value of the business to have increased.  This perceived value inflation will result in a smaller stake for you.  It is very easy to offer half or a third of nothing, than of $100,000 or $1,000,000.  I realize that in some cases it will become very apparent very quickly that your value is far greater than the other members of your team and you will be frustrated with the deal you cut.  Don't be frustrated.  Assuming you delayed negotiations and make greater demands based on this new information, in my experience, the team will find a way to replace you.  You may not be aware, but every human being is replaceable (thank God). For Founders/Employers: As a business owner you want each partner to cut their deal ASAP as well.  There is no value in waiting.  You may think that by delaying you will be able to cut a better deal (i.e. offer a lower percentage), but instead you are opening yourself up to a world of bad blood, resentment, frustration and potential litigation.  You will spend countless hours arguing about a few points, instead of figuring out how to add an additional client or build a new widget.  It is in everyone's best interest to settle the matter and move on. My own experience: In the mid-nineties I interviewed with a small IT services business here in Dallas.  Ultimately I either didn't get the job or decided not to accept it (I can't recall which).  I did; however, begin a relationship with the vice president of sales.  He and I lived in the same historic section of Dallas and as a result we became friends and would meet occasionally to chat.  I recall one conversation where he confided that he was attempting to negotiate an equity position.  The negotiations dragged on for a couple of years, but as the company grew (largely a result of his efforts) the owners were less and less inclined to meet his demands.  Ultimately he left the company frustrated and resentful. I lost track of my friend over the next couple of years only to catch up with him in early 2001.  He was working for a business associate of mine and we met for lunch.  Ironically he didn't realize it, but he was in the exact same position he was years earlier.  He was attempting to negotiate an equity position in an early stage IT services company.  The dotcom meltdown had seriously impacted the little company and his role was to turn it around, but for a number of reasons he wasn't making much progress getting his deal cut.  In the meantime he was working for the business on an interim basis.  It was obvious to me (but not to him) that history was repeating itself. He had an idea to combine certain services from our two companies to offer something completely new and unique.  I loved the idea and after several meetings with the owner (his boss) we put a deal together.  I met privately with my friend and suggested that he should run this new business and suggested that it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask for 10% of the business (with a reverse vesting agreement of course).  For various personal reasons and professional reasons he was not prepared to negotiate.  At this point I took my friend to dinner and attempted to help him understand why, after all these years, he wasn't making any headway with his career or financial situation.  I begged him to go ahead and negotiate the best possible deal for himself so that we could get to work building this new business.  He didn't take my advice. Over the next few months the business grew and each new client signed up I could see that my friend was getting more and more concerned.  One afternoon he stopped by my office and explained how he wanted to go ahead and ‘cut his deal' and I suggested he talk to one of the three other partners.  The conversation didn't go as well as he had hoped and over the next few weeks his frustration flowed into his work.  He missed meetings, deadlines and generally was difficult to deal with.  Ultimately, he had enough and mailed each of us a resignation letter.  Later that day we received a letter from his lawyer demanding 10% of the outstanding shares in the company. Had my friend simply taken the 10% offer, or a potentially better negotiated deal, he would have been part of the creation of something great.  Instead he ended up with nothing, but a legal bill.  Despite the fact that I was willing to go ahead with the original deal, the three other partners became less and less willing over time.  Ironically, by the end as I argued with my partners my friends behavior deteriorated making a deal all but impossible.  I lost a friend and a great asset.  The moral of the story: Cut your deal ASAP! When you start a new business or join a new business it is important to negotiate your ownership and compensation on the front-end.  Don't rely on a basic handshake or verbal agreement.  This is simply a way to avoid having the hard conversation - avoiding conflict and confrontation.  Over and over I have seen co-founders or early key employees delay negotiations.  Some are uncomfortable negotiating, while others are waiting for the best possible deal.  You never know how a deal is going to work out, you never know what is going to end up being fair.  The truth is, the whole thing is more likely to fail than not so you might as well split things up as soon as possible so that you can all get to work building the new business.  Of course how to split things up (i.e. founders equity) is a whole other matter entirely.  Noam Wasserman has a detailed post titled, "Splitting the Pie" that I recommend. For Employees/Co-Founders: If you wait to negotiate your deal and the company progresses the other owners will perceive the value of the business to have increased.  This perceived value inflation will result in a smaller stake for you.  It is very easy to offer half or a third of nothing, than of $100,000 or $1,000,000.  I realize that in some cases it will become very apparent very quickly that your value is far greater than the other members of your team and you will be frustrated with the deal you cut.  Don't be frustrated.  Assuming you delayed negotiations and make greater demands based on this new information, in my experience, the team will find a way to replace you.  You may not be aware, but every human being is replaceable (thank God). For Founders/Employers: As a business owner you want each partner to cut their deal ASAP as well.  There is no value in waiting.  You may think that by delaying you will be able to cut a better deal (i.e. offer a lower percentage), but instead you are opening yourself up to a world of bad blood, resentment, frustration and potential litigation.  You will spend countless hours arguing about a few points, instead of figuring out how to add an additional client or build a new widget.  It is in everyone's best interest to settle the matter and move on. My own experience: In the mid-nineties I interviewed with a small IT services business here in Dallas.  Ultimately I either didn't get the job or decided not to accept it (I can't recall which).  I did; however, begin a relationship with the vice president of sales.  He and I lived in the same historic section of Dallas and as a result we became friends and would meet occasionally to chat.  I recall one conversation where he confided that he was attempting to negotiate an equity position.  The negotiations dragged on for a couple of years, but as the company grew (largely a result of his efforts) the owners were less and less inclined to meet his demands.  Ultimately he left the company frustrated and resentful. I lost track of my friend over the next couple of years only to catch up with him in early 2001.  He was working for a business associate of mine and we met for lunch.  Ironically he didn't realize it, but he was in the exact same position he was years earlier.  He was attempting to negotiate an equity position in an early stage IT services company.  The dotcom meltdown had seriously impacted the little company and his role was to turn it around, but for a number of reasons he wasn't making much progress getting his deal cut.  In the meantime he was working for the business on an interim basis.  It was obvious to me (but not to him) that history was repeating itself. He had an idea to combine certain services from our two companies to offer something completely new and unique.  I loved the idea and after several meetings with the owner (his boss) we put a deal together.  I met privately with my friend and suggested that he should run this new business and suggested that it wouldn't be unreasonable to ask for 10% of the business (with a reverse vesting agreement of course).  For various personal reasons and professional reasons he was not prepared to negotiate.  At this point I took my friend to dinner and attempted to help him understand why, after all these years, he wasn't making any headway with his career or financial situation.  I begged him to go ahead and negotiate the best possible deal for himself so that we could get to work building this new business.  He didn't take my advice. Over the next few months the business grew and each new client signed up I could see that my friend was getting more and more concerned.  One afternoon he stopped by my office and explained how he wanted to go ahead and ‘cut his deal' and I suggested he talk to one of the three other partners.  The conversation didn't go as well as he had hoped and over the next few weeks his frustration flowed into his work.  He missed meetings, deadlines and generally was difficult to deal with.  Ultimately, he had enough and mailed each of us a resignation letter.  Later that day we received a letter from his lawyer demanding 10% of the outstanding shares in the company. Had my friend simply taken the 10% offer, or a potentially better negotiated deal, he would have been part of the creation of something great.  Instead he ended up with nothing, but a legal bill.  Despite the fact that I was willing to go ahead with the original deal, the three other partners became less and less willing over time.  Ironically, by the end as I argued with my partners my friends behavior deteriorated making a deal all but impossible.  I lost a friend and a great asset.  The moral of the story: Cut your deal ASAP! tag:odeo.com,2009-09-29,25209670 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:50:37 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25209669-9-legal-docs-you-SHOULDN-T-use TheFunded has produced a set of nine legal documents they describe as ‘founder-friendly' startup docs.  While they may be interesting to anyone starting a company, I HIGHLY recommend that you don't try to use them.  Getting a lawyer to setup your company is inexpensive (less than $2500).  Don't try to do it at home.  So feel free to read the documents, but don't use them. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233422 - Bylaws http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233427 - Certificate of Incorporation http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233434 - Initial Stockholder Consent http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233436 - Invention Assignment Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233437 - Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233430 - Indemnification Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233432 - Initial Board Consent http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233420 - Action by Incorporator http://www.docstoc.com/docs/10303638 - Plain Preferred Term Sheet TheFunded has produced a set of nine legal documents they describe as ‘founder-friendly' startup docs.  While they may be interesting to anyone starting a company, I HIGHLY recommend that you don't try to use them.  Getting a lawyer to setup your company is inexpensive (less than $2500).  Don't try to do it at home.  So feel free to read the documents, but don't use them. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233422 - Bylaws http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233427 - Certificate of Incorporation http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233434 - Initial Stockholder Consent http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233436 - Invention Assignment Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233437 - Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233430 - Indemnification Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233432 - Initial Board Consent http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233420 - Action by Incorporator http://www.docstoc.com/docs/10303638 - Plain Preferred Term Sheet TheFunded has produced a set of nine legal documents they describe as ‘founder-friendly' startup docs.  While they may be interesting to anyone starting a company, I HIGHLY recommend that you don't try to use them.  Getting a lawyer to setup your company is inexpensive (less than $2500).  Don't try to do it at home.  So feel free to read the documents, but don't use them. http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233422 - Bylaws http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233427 - Certificate of Incorporation http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233434 - Initial Stockholder Consent http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233436 - Invention Assignment Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233437 - Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233430 - Indemnification Agreement http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233432 - Initial Board Consent http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12233420 - Action by Incorporator http://www.docstoc.com/docs/10303638 - Plain Preferred Term Sheet tag:odeo.com,2009-09-29,25209669 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:31:15 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25163491-Dell-buys-Perot-Systems-3-9B The computer maker will pay $3.9 billion for Perot Systems.  Perot will become Dell's services unit and Peter Altabef will continue to run the unit. The computer maker will pay $3.9 billion for Perot Systems.  Perot will become Dell's services unit and Peter Altabef will continue to run the unit. The computer maker will pay $3.9 billion for Perot Systems.  Perot will become Dell's services unit and Peter Altabef will continue to run the unit. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-21,25163491 Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:04:29 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25158209-My-Twitter-Updates-for-the-Week @Miridunn Did you see the live video feed of the crowd? It is real: http://bit.ly/Scmd8 #tcot #nutroot in reply to Miridunn # RT @Miridunn Who were the protesters? http://bit.ly/dYD0l # TechCrunch50 starts tomorrow: http://bit.ly/17ggW Watch live! #springstage # Motorola Cliq http://flic.kr/p/6YcTqt # Do me a favor? Become a fan of the WhiteBox facebook page: http://bit.ly/p0eKN We need 25 to be able to get a short URL. # Screenshots of the Windows Mobile 6.5 version of ShopSavvy: # RT @Latsyrc728: @amuse I'm a fan : ) LOL - auto responder… Everyone gets same info. :) # @mikeorren We are on for 11:30 - see you then… # RT @TechCrunch The List Of Startups Presenting At TechCrunch50 http://bit.ly/3641F9 # Anyone else feel the ‘anger' this weekend? http://bit.ly/W7UG2 Lots of ‘mad' folks. I think it had to do with the 9-12 stuff. #tcot # Patrick Swayze Died http://bit.ly/MWDm2 # Had fun at UT@D doing the entrepreneurship MBA class. # AdAge: "ShopSavvy will fundam... @Miridunn Did you see the live video feed of the crowd? It is real: http://bit.ly/Scmd8 #tcot #nutroot in reply to Miridunn # RT @Miridunn Who were the protesters? http://bit.ly/dYD0l # TechCrunch50 starts tomorrow: http://bit.ly/17ggW Watch live! #springstage # Motorola Cliq http://flic.kr/p/6YcTqt # Do me a favor? Become a fan of the WhiteBox facebook page: http://bit.ly/p0eKN We need 25 to be able to get a short URL. # Screenshots of the Windows Mobile 6.5 version of ShopSavvy: # RT @Latsyrc728: @amuse I'm a fan : ) LOL - auto responder… Everyone gets same info. :) # @mikeorren We are on for 11:30 - see you then… # RT @TechCrunch The List Of Startups Presenting At TechCrunch50 http://bit.ly/3641F9 # Anyone else feel the ‘anger' this weekend? http://bit.ly/W7UG2 Lots of ‘mad' folks. I think it had to do with the 9-12 stuff. #tcot # Patrick Swayze Died http://bit.ly/MWDm2 # Had fun at UT@D doing the entrepreneurship MBA class. # AdAge: "ShopSavvy will fundamentally change consumer behavior" http://bit.ly/WunEW # Xen expert needed TODAY to troubleshoot backup issue. Emergency 911! Anyone know of someone in Dallas? # @strongbow Really need an expert. We have about 23 server techs here (microsoft focused) who are stumped. in reply to strongbow # ACORN Organizer on tape admitting to murder, just when you thought it couldn't get worse: http://bit.ly/HKaVZ # @droidnewsnet Having followed ACORN for years I am confident they are a criminal organization - mainly voter fraud on a national basis. in reply to droidnewsnet # @droidnewsnet Agreed, the sensational stuff is stupid. The real issue is the voter fraud - they have been convicted of fraud in six states. in reply to droidnewsnet # @Miridunn You can see the video on Youtube: http://bit.ly/gWf5s (more ACORN craziness) #tcot in reply to Miridunn # @droidnewsnet what year were you involved? Their criminal activity began in 90 featuring squatting, but has evolved to encompass voter fraud in reply to droidnewsnet # @robertnlee A little background from my perspective on ACORN: http://bit.ly/LXznk - we can discuss in comments if you like. # Irony: Republicans support Obama's new health bill, Democrats don't. Crazy world we live in folks: http://bit.ly/10xmqA # More irony: Obama is undermining the global climate agreement: http://bit.ly/y1T06 Kyoto all over? EU and Gore pissed! # @Restoration Have you seen my plan for health care reform: http://bit.ly/daRqa in reply to Restoration # @robertnlee No worries! I responded on the post. Net/Net: No Federal funding for ACORN (or any other voter registration group) in reply to robertnlee # @Restoration Too late - they already record everything, but the records aren't for your benefit, they are for underwriting. in reply to Restoration # Michael Moore talks about the rich and how they want OUR money. FYI - Mr. Moore is a very wealthy man… # Obama has time to watch the VMAs? http://bit.ly/16mqkl # RT @elpinturrichio: Yeah, my personal favorite TechCrunch50 company - RedBeacon just won the top prize. # RT @stevecuster: Michael Moore is on Leno… what a moron. We all have equal opportunity under the law, not equal results idiot. #tcot # @Miridunn So ACORN just pretended to be a criminal organization? Very crafty of them. Did you read my post: in reply to Miridunn # @Miridunn Here is my post on ACORN: http://bit.ly/LXznk Outlines why I don't think they should get federal funds. Do you disagree? in reply to Miridunn # @Miridunn I just don't understand why tax dollars go to fund partisan electioneering groups like ACORN. My post cited sources for each claim in reply to Miridunn # Getting two new tired for my car - will be in the office in 30 minutes or so. # @creativejohnny we need an iPhone icon for our app - any ideas for who we should engage? in reply to creativejohnny # @islandbmw I think it was National Tire and Battery - owned by Sumitomo. in reply to islandbmw # @creativejohnny thx in reply to creativejohnny # Senator Reid (D-Nevada), "Health care bill won't work for Nevada." The GOP is NOT blocking Obama's plan http://bit.ly/SVqCg # @xanskinner I never suggested they were. Did you read my post? in reply to xanskinner # FYI - I am feeling under the weather - flu like symptoms. Dr says I don't have H1N1. I even got my flu shots. # @lillianwong Thanks for the mention! I appreciate it. in reply to lillianwong # @mdavis I would recommend Ryan Roberts - he is one of the best startup lawyers in town http://thestartuplawyer.com # @mooseandskwerl Thanks for the retweet! in reply to mooseandskwerl # @stevebrewer LOL not nice! in reply to stevebrewer # @henkvdz Why do you say that? Did I spam you? I doubt it. Call me and I will help 214.550.2003 in reply to henkvdz # RT @palousitics: Obamacare will make "Generation Y" wonder "why" they are picking up the tab http://twurl.nl/e73fx6 #tcot # BREAKING: House just voted 345 to 75 to defund ACORN - all federal funds will be cut (the Senate passed the measure last week)! #tcot # @brandongeiger I think it is the right decision, but I am weary that Pelosi will scuttle the provision in the conference committee. in reply to brandongeiger # Socialized medicine's answer to H1N1 (Swine Flu) - they send body bags: http://bit.ly/2vZp3A #tcot #canada # @strongbow didnt hear about that… in reply to strongbow # #followfriday @whiteboxco, @biginjapaninc, @springstage, @amuse, @thehatchery, @hamilton2 # RT @TechCrunch Memo to Start-ups: You're Supposed to Be Changing the World, Remember? http://bit.ly/vKjun # ACORN closing offices, halting operations throughout Texas http://bit.ly/miqC5 #tcot # @MeterRead_App Nothing new to report. Slow going. in reply to MeterRead_App # Feeling better today! # Microsoft just announced ShopSavvy is coming to Windows Mobile! http://bit.ly/YIHrv We are pumped about the new partnership. # @lilliz42984 No H1N1 here! Hopefully I avoid it like the plague. in reply to lilliz42984 # @jacktx42 Have you seen the HTC Leo for WinMo? It is freaking amazing: http://bit.ly/1ky9OP (I still like my iPhone) in reply to jacktx42 # @DessieHarris Didn't see any comments. Did I get something wrong? in reply to DessieHarris # Help us fight global warming and decrease dependence on foreign oil at the same time: http://bit.ly/12dG12 Vote TODAY! # To all my Jewish friends, SHANA TOVA! # @DigitalTexan Soon? in reply to DigitalTexan # @Miridunn Did you see the live video feed of the crowd? It is real: http://bit.ly/Scmd8 #tcot #nutroot in reply to Miridunn # RT @Miridunn Who were the protesters? http://bit.ly/dYD0l # TechCrunch50 starts tomorrow: http://bit.ly/17ggW Watch live! #springstage # Motorola Cliq http://flic.kr/p/6YcTqt # Do me a favor? Become a fan of the WhiteBox facebook page: http://bit.ly/p0eKN We need 25 to be able to get a short URL. # Screenshots of the Windows Mobile 6.5 version of ShopSavvy: # RT @Latsyrc728: @amuse I'm a fan : ) LOL - auto responder… Everyone gets same info. :) # @mikeorren We are on for 11:30 - see you then… # RT @TechCrunch The List Of Startups Presenting At TechCrunch50 http://bit.ly/3641F9 # Anyone else feel the ‘anger' this weekend? http://bit.ly/W7UG2 Lots of ‘mad' folks. I think it had to do with the 9-12 stuff. #tcot # Patrick Swayze Died http://bit.ly/MWDm2 # Had fun at UT@D doing the entrepreneurship MBA class. # AdAge: "ShopSavvy will fundamentally change consumer behavior" http://bit.ly/WunEW # Xen expert needed TODAY to troubleshoot backup issue. Emergency 911! Anyone know of someone in Dallas? # @strongbow Really need an expert. We have about 23 server techs here (microsoft focused) who are stumped. in reply to strongbow # ACORN Organizer on tape admitting to murder, just when you thought it couldn't get worse: http://bit.ly/HKaVZ # @droidnewsnet Having followed ACORN for years I am confident they are a criminal organization - mainly voter fraud on a national basis. in reply to droidnewsnet # @droidnewsnet Agreed, the sensational stuff is stupid. The real issue is the voter fraud - they have been convicted of fraud in six states. in reply to droidnewsnet # @Miridunn You can see the video on Youtube: http://bit.ly/gWf5s (more ACORN craziness) #tcot in reply to Miridunn # @droidnewsnet what year were you involved? Their criminal activity began in 90 featuring squatting, but has evolved to encompass voter fraud in reply to droidnewsnet # @robertnlee A little background from my perspective on ACORN: http://bit.ly/LXznk - we can discuss in comments if you like. # Irony: Republicans support Obama's new health bill, Democrats don't. Crazy world we live in folks: http://bit.ly/10xmqA # More irony: Obama is undermining the global climate agreement: http://bit.ly/y1T06 Kyoto all over? EU and Gore pissed! # @Restoration Have you seen my plan for health care reform: http://bit.ly/daRqa in reply to Restoration # @robertnlee No worries! I responded on the post. Net/Net: No Federal funding for ACORN (or any other voter registration group) in reply to robertnlee # @Restoration Too late - they already record everything, but the records aren't for your benefit, they are for underwriting. in reply to Restoration # Michael Moore talks about the rich and how they want OUR money. FYI - Mr. Moore is a very wealthy man… # Obama has time to watch the VMAs? http://bit.ly/16mqkl # RT @elpinturrichio: Yeah, my personal favorite TechCrunch50 company - RedBeacon just won the top prize. # RT @stevecuster: Michael Moore is on Leno… what a moron. We all have equal opportunity under the law, not equal results idiot. #tcot # @Miridunn So ACORN just pretended to be a criminal organization? Very crafty of them. Did you read my post: in reply to Miridunn # @Miridunn Here is my post on ACORN: http://bit.ly/LXznk Outlines why I don't think they should get federal funds. Do you disagree? in reply to Miridunn # @Miridunn I just don't understand why tax dollars go to fund partisan electioneering groups like ACORN. My post cited sources for each claim in reply to Miridunn # Getting two new tired for my car - will be in the office in 30 minutes or so. # @creativejohnny we need an iPhone icon for our app - any ideas for who we should engage? in reply to creativejohnny # @islandbmw I think it was National Tire and Battery - owned by Sumitomo. in reply to islandbmw # @creativejohnny thx in reply to creativejohnny # Senator Reid (D-Nevada), "Health care bill won't work for Nevada." The GOP is NOT blocking Obama's plan http://bit.ly/SVqCg # @xanskinner I never suggested they were. Did you read my post? in reply to xanskinner # FYI - I am feeling under the weather - flu like symptoms. Dr says I don't have H1N1. I even got my flu shots. # @lillianwong Thanks for the mention! I appreciate it. in reply to lillianwong # @mdavis I would recommend Ryan Roberts - he is one of the best startup lawyers in town http://thestartuplawyer.com # @mooseandskwerl Thanks for the retweet! in reply to mooseandskwerl # @stevebrewer LOL not nice! in reply to stevebrewer # @henkvdz Why do you say that? Did I spam you? I doubt it. Call me and I will help 214.550.2003 in reply to henkvdz # RT @palousitics: Obamacare will make "Generation Y" wonder "why" they are picking up the tab http://twurl.nl/e73fx6 #tcot # BREAKING: House just voted 345 to 75 to defund ACORN - all federal funds will be cut (the Senate passed the measure last week)! #tcot # @brandongeiger I think it is the right decision, but I am weary that Pelosi will scuttle the provision in the conference committee. in reply to brandongeiger # Socialized medicine's answer to H1N1 (Swine Flu) - they send body bags: http://bit.ly/2vZp3A #tcot #canada # @strongbow didnt hear about that… in reply to strongbow # #followfriday @whiteboxco, @biginjapaninc, @springstage, @amuse, @thehatchery, @hamilton2 # RT @TechCrunch Memo to Start-ups: You're Supposed to Be Changing the World, Remember? http://bit.ly/vKjun # ACORN closing offices, halting operations throughout Texas http://bit.ly/miqC5 #tcot # @MeterRead_App Nothing new to report. Slow going. in reply to MeterRead_App # Feeling better today! # Microsoft just announced ShopSavvy is coming to Windows Mobile! http://bit.ly/YIHrv We are pumped about the new partnership. # @lilliz42984 No H1N1 here! Hopefully I avoid it like the plague. in reply to lilliz42984 # @jacktx42 Have you seen the HTC Leo for WinMo? It is freaking amazing: http://bit.ly/1ky9OP (I still like my iPhone) in reply to jacktx42 # @DessieHarris Didn't see any comments. Did I get something wrong? in reply to DessieHarris # Help us fight global warming and decrease dependence on foreign oil at the same time: http://bit.ly/12dG12 Vote TODAY! # To all my Jewish friends, SHANA TOVA! # @DigitalTexan Soon? in reply to DigitalTexan # tag:odeo.com,2009-09-20,25158209 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 12:31:00 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25150165-Jason-time-to-get-out-of-the-tub (Jason, far left, photo credit Maggie Mason) I am not exactly sure where to begin so I will just start.  Jason Fried from 37Signals has a post titled, "The next generation bends over" where he argues: Intuit is "the poster-child for the last generation" VCs are a cancer "killing off the next generation" Startups shouldn't be sold, they should be allowed flourish on their own Let me start off with some background.  Mint is a personal finance site that launched a couple of years ago at the TechCrunch40 conference.  Intuit, a ten billion dollar company who makes Quicken and TurboTax, bought the two year old business for $170 million earlier this week. Mint's technology was based completely on open source (MySQL, Hibernate, Tomcat, Apache and Yahoo's UI).  The site grew to 1.5 million users who pay nothing to use the site.  The company has raised $32 million in three rounds of venture capital from: Seed: First Round Capital - $325K Angel: Felicis Ventures - $750K Series A: Shasta Ventur... (Jason, far left, photo credit Maggie Mason) I am not exactly sure where to begin so I will just start.  Jason Fried from 37Signals has a post titled, "The next generation bends over" where he argues: Intuit is "the poster-child for the last generation" VCs are a cancer "killing off the next generation" Startups shouldn't be sold, they should be allowed flourish on their own Let me start off with some background.  Mint is a personal finance site that launched a couple of years ago at the TechCrunch40 conference.  Intuit, a ten billion dollar company who makes Quicken and TurboTax, bought the two year old business for $170 million earlier this week. Mint's technology was based completely on open source (MySQL, Hibernate, Tomcat, Apache and Yahoo's UI).  The site grew to 1.5 million users who pay nothing to use the site.  The company has raised $32 million in three rounds of venture capital from: Seed: First Round Capital - $325K Angel: Felicis Ventures - $750K Series A: Shasta Ventures - $4.7MM Series B: Benchmark Capital - $12MM Series C: The Founders Fund and DAG - $14MM (last month) First, Jason suggests that the founders of Mint were forced to sell due to a "VC-induced cancer that's infecting our industry and killing off the next generation."  He immediately admits, "I don't know the full backstory, but I'd bet this sale was encouraged by a Mint investor."  Really?  How much do you want to bet Jason?  I will take your action right now.  The latest investors, The Founders Fund and DAG Capital just pumped $14MM into Mint last month.  I wonder what their IRR was for this investment - I'd be willing to bet HUGE money they didn't met their objectives.  How much time and energy did they invest on this deal only to exit a month later?  I actually did a little homework and talked to a friend at one of these firms and they confirmed it wasn't the ideal exit. Second, Jason suggests Mint was "everything their main competitor, Intuit, was not."  Really?  Intuit sells more than $3 billion in software and services to consumers.  Jason argues that people only use Quickbooks/Quicken "out of habit and legacy".  $3 billion dollars of habit?  I happen to know LOTS of folks who work at Intuit and I can tell you that they take offense at this sort of comment.  We use Intuit products for our businesses and I take offense at the assertion that somehow we are using Quickbooks out of habit.  Mint NEVER solved small business accounting for our businesses - NEVER.  Mint didn't try.  I am willing to bet that 37Signals uses Quickbooks (come on Jason, admit it).  Has anyone ever mentioned Mint's revenues?  Are they generating ANY revenue? Its almost like Jason is taking the sale personally.  Jason, the founders at Mint are likely making the right decision.  These are the worst of times for the economy and consumers are get squeezed left and right - from tariffs on tires, to taxes on health benefits to lower wages and unemployment - maybe combining forces with Intuit was the BEST decision.  Maybe Mint can help make Intuit better.  Maybe this acquisition will equate to a ‘periodic revolution, a necessary medicine for the sound health of an ‘old world' company like Intuit'. (Jason, far left, photo credit Maggie Mason) I am not exactly sure where to begin so I will just start.  Jason Fried from 37Signals has a post titled, "The next generation bends over" where he argues: Intuit is "the poster-child for the last generation" VCs are a cancer "killing off the next generation" Startups shouldn't be sold, they should be allowed flourish on their own Let me start off with some background.  Mint is a personal finance site that launched a couple of years ago at the TechCrunch40 conference.  Intuit, a ten billion dollar company who makes Quicken and TurboTax, bought the two year old business for $170 million earlier this week. Mint's technology was based completely on open source (MySQL, Hibernate, Tomcat, Apache and Yahoo's UI).  The site grew to 1.5 million users who pay nothing to use the site.  The company has raised $32 million in three rounds of venture capital from: Seed: First Round Capital - $325K Angel: Felicis Ventures - $750K Series A: Shasta Ventures - $4.7MM Series B: Benchmark Capital - $12MM Series C: The Founders Fund and DAG - $14MM (last month) First, Jason suggests that the founders of Mint were forced to sell due to a "VC-induced cancer that's infecting our industry and killing off the next generation."  He immediately admits, "I don't know the full backstory, but I'd bet this sale was encouraged by a Mint investor."  Really?  How much do you want to bet Jason?  I will take your action right now.  The latest investors, The Founders Fund and DAG Capital just pumped $14MM into Mint last month.  I wonder what their IRR was for this investment - I'd be willing to bet HUGE money they didn't met their objectives.  How much time and energy did they invest on this deal only to exit a month later?  I actually did a little homework and talked to a friend at one of these firms and they confirmed it wasn't the ideal exit. Second, Jason suggests Mint was "everything their main competitor, Intuit, was not."  Really?  Intuit sells more than $3 billion in software and services to consumers.  Jason argues that people only use Quickbooks/Quicken "out of habit and legacy".  $3 billion dollars of habit?  I happen to know LOTS of folks who work at Intuit and I can tell you that they take offense at this sort of comment.  We use Intuit products for our businesses and I take offense at the assertion that somehow we are using Quickbooks out of habit.  Mint NEVER solved small business accounting for our businesses - NEVER.  Mint didn't try.  I am willing to bet that 37Signals uses Quickbooks (come on Jason, admit it).  Has anyone ever mentioned Mint's revenues?  Are they generating ANY revenue? Its almost like Jason is taking the sale personally.  Jason, the founders at Mint are likely making the right decision.  These are the worst of times for the economy and consumers are get squeezed left and right - from tariffs on tires, to taxes on health benefits to lower wages and unemployment - maybe combining forces with Intuit was the BEST decision.  Maybe Mint can help make Intuit better.  Maybe this acquisition will equate to a ‘periodic revolution, a necessary medicine for the sound health of an ‘old world' company like Intuit'. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-18,25150165 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:34:56 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25143846-Startup-Profile-RD-Seismic My dad's new startup is called RD Seismic.  They have built a simple seismic system that doesn't require interconnection cables or radio links.  The idea is to keep the system completely flexible for any terrain and any job size.  It is also interchangeable with existing systems including RSR, 428 and Ion Geo allowing to users to add additional channels, cross a river, lake or highway.  The system has a clock and GPS and allows for recording up to 85 days.  Here are the specs: Performance: Channels: One Input: Geophone Hydrophone Sample rates: 0.5,1,2ms Recording Mode: continuous block Recording Time: 1020hr at 2ms 85 (12hr) days Environment: Weight: 174g (0.3lb) Mil-STD-810: humidity, Temperature, shock, sand, dust, icing System Typical: 5000 active channels RDS Field Unit: 6000 Geophone Strings: 6000 FSU Batteries: 6000 Source Synchronizers: 5 Laptops: 1 IR Link Units: 20 Data Collections Stations: 4 Field Data Processors: 2 Lots of companies are pretty excited about this new unit... My dad's new startup is called RD Seismic.  They have built a simple seismic system that doesn't require interconnection cables or radio links.  The idea is to keep the system completely flexible for any terrain and any job size.  It is also interchangeable with existing systems including RSR, 428 and Ion Geo allowing to users to add additional channels, cross a river, lake or highway.  The system has a clock and GPS and allows for recording up to 85 days.  Here are the specs: Performance: Channels: One Input: Geophone Hydrophone Sample rates: 0.5,1,2ms Recording Mode: continuous block Recording Time: 1020hr at 2ms 85 (12hr) days Environment: Weight: 174g (0.3lb) Mil-STD-810: humidity, Temperature, shock, sand, dust, icing System Typical: 5000 active channels RDS Field Unit: 6000 Geophone Strings: 6000 FSU Batteries: 6000 Source Synchronizers: 5 Laptops: 1 IR Link Units: 20 Data Collections Stations: 4 Field Data Processors: 2 Lots of companies are pretty excited about this new unit. I am really excited for my Dad! WTG!  Here is a typical deployment: My dad's new startup is called RD Seismic.  They have built a simple seismic system that doesn't require interconnection cables or radio links.  The idea is to keep the system completely flexible for any terrain and any job size.  It is also interchangeable with existing systems including RSR, 428 and Ion Geo allowing to users to add additional channels, cross a river, lake or highway.  The system has a clock and GPS and allows for recording up to 85 days.  Here are the specs: Performance: Channels: One Input: Geophone Hydrophone Sample rates: 0.5,1,2ms Recording Mode: continuous block Recording Time: 1020hr at 2ms 85 (12hr) days Environment: Weight: 174g (0.3lb) Mil-STD-810: humidity, Temperature, shock, sand, dust, icing System Typical: 5000 active channels RDS Field Unit: 6000 Geophone Strings: 6000 FSU Batteries: 6000 Source Synchronizers: 5 Laptops: 1 IR Link Units: 20 Data Collections Stations: 4 Field Data Processors: 2 Lots of companies are pretty excited about this new unit. I am really excited for my Dad! WTG!  Here is a typical deployment: tag:odeo.com,2009-09-18,25143846 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:44:12 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138631-What-makes-a-good-partnership In a word: DIVERSITY.  I started thinking about what makes a good partnership after reading about how Jason Calacanis and Mike Arrington may be splitting up their partnership.  The pair partnered three years ago to launch the TechCrunch50 Conference.  Things seem to be going well for the conference, but according to many people the pair are having trouble getting along.  So I asked myself why these two partnered in the first place.  They both seem to have the same skillset and the same assets - followers.  Bringing Jason's followers and Mike's followers together for a tech conference might have seemed like a good idea when they began, but I would argue that the pair didn't really need each other.  Mike could have easily created TechCrunch50 without Jason - what did Jason bring to the table?  I suspect he brought experience - but Mike could have easily bought some experience. Picking the wrong partner: My first business partnership was a failure.  Looking back we brought the same ski... In a word: DIVERSITY.  I started thinking about what makes a good partnership after reading about how Jason Calacanis and Mike Arrington may be splitting up their partnership.  The pair partnered three years ago to launch the TechCrunch50 Conference.  Things seem to be going well for the conference, but according to many people the pair are having trouble getting along.  So I asked myself why these two partnered in the first place.  They both seem to have the same skillset and the same assets - followers.  Bringing Jason's followers and Mike's followers together for a tech conference might have seemed like a good idea when they began, but I would argue that the pair didn't really need each other.  Mike could have easily created TechCrunch50 without Jason - what did Jason bring to the table?  I suspect he brought experience - but Mike could have easily bought some experience. Picking the wrong partner: My first business partnership was a failure.  Looking back we brought the same skills to the table.  Toward the end of our relationship we figured out that we were both doing the same job - we needed help but neither of us were qualified.  We needed a third partner and then it occurred to us that we really didn't need each other.  Break ups in business or love are never fun.  You can claim that there are no hard feelings, but in my experience there are ALWAYS hard feelings. Picking the right partner: My second partner was nothing like me.  We both had very different skills and gifts - complimentary in my opinion.  Ironically, he expected my skills to be similar and equal to his.  His focus was on customer acquisition, he is an amazing salesmen, and he measured contribution in simple terms - how much revenue/profit did each party bring to the table.  The second or third week after we moved into the same office I explained that he needed to change his expectations.  I wasn't necessarily as skilled at sales as he was, but I was confident that I could bring equal or greater value to our venture by leveraging my gifts.  I agreed not to try to determine who was providing more value at any point in time and I asked him to do the same. Why do partnerships fail: In my first partnership we shared ownership and management of our company, but we both had outside investments and ventures.  We both wasted lots of time wondering if the other was spending too much time on unrelated businesses.  If I sensed my partner was spending more time on his other venture I would stop working on the business we owned and focus on my other venture.  This was insane.  We were both trying make things fair, but we were starving our partnership and poisoning our relationship.  In my second partnership my partner and I agreed NOT to make outside investments.  We would either BOTH invest or BOTH pass.  This wasn't my idea, but in fact my wife's idea.  She was right.  Scott and I have been partners for almost nine years - it works because we have diverse skillsets and we have avoided conflicts of interest. Jason and Mike have all the warning signs: a) their skillsets are similar, b) their assets are similar, c) they have LOTS of potential conflicts of interest.  Will they make it?  I am not even sure their partnership is on the ropes - it is simply speculation.  Love to hear about your partnerships - what works, what doesn't… In a word: DIVERSITY.  I started thinking about what makes a good partnership after reading about how Jason Calacanis and Mike Arrington may be splitting up their partnership.  The pair partnered three years ago to launch the TechCrunch50 Conference.  Things seem to be going well for the conference, but according to many people the pair are having trouble getting along.  So I asked myself why these two partnered in the first place.  They both seem to have the same skillset and the same assets - followers.  Bringing Jason's followers and Mike's followers together for a tech conference might have seemed like a good idea when they began, but I would argue that the pair didn't really need each other.  Mike could have easily created TechCrunch50 without Jason - what did Jason bring to the table?  I suspect he brought experience - but Mike could have easily bought some experience. Picking the wrong partner: My first business partnership was a failure.  Looking back we brought the same skills to the table.  Toward the end of our relationship we figured out that we were both doing the same job - we needed help but neither of us were qualified.  We needed a third partner and then it occurred to us that we really didn't need each other.  Break ups in business or love are never fun.  You can claim that there are no hard feelings, but in my experience there are ALWAYS hard feelings. Picking the right partner: My second partner was nothing like me.  We both had very different skills and gifts - complimentary in my opinion.  Ironically, he expected my skills to be similar and equal to his.  His focus was on customer acquisition, he is an amazing salesmen, and he measured contribution in simple terms - how much revenue/profit did each party bring to the table.  The second or third week after we moved into the same office I explained that he needed to change his expectations.  I wasn't necessarily as skilled at sales as he was, but I was confident that I could bring equal or greater value to our venture by leveraging my gifts.  I agreed not to try to determine who was providing more value at any point in time and I asked him to do the same. Why do partnerships fail: In my first partnership we shared ownership and management of our company, but we both had outside investments and ventures.  We both wasted lots of time wondering if the other was spending too much time on unrelated businesses.  If I sensed my partner was spending more time on his other venture I would stop working on the business we owned and focus on my other venture.  This was insane.  We were both trying make things fair, but we were starving our partnership and poisoning our relationship.  In my second partnership my partner and I agreed NOT to make outside investments.  We would either BOTH invest or BOTH pass.  This wasn't my idea, but in fact my wife's idea.  She was right.  Scott and I have been partners for almost nine years - it works because we have diverse skillsets and we have avoided conflicts of interest. Jason and Mike have all the warning signs: a) their skillsets are similar, b) their assets are similar, c) they have LOTS of potential conflicts of interest.  Will they make it?  I am not even sure their partnership is on the ropes - it is simply speculation.  Love to hear about your partnerships - what works, what doesn't… tag:odeo.com,2009-09-17,25138631 Thu, 17 Sep 2009 01:36:34 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138630-Teakwood-Capital-Adds-Ed-Olkkola Teakwood Capital is a Dallas-based private equity firm that invests in existing businesses with between $500K and $3MM in EBITDA.  Ed Olkkola formerly a partner with Austin Ventures and most recently VP of business development at Belo has joined the firm as managing director.  Teakwood looks for the following sort of deals: EBITDA: Break-even up to $3.0 million, although we will evaluate larger businesses in the event of an exclusive engagement Revenue: Typically under $25.0 million Margins: High, sustainable EBITDA margins Capital Needs: Companies looking for partners because accelerated growth is constrained by available cash resources or management wishes to buy shares from existing shareholders. Customer Concentration: Limited reliance on a concentrated group of customers, although we realize that smaller businesses may experience this dynamic at times Fair Valuation: We invest based on realistic market valuations, supported by a history of execution and performance. Scalable: F... Teakwood Capital is a Dallas-based private equity firm that invests in existing businesses with between $500K and $3MM in EBITDA.  Ed Olkkola formerly a partner with Austin Ventures and most recently VP of business development at Belo has joined the firm as managing director.  Teakwood looks for the following sort of deals: EBITDA: Break-even up to $3.0 million, although we will evaluate larger businesses in the event of an exclusive engagement Revenue: Typically under $25.0 million Margins: High, sustainable EBITDA margins Capital Needs: Companies looking for partners because accelerated growth is constrained by available cash resources or management wishes to buy shares from existing shareholders. Customer Concentration: Limited reliance on a concentrated group of customers, although we realize that smaller businesses may experience this dynamic at times Fair Valuation: We invest based on realistic market valuations, supported by a history of execution and performance. Scalable: Financial, operational and sales/marketing scalability without a need for substantial additional capital infusion after our investment Investment Size: Growth equity investments between $1.0 million and $4.0 million, with the goal of investing at least $2.0 million in each business over time. Management buyouts between $4.0 million and $20.0 million, depending upon the nature of the business, size of the company and structure of the transaction. We have resources to make larger investments as appropriate. Teakwood Capital is a Dallas-based private equity firm that invests in existing businesses with between $500K and $3MM in EBITDA.  Ed Olkkola formerly a partner with Austin Ventures and most recently VP of business development at Belo has joined the firm as managing director.  Teakwood looks for the following sort of deals: EBITDA: Break-even up to $3.0 million, although we will evaluate larger businesses in the event of an exclusive engagement Revenue: Typically under $25.0 million Margins: High, sustainable EBITDA margins Capital Needs: Companies looking for partners because accelerated growth is constrained by available cash resources or management wishes to buy shares from existing shareholders. Customer Concentration: Limited reliance on a concentrated group of customers, although we realize that smaller businesses may experience this dynamic at times Fair Valuation: We invest based on realistic market valuations, supported by a history of execution and performance. Scalable: Financial, operational and sales/marketing scalability without a need for substantial additional capital infusion after our investment Investment Size: Growth equity investments between $1.0 million and $4.0 million, with the goal of investing at least $2.0 million in each business over time. Management buyouts between $4.0 million and $20.0 million, depending upon the nature of the business, size of the company and structure of the transaction. We have resources to make larger investments as appropriate. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-15,25138630 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:59:33 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138629-UK-to-investors-Steal-our-Startups Bloomberg is running a story titled, "UK Startups Face Crisis as Venture Funding, Deals Dry Up."  Good news bad news.  Evidently there is NO money left in the UK for startups.  This is bad news for UK entrepreneurs and eventually the UK.  But it can be good news for American investors who are looking for great deals (steals). Bloomberg is running a story titled, "UK Startups Face Crisis as Venture Funding, Deals Dry Up."  Good news bad news.  Evidently there is NO money left in the UK for startups.  This is bad news for UK entrepreneurs and eventually the UK.  But it can be good news for American investors who are looking for great deals (steals). Bloomberg is running a story titled, "UK Startups Face Crisis as Venture Funding, Deals Dry Up."  Good news bad news.  Evidently there is NO money left in the UK for startups.  This is bad news for UK entrepreneurs and eventually the UK.  But it can be good news for American investors who are looking for great deals (steals). tag:odeo.com,2009-09-15,25138629 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:28:26 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138628-RightNow-Harvard-is-getting-it-wrong Dr. Picken's asked me to give a presentation to his ENTP 6378 class (Graduate level entrepreneurship course at UT@D).  I just started preparing this morning (we meet tonight).  The topic is bootstrapping and the case study is a company called RightNow Technologies.  The basis for the case study comes from an article published by the Harvard Business School authored by William A. Sahlaman.  When Dr. Picken told me we would be talking about RightNow I was confused.  I never really considered RightNow a bootstrapping story - my business partner's brother actually worked for the company and I knew a little about their story.  When I dug into the Harvard material I was surprised to find that it was based on a faulty premise. Sahlman, to support his premise that RightNow's origins were of the bootstrapping variety, suggests, "Six years earlier, in 1997, Gianforte had come up with an idea for a software product that would help companies respond to their customers' emails.  He founded Right... Dr. Picken's asked me to give a presentation to his ENTP 6378 class (Graduate level entrepreneurship course at UT@D).  I just started preparing this morning (we meet tonight).  The topic is bootstrapping and the case study is a company called RightNow Technologies.  The basis for the case study comes from an article published by the Harvard Business School authored by William A. Sahlaman.  When Dr. Picken told me we would be talking about RightNow I was confused.  I never really considered RightNow a bootstrapping story - my business partner's brother actually worked for the company and I knew a little about their story.  When I dug into the Harvard material I was surprised to find that it was based on a faulty premise. Sahlman, to support his premise that RightNow's origins were of the bootstrapping variety, suggests, "Six years earlier, in 1997, Gianforte had come up with an idea for a software product that would help companies respond to their customers' emails.  He founded RightNow with $5,000 of his own money.  By the end of 1997, the company had booked about $20,000 in revenue.  By December 2003, RightNow's annual revenues had grown to over $35 million." Sounds awesome right?  $5,000 investment to revenues north of $35,000,000 in six years?  The problem?  It isn't even close to the truth.  Greg Gianforte IS an entrepreneur worthy of a case study, but perhaps the better bootstrapping case is related to his first company Brightwork Development.  Greg started that company in 1986, just three years out of college, with several friends and about $5,000 in cash.  Nine years later he sold the company to McAfee for $10MM.  Nice.  RightNow, on the other hand, was started by Gianforte after he had made millions from the Brightwork sale.  The company, even today, resides in offices owned by Gianforte.  Of course Gianforte IS the consummate entrepreneur - just the sort I respect - he is a salesmen. Dr. Picken's asked me to give a presentation to his ENTP 6378 class (Graduate level entrepreneurship course at UT@D).  I just started preparing this morning (we meet tonight).  The topic is bootstrapping and the case study is a company called RightNow Technologies.  The basis for the case study comes from an article published by the Harvard Business School authored by William A. Sahlaman.  When Dr. Picken told me we would be talking about RightNow I was confused.  I never really considered RightNow a bootstrapping story - my business partner's brother actually worked for the company and I knew a little about their story.  When I dug into the Harvard material I was surprised to find that it was based on a faulty premise. Sahlman, to support his premise that RightNow's origins were of the bootstrapping variety, suggests, "Six years earlier, in 1997, Gianforte had come up with an idea for a software product that would help companies respond to their customers' emails.  He founded RightNow with $5,000 of his own money.  By the end of 1997, the company had booked about $20,000 in revenue.  By December 2003, RightNow's annual revenues had grown to over $35 million." Sounds awesome right?  $5,000 investment to revenues north of $35,000,000 in six years?  The problem?  It isn't even close to the truth.  Greg Gianforte IS an entrepreneur worthy of a case study, but perhaps the better bootstrapping case is related to his first company Brightwork Development.  Greg started that company in 1986, just three years out of college, with several friends and about $5,000 in cash.  Nine years later he sold the company to McAfee for $10MM.  Nice.  RightNow, on the other hand, was started by Gianforte after he had made millions from the Brightwork sale.  The company, even today, resides in offices owned by Gianforte.  Of course Gianforte IS the consummate entrepreneur - just the sort I respect - he is a salesmen. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-14,25138628 Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:46:09 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138627-TechStars-Rocks-the-Boston-Startup-Scene David Cohen and his team from TechStars debuted nine startups in Boston.  Don Dodge has the full story here: TechStars has now been operating for three years. Three of the original ten companies from 2007 have already been acquired (SocialThing by AOL, Intense Debate by Automattic, and Brightkite by Limbo). In February, we covered the news that TechStars had expanded to Boston. Today, TechStars debuted nine new startups from the inaugural Boston class. The teams presented on Thursday to about 200 VCs and Angel investors for the first time. These companies are about three months old and have two or three founder employees. [read the full post on TechCrunch] Here are the startups: David Cohen and his team from TechStars debuted nine startups in Boston.  Don Dodge has the full story here: TechStars has now been operating for three years. Three of the original ten companies from 2007 have already been acquired (SocialThing by AOL, Intense Debate by Automattic, and Brightkite by Limbo). In February, we covered the news that TechStars had expanded to Boston. Today, TechStars debuted nine new startups from the inaugural Boston class. The teams presented on Thursday to about 200 VCs and Angel investors for the first time. These companies are about three months old and have two or three founder employees. [read the full post on TechCrunch] Here are the startups: David Cohen and his team from TechStars debuted nine startups in Boston.  Don Dodge has the full story here: TechStars has now been operating for three years. Three of the original ten companies from 2007 have already been acquired (SocialThing by AOL, Intense Debate by Automattic, and Brightkite by Limbo). In February, we covered the news that TechStars had expanded to Boston. Today, TechStars debuted nine new startups from the inaugural Boston class. The teams presented on Thursday to about 200 VCs and Angel investors for the first time. These companies are about three months old and have two or three founder employees. [read the full post on TechCrunch] Here are the startups: tag:odeo.com,2009-09-13,25138627 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:47:29 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138625-My-Twitter-Updates-for-the-Week @bradleyjoyce We will be meeting at TopGolf at 5PM if you would like to join us for ‘Labor Day Startup Happy Hour' ask for me. in reply to bradleyjoyce # Looking for someone to revamp the theme on my Wordpress blog. $750 budget. # Will the Van Jones resignation be on the talking heads shows on ABC, CBS or NBC this morning? # @MrBusinessGolf We were going to meet at TopGolf at 5PM - want to join us? Just ask for me when you get there. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # Thanks for the ShopSavvy love! @montejo3 @innerfamilylife @Mattato1 @gtnv_blog @android_bot_t @thecamolope # Thanks for the RTs! Love finding other conservatives. @ramonglyde @DannyLaurie @slumit @K_Hawke @biz4u2009 @DallasTowing # RT @TechCrunch Losing Its Religion: The New York Times Compromises http://bit.ly/23ka5h # FYI I am at TopGolf - Section 40 (upper level). # @innerfamilylife Our goal is to coincide the ShopSavvy launch with the Windows Mobile market launch (soon). in reply to innerfamilylife # Awesome happy ... @bradleyjoyce We will be meeting at TopGolf at 5PM if you would like to join us for ‘Labor Day Startup Happy Hour' ask for me. in reply to bradleyjoyce # Looking for someone to revamp the theme on my Wordpress blog. $750 budget. # Will the Van Jones resignation be on the talking heads shows on ABC, CBS or NBC this morning? # @MrBusinessGolf We were going to meet at TopGolf at 5PM - want to join us? Just ask for me when you get there. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # Thanks for the ShopSavvy love! @montejo3 @innerfamilylife @Mattato1 @gtnv_blog @android_bot_t @thecamolope # Thanks for the RTs! Love finding other conservatives. @ramonglyde @DannyLaurie @slumit @K_Hawke @biz4u2009 @DallasTowing # RT @TechCrunch Losing Its Religion: The New York Times Compromises http://bit.ly/23ka5h # FYI I am at TopGolf - Section 40 (upper level). # @innerfamilylife Our goal is to coincide the ShopSavvy launch with the Windows Mobile market launch (soon). in reply to innerfamilylife # Awesome happy hour at TopGolf - maybe we will start doing another happy hour each month here. Maybe one for #tcot in Dallas. # @MrBusinessGolf FYI - you are not here. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # C++ expert in Dallas needed for two days of quick project. # Thanks for the ShopSavvy RT love! Coming soon for WM and iPhone @Hamilton2 @bigbrains @thecamolope @careace @douglasmercer # Thx for RT and note! @road_fun @Fishdogs @Ask_The_Rctr @jasmueller @NewsSocialMedia @GadgetVirtuoso @CreativeNotice @durantis # @durantis Thanks for the RT. in reply to durantis # @jeremyday Thanks for the quick response, we found someone. Can I keep you in mind for the next one? # @bradleyjoyce We missed you at TopGolf! # @Ask_The_Rctr Got our C++ developer, I really appreciate your help! in reply to Ask_The_Rctr # @DigitalTexan Van Jones really did a disservice to Obama's reputation. in reply to DigitalTexan # @gillamonster Send me a tweet next time you are out at TopGolf. in reply to gillamonster # @BusinessGolfCC We missed you, maybe next time. in reply to BusinessGolfCC # @innerfamilylife Our hope is to have @ShopSavvy out very shortly for Windows Mobile - maybe before iPhone. in reply to innerfamilylife # @TeamSupport Maybe Hulu will kill television… in reply to TeamSupport # Headed to Ethan's school for parent teacher conference, already? # @Sandie83 We missed you! Where is the Texas Grill? in reply to Sandie83 # @alapoet Thanks for the RT. in reply to alapoet # @DigitalTexan Thanks for the RT! Are you on #tcot? in reply to DigitalTexan # @StephenCombs Really looking for something unique. Still haven't found a WordPress theme designer for Conservative Dallas. in reply to StephenCombs # @jeremyday Do you do any Objective C? in reply to jeremyday # @redeye Really? I tried that before, but wasn't terribly impressed. in reply to redeye # By 5PM my #att #iphone can barely hold a call, they sputter and drop out everyday. ATT, fix your network! Apple, add a second carrier! # @StephenCombs Thanks! Is he a wordpress guru? in reply to StephenCombs # @innerfamilylife Will do! in reply to innerfamilylife # @Gusteez LOL - maybe when the release the HTC Hero. I like my Magic (i.e. the MyTouch), but not more than my iPhone UI. #android in reply to Gusteez # @Veribatim Sadly they didn't call the police. :) in reply to Veribatim # Flickr iPhone App Forces Closes whenever I try to take a picture with my 3GS. Help Flickr? http://bit.ly/QD9Gd # @commonsense4 Sorry, Obama's plan won't take effect until 2013. I can help you get covered. DM me your contact details I will help you. in reply to commonsense4 # @DigitalTexan Rock! in reply to DigitalTexan # @commonsense4 Fair enough, if you need help getting insurance or simply coverage for your illness - I will help. #tcot # @DigitalTexan Working on finding someone for Austin #springstage in reply to DigitalTexan # @commonsense4 Nope, date in all four plans is 2013: http://bit.ly/9lFUJ in reply to commonsense4 # @durantis Thanks for the RT! in reply to durantis # @michaelparks11 Thanks for the RT! in reply to michaelparks11 # RT @Need2makemoney: $10 Billion In US Media Spending, Gone http://bit.ly/16HtCO # AOL is going to acquire a bunch of startups! http://bit.ly/nccrC #startup-post # Lots going on, setup different twitter accounts for each: @whiteboxco for auto stuff, @shopsavvy for barcode stuff, @springstage for startup # Startups: watchout, revenue isn't necessarily a good thing (well if you are Twitter): http://bit.ly/v2QAu #startup-post # RT @cote: Off to the @CapitalFactory demo morning. I didn't know startups got up this early ;) # @Derrick_Story My Flickr app force closes when I try to take a picture with it. Does it work for you? in reply to Derrick_Story # @LarryEngel Thanks for the note, but we filled the job. Average time to fill position via Twitter? 30 minutes. #job #jobs #jobangels # @Derrick_Story I tried three times in a row, kept closing each time. Thanks for the note. in reply to Derrick_Story # @JeromePineau Very true for us, atleast… in reply to JeromePineau # My business partner is finally on Twitter! Show his some love and start following his tweets: @Hamilton2 his company: http://bit.ly/zvazY # @Derrick_Story With my 3GS the Flickr app force closes when I try to take a picture. in reply to Derrick_Story # New HD screens at American Airlines Center - Very cool! http://bit.ly/2MRsJT # @TweetSaver not working? Says I don't have an account… # @ConradJohnson Looked very cool - took up most of the floor. in reply to ConradJohnson # WSJ: Android phones are proliferating: http://bit.ly/2lBMuV Great news for apps like ShopSavvy. WTG GOOGLE! # Looking for DFW area boutique litigator for small projects. Reasonable bill rates for small number of hrs each mo. No big firms, pls. # @ConradJohnson 12 carriers are launching Android phones this year. So, you will have your wish! in reply to ConradJohnson # Obama "More will die if we do nothing on health" … in 2013. #tcot http://bit.ly/3YDhkW # Obama: "Deficit will grow, more families will go bankrupt, more businesses will close" …in 2013 #tcot http://bit.ly/k0oXV # @margie58 But people are dying, we must solve this health care crisis by 2013! #tcot #fail in reply to margie58 # @obamascare Thanks for the retweet! #tcot #fail in reply to obamascare # Obama: "Time for games has passed" until 2013. #tcot http://bit.ly/k0oXV # Health Care Reform: WHIP COUNT DEMOCRATS LACK THE VOTES! #tcot http://bit.ly/9qSeV Lets start working on real reform now! # Great news, Obama promises not to sign Health Care Reform. Why? Because it would add more than one dime in deficits after his first term. # So not one dime of deficits. I will protect medicare, I will not cut benefits. Obama is Magic. #tcot # RT @kodolly suddenly I see an unicorn flying across the screen. everything came out of his mouth is so wonderful! #tcot # LOL Democrats didn't applaud tort reform? Why not? Are all Democrats lawyers? #tcot # RT @pir8gold: so, what have we learned?? bush is evil, profit is a dirty word, and bipartisan means my way or the highway #tcot # RT @Hawthorne Rugged individualism is part of America, that's why we need this big government program #tcot # @mikeorren LOL - you need to come over sometime. What are you doing tomorrow? in reply to mikeorren # @IdVote4Steve Say it again: "Obama is Magic" #tcot in reply to IdVote4Steve # @davehod I love America. I am against those who depend on magic to forward their objectives. Leave that to Harry Potter. #tcot in reply to davehod # LOL RT @thsteam Holy crap he's wearing a flag pin. Thats probably only because most channels are in HD nowadays. #tcot # RT @taxplaya first honest moment of the night. this IS a new unfunded entitlement program, mr. prez. i guess you get it. #tcot # RT @MediaLizzy "May God Bless the United States of America" - on that, Mr. President - we do agree. We are going to need it. #tcot # RT @CatoInstitute: Obama: "There are too many Americans counting on us to succeed." Yes. lobbyists. #tcot # RT @ExurbanJon: Obama coming across as bitter and angry. Not a good look.#tcot #tlot # @jmole Yea, you shouldn't follow my political twitter account, try @springstage or @biginjapan or @shopsavvy - this one is conservative in reply to jmole # Thomas Friedman is a Liberal Fascist — By: Jonah Goldberg RT http://bit.ly/22j20Q # RT @RedScareBot: *rolls sleeves* RT @amuse New blog post: Obama Science Czar: Redistribution is Cure http://bit.ly/YROrm #tcot # Hillary to step down as Secretary of State, will run for Gov of NY: http://bit.ly/2AVpQD Huge blow to Obama? Nah, relief! #tcot # Design for Startups: Aesthetics of Web Apps from ReadWriteWeb #startup-post # We have one last chance to come up with a better icon for ShopSavvy on the iPhone - anyone want to help? http://bit.ly/12KZ9p Ping me. # iPhone Icon Designer Needed ASAP, Details: http://bit.ly/Je87E #iphone #apple #design #icon #911 # @matthiasshapiro Thanks for the retweet! in reply to matthiasshapiro # @ConradJohnson Only one right now - T-Mobile. Starting next month Sprint will carry an Android phone called the Hero. Soon AT&T and Verizon in reply to ConradJohnson # Some friends are helping dissidents in Iran. Maybe you could help too: http://bit.ly/2iVAKB #iranelection # We have a few openings in our suite at the new Cowboys Stadium. Full access to ground suite and two founders seats: $24K Ping me ASAP. # More details on our Cowboys Suite deal: http://bit.ly/cyWiE Openings in our on the field suite - selling at cost. # European SeedCamp named 21 startups for startup school: http://bit.ly/33Kqlh # @LGSilva Wow, thanks! I will see what people think. Everybodyelse, check out the icon: http://bit.ly/1tgGwj in reply to LGSilva # @newtgingrich I'll be watching! in reply to newtgingrich # RT @TechCrunch Yeah Ok, So Facebook Punk'd Us http://bit.ly/7zng2 # Good morning! Capital Factory Demo Startups: http://bit.ly/JUEv7 #startup-post # RT @CalebJenkins 3 Reasons Microsoft Needs an Open Source Officer - http://digg.com/d313u8n # Never forget . . . http://bit.ly/L0cwV # We think we want to riff on this icon idea: http://bit.ly/6ZBHT for the iPhone ShopSavvy icon. Anyone have any ideas? #design #refresh # @jacktx42 Dollar signs would be cool, but more than 50% of ShopSavvy users are overseas. in reply to jacktx42 # RT @ted: @KarlRove why does that get a #TCOT tag? shouldn't that be an #everybody tag? # @livingandloving http://kithbridge.com/tcot/ in reply to livingandloving # RT @newtgingrich: President Obama gave 4 opportunities for common ground on health care reform. http://bit.ly/f2P3B #tcot # @CongJoeWilson Lots of us would donate, but you need to take PayPal on your internet site: http://bit.ly/3M7M9R #tcot # @javabrak Good idea, binoculars for search on ShopSavvy icon… :) in reply to javabrak # The Government Can! - http://bit.ly/2OXgt #texasgop # FYI - most of my conservative posts/discussions have moved to Facebook: http://bit.ly/11DYto Feel free to friend me. #tcot # @C0517l To send a DM both parties need to friend each other. # @MarshaCollier Still working on it! Watched your video - very cool. # @bradleyjoyce We will be meeting at TopGolf at 5PM if you would like to join us for ‘Labor Day Startup Happy Hour' ask for me. in reply to bradleyjoyce # Looking for someone to revamp the theme on my Wordpress blog. $750 budget. # Will the Van Jones resignation be on the talking heads shows on ABC, CBS or NBC this morning? # @MrBusinessGolf We were going to meet at TopGolf at 5PM - want to join us? Just ask for me when you get there. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # Thanks for the ShopSavvy love! @montejo3 @innerfamilylife @Mattato1 @gtnv_blog @android_bot_t @thecamolope # Thanks for the RTs! Love finding other conservatives. @ramonglyde @DannyLaurie @slumit @K_Hawke @biz4u2009 @DallasTowing # RT @TechCrunch Losing Its Religion: The New York Times Compromises http://bit.ly/23ka5h # FYI I am at TopGolf - Section 40 (upper level). # @innerfamilylife Our goal is to coincide the ShopSavvy launch with the Windows Mobile market launch (soon). in reply to innerfamilylife # Awesome happy hour at TopGolf - maybe we will start doing another happy hour each month here. Maybe one for #tcot in Dallas. # @MrBusinessGolf FYI - you are not here. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # C++ expert in Dallas needed for two days of quick project. # Thanks for the ShopSavvy RT love! Coming soon for WM and iPhone @Hamilton2 @bigbrains @thecamolope @careace @douglasmercer # Thx for RT and note! @road_fun @Fishdogs @Ask_The_Rctr @jasmueller @NewsSocialMedia @GadgetVirtuoso @CreativeNotice @durantis # @durantis Thanks for the RT. in reply to durantis # @jeremyday Thanks for the quick response, we found someone. Can I keep you in mind for the next one? # @bradleyjoyce We missed you at TopGolf! # @Ask_The_Rctr Got our C++ developer, I really appreciate your help! in reply to Ask_The_Rctr # @DigitalTexan Van Jones really did a disservice to Obama's reputation. in reply to DigitalTexan # @gillamonster Send me a tweet next time you are out at TopGolf. in reply to gillamonster # @BusinessGolfCC We missed you, maybe next time. in reply to BusinessGolfCC # @innerfamilylife Our hope is to have @ShopSavvy out very shortly for Windows Mobile - maybe before iPhone. in reply to innerfamilylife # @TeamSupport Maybe Hulu will kill television… in reply to TeamSupport # Headed to Ethan's school for parent teacher conference, already? # @Sandie83 We missed you! Where is the Texas Grill? in reply to Sandie83 # @alapoet Thanks for the RT. in reply to alapoet # @DigitalTexan Thanks for the RT! Are you on #tcot? in reply to DigitalTexan # @StephenCombs Really looking for something unique. Still haven't found a WordPress theme designer for Conservative Dallas. in reply to StephenCombs # @jeremyday Do you do any Objective C? in reply to jeremyday # @redeye Really? I tried that before, but wasn't terribly impressed. in reply to redeye # By 5PM my #att #iphone can barely hold a call, they sputter and drop out everyday. ATT, fix your network! Apple, add a second carrier! # @StephenCombs Thanks! Is he a wordpress guru? in reply to StephenCombs # @innerfamilylife Will do! in reply to innerfamilylife # @Gusteez LOL - maybe when the release the HTC Hero. I like my Magic (i.e. the MyTouch), but not more than my iPhone UI. #android in reply to Gusteez # @Veribatim Sadly they didn't call the police. :) in reply to Veribatim # Flickr iPhone App Forces Closes whenever I try to take a picture with my 3GS. Help Flickr? http://bit.ly/QD9Gd # @commonsense4 Sorry, Obama's plan won't take effect until 2013. I can help you get covered. DM me your contact details I will help you. in reply to commonsense4 # @DigitalTexan Rock! in reply to DigitalTexan # @commonsense4 Fair enough, if you need help getting insurance or simply coverage for your illness - I will help. #tcot # @DigitalTexan Working on finding someone for Austin #springstage in reply to DigitalTexan # @commonsense4 Nope, date in all four plans is 2013: http://bit.ly/9lFUJ in reply to commonsense4 # @durantis Thanks for the RT! in reply to durantis # @michaelparks11 Thanks for the RT! in reply to michaelparks11 # RT @Need2makemoney: $10 Billion In US Media Spending, Gone http://bit.ly/16HtCO # AOL is going to acquire a bunch of startups! http://bit.ly/nccrC #startup-post # Lots going on, setup different twitter accounts for each: @whiteboxco for auto stuff, @shopsavvy for barcode stuff, @springstage for startup # Startups: watchout, revenue isn't necessarily a good thing (well if you are Twitter): http://bit.ly/v2QAu #startup-post # RT @cote: Off to the @CapitalFactory demo morning. I didn't know startups got up this early ;) # @Derrick_Story My Flickr app force closes when I try to take a picture with it. Does it work for you? in reply to Derrick_Story # @LarryEngel Thanks for the note, but we filled the job. Average time to fill position via Twitter? 30 minutes. #job #jobs #jobangels # @Derrick_Story I tried three times in a row, kept closing each time. Thanks for the note. in reply to Derrick_Story # @JeromePineau Very true for us, atleast… in reply to JeromePineau # My business partner is finally on Twitter! Show his some love and start following his tweets: @Hamilton2 his company: http://bit.ly/zvazY # @Derrick_Story With my 3GS the Flickr app force closes when I try to take a picture. in reply to Derrick_Story # New HD screens at American Airlines Center - Very cool! http://bit.ly/2MRsJT # @TweetSaver not working? Says I don't have an account… # @ConradJohnson Looked very cool - took up most of the floor. in reply to ConradJohnson # WSJ: Android phones are proliferating: http://bit.ly/2lBMuV Great news for apps like ShopSavvy. WTG GOOGLE! # Looking for DFW area boutique litigator for small projects. Reasonable bill rates for small number of hrs each mo. No big firms, pls. # @ConradJohnson 12 carriers are launching Android phones this year. So, you will have your wish! in reply to ConradJohnson # Obama "More will die if we do nothing on health" … in 2013. #tcot http://bit.ly/3YDhkW # Obama: "Deficit will grow, more families will go bankrupt, more businesses will close" …in 2013 #tcot http://bit.ly/k0oXV # @margie58 But people are dying, we must solve this health care crisis by 2013! #tcot #fail in reply to margie58 # @obamascare Thanks for the retweet! #tcot #fail in reply to obamascare # Obama: "Time for games has passed" until 2013. #tcot http://bit.ly/k0oXV # Health Care Reform: WHIP COUNT DEMOCRATS LACK THE VOTES! #tcot http://bit.ly/9qSeV Lets start working on real reform now! # Great news, Obama promises not to sign Health Care Reform. Why? Because it would add more than one dime in deficits after his first term. # So not one dime of deficits. I will protect medicare, I will not cut benefits. Obama is Magic. #tcot # RT @kodolly suddenly I see an unicorn flying across the screen. everything came out of his mouth is so wonderful! #tcot # LOL Democrats didn't applaud tort reform? Why not? Are all Democrats lawyers? #tcot # RT @pir8gold: so, what have we learned?? bush is evil, profit is a dirty word, and bipartisan means my way or the highway #tcot # RT @Hawthorne Rugged individualism is part of America, that's why we need this big government program #tcot # @mikeorren LOL - you need to come over sometime. What are you doing tomorrow? in reply to mikeorren # @IdVote4Steve Say it again: "Obama is Magic" #tcot in reply to IdVote4Steve # @davehod I love America. I am against those who depend on magic to forward their objectives. Leave that to Harry Potter. #tcot in reply to davehod # LOL RT @thsteam Holy crap he's wearing a flag pin. Thats probably only because most channels are in HD nowadays. #tcot # RT @taxplaya first honest moment of the night. this IS a new unfunded entitlement program, mr. prez. i guess you get it. #tcot # RT @MediaLizzy "May God Bless the United States of America" - on that, Mr. President - we do agree. We are going to need it. #tcot # RT @CatoInstitute: Obama: "There are too many Americans counting on us to succeed." Yes. lobbyists. #tcot # RT @ExurbanJon: Obama coming across as bitter and angry. Not a good look.#tcot #tlot # @jmole Yea, you shouldn't follow my political twitter account, try @springstage or @biginjapan or @shopsavvy - this one is conservative in reply to jmole # Thomas Friedman is a Liberal Fascist — By: Jonah Goldberg RT http://bit.ly/22j20Q # RT @RedScareBot: *rolls sleeves* RT @amuse New blog post: Obama Science Czar: Redistribution is Cure http://bit.ly/YROrm #tcot # Hillary to step down as Secretary of State, will run for Gov of NY: http://bit.ly/2AVpQD Huge blow to Obama? Nah, relief! #tcot # Design for Startups: Aesthetics of Web Apps from ReadWriteWeb #startup-post # We have one last chance to come up with a better icon for ShopSavvy on the iPhone - anyone want to help? http://bit.ly/12KZ9p Ping me. # iPhone Icon Designer Needed ASAP, Details: http://bit.ly/Je87E #iphone #apple #design #icon #911 # @matthiasshapiro Thanks for the retweet! in reply to matthiasshapiro # @ConradJohnson Only one right now - T-Mobile. Starting next month Sprint will carry an Android phone called the Hero. Soon AT&T and Verizon in reply to ConradJohnson # Some friends are helping dissidents in Iran. Maybe you could help too: http://bit.ly/2iVAKB #iranelection # We have a few openings in our suite at the new Cowboys Stadium. Full access to ground suite and two founders seats: $24K Ping me ASAP. # More details on our Cowboys Suite deal: http://bit.ly/cyWiE Openings in our on the field suite - selling at cost. # European SeedCamp named 21 startups for startup school: http://bit.ly/33Kqlh # @LGSilva Wow, thanks! I will see what people think. Everybodyelse, check out the icon: http://bit.ly/1tgGwj in reply to LGSilva # @newtgingrich I'll be watching! in reply to newtgingrich # RT @TechCrunch Yeah Ok, So Facebook Punk'd Us http://bit.ly/7zng2 # Good morning! Capital Factory Demo Startups: http://bit.ly/JUEv7 #startup-post # RT @CalebJenkins 3 Reasons Microsoft Needs an Open Source Officer - http://digg.com/d313u8n # Never forget . . . http://bit.ly/L0cwV # We think we want to riff on this icon idea: http://bit.ly/6ZBHT for the iPhone ShopSavvy icon. Anyone have any ideas? #design #refresh # @jacktx42 Dollar signs would be cool, but more than 50% of ShopSavvy users are overseas. in reply to jacktx42 # RT @ted: @KarlRove why does that get a #TCOT tag? shouldn't that be an #everybody tag? # @livingandloving http://kithbridge.com/tcot/ in reply to livingandloving # RT @newtgingrich: President Obama gave 4 opportunities for common ground on health care reform. http://bit.ly/f2P3B #tcot # @CongJoeWilson Lots of us would donate, but you need to take PayPal on your internet site: http://bit.ly/3M7M9R #tcot # @javabrak Good idea, binoculars for search on ShopSavvy icon… :) in reply to javabrak # The Government Can! - http://bit.ly/2OXgt #texasgop # FYI - most of my conservative posts/discussions have moved to Facebook: http://bit.ly/11DYto Feel free to friend me. #tcot # @C0517l To send a DM both parties need to friend each other. # @MarshaCollier Still working on it! Watched your video - very cool. # tag:odeo.com,2009-09-13,25138625 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:31:00 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138626-My-Twitter-Updates-for-the-Week @bradleyjoyce We will be meeting at TopGolf at 5PM if you would like to join us for ‘Labor Day Startup Happy Hour' ask for me. in reply to bradleyjoyce # Looking for someone to revamp the theme on my Wordpress blog. $750 budget. # Will the Van Jones resignation be on the talking heads shows on ABC, CBS or NBC this morning? # @MrBusinessGolf We were going to meet at TopGolf at 5PM - want to join us? Just ask for me when you get there. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # Thanks for the ShopSavvy love! @montejo3 @innerfamilylife @Mattato1 @gtnv_blog @android_bot_t @thecamolope # Thanks for the RTs! Love finding other conservatives. @ramonglyde @DannyLaurie @slumit @K_Hawke @biz4u2009 @DallasTowing # RT @TechCrunch Losing Its Religion: The New York Times Compromises http://bit.ly/23ka5h # FYI I am at TopGolf - Section 40 (upper level). # @innerfamilylife Our goal is to coincide the ShopSavvy launch with the Windows Mobile market launch (soon). in reply to innerfamilylife # Awesome happy ... @bradleyjoyce We will be meeting at TopGolf at 5PM if you would like to join us for ‘Labor Day Startup Happy Hour' ask for me. in reply to bradleyjoyce # Looking for someone to revamp the theme on my Wordpress blog. $750 budget. # Will the Van Jones resignation be on the talking heads shows on ABC, CBS or NBC this morning? # @MrBusinessGolf We were going to meet at TopGolf at 5PM - want to join us? Just ask for me when you get there. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # Thanks for the ShopSavvy love! @montejo3 @innerfamilylife @Mattato1 @gtnv_blog @android_bot_t @thecamolope # Thanks for the RTs! Love finding other conservatives. @ramonglyde @DannyLaurie @slumit @K_Hawke @biz4u2009 @DallasTowing # RT @TechCrunch Losing Its Religion: The New York Times Compromises http://bit.ly/23ka5h # FYI I am at TopGolf - Section 40 (upper level). # @innerfamilylife Our goal is to coincide the ShopSavvy launch with the Windows Mobile market launch (soon). in reply to innerfamilylife # Awesome happy hour at TopGolf - maybe we will start doing another happy hour each month here. Maybe one for #tcot in Dallas. # @MrBusinessGolf FYI - you are not here. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # C++ expert in Dallas needed for two days of quick project. # Thanks for the ShopSavvy RT love! Coming soon for WM and iPhone @Hamilton2 @bigbrains @thecamolope @careace @douglasmercer # Thx for RT and note! @road_fun @Fishdogs @Ask_The_Rctr @jasmueller @NewsSocialMedia @GadgetVirtuoso @CreativeNotice @durantis # @durantis Thanks for the RT. in reply to durantis # @jeremyday Thanks for the quick response, we found someone. Can I keep you in mind for the next one? # @bradleyjoyce We missed you at TopGolf! # @Ask_The_Rctr Got our C++ developer, I really appreciate your help! in reply to Ask_The_Rctr # @DigitalTexan Van Jones really did a disservice to Obama's reputation. in reply to DigitalTexan # @gillamonster Send me a tweet next time you are out at TopGolf. in reply to gillamonster # @BusinessGolfCC We missed you, maybe next time. in reply to BusinessGolfCC # @innerfamilylife Our hope is to have @ShopSavvy out very shortly for Windows Mobile - maybe before iPhone. in reply to innerfamilylife # @TeamSupport Maybe Hulu will kill television… in reply to TeamSupport # Headed to Ethan's school for parent teacher conference, already? # @Sandie83 We missed you! Where is the Texas Grill? in reply to Sandie83 # @alapoet Thanks for the RT. in reply to alapoet # @DigitalTexan Thanks for the RT! Are you on #tcot? in reply to DigitalTexan # @StephenCombs Really looking for something unique. Still haven't found a WordPress theme designer for Conservative Dallas. in reply to StephenCombs # @jeremyday Do you do any Objective C? in reply to jeremyday # @redeye Really? I tried that before, but wasn't terribly impressed. in reply to redeye # By 5PM my #att #iphone can barely hold a call, they sputter and drop out everyday. ATT, fix your network! Apple, add a second carrier! # @StephenCombs Thanks! Is he a wordpress guru? in reply to StephenCombs # @innerfamilylife Will do! in reply to innerfamilylife # @Gusteez LOL - maybe when the release the HTC Hero. I like my Magic (i.e. the MyTouch), but not more than my iPhone UI. #android in reply to Gusteez # @Veribatim Sadly they didn't call the police. :) in reply to Veribatim # Flickr iPhone App Forces Closes whenever I try to take a picture with my 3GS. Help Flickr? http://bit.ly/QD9Gd # @commonsense4 Sorry, Obama's plan won't take effect until 2013. I can help you get covered. DM me your contact details I will help you. in reply to commonsense4 # @DigitalTexan Rock! in reply to DigitalTexan # @commonsense4 Fair enough, if you need help getting insurance or simply coverage for your illness - I will help. #tcot # @DigitalTexan Working on finding someone for Austin #springstage in reply to DigitalTexan # @commonsense4 Nope, date in all four plans is 2013: http://bit.ly/9lFUJ in reply to commonsense4 # @durantis Thanks for the RT! in reply to durantis # @michaelparks11 Thanks for the RT! in reply to michaelparks11 # RT @Need2makemoney: $10 Billion In US Media Spending, Gone http://bit.ly/16HtCO # AOL is going to acquire a bunch of startups! http://bit.ly/nccrC #startup-post # Lots going on, setup different twitter accounts for each: @whiteboxco for auto stuff, @shopsavvy for barcode stuff, @springstage for startup # Startups: watchout, revenue isn't necessarily a good thing (well if you are Twitter): http://bit.ly/v2QAu #startup-post # RT @cote: Off to the @CapitalFactory demo morning. I didn't know startups got up this early ;) # @Derrick_Story My Flickr app force closes when I try to take a picture with it. Does it work for you? in reply to Derrick_Story # @LarryEngel Thanks for the note, but we filled the job. Average time to fill position via Twitter? 30 minutes. #job #jobs #jobangels # @Derrick_Story I tried three times in a row, kept closing each time. Thanks for the note. in reply to Derrick_Story # @JeromePineau Very true for us, atleast… in reply to JeromePineau # My business partner is finally on Twitter! Show his some love and start following his tweets: @Hamilton2 his company: http://bit.ly/zvazY # @Derrick_Story With my 3GS the Flickr app force closes when I try to take a picture. in reply to Derrick_Story # New HD screens at American Airlines Center - Very cool! http://bit.ly/2MRsJT # @TweetSaver not working? Says I don't have an account… # @ConradJohnson Looked very cool - took up most of the floor. in reply to ConradJohnson # WSJ: Android phones are proliferating: http://bit.ly/2lBMuV Great news for apps like ShopSavvy. WTG GOOGLE! # Looking for DFW area boutique litigator for small projects. Reasonable bill rates for small number of hrs each mo. No big firms, pls. # @ConradJohnson 12 carriers are launching Android phones this year. So, you will have your wish! in reply to ConradJohnson # Obama "More will die if we do nothing on health" … in 2013. #tcot http://bit.ly/3YDhkW # Obama: "Deficit will grow, more families will go bankrupt, more businesses will close" …in 2013 #tcot http://bit.ly/k0oXV # @margie58 But people are dying, we must solve this health care crisis by 2013! #tcot #fail in reply to margie58 # @obamascare Thanks for the retweet! #tcot #fail in reply to obamascare # Obama: "Time for games has passed" until 2013. #tcot http://bit.ly/k0oXV # Health Care Reform: WHIP COUNT DEMOCRATS LACK THE VOTES! #tcot http://bit.ly/9qSeV Lets start working on real reform now! # Great news, Obama promises not to sign Health Care Reform. Why? Because it would add more than one dime in deficits after his first term. # So not one dime of deficits. I will protect medicare, I will not cut benefits. Obama is Magic. #tcot # RT @kodolly suddenly I see an unicorn flying across the screen. everything came out of his mouth is so wonderful! #tcot # LOL Democrats didn't applaud tort reform? Why not? Are all Democrats lawyers? #tcot # RT @pir8gold: so, what have we learned?? bush is evil, profit is a dirty word, and bipartisan means my way or the highway #tcot # RT @Hawthorne Rugged individualism is part of America, that's why we need this big government program #tcot # @mikeorren LOL - you need to come over sometime. What are you doing tomorrow? in reply to mikeorren # @IdVote4Steve Say it again: "Obama is Magic" #tcot in reply to IdVote4Steve # @davehod I love America. I am against those who depend on magic to forward their objectives. Leave that to Harry Potter. #tcot in reply to davehod # LOL RT @thsteam Holy crap he's wearing a flag pin. Thats probably only because most channels are in HD nowadays. #tcot # RT @taxplaya first honest moment of the night. this IS a new unfunded entitlement program, mr. prez. i guess you get it. #tcot # RT @MediaLizzy "May God Bless the United States of America" - on that, Mr. President - we do agree. We are going to need it. #tcot # RT @CatoInstitute: Obama: "There are too many Americans counting on us to succeed." Yes. lobbyists. #tcot # RT @ExurbanJon: Obama coming across as bitter and angry. Not a good look.#tcot #tlot # @jmole Yea, you shouldn't follow my political twitter account, try @springstage or @biginjapan or @shopsavvy - this one is conservative in reply to jmole # Thomas Friedman is a Liberal Fascist — By: Jonah Goldberg RT http://bit.ly/22j20Q # RT @RedScareBot: *rolls sleeves* RT @amuse New blog post: Obama Science Czar: Redistribution is Cure http://bit.ly/YROrm #tcot # Hillary to step down as Secretary of State, will run for Gov of NY: http://bit.ly/2AVpQD Huge blow to Obama? Nah, relief! #tcot # Design for Startups: Aesthetics of Web Apps from ReadWriteWeb #startup-post # We have one last chance to come up with a better icon for ShopSavvy on the iPhone - anyone want to help? http://bit.ly/12KZ9p Ping me. # iPhone Icon Designer Needed ASAP, Details: http://bit.ly/Je87E #iphone #apple #design #icon #911 # @matthiasshapiro Thanks for the retweet! in reply to matthiasshapiro # @ConradJohnson Only one right now - T-Mobile. Starting next month Sprint will carry an Android phone called the Hero. Soon AT&T and Verizon in reply to ConradJohnson # Some friends are helping dissidents in Iran. Maybe you could help too: http://bit.ly/2iVAKB #iranelection # We have a few openings in our suite at the new Cowboys Stadium. Full access to ground suite and two founders seats: $24K Ping me ASAP. # More details on our Cowboys Suite deal: http://bit.ly/cyWiE Openings in our on the field suite - selling at cost. # European SeedCamp named 21 startups for startup school: http://bit.ly/33Kqlh # @LGSilva Wow, thanks! I will see what people think. Everybodyelse, check out the icon: http://bit.ly/1tgGwj in reply to LGSilva # @newtgingrich I'll be watching! in reply to newtgingrich # RT @TechCrunch Yeah Ok, So Facebook Punk'd Us http://bit.ly/7zng2 # Good morning! Capital Factory Demo Startups: http://bit.ly/JUEv7 #startup-post # RT @CalebJenkins 3 Reasons Microsoft Needs an Open Source Officer - http://digg.com/d313u8n # Never forget . . . http://bit.ly/L0cwV # We think we want to riff on this icon idea: http://bit.ly/6ZBHT for the iPhone ShopSavvy icon. Anyone have any ideas? #design #refresh # @jacktx42 Dollar signs would be cool, but more than 50% of ShopSavvy users are overseas. in reply to jacktx42 # RT @ted: @KarlRove why does that get a #TCOT tag? shouldn't that be an #everybody tag? # @livingandloving http://kithbridge.com/tcot/ in reply to livingandloving # RT @newtgingrich: President Obama gave 4 opportunities for common ground on health care reform. http://bit.ly/f2P3B #tcot # @CongJoeWilson Lots of us would donate, but you need to take PayPal on your internet site: http://bit.ly/3M7M9R #tcot # @javabrak Good idea, binoculars for search on ShopSavvy icon… :) in reply to javabrak # The Government Can! - http://bit.ly/2OXgt #texasgop # FYI - most of my conservative posts/discussions have moved to Facebook: http://bit.ly/11DYto Feel free to friend me. #tcot # @C0517l To send a DM both parties need to friend each other. # @MarshaCollier Still working on it! Watched your video - very cool. # @bradleyjoyce We will be meeting at TopGolf at 5PM if you would like to join us for ‘Labor Day Startup Happy Hour' ask for me. in reply to bradleyjoyce # Looking for someone to revamp the theme on my Wordpress blog. $750 budget. # Will the Van Jones resignation be on the talking heads shows on ABC, CBS or NBC this morning? # @MrBusinessGolf We were going to meet at TopGolf at 5PM - want to join us? Just ask for me when you get there. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # Thanks for the ShopSavvy love! @montejo3 @innerfamilylife @Mattato1 @gtnv_blog @android_bot_t @thecamolope # Thanks for the RTs! Love finding other conservatives. @ramonglyde @DannyLaurie @slumit @K_Hawke @biz4u2009 @DallasTowing # RT @TechCrunch Losing Its Religion: The New York Times Compromises http://bit.ly/23ka5h # FYI I am at TopGolf - Section 40 (upper level). # @innerfamilylife Our goal is to coincide the ShopSavvy launch with the Windows Mobile market launch (soon). in reply to innerfamilylife # Awesome happy hour at TopGolf - maybe we will start doing another happy hour each month here. Maybe one for #tcot in Dallas. # @MrBusinessGolf FYI - you are not here. in reply to MrBusinessGolf # C++ expert in Dallas needed for two days of quick project. # Thanks for the ShopSavvy RT love! Coming soon for WM and iPhone @Hamilton2 @bigbrains @thecamolope @careace @douglasmercer # Thx for RT and note! @road_fun @Fishdogs @Ask_The_Rctr @jasmueller @NewsSocialMedia @GadgetVirtuoso @CreativeNotice @durantis # @durantis Thanks for the RT. in reply to durantis # @jeremyday Thanks for the quick response, we found someone. Can I keep you in mind for the next one? # @bradleyjoyce We missed you at TopGolf! # @Ask_The_Rctr Got our C++ developer, I really appreciate your help! in reply to Ask_The_Rctr # @DigitalTexan Van Jones really did a disservice to Obama's reputation. in reply to DigitalTexan # @gillamonster Send me a tweet next time you are out at TopGolf. in reply to gillamonster # @BusinessGolfCC We missed you, maybe next time. in reply to BusinessGolfCC # @innerfamilylife Our hope is to have @ShopSavvy out very shortly for Windows Mobile - maybe before iPhone. in reply to innerfamilylife # @TeamSupport Maybe Hulu will kill television… in reply to TeamSupport # Headed to Ethan's school for parent teacher conference, already? # @Sandie83 We missed you! Where is the Texas Grill? in reply to Sandie83 # @alapoet Thanks for the RT. in reply to alapoet # @DigitalTexan Thanks for the RT! Are you on #tcot? in reply to DigitalTexan # @StephenCombs Really looking for something unique. Still haven't found a WordPress theme designer for Conservative Dallas. in reply to StephenCombs # @jeremyday Do you do any Objective C? in reply to jeremyday # @redeye Really? I tried that before, but wasn't terribly impressed. in reply to redeye # By 5PM my #att #iphone can barely hold a call, they sputter and drop out everyday. ATT, fix your network! Apple, add a second carrier! # @StephenCombs Thanks! Is he a wordpress guru? in reply to StephenCombs # @innerfamilylife Will do! in reply to innerfamilylife # @Gusteez LOL - maybe when the release the HTC Hero. I like my Magic (i.e. the MyTouch), but not more than my iPhone UI. #android in reply to Gusteez # @Veribatim Sadly they didn't call the police. :) in reply to Veribatim # Flickr iPhone App Forces Closes whenever I try to take a picture with my 3GS. Help Flickr? http://bit.ly/QD9Gd # @commonsense4 Sorry, Obama's plan won't take effect until 2013. I can help you get covered. DM me your contact details I will help you. in reply to commonsense4 # @DigitalTexan Rock! in reply to DigitalTexan # @commonsense4 Fair enough, if you need help getting insurance or simply coverage for your illness - I will help. #tcot # @DigitalTexan Working on finding someone for Austin #springstage in reply to DigitalTexan # @commonsense4 Nope, date in all four plans is 2013: http://bit.ly/9lFUJ in reply to commonsense4 # @durantis Thanks for the RT! in reply to durantis # @michaelparks11 Thanks for the RT! in reply to michaelparks11 # RT @Need2makemoney: $10 Billion In US Media Spending, Gone http://bit.ly/16HtCO # AOL is going to acquire a bunch of startups! http://bit.ly/nccrC #startup-post # Lots going on, setup different twitter accounts for each: @whiteboxco for auto stuff, @shopsavvy for barcode stuff, @springstage for startup # Startups: watchout, revenue isn't necessarily a good thing (well if you are Twitter): http://bit.ly/v2QAu #startup-post # RT @cote: Off to the @CapitalFactory demo morning. I didn't know startups got up this early ;) # @Derrick_Story My Flickr app force closes when I try to take a picture with it. Does it work for you? in reply to Derrick_Story # @LarryEngel Thanks for the note, but we filled the job. Average time to fill position via Twitter? 30 minutes. #job #jobs #jobangels # @Derrick_Story I tried three times in a row, kept closing each time. Thanks for the note. in reply to Derrick_Story # @JeromePineau Very true for us, atleast… in reply to JeromePineau # My business partner is finally on Twitter! Show his some love and start following his tweets: @Hamilton2 his company: http://bit.ly/zvazY # @Derrick_Story With my 3GS the Flickr app force closes when I try to take a picture. in reply to Derrick_Story # New HD screens at American Airlines Center - Very cool! http://bit.ly/2MRsJT # @TweetSaver not working? Says I don't have an account… # @ConradJohnson Looked very cool - took up most of the floor. in reply to ConradJohnson # WSJ: Android phones are proliferating: http://bit.ly/2lBMuV Great news for apps like ShopSavvy. WTG GOOGLE! # Looking for DFW area boutique litigator for small projects. Reasonable bill rates for small number of hrs each mo. No big firms, pls. # @ConradJohnson 12 carriers are launching Android phones this year. So, you will have your wish! in reply to ConradJohnson # Obama "More will die if we do nothing on health" … in 2013. #tcot http://bit.ly/3YDhkW # Obama: "Deficit will grow, more families will go bankrupt, more businesses will close" …in 2013 #tcot http://bit.ly/k0oXV # @margie58 But people are dying, we must solve this health care crisis by 2013! #tcot #fail in reply to margie58 # @obamascare Thanks for the retweet! #tcot #fail in reply to obamascare # Obama: "Time for games has passed" until 2013. #tcot http://bit.ly/k0oXV # Health Care Reform: WHIP COUNT DEMOCRATS LACK THE VOTES! #tcot http://bit.ly/9qSeV Lets start working on real reform now! # Great news, Obama promises not to sign Health Care Reform. Why? Because it would add more than one dime in deficits after his first term. # So not one dime of deficits. I will protect medicare, I will not cut benefits. Obama is Magic. #tcot # RT @kodolly suddenly I see an unicorn flying across the screen. everything came out of his mouth is so wonderful! #tcot # LOL Democrats didn't applaud tort reform? Why not? Are all Democrats lawyers? #tcot # RT @pir8gold: so, what have we learned?? bush is evil, profit is a dirty word, and bipartisan means my way or the highway #tcot # RT @Hawthorne Rugged individualism is part of America, that's why we need this big government program #tcot # @mikeorren LOL - you need to come over sometime. What are you doing tomorrow? in reply to mikeorren # @IdVote4Steve Say it again: "Obama is Magic" #tcot in reply to IdVote4Steve # @davehod I love America. I am against those who depend on magic to forward their objectives. Leave that to Harry Potter. #tcot in reply to davehod # LOL RT @thsteam Holy crap he's wearing a flag pin. Thats probably only because most channels are in HD nowadays. #tcot # RT @taxplaya first honest moment of the night. this IS a new unfunded entitlement program, mr. prez. i guess you get it. #tcot # RT @MediaLizzy "May God Bless the United States of America" - on that, Mr. President - we do agree. We are going to need it. #tcot # RT @CatoInstitute: Obama: "There are too many Americans counting on us to succeed." Yes. lobbyists. #tcot # RT @ExurbanJon: Obama coming across as bitter and angry. Not a good look.#tcot #tlot # @jmole Yea, you shouldn't follow my political twitter account, try @springstage or @biginjapan or @shopsavvy - this one is conservative in reply to jmole # Thomas Friedman is a Liberal Fascist — By: Jonah Goldberg RT http://bit.ly/22j20Q # RT @RedScareBot: *rolls sleeves* RT @amuse New blog post: Obama Science Czar: Redistribution is Cure http://bit.ly/YROrm #tcot # Hillary to step down as Secretary of State, will run for Gov of NY: http://bit.ly/2AVpQD Huge blow to Obama? Nah, relief! #tcot # Design for Startups: Aesthetics of Web Apps from ReadWriteWeb #startup-post # We have one last chance to come up with a better icon for ShopSavvy on the iPhone - anyone want to help? http://bit.ly/12KZ9p Ping me. # iPhone Icon Designer Needed ASAP, Details: http://bit.ly/Je87E #iphone #apple #design #icon #911 # @matthiasshapiro Thanks for the retweet! in reply to matthiasshapiro # @ConradJohnson Only one right now - T-Mobile. Starting next month Sprint will carry an Android phone called the Hero. Soon AT&T and Verizon in reply to ConradJohnson # Some friends are helping dissidents in Iran. Maybe you could help too: http://bit.ly/2iVAKB #iranelection # We have a few openings in our suite at the new Cowboys Stadium. Full access to ground suite and two founders seats: $24K Ping me ASAP. # More details on our Cowboys Suite deal: http://bit.ly/cyWiE Openings in our on the field suite - selling at cost. # European SeedCamp named 21 startups for startup school: http://bit.ly/33Kqlh # @LGSilva Wow, thanks! I will see what people think. Everybodyelse, check out the icon: http://bit.ly/1tgGwj in reply to LGSilva # @newtgingrich I'll be watching! in reply to newtgingrich # RT @TechCrunch Yeah Ok, So Facebook Punk'd Us http://bit.ly/7zng2 # Good morning! Capital Factory Demo Startups: http://bit.ly/JUEv7 #startup-post # RT @CalebJenkins 3 Reasons Microsoft Needs an Open Source Officer - http://digg.com/d313u8n # Never forget . . . http://bit.ly/L0cwV # We think we want to riff on this icon idea: http://bit.ly/6ZBHT for the iPhone ShopSavvy icon. Anyone have any ideas? #design #refresh # @jacktx42 Dollar signs would be cool, but more than 50% of ShopSavvy users are overseas. in reply to jacktx42 # RT @ted: @KarlRove why does that get a #TCOT tag? shouldn't that be an #everybody tag? # @livingandloving http://kithbridge.com/tcot/ in reply to livingandloving # RT @newtgingrich: President Obama gave 4 opportunities for common ground on health care reform. http://bit.ly/f2P3B #tcot # @CongJoeWilson Lots of us would donate, but you need to take PayPal on your internet site: http://bit.ly/3M7M9R #tcot # @javabrak Good idea, binoculars for search on ShopSavvy icon… :) in reply to javabrak # The Government Can! - http://bit.ly/2OXgt #texasgop # FYI - most of my conservative posts/discussions have moved to Facebook: http://bit.ly/11DYto Feel free to friend me. #tcot # @C0517l To send a DM both parties need to friend each other. # @MarshaCollier Still working on it! Watched your video - very cool. # tag:odeo.com,2009-09-13,25138626 Sun, 13 Sep 2009 12:31:00 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138624-Dallas-Cowboy-Suite-Deal Scott and I bought a suite at the new Cowboys Stadium more than a year ago.  We put together a group of business owners to join us, but the economy has really thrown a wrench into our plans.  All our rich friends are now a little poorer.  We are at the 11th hour and need a few more people to get the suite filled. We have the last available field level suite (we put the deposit on it more than a year ago so we got a VERY good location).  We made a 20 year committment on the suite, but you can join us for just the season with first right of refusal on next year.  The yearly price is $240,000 for 20 seats.  We want a maximum of ten ‘owners' - i.e. each ‘owner gets two seats.  This means each ‘owner' pays $24,000 (Scott and I are taking two slots for a total of four seats, we also covered the down payment of $24,000 ourselves). The deal on the field suites is very cool.  You get full access to the suite throughout the game, but you also get two seats in the founders se... Scott and I bought a suite at the new Cowboys Stadium more than a year ago.  We put together a group of business owners to join us, but the economy has really thrown a wrench into our plans.  All our rich friends are now a little poorer.  We are at the 11th hour and need a few more people to get the suite filled. We have the last available field level suite (we put the deposit on it more than a year ago so we got a VERY good location).  We made a 20 year committment on the suite, but you can join us for just the season with first right of refusal on next year.  The yearly price is $240,000 for 20 seats.  We want a maximum of ten ‘owners' - i.e. each ‘owner gets two seats.  This means each ‘owner' pays $24,000 (Scott and I are taking two slots for a total of four seats, we also covered the down payment of $24,000 ourselves). The deal on the field suites is very cool.  You get full access to the suite throughout the game, but you also get two seats in the founders section (i.e. the padded seats).  The suite is just below the seats.  So you can watch the game from the suite (or you kids can) or you can sit up in the good seats.  The regular suites do not have this feature - unique to the field level suite deal. These suites are renting for more than $26,000 per game.  Plus you get all of the concerns and events at face value - great deal for the right person.  Anyway, you need to get in touch with me ASAP. Alexander Muse - 214.550.2003. Scott and I bought a suite at the new Cowboys Stadium more than a year ago.  We put together a group of business owners to join us, but the economy has really thrown a wrench into our plans.  All our rich friends are now a little poorer.  We are at the 11th hour and need a few more people to get the suite filled. We have the last available field level suite (we put the deposit on it more than a year ago so we got a VERY good location).  We made a 20 year committment on the suite, but you can join us for just the season with first right of refusal on next year.  The yearly price is $240,000 for 20 seats.  We want a maximum of ten ‘owners' - i.e. each ‘owner gets two seats.  This means each ‘owner' pays $24,000 (Scott and I are taking two slots for a total of four seats, we also covered the down payment of $24,000 ourselves). The deal on the field suites is very cool.  You get full access to the suite throughout the game, but you also get two seats in the founders section (i.e. the padded seats).  The suite is just below the seats.  So you can watch the game from the suite (or you kids can) or you can sit up in the good seats.  The regular suites do not have this feature - unique to the field level suite deal. These suites are renting for more than $26,000 per game.  Plus you get all of the concerns and events at face value - great deal for the right person.  Anyway, you need to get in touch with me ASAP. Alexander Muse - 214.550.2003. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-10,25138624 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:42:24 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138623-Trade-Show-Booth-Best-Practices My advice for startups? Skip the booth and use the savings to bring more of your team to the conference. The real prospects are sitting in their own booths waiting for you to come to them.  Why is this a good idea? Your team will appreciate the fact that you are including them.  Make sure each member has plenty of business cards and set objectives.  Each day every employee should have a plan.  Put the trade show map on the table and set objectives for each employee.  Set goals for the number of conversations and contacts each employee should make.  Make sure you team takes their time with each prospect.  Schedule after hour cocktail hours and dinner meetings for each evening of the conference.  Each employee should be empowered to invite one or more prospects to each of your scheduled events. Of course, some of you won't be able to resist getting a booth.  For you all I would recommend reading Jason Calacanis' "22 Tips on How to Operate a Trade Show Booth". My advice? Watch what D-L... My advice for startups? Skip the booth and use the savings to bring more of your team to the conference. The real prospects are sitting in their own booths waiting for you to come to them.  Why is this a good idea? Your team will appreciate the fact that you are including them.  Make sure each member has plenty of business cards and set objectives.  Each day every employee should have a plan.  Put the trade show map on the table and set objectives for each employee.  Set goals for the number of conversations and contacts each employee should make.  Make sure you team takes their time with each prospect.  Schedule after hour cocktail hours and dinner meetings for each evening of the conference.  Each employee should be empowered to invite one or more prospects to each of your scheduled events. Of course, some of you won't be able to resist getting a booth.  For you all I would recommend reading Jason Calacanis' "22 Tips on How to Operate a Trade Show Booth". My advice? Watch what D-Link does and emulate them: My advice for startups? Skip the booth and use the savings to bring more of your team to the conference. The real prospects are sitting in their own booths waiting for you to come to them.  Why is this a good idea? Your team will appreciate the fact that you are including them.  Make sure each member has plenty of business cards and set objectives.  Each day every employee should have a plan.  Put the trade show map on the table and set objectives for each employee.  Set goals for the number of conversations and contacts each employee should make.  Make sure you team takes their time with each prospect.  Schedule after hour cocktail hours and dinner meetings for each evening of the conference.  Each employee should be empowered to invite one or more prospects to each of your scheduled events. Of course, some of you won't be able to resist getting a booth.  For you all I would recommend reading Jason Calacanis' "22 Tips on How to Operate a Trade Show Booth". My advice? Watch what D-Link does and emulate them: tag:odeo.com,2009-09-09,25138623 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:44:08 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25138622-More-bad-news-for-recruiters My business partner spent years in the recruiting and staffing business.  He really knows how the business and as a result he got out of it several years ago.  There is a place for recruiters who actually provide a service such as: Determine job requirements and build job description. Run and manage job postings and advertisements. Ruse specific employees from specific companies. Screen candidates (resumes, criminal background, references). Negotiate salaries and managing hiring process. Typically these sort of services are provided on a contingent or retained basis paying between 20-30% of the first year compensation.  However, LOTS of folks are in the ‘recruiting' business who simply search Monster for resumes and conduct quick interviews and forward the candidates over to us.  What is this worth?  According to my partner, not much at all - maybe $30/hour. We have been recruiting quite a few folks - primarily developers using Twitter.  I simply post a short tweet requesting ... My business partner spent years in the recruiting and staffing business.  He really knows how the business and as a result he got out of it several years ago.  There is a place for recruiters who actually provide a service such as: Determine job requirements and build job description. Run and manage job postings and advertisements. Ruse specific employees from specific companies. Screen candidates (resumes, criminal background, references). Negotiate salaries and managing hiring process. Typically these sort of services are provided on a contingent or retained basis paying between 20-30% of the first year compensation.  However, LOTS of folks are in the ‘recruiting' business who simply search Monster for resumes and conduct quick interviews and forward the candidates over to us.  What is this worth?  According to my partner, not much at all - maybe $30/hour. We have been recruiting quite a few folks - primarily developers using Twitter.  I simply post a short tweet requesting a developer and within a couple of hours I have ten to twenty folks who are interested.  We hired a C++ developer for a small project via Twitter within 30 minutes of my tweet.  Twitter is enabling real time recruiting.  Lots of companies are posting their job openings directly on Twitter.  So the next time you need someone for a position, try Twitter. My business partner spent years in the recruiting and staffing business.  He really knows how the business and as a result he got out of it several years ago.  There is a place for recruiters who actually provide a service such as: Determine job requirements and build job description. Run and manage job postings and advertisements. Ruse specific employees from specific companies. Screen candidates (resumes, criminal background, references). Negotiate salaries and managing hiring process. Typically these sort of services are provided on a contingent or retained basis paying between 20-30% of the first year compensation.  However, LOTS of folks are in the ‘recruiting' business who simply search Monster for resumes and conduct quick interviews and forward the candidates over to us.  What is this worth?  According to my partner, not much at all - maybe $30/hour. We have been recruiting quite a few folks - primarily developers using Twitter.  I simply post a short tweet requesting a developer and within a couple of hours I have ten to twenty folks who are interested.  We hired a C++ developer for a small project via Twitter within 30 minutes of my tweet.  Twitter is enabling real time recruiting.  Lots of companies are posting their job openings directly on Twitter.  So the next time you need someone for a position, try Twitter. tag:odeo.com,2009-09-09,25138622 Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:46:22 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25018166-Interview-from-the-Shark-Tank-Stress-Free-Kids I have been reaching out to each of the contestants on ABC's Shark Tank over the past few weeks to ask them about their experiences.  This afternoon I had a great call with Lori Lite, the founder of Stress Free Kids, from episode three.  Lori's company develops books and CDs for kids related to reducing stress.  Interesting stuff. Her friend saw an advertisement for mom-entrepreneurs on Facebook and suggested she apply.  She sent in her email in May and within days she heard back from the show's producers and after a couple of phone conversations they asked her to send in a video tape.  By July she was headed to LA to tape episode three of the show (the show aired last night). I asked Lori about the sort of diligence the producers conducted prior to the show.  She explained they did a full background check, but they didn't do any sort of business diligence.  She was told that the ‘Sharks' were going to see her ‘deal' fresh - with no sort of research or background. When L... I have been reaching out to each of the contestants on ABC's Shark Tank over the past few weeks to ask them about their experiences.  This afternoon I had a great call with Lori Lite, the founder of Stress Free Kids, from episode three.  Lori's company develops books and CDs for kids related to reducing stress.  Interesting stuff. Her friend saw an advertisement for mom-entrepreneurs on Facebook and suggested she apply.  She sent in her email in May and within days she heard back from the show's producers and after a couple of phone conversations they asked her to send in a video tape.  By July she was headed to LA to tape episode three of the show (the show aired last night). I asked Lori about the sort of diligence the producers conducted prior to the show.  She explained they did a full background check, but they didn't do any sort of business diligence.  She was told that the ‘Sharks' were going to see her ‘deal' fresh - with no sort of research or background. When Lori entered the Shark Tank she had no idea what she was in for.  She asked for $250,000 in exchange for 20% of her company.  She valued her business at $1MM.  The company had generated sales of $150,000 the prior year and she was hopeful that with the capital injection she would be able to generate a significant return for her investors.  She was shocked that the investors wanted 50-51% of her business in exchange for the investment.  They valued her company at $250,000. Lori and I had an interesting chat about what makes up a company's valuation.  Her startup, unlike a services business, has actual intellectual property - i.e. the books, cds, art and brand.  Of course this IP is in addition to the company's current revenues - $150,000 and sales momentum of 30,000 books sold last year.  Was a million dollars a reasonable pre-money valuation?  I don't think it was completely unreasonable, but I do think that $250,000 was offensive.  Ironically, Lori is still positive about the outcome. When I pushed for more details around Barbara's offer of $250,000 for 50% of the business I learned that the Sharks and entrepreneurs only agree to act in good faith to try to close a deal on the terms negotiated in the tank.  Lori still doesn't have a deal with Barbara; however, they are working on trying to close something soon.  Lori is fairly confident that they will be able to come to terms.  Evidently EVEN the Sharks need to do diligence before investing their money. In our conversation I compared the ‘Sharks' to angel investors and Lori balked - "I wouldn't call them Angels" - evidently ‘Sharks' is the perfect term for what these people are.  Lori agreed to keep me updated on her progress with Barbara, the investment and ultimately the business. I have been reaching out to each of the contestants on ABC's Shark Tank over the past few weeks to ask them about their experiences.  This afternoon I had a great call with Lori Lite, the founder of Stress Free Kids, from episode three.  Lori's company develops books and CDs for kids related to reducing stress.  Interesting stuff. Her friend saw an advertisement for mom-entrepreneurs on Facebook and suggested she apply.  She sent in her email in May and within days she heard back from the show's producers and after a couple of phone conversations they asked her to send in a video tape.  By July she was headed to LA to tape episode three of the show (the show aired last night). I asked Lori about the sort of diligence the producers conducted prior to the show.  She explained they did a full background check, but they didn't do any sort of business diligence.  She was told that the ‘Sharks' were going to see her ‘deal' fresh - with no sort of research or background. When Lori entered the Shark Tank she had no idea what she was in for.  She asked for $250,000 in exchange for 20% of her company.  She valued her business at $1MM.  The company had generated sales of $150,000 the prior year and she was hopeful that with the capital injection she would be able to generate a significant return for her investors.  She was shocked that the investors wanted 50-51% of her business in exchange for the investment.  They valued her company at $250,000. Lori and I had an interesting chat about what makes up a company's valuation.  Her startup, unlike a services business, has actual intellectual property - i.e. the books, cds, art and brand.  Of course this IP is in addition to the company's current revenues - $150,000 and sales momentum of 30,000 books sold last year.  Was a million dollars a reasonable pre-money valuation?  I don't think it was completely unreasonable, but I do think that $250,000 was offensive.  Ironically, Lori is still positive about the outcome. When I pushed for more details around Barbara's offer of $250,000 for 50% of the business I learned that the Sharks and entrepreneurs only agree to act in good faith to try to close a deal on the terms negotiated in the tank.  Lori still doesn't have a deal with Barbara; however, they are working on trying to close something soon.  Lori is fairly confident that they will be able to come to terms.  Evidently EVEN the Sharks need to do diligence before investing their money. In our conversation I compared the ‘Sharks' to angel investors and Lori balked - "I wouldn't call them Angels" - evidently ‘Sharks' is the perfect term for what these people are.  Lori agreed to keep me updated on her progress with Barbara, the investment and ultimately the business. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-24,25018166 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:26:24 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25014049-Shark-Tank-Angels-who-need-to-be-in-control The Shark Tank, a new unscripted drama about angel investors (called the sharks) who invest in early stage businesses.  My eight year old and I have been watching the program for the past few weeks.  To be honest, it is a guilty pleasure.  This evening it became apparent that these ‘angels' were only interested in funding companies who were willing to give up 51% of their business.  The angels were unapologetic.  They want control, period. My eight year old commented, "Something is fishy here. This must be fake. How can the sharks control so many businesses?"  I laughed at how perceptive he was.  It is one thing to invest in five or six different companies - sitting on the board and helping to guide the entrepreneur to success.  It is completely another thing to have controlling interest in five or six companies.  I don't care how smart or capable you are - it is all but impossible to run more than a few businesses, especially startup businesses.  What are these guys thinking?... The Shark Tank, a new unscripted drama about angel investors (called the sharks) who invest in early stage businesses.  My eight year old and I have been watching the program for the past few weeks.  To be honest, it is a guilty pleasure.  This evening it became apparent that these ‘angels' were only interested in funding companies who were willing to give up 51% of their business.  The angels were unapologetic.  They want control, period. My eight year old commented, "Something is fishy here. This must be fake. How can the sharks control so many businesses?"  I laughed at how perceptive he was.  It is one thing to invest in five or six different companies - sitting on the board and helping to guide the entrepreneur to success.  It is completely another thing to have controlling interest in five or six companies.  I don't care how smart or capable you are - it is all but impossible to run more than a few businesses, especially startup businesses.  What are these guys thinking? In more than a few deals the sharks have asked to take over the business 100% and then offer the entrepreneur a backend royalty.  Crazy stuff.  The sad fact is that some of the entrepreneurs are taking the deal.  The angels aren't doing themselves any favors either.  What a nightmare.  Maybe Ethan was right - the show is fake.  Hopefully anyway. The Shark Tank, a new unscripted drama about angel investors (called the sharks) who invest in early stage businesses.  My eight year old and I have been watching the program for the past few weeks.  To be honest, it is a guilty pleasure.  This evening it became apparent that these ‘angels' were only interested in funding companies who were willing to give up 51% of their business.  The angels were unapologetic.  They want control, period. My eight year old commented, "Something is fishy here. This must be fake. How can the sharks control so many businesses?"  I laughed at how perceptive he was.  It is one thing to invest in five or six different companies - sitting on the board and helping to guide the entrepreneur to success.  It is completely another thing to have controlling interest in five or six companies.  I don't care how smart or capable you are - it is all but impossible to run more than a few businesses, especially startup businesses.  What are these guys thinking? In more than a few deals the sharks have asked to take over the business 100% and then offer the entrepreneur a backend royalty.  Crazy stuff.  The sad fact is that some of the entrepreneurs are taking the deal.  The angels aren't doing themselves any favors either.  What a nightmare.  Maybe Ethan was right - the show is fake.  Hopefully anyway. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-24,25014049 Mon, 24 Aug 2009 03:46:30 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25014048-Step-One-Fix-our-immigration-policy Is anyone else completely confused by our immigration policy here in the United States?  Tara Hunt is having to head back to Canada because she can't stay here unless someone else employees her.  Elisa, a school Dallas public school teacher who I go to church with, had to go back to Mexico to wait for a new visa so she could continue to teach.  Michael, the help desk manager at Architel has to head back to New Zealand each quarter for a new visa while we wait for his permanent visa.  Why don't we let highly educated immigrants with resources (i.e. money, connections and ideas) come to this country freely? Why limit their access? Sarah Lacy is reporting that "foreigners attending US grad schools is ‘way' down."  Interesting stats: this was the first decline in five years (3% overall) one in four tech companies are started by immigrants Why can't we use some common sense when it comes to immigration?  If you are smart, successful and want to stay - why not let you stay?  Some of... Is anyone else completely confused by our immigration policy here in the United States?  Tara Hunt is having to head back to Canada because she can't stay here unless someone else employees her.  Elisa, a school Dallas public school teacher who I go to church with, had to go back to Mexico to wait for a new visa so she could continue to teach.  Michael, the help desk manager at Architel has to head back to New Zealand each quarter for a new visa while we wait for his permanent visa.  Why don't we let highly educated immigrants with resources (i.e. money, connections and ideas) come to this country freely? Why limit their access? Sarah Lacy is reporting that "foreigners attending US grad schools is ‘way' down."  Interesting stats: this was the first decline in five years (3% overall) one in four tech companies are started by immigrants Why can't we use some common sense when it comes to immigration?  If you are smart, successful and want to stay - why not let you stay?  Some of you may suggest, "well it isn't fair just to let the ‘rich' come to America".  As my mother explained to me growing up, "life isn't fair and Mickey Mouse is a rat".  We need to figure out ways to attract educated and motivated people to our shores - immigrants built this country. In 2006 I decided to put my own immigration proposal in writing.  The comments were less than supportive.  Specifically, my critics cite economic pressures such as the trade imbalance as reasons we need to retrench and prevent immigrants from taking jobs from Americans.  What they fail to realize is that these new immigrants represent the best and the brightest from every corner of the world.  We should be welcoming immigrants because they are our greatest asset. When my ancestors left Europe they were joined by the smartest and most ambitious Europeans.  This was good for America.  Just take a look at Europes population (double that of the U.S.) and their GDP (approximately the same as the U.S.).  Two hundred years ago we started out with very few people and less GDP than Portugal.  Today we live in the most prosperous civilization in the history of the planet. Our biggest risk is the possibility of the United States turning into Europe, e.g. declining population and declining percapita GDP.  We need to rethink our policy of limiting immigration.  Lets start by allowing the most intelligent and well-educated people from the world become citizens.  For every engineer, doctor or programmer that leaves China, India or Russia, the more competitive we become in medicine, technology and science. We should be recruiting the these people, not figuring out how to keep them out. Is anyone else completely confused by our immigration policy here in the United States?  Tara Hunt is having to head back to Canada because she can't stay here unless someone else employees her.  Elisa, a school Dallas public school teacher who I go to church with, had to go back to Mexico to wait for a new visa so she could continue to teach.  Michael, the help desk manager at Architel has to head back to New Zealand each quarter for a new visa while we wait for his permanent visa.  Why don't we let highly educated immigrants with resources (i.e. money, connections and ideas) come to this country freely? Why limit their access? Sarah Lacy is reporting that "foreigners attending US grad schools is ‘way' down."  Interesting stats: this was the first decline in five years (3% overall) one in four tech companies are started by immigrants Why can't we use some common sense when it comes to immigration?  If you are smart, successful and want to stay - why not let you stay?  Some of you may suggest, "well it isn't fair just to let the ‘rich' come to America".  As my mother explained to me growing up, "life isn't fair and Mickey Mouse is a rat".  We need to figure out ways to attract educated and motivated people to our shores - immigrants built this country. In 2006 I decided to put my own immigration proposal in writing.  The comments were less than supportive.  Specifically, my critics cite economic pressures such as the trade imbalance as reasons we need to retrench and prevent immigrants from taking jobs from Americans.  What they fail to realize is that these new immigrants represent the best and the brightest from every corner of the world.  We should be welcoming immigrants because they are our greatest asset. When my ancestors left Europe they were joined by the smartest and most ambitious Europeans.  This was good for America.  Just take a look at Europes population (double that of the U.S.) and their GDP (approximately the same as the U.S.).  Two hundred years ago we started out with very few people and less GDP than Portugal.  Today we live in the most prosperous civilization in the history of the planet. Our biggest risk is the possibility of the United States turning into Europe, e.g. declining population and declining percapita GDP.  We need to rethink our policy of limiting immigration.  Lets start by allowing the most intelligent and well-educated people from the world become citizens.  For every engineer, doctor or programmer that leaves China, India or Russia, the more competitive we become in medicine, technology and science. We should be recruiting the these people, not figuring out how to keep them out. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-23,25014048 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 17:38:41 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25014047-My-Twitter-Updates-for-the-Week Saw District 9 last night. Disturbing. Interesting. Frustrating. Cool. NOT a feel good movie. Very political. Worth watching. # @BRIAN_____ Health care can't wait. Why wait until you finish your current project? in reply to BRIAN_____ # Defying Gravity on ABC is one stinker. Not sure why I am watching it. Guess I will flip over to Mad Men on TIVO. # Ironically, #defyinggravity is dying just as fast as NASAs funding is disappearing. # FYI - out of the office today. Headed to Six Flags with my son and his friends (Ethan is 8). # @THincAboutIT Seems like it is up. Must have been related to getting too much traffic or something. in reply to THincAboutIT # I want to pitch ShopSavvy to Ron Conway. Anyone know him well? Need a referral. :) # @HopeChat I agree. Lies and misinformation are bad. We can disagree, but we should stop lying to each other. in reply to HopeChat # @chrisheuer Thanks for your comment! I responded here: http://bit.ly/GfsIn in reply to chrisheuer # ‘Always love y... Saw District 9 last night. Disturbing. Interesting. Frustrating. Cool. NOT a feel good movie. Very political. Worth watching. # @BRIAN_____ Health care can't wait. Why wait until you finish your current project? in reply to BRIAN_____ # Defying Gravity on ABC is one stinker. Not sure why I am watching it. Guess I will flip over to Mad Men on TIVO. # Ironically, #defyinggravity is dying just as fast as NASAs funding is disappearing. # FYI - out of the office today. Headed to Six Flags with my son and his friends (Ethan is 8). # @THincAboutIT Seems like it is up. Must have been related to getting too much traffic or something. in reply to THincAboutIT # I want to pitch ShopSavvy to Ron Conway. Anyone know him well? Need a referral. :) # @HopeChat I agree. Lies and misinformation are bad. We can disagree, but we should stop lying to each other. in reply to HopeChat # @chrisheuer Thanks for your comment! I responded here: http://bit.ly/GfsIn in reply to chrisheuer # ‘Always love your country — but never trust your government!' - Robert Novak (you will be missed) # @TheKotel Very cool idea! This guy will take your prayers via twitter, print them and place them in Jerusalem's Western Wall. in reply to TheKotel # ShopSavvy / Twitter Users Headshots http://flic.kr/p/6QTeTz # Take one minute and do me a favor, sign up for an account on Traxo: http://bit.ly/2BisOC Local Dallas travel startup. Lets help them out! # @emilyvernon Awesome response from Frank, too bad the woman was a plant by the SEIU. Ouch. #tcot http://bit.ly/4d5IiG in reply to emilyvernon # @stuttle @KublaiKhan Thanks for the Traxo mention! in reply to stuttle # Had a blast at Top Golf. Swing isn't in as bad a shape as I had imagined. # Fun DRT happy hour at mansion, fun Calyx happy hour Trader Vicks. Now I ready for bed… :) # @itsonlywords Where do you live? Join me on the Conservative Muse. Apply here: http://bit.ly/RJstx in reply to itsonlywords # @itsonlywords Here are details: http://dallas.conservativemuse.com/about/ in reply to itsonlywords # @CreativeNotice Happy to discuss. Call me sometime 214.550.2003 (Monday would be best). in reply to CreativeNotice # Should he climb it? http://flic.kr/p/6RyzB4 # Enjoyed a nice dinner at Ethan's new school, Parish. Great campus and even better staff. We are blessed. # #tcot my proposal to reform health care: http://bit.ly/vMaHT # @vmlopez mainly tech stuff. saw that you RT'd my story on quitting via facebook. in reply to vmlopez # Fun at Top Golf with Ethan and Brad (also saw Aaron Dalton and the Architel crew). Rock! # @TopGolfDallas Awesome facility and crew. Hutch is too passive aggressive for my taste - lose him and we are in.. in reply to TopGolfDallas # ShopSavvy won the ANA for best shopping app: http://bit.ly/GFYpb Rock! # Saw District 9 last night. Disturbing. Interesting. Frustrating. Cool. NOT a feel good movie. Very political. Worth watching. # @BRIAN_____ Health care can't wait. Why wait until you finish your current project? in reply to BRIAN_____ # Defying Gravity on ABC is one stinker. Not sure why I am watching it. Guess I will flip over to Mad Men on TIVO. # Ironically, #defyinggravity is dying just as fast as NASAs funding is disappearing. # FYI - out of the office today. Headed to Six Flags with my son and his friends (Ethan is 8). # @THincAboutIT Seems like it is up. Must have been related to getting too much traffic or something. in reply to THincAboutIT # I want to pitch ShopSavvy to Ron Conway. Anyone know him well? Need a referral. :) # @HopeChat I agree. Lies and misinformation are bad. We can disagree, but we should stop lying to each other. in reply to HopeChat # @chrisheuer Thanks for your comment! I responded here: http://bit.ly/GfsIn in reply to chrisheuer # ‘Always love your country — but never trust your government!' - Robert Novak (you will be missed) # @TheKotel Very cool idea! This guy will take your prayers via twitter, print them and place them in Jerusalem's Western Wall. in reply to TheKotel # ShopSavvy / Twitter Users Headshots http://flic.kr/p/6QTeTz # Take one minute and do me a favor, sign up for an account on Traxo: http://bit.ly/2BisOC Local Dallas travel startup. Lets help them out! # @emilyvernon Awesome response from Frank, too bad the woman was a plant by the SEIU. Ouch. #tcot http://bit.ly/4d5IiG in reply to emilyvernon # @stuttle @KublaiKhan Thanks for the Traxo mention! in reply to stuttle # Had a blast at Top Golf. Swing isn't in as bad a shape as I had imagined. # Fun DRT happy hour at mansion, fun Calyx happy hour Trader Vicks. Now I ready for bed… :) # @itsonlywords Where do you live? Join me on the Conservative Muse. Apply here: http://bit.ly/RJstx in reply to itsonlywords # @itsonlywords Here are details: http://dallas.conservativemuse.com/about/ in reply to itsonlywords # @CreativeNotice Happy to discuss. Call me sometime 214.550.2003 (Monday would be best). in reply to CreativeNotice # Should he climb it? http://flic.kr/p/6RyzB4 # Enjoyed a nice dinner at Ethan's new school, Parish. Great campus and even better staff. We are blessed. # #tcot my proposal to reform health care: http://bit.ly/vMaHT # @vmlopez mainly tech stuff. saw that you RT'd my story on quitting via facebook. in reply to vmlopez # Fun at Top Golf with Ethan and Brad (also saw Aaron Dalton and the Architel crew). Rock! # @TopGolfDallas Awesome facility and crew. Hutch is too passive aggressive for my taste - lose him and we are in.. in reply to TopGolfDallas # ShopSavvy won the ANA for best shopping app: http://bit.ly/GFYpb Rock! # tag:odeo.com,2009-08-23,25014047 Sun, 23 Aug 2009 12:31:00 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25014046-Why-buy-when-you-can-hire Tipjoy was a micropayments startup run by a husband and wife team.  The pair raised $1MM from investors and were in the process of trying to sell the company to Twitter or Facebook.  Facebook had given the pair a term sheet to acquire the company, but at the 11th hour the offer disappeared.  By the 12th hour the husband had taken a job at Facebook and the company was shuttered.  The balance of the initial $1MM (unknown as to how much was left) was returned to the investors.  Ouch. Investors including:  BetaWorks, the Accelerator Group, Chris Sacca and Y Combinator.  Of course this is a great deal for both Ivan and Facebook.  Facebook doesn't have to pay BetaWorks, the Accelerator Group, Chris Sacca and Y Combinator a return for their investment in the company; instead they can simply give Ivan as much upside and incentive as necessary.  Of course I think this deal is a mistake for both Facebook and Ivan. Did either party violate the law?  It doesn't appear as though they did.  Shoul... Tipjoy was a micropayments startup run by a husband and wife team.  The pair raised $1MM from investors and were in the process of trying to sell the company to Twitter or Facebook.  Facebook had given the pair a term sheet to acquire the company, but at the 11th hour the offer disappeared.  By the 12th hour the husband had taken a job at Facebook and the company was shuttered.  The balance of the initial $1MM (unknown as to how much was left) was returned to the investors.  Ouch. Investors including:  BetaWorks, the Accelerator Group, Chris Sacca and Y Combinator.  Of course this is a great deal for both Ivan and Facebook.  Facebook doesn't have to pay BetaWorks, the Accelerator Group, Chris Sacca and Y Combinator a return for their investment in the company; instead they can simply give Ivan as much upside and incentive as necessary.  Of course I think this deal is a mistake for both Facebook and Ivan. Did either party violate the law?  It doesn't appear as though they did.  Should Facebook have offered to hire the key employee from a company they were looking to acquire?  Not unless they had approval from the investors.  Why?  Assuming Facebook is in the race for the long term they are going to want to be consulted on all the cool startups looking to sell.  If investors fear that Facebook will 'steal' their people rather than pay a return they won't shop deals to the Facebook team.  As for Ivan?  It will be very hard for him to raise another round of venture capital.  Why would anyone trust him again?  Hopefully he will make enough that he never needs another job or investor. So why buy when you can hire?  Because it isn't the ethical thing to do.  It may be legal, but it will cost you in the long run.  Trust me… Tipjoy was a micropayments startup run by a husband and wife team.  The pair raised $1MM from investors and were in the process of trying to sell the company to Twitter or Facebook.  Facebook had given the pair a term sheet to acquire the company, but at the 11th hour the offer disappeared.  By the 12th hour the husband had taken a job at Facebook and the company was shuttered.  The balance of the initial $1MM (unknown as to how much was left) was returned to the investors.  Ouch. Investors including:  BetaWorks, the Accelerator Group, Chris Sacca and Y Combinator.  Of course this is a great deal for both Ivan and Facebook.  Facebook doesn't have to pay BetaWorks, the Accelerator Group, Chris Sacca and Y Combinator a return for their investment in the company; instead they can simply give Ivan as much upside and incentive as necessary.  Of course I think this deal is a mistake for both Facebook and Ivan. Did either party violate the law?  It doesn't appear as though they did.  Should Facebook have offered to hire the key employee from a company they were looking to acquire?  Not unless they had approval from the investors.  Why?  Assuming Facebook is in the race for the long term they are going to want to be consulted on all the cool startups looking to sell.  If investors fear that Facebook will 'steal' their people rather than pay a return they won't shop deals to the Facebook team.  As for Ivan?  It will be very hard for him to raise another round of venture capital.  Why would anyone trust him again?  Hopefully he will make enough that he never needs another job or investor. So why buy when you can hire?  Because it isn't the ethical thing to do.  It may be legal, but it will cost you in the long run.  Trust me… tag:odeo.com,2009-08-22,25014046 Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:05:36 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25014050-Personas-from-MIT-Media-Lab My Persona: Personas is a component of the Metropath(ologies) exhibit, currently on display at the MIT Museum by the Sociable Media Group from the MIT Media Lab. It uses sophisticated natural language processing and the Internet to create a data portrait of one's aggregated online identity. In short, Personas shows you how the Internet sees you. Enter your name, and Personas scours the web for information and attempts to characterize the person - to fit them to a predetermined set of categories that an algorithmic process created from a massive corpus of data. The computational process is visualized with each stage of the analysis, finally resulting in the presentation of a seemingly authoritative personal profile. In a world where fortunes are sought through data-mining vast information repositories, the computer is our indispensable but far from infallible assistant. Personas demonstrates the computer's uncanny insights and its inadvertent errors, such as the mischaracterizations ... My Persona: Personas is a component of the Metropath(ologies) exhibit, currently on display at the MIT Museum by the Sociable Media Group from the MIT Media Lab. It uses sophisticated natural language processing and the Internet to create a data portrait of one's aggregated online identity. In short, Personas shows you how the Internet sees you. Enter your name, and Personas scours the web for information and attempts to characterize the person - to fit them to a predetermined set of categories that an algorithmic process created from a massive corpus of data. The computational process is visualized with each stage of the analysis, finally resulting in the presentation of a seemingly authoritative personal profile. In a world where fortunes are sought through data-mining vast information repositories, the computer is our indispensable but far from infallible assistant. Personas demonstrates the computer's uncanny insights and its inadvertent errors, such as the mischaracterizations caused by the inability to separate data from multiple owners of the same name. It is meant for the viewer to reflect on our current and future world, where digital histories are as important if not more important than oral histories, and computational methods of condensing our digital traces are opaque and socially ignorant. Personas was created by Aaron Zinman, with help from Alex Dragulescu, Yannick Assogba and Judith Donath. My Persona: Personas is a component of the Metropath(ologies) exhibit, currently on display at the MIT Museum by the Sociable Media Group from the MIT Media Lab. It uses sophisticated natural language processing and the Internet to create a data portrait of one's aggregated online identity. In short, Personas shows you how the Internet sees you. Enter your name, and Personas scours the web for information and attempts to characterize the person - to fit them to a predetermined set of categories that an algorithmic process created from a massive corpus of data. The computational process is visualized with each stage of the analysis, finally resulting in the presentation of a seemingly authoritative personal profile. In a world where fortunes are sought through data-mining vast information repositories, the computer is our indispensable but far from infallible assistant. Personas demonstrates the computer's uncanny insights and its inadvertent errors, such as the mischaracterizations caused by the inability to separate data from multiple owners of the same name. It is meant for the viewer to reflect on our current and future world, where digital histories are as important if not more important than oral histories, and computational methods of condensing our digital traces are opaque and socially ignorant. Personas was created by Aaron Zinman, with help from Alex Dragulescu, Yannick Assogba and Judith Donath. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-21,25014050 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:23:39 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25014053-I-Quit-via-Facebook I have been an entrepreneur since my 20s (I am now 37) and I have never had an employee quit via a social network - that was true until today.  This morning one of our Ruby on Rails developers didn't show up for work.  We called her various numbers, but didn't get through.  By around five we were worried.  Was she hurt?  Then one of our other employees checked her Facebook account.  Ooops.  She had ‘unfriended' our employee.  I checked my Facebook account, I had been unfriended too.  Several other employees check their accounts and realized she had unfriended them as well.  Ouch.  She had quit. Of course before the age of Facebook I would have assumed she was in the hospital and unable to come to work.  In the age of Facebook it was clear she was severing her employment relationship with our company.  To be sure, it was unclear as to whether or not she would be successful in the long term (we are very hard to work with).  Quitting via Facebook is generally a bad idea.  I would... I have been an entrepreneur since my 20s (I am now 37) and I have never had an employee quit via a social network - that was true until today.  This morning one of our Ruby on Rails developers didn't show up for work.  We called her various numbers, but didn't get through.  By around five we were worried.  Was she hurt?  Then one of our other employees checked her Facebook account.  Ooops.  She had ‘unfriended' our employee.  I checked my Facebook account, I had been unfriended too.  Several other employees check their accounts and realized she had unfriended them as well.  Ouch.  She had quit. Of course before the age of Facebook I would have assumed she was in the hospital and unable to come to work.  In the age of Facebook it was clear she was severing her employment relationship with our company.  To be sure, it was unclear as to whether or not she would be successful in the long term (we are very hard to work with).  Quitting via Facebook is generally a bad idea.  I would highly recommend simply calling your boss or his boss and explaining that the position isn't working out.  Why? Well, in our case we have to change access codes to banking accounts (ACH collections are a bitch), locks to doors and access codes to our NOC and data center facilities.  The cost is in excess of $1,000 as opposed to an orderly ‘I quit' sort of relationship whereby we would execute an orderly transition.  I am not naming the employee here, just suggesting to all my Generation Y friends - don't quit via Facebook.  :) I have been an entrepreneur since my 20s (I am now 37) and I have never had an employee quit via a social network - that was true until today.  This morning one of our Ruby on Rails developers didn't show up for work.  We called her various numbers, but didn't get through.  By around five we were worried.  Was she hurt?  Then one of our other employees checked her Facebook account.  Ooops.  She had ‘unfriended' our employee.  I checked my Facebook account, I had been unfriended too.  Several other employees check their accounts and realized she had unfriended them as well.  Ouch.  She had quit. Of course before the age of Facebook I would have assumed she was in the hospital and unable to come to work.  In the age of Facebook it was clear she was severing her employment relationship with our company.  To be sure, it was unclear as to whether or not she would be successful in the long term (we are very hard to work with).  Quitting via Facebook is generally a bad idea.  I would highly recommend simply calling your boss or his boss and explaining that the position isn't working out.  Why? Well, in our case we have to change access codes to banking accounts (ACH collections are a bitch), locks to doors and access codes to our NOC and data center facilities.  The cost is in excess of $1,000 as opposed to an orderly ‘I quit' sort of relationship whereby we would execute an orderly transition.  I am not naming the employee here, just suggesting to all my Generation Y friends - don't quit via Facebook.  :) tag:odeo.com,2009-08-21,25014053 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:30:49 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25014052-Should-you-build-your-business-on-Facebook The dead simple answer is NO .  This isn't to say your business shouldn't leverage social sites like Facebook, it should.  I have written about the risks of building your business on other businesses like Twitter and Facebook before, but I thought the iLike example was enough of a cautionary tale to be worth writing about. MySpace is rumored to be purchasing iLike a popular social music service running on Facebook.  The company launched in 2006 and has more than 50 million registered users.  The company raised $16.5 million and was valued at $53.2 million in 2006.  The company has more than 10 million monthly facebook users.  What do you think MySpace is going to pay for the company?  $500 million?  $100 million? $53.2 million?  The rumors are the company will sell for about the same amount of money investors piled into the company - $20 million (just 13.5 million in cash).  Ouch. The company was doing well - i.e. lots of users.  What was the problem?  David Pakman's article titled,... The dead simple answer is NO .  This isn't to say your business shouldn't leverage social sites like Facebook, it should.  I have written about the risks of building your business on other businesses like Twitter and Facebook before, but I thought the iLike example was enough of a cautionary tale to be worth writing about. MySpace is rumored to be purchasing iLike a popular social music service running on Facebook.  The company launched in 2006 and has more than 50 million registered users.  The company raised $16.5 million and was valued at $53.2 million in 2006.  The company has more than 10 million monthly facebook users.  What do you think MySpace is going to pay for the company?  $500 million?  $100 million? $53.2 million?  The rumors are the company will sell for about the same amount of money investors piled into the company - $20 million (just 13.5 million in cash).  Ouch. The company was doing well - i.e. lots of users.  What was the problem?  David Pakman's article titled, "Why iLike Sold for Peanuts" is an interesting look at the Facebook economy.  He explains, "The recent distressed exit of iLike reminds us of the need to build real value in our startups if we hope to create lasting companies and wealth."  Can you build real value on top of Facebook or Twitter?  Maybe not. Ashkan Karbasfrooshan (really) doesn't think so and he hits the nail on the head with this comment: "What has pushed iLike's valuation down is a problem with control. The company's managers have no way to prove to potential acquirers that their business model has a bright future because they can't predict from one day to the next which direction Facebook's Platform will go. The source said that leaders at iLike, or any other company on the platform, are not truly in control of their fate–Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is." Gawker reminds us that just two years ago iLike's CEO claimed the company was "MADE" and his investors suggested that iLike was going to be a "billion-dollar winner"!  Ryan Tate points to these headlines about the company: Wall Street Journal, June 2007: "‘Somebody's going to end up being the Facebook music service,' [co-founder Hadi Partovi] says. ‘It's either going to be us, in which case we're made, or it's not.'" (By the time Patrovie gave this retrospective quote, iLike was by far the dominant music service on Facebook.) Billboard, July 2007: "The smart money says someone will acquire iLike, and soon. The company's social media discovery capabilities are a natural extension to any digital music service, particularly iTunes." BusinessWeek, July 2007:"‘Widgets are a fundamentally important idea,' says Vinod Khosla… who has invested in two widget makers, Slide and iLike. ‘I believe it has the potential to create big billion-dollar winners.'" Forbes, October 2007: "Says Khosla [Ventures]'s David Weiden: ‘Widgets are the next kind of media network.'" USA Today, November 2007: "The company… has become an overnight sensation… Dave McClure, an angel investor in Silicon Valley, wouldn't be shocked if iLike… and others eventually go public." At the end of the day, this WAS the successful Facebook startup.  Investors are hoping to break even.  What about the less successful Facebook startups?  What should their investors hope for?  Fifty cents on the dollar?  Less? The dead simple answer is NO .  This isn't to say your business shouldn't leverage social sites like Facebook, it should.  I have written about the risks of building your business on other businesses like Twitter and Facebook before, but I thought the iLike example was enough of a cautionary tale to be worth writing about. MySpace is rumored to be purchasing iLike a popular social music service running on Facebook.  The company launched in 2006 and has more than 50 million registered users.  The company raised $16.5 million and was valued at $53.2 million in 2006.  The company has more than 10 million monthly facebook users.  What do you think MySpace is going to pay for the company?  $500 million?  $100 million? $53.2 million?  The rumors are the company will sell for about the same amount of money investors piled into the company - $20 million (just 13.5 million in cash).  Ouch. The company was doing well - i.e. lots of users.  What was the problem?  David Pakman's article titled, "Why iLike Sold for Peanuts" is an interesting look at the Facebook economy.  He explains, "The recent distressed exit of iLike reminds us of the need to build real value in our startups if we hope to create lasting companies and wealth."  Can you build real value on top of Facebook or Twitter?  Maybe not. Ashkan Karbasfrooshan (really) doesn't think so and he hits the nail on the head with this comment: "What has pushed iLike's valuation down is a problem with control. The company's managers have no way to prove to potential acquirers that their business model has a bright future because they can't predict from one day to the next which direction Facebook's Platform will go. The source said that leaders at iLike, or any other company on the platform, are not truly in control of their fate–Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is." Gawker reminds us that just two years ago iLike's CEO claimed the company was "MADE" and his investors suggested that iLike was going to be a "billion-dollar winner"!  Ryan Tate points to these headlines about the company: Wall Street Journal, June 2007: "‘Somebody's going to end up being the Facebook music service,' [co-founder Hadi Partovi] says. ‘It's either going to be us, in which case we're made, or it's not.'" (By the time Patrovie gave this retrospective quote, iLike was by far the dominant music service on Facebook.) Billboard, July 2007: "The smart money says someone will acquire iLike, and soon. The company's social media discovery capabilities are a natural extension to any digital music service, particularly iTunes." BusinessWeek, July 2007:"‘Widgets are a fundamentally important idea,' says Vinod Khosla… who has invested in two widget makers, Slide and iLike. ‘I believe it has the potential to create big billion-dollar winners.'" Forbes, October 2007: "Says Khosla [Ventures]'s David Weiden: ‘Widgets are the next kind of media network.'" USA Today, November 2007: "The company… has become an overnight sensation… Dave McClure, an angel investor in Silicon Valley, wouldn't be shocked if iLike… and others eventually go public." At the end of the day, this WAS the successful Facebook startup.  Investors are hoping to break even.  What about the less successful Facebook startups?  What should their investors hope for?  Fifty cents on the dollar?  Less? tag:odeo.com,2009-08-19,25014052 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:24:14 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/25014051-Newest-Travel-Site-on-the-Web-TRAXO Have you signed up for the public beta of Traxo?  I did.  If you haven't had a chance to check out Traxo you need to.  We profiled Traxo quite some time ago here. Visit http://www.traxo.com/ to sign up. Have you signed up for the public beta of Traxo?  I did.  If you haven't had a chance to check out Traxo you need to.  We profiled Traxo quite some time ago here. Visit http://www.traxo.com/ to sign up. Have you signed up for the public beta of Traxo?  I did.  If you haven't had a chance to check out Traxo you need to.  We profiled Traxo quite some time ago here. Visit http://www.traxo.com/ to sign up. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-19,25014051 Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:15:36 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24974377-Angels-and-Control Tonight I was watching the Shark Tank and was struck by how focused the 'sharks' were on owning 51% of each of the companies.  More often than not angels I talk to are hung up on valuations.  The folks at NTAN will explain to me, "We love the deal, it is going to be a winner, but the entrepreneur's valuation expectations are crazy."  Control is almost always an illusion. Why take away an entrepreneur's illusion of control by insisting on 51% ownership?  As an angel why not explain to the entrepreneur what sort of return on investment you are looking for.  Most entrepreneurs will respond positively if you present your case properly. For example, an entrepreneur needs $250,000 to take his business to the next level.  You love it and think that $250,000 is exactly what he needs.  The entrepreneur has been working on the business for three years without a salary.  He thinks he has invested more than $1,250,000 in the business (mortgage on his house, lost income and so on).  He is willin... Tonight I was watching the Shark Tank and was struck by how focused the 'sharks' were on owning 51% of each of the companies.  More often than not angels I talk to are hung up on valuations.  The folks at NTAN will explain to me, "We love the deal, it is going to be a winner, but the entrepreneur's valuation expectations are crazy."  Control is almost always an illusion. Why take away an entrepreneur's illusion of control by insisting on 51% ownership?  As an angel why not explain to the entrepreneur what sort of return on investment you are looking for.  Most entrepreneurs will respond positively if you present your case properly. For example, an entrepreneur needs $250,000 to take his business to the next level.  You love it and think that $250,000 is exactly what he needs.  The entrepreneur has been working on the business for three years without a salary.  He thinks he has invested more than $1,250,000 in the business (mortgage on his house, lost income and so on).  He is willing to give up 10% of the company.  You laugh at him.  In your mind his company is only worth $250,000 - after your investment it will be worth $500,000 and as a result you think you should own half of the company.  How do you close the deal if you are certain the entrepreneur won't give up more than 10% of the company? Why not offer the entrepreneur this sort of deal.  In exchange for 10% of the company you will invest $250,000 under the following conditions.  You explain that your goal is to triple your investment.  To that end you ask him to agree to give you the first $250,000 the company generates.  Then you ask him to agree to give you 50% of each additional dollar the company generates until you have generated an additional $750,000.  After you have returned your original investment and an additional $750,000 you and the entrepreneur will be equal footing 90%/10%.  If you are concerned about control simply ask for board control until such time as you have tripled your money. In this scenario if the business works you make a bundle.  If the business fails owning more of it won't help you.  Most entrepreneurs I talk to have no problem letting an angel guarantee some sort of return if they have some certainty that they will retain control if the business succeeds. Tonight I was watching the Shark Tank and was struck by how focused the 'sharks' were on owning 51% of each of the companies.  More often than not angels I talk to are hung up on valuations.  The folks at NTAN will explain to me, "We love the deal, it is going to be a winner, but the entrepreneur's valuation expectations are crazy."  Control is almost always an illusion. Why take away an entrepreneur's illusion of control by insisting on 51% ownership?  As an angel why not explain to the entrepreneur what sort of return on investment you are looking for.  Most entrepreneurs will respond positively if you present your case properly. For example, an entrepreneur needs $250,000 to take his business to the next level.  You love it and think that $250,000 is exactly what he needs.  The entrepreneur has been working on the business for three years without a salary.  He thinks he has invested more than $1,250,000 in the business (mortgage on his house, lost income and so on).  He is willing to give up 10% of the company.  You laugh at him.  In your mind his company is only worth $250,000 - after your investment it will be worth $500,000 and as a result you think you should own half of the company.  How do you close the deal if you are certain the entrepreneur won't give up more than 10% of the company? Why not offer the entrepreneur this sort of deal.  In exchange for 10% of the company you will invest $250,000 under the following conditions.  You explain that your goal is to triple your investment.  To that end you ask him to agree to give you the first $250,000 the company generates.  Then you ask him to agree to give you 50% of each additional dollar the company generates until you have generated an additional $750,000.  After you have returned your original investment and an additional $750,000 you and the entrepreneur will be equal footing 90%/10%.  If you are concerned about control simply ask for board control until such time as you have tripled your money. In this scenario if the business works you make a bundle.  If the business fails owning more of it won't help you.  Most entrepreneurs I talk to have no problem letting an angel guarantee some sort of return if they have some certainty that they will retain control if the business succeeds. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-17,24974377 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:04:07 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24974376-My-Twitter-Updates-for-the-Week @loveOliver I think it is a point without a difference - semantics. Can we agree Obama is left of Clinton? If so, lets bury the hatchet. in reply to loveOliver # Still looking for fiscal conservatives from small towns throughout Texas. Email me amuse@biggu.com #tcot #gop #republican # Jimmy Fallon demo'd ShopSavvy on the new MyTouch phone last night! ROCK! #android #mytouch #tomobile #shopsavvy # Big in Japan and Architel mentioned in Dallas Morning News this morning: http://bit.ly/Of6v9 # @jasonjm75 I guess Vietnam. in reply to jasonjm75 # @jasonjm75 What fact? I don't get what you are saying. 140 characters might not be enough. Comment on the post. in reply to jasonjm75 # Transferring power to the Iraqi Army is scary… http://flic.kr/p/6PjUX6 # Industrial artist to draw picture of idea for consumer product. Got a couple of hours to draw me something? # @pokersteve786 Jimmy's ShopSavvy mention was completely unexpected. Sort of stole the show from the MyTouch placement. :) in ... @loveOliver I think it is a point without a difference - semantics. Can we agree Obama is left of Clinton? If so, lets bury the hatchet. in reply to loveOliver # Still looking for fiscal conservatives from small towns throughout Texas. Email me amuse@biggu.com #tcot #gop #republican # Jimmy Fallon demo'd ShopSavvy on the new MyTouch phone last night! ROCK! #android #mytouch #tomobile #shopsavvy # Big in Japan and Architel mentioned in Dallas Morning News this morning: http://bit.ly/Of6v9 # @jasonjm75 I guess Vietnam. in reply to jasonjm75 # @jasonjm75 What fact? I don't get what you are saying. 140 characters might not be enough. Comment on the post. in reply to jasonjm75 # Transferring power to the Iraqi Army is scary… http://flic.kr/p/6PjUX6 # Industrial artist to draw picture of idea for consumer product. Got a couple of hours to draw me something? # @pokersteve786 Jimmy's ShopSavvy mention was completely unexpected. Sort of stole the show from the MyTouch placement. :) in reply to pokersteve786 # My two kiddos! http://flic.kr/p/6PkAzg # We have ANOTHER opening for a ruby on rails developer (must be local DFW - 8-5 M-F) email amuse@biggu.com # @pineapplez46 We are good, thanks for the offer. in reply to pineapplez46 # Did @predevcamp happen in Dallas? They still haven't released the SDK for base features (camera) @giovanni @kirkbryan @calebjenkins # @KublaiKhan During the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin proposed that elected government officials not be paid. in reply to KublaiKhan # @KublaiKhan From 1789 to 1855, members of Congress received only a per diem of $6.00 (Now - $175K-$193K) in reply to KublaiKhan # @CalebJenkins The Palm SDK doesn't include any access to base phone features like the phone - i.e. no ShopSavvy. :( in reply to CalebJenkins # I've been flagged by @barackobama for opposing his health care plan. Add your name to the list at http://bit.ly/flagUS # @BRIAN_____ About 50% use a PEO and 50% buy direct from UH or BCBS. PEO is a good option when starting out, over 25 heads buy direct. in reply to BRIAN_____ # @BRIAN_____ I'm all for fixing the problems. I'm not for a government takeover of health care. Lets get the market back into health care. in reply to BRIAN_____ # How to get out of jury duty. http://flic.kr/p/6PGY69 # @BRIAN_____ Really? If you would like you can get it through us. We have Blue Cross - do a little side work for us and I will cover you. in reply to BRIAN_____ # @loveOliver I think it is a point without a difference - semantics. Can we agree Obama is left of Clinton? If so, lets bury the hatchet. in reply to loveOliver # Still looking for fiscal conservatives from small towns throughout Texas. Email me amuse@biggu.com #tcot #gop #republican # Jimmy Fallon demo'd ShopSavvy on the new MyTouch phone last night! ROCK! #android #mytouch #tomobile #shopsavvy # Big in Japan and Architel mentioned in Dallas Morning News this morning: http://bit.ly/Of6v9 # @jasonjm75 I guess Vietnam. in reply to jasonjm75 # @jasonjm75 What fact? I don't get what you are saying. 140 characters might not be enough. Comment on the post. in reply to jasonjm75 # Transferring power to the Iraqi Army is scary… http://flic.kr/p/6PjUX6 # Industrial artist to draw picture of idea for consumer product. Got a couple of hours to draw me something? # @pokersteve786 Jimmy's ShopSavvy mention was completely unexpected. Sort of stole the show from the MyTouch placement. :) in reply to pokersteve786 # My two kiddos! http://flic.kr/p/6PkAzg # We have ANOTHER opening for a ruby on rails developer (must be local DFW - 8-5 M-F) email amuse@biggu.com # @pineapplez46 We are good, thanks for the offer. in reply to pineapplez46 # Did @predevcamp happen in Dallas? They still haven't released the SDK for base features (camera) @giovanni @kirkbryan @calebjenkins # @KublaiKhan During the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin proposed that elected government officials not be paid. in reply to KublaiKhan # @KublaiKhan From 1789 to 1855, members of Congress received only a per diem of $6.00 (Now - $175K-$193K) in reply to KublaiKhan # @CalebJenkins The Palm SDK doesn't include any access to base phone features like the phone - i.e. no ShopSavvy. :( in reply to CalebJenkins # I've been flagged by @barackobama for opposing his health care plan. Add your name to the list at http://bit.ly/flagUS # @BRIAN_____ About 50% use a PEO and 50% buy direct from UH or BCBS. PEO is a good option when starting out, over 25 heads buy direct. in reply to BRIAN_____ # @BRIAN_____ I'm all for fixing the problems. I'm not for a government takeover of health care. Lets get the market back into health care. in reply to BRIAN_____ # How to get out of jury duty. http://flic.kr/p/6PGY69 # @BRIAN_____ Really? If you would like you can get it through us. We have Blue Cross - do a little side work for us and I will cover you. in reply to BRIAN_____ # tag:odeo.com,2009-08-16,24974376 Sun, 16 Aug 2009 12:31:00 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24967159-Taking-a-little-break The economy has put a damper on my startup posts.  You may have noticed a serious decline in posts over the summer.  This are actually going pretty well for my businesses, but it is hard to offer advice to others when I don't have the answers.  I have been increasingly negative so I decided to muzzle myself.  More recently I have started blogging about political issues (long time readers will note I used to do both on this blog).  Check out my latest writing on Conservative Muse, here are a few of my latests posts/rants: How much does it cost to buy a health care reform volunteer? Americans Not Representative of Americans? Obama Delegate Pretends to be a Doctor Climate Bill Killing Jobs Is sleeping through your town hall meeting better than taking phone calls? 61% of Americans Approve of Health Care Protests Democrats Caught Red Handed Carrying ‘Obama as Hitler' Posters! Democrat Dirty Tricks? You Decide. Photo IDs Required at Town Hall Meetings! Dvorak: US CIO Kundra is a Phony? Da... The economy has put a damper on my startup posts.  You may have noticed a serious decline in posts over the summer.  This are actually going pretty well for my businesses, but it is hard to offer advice to others when I don't have the answers.  I have been increasingly negative so I decided to muzzle myself.  More recently I have started blogging about political issues (long time readers will note I used to do both on this blog).  Check out my latest writing on Conservative Muse, here are a few of my latests posts/rants: How much does it cost to buy a health care reform volunteer? Americans Not Representative of Americans? Obama Delegate Pretends to be a Doctor Climate Bill Killing Jobs Is sleeping through your town hall meeting better than taking phone calls? 61% of Americans Approve of Health Care Protests Democrats Caught Red Handed Carrying ‘Obama as Hitler' Posters! Democrat Dirty Tricks? You Decide. Photo IDs Required at Town Hall Meetings! Dvorak: US CIO Kundra is a Phony? David and I have big changes in store for SpringStage so don't give up on me/us.  We will be back in the game very soon - hopefully with a brand new direction that will add even more value to the local and national startup scene.  In the meantime I hope you enjoy my political posts (FYI - if you are a Democrat I recommend ignoring my posts - sorry I am fairly conservative in my politics). The economy has put a damper on my startup posts.  You may have noticed a serious decline in posts over the summer.  This are actually going pretty well for my businesses, but it is hard to offer advice to others when I don't have the answers.  I have been increasingly negative so I decided to muzzle myself.  More recently I have started blogging about political issues (long time readers will note I used to do both on this blog).  Check out my latest writing on Conservative Muse, here are a few of my latests posts/rants: How much does it cost to buy a health care reform volunteer? Americans Not Representative of Americans? Obama Delegate Pretends to be a Doctor Climate Bill Killing Jobs Is sleeping through your town hall meeting better than taking phone calls? 61% of Americans Approve of Health Care Protests Democrats Caught Red Handed Carrying ‘Obama as Hitler' Posters! Democrat Dirty Tricks? You Decide. Photo IDs Required at Town Hall Meetings! Dvorak: US CIO Kundra is a Phony? David and I have big changes in store for SpringStage so don't give up on me/us.  We will be back in the game very soon - hopefully with a brand new direction that will add even more value to the local and national startup scene.  In the meantime I hope you enjoy my political posts (FYI - if you are a Democrat I recommend ignoring my posts - sorry I am fairly conservative in my politics). tag:odeo.com,2009-08-13,24967159 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:06:21 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24967160-Does-the-U-S-need-a-new-CIO I wrote a piece on my new ‘political blog' titled, "Dvorak: US CIO Kundra is a Phoney?"  Basically a repost of Dvorak's own post about our CIO found here. I wrote a piece on my new ‘political blog' titled, "Dvorak: US CIO Kundra is a Phoney?"  Basically a repost of Dvorak's own post about our CIO found here. I wrote a piece on my new ‘political blog' titled, "Dvorak: US CIO Kundra is a Phoney?"  Basically a repost of Dvorak's own post about our CIO found here. tag:odeo.com,2009-08-12,24967160 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:29:28 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24924981-My-Twitter-Updates-for-the-Week @YoAdriaan Yep, still looking for a Yardi developer. thanks for the referral, any idea if they have folks in Dallas? in reply to YoAdriaan # Party Girls on the Go! ‘Sweet and Sassy' http://flic.kr/p/6LgdBK # @supremekort LOL, yea my new ride. in reply to supremekort # Last chance to RSVP for tonight's Startup Happy Hour (DFW-area entrepreneurs welcome): http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/3081373/ # VCs coming to startup happy hour tonight: Sevin Rosen, S3 Ventures, Austin Ventures and DFJ Mercury # SpringStage publisher call going on right now. Get on if you aren't on. # My thoughts on the Amazon Android App: http://bit.ly/p3eZp RE ShopSavvy # USMC needs 10 xBoxs for Marines in Iraq. Need a Microsoft hookup to get some freebies. Any thoughts? # Bloggers from Azerbaijan visiting Big in Japan offices for a cultural exchange. Thanks to the State Department. http://bit.ly/dr7M3 # Morgan Stanley Economy and Internet Trends: http://slidesha.re/b9N2e ShopSavvy mentioned on slide 74 # OM... @YoAdriaan Yep, still looking for a Yardi developer. thanks for the referral, any idea if they have folks in Dallas? in reply to YoAdriaan # Party Girls on the Go! ‘Sweet and Sassy' http://flic.kr/p/6LgdBK # @supremekort LOL, yea my new ride. in reply to supremekort # Last chance to RSVP for tonight's Startup Happy Hour (DFW-area entrepreneurs welcome): http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/3081373/ # VCs coming to startup happy hour tonight: Sevin Rosen, S3 Ventures, Austin Ventures and DFJ Mercury # SpringStage publisher call going on right now. Get on if you aren't on. # My thoughts on the Amazon Android App: http://bit.ly/p3eZp RE ShopSavvy # USMC needs 10 xBoxs for Marines in Iraq. Need a Microsoft hookup to get some freebies. Any thoughts? # Bloggers from Azerbaijan visiting Big in Japan offices for a cultural exchange. Thanks to the State Department. http://bit.ly/dr7M3 # Morgan Stanley Economy and Internet Trends: http://slidesha.re/b9N2e ShopSavvy mentioned on slide 74 # OMG - we paid for that birthday card to Obama. Really? http://flic.kr/p/6LTwC1 # Looking for administrative assistant to work for me. (M-F 8-5), low pay, long hours, 100% health coverage - ping me on Facebook. # Lego store at northpark is packed http://flic.kr/p/6LTfM6 # @YoAdriaan Yep, still looking for a Yardi developer. thanks for the referral, any idea if they have folks in Dallas? in reply to YoAdriaan # Party Girls on the Go! ‘Sweet and Sassy' http://flic.kr/p/6LgdBK # @supremekort LOL, yea my new ride. in reply to supremekort # Last chance to RSVP for tonight's Startup Happy Hour (DFW-area entrepreneurs welcome): http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/3081373/ # VCs coming to startup happy hour tonight: Sevin Rosen, S3 Ventures, Austin Ventures and DFJ Mercury # SpringStage publisher call going on right now. Get on if you aren't on. # My thoughts on the Amazon Android App: http://bit.ly/p3eZp RE ShopSavvy # USMC needs 10 xBoxs for Marines in Iraq. Need a Microsoft hookup to get some freebies. Any thoughts? # Bloggers from Azerbaijan visiting Big in Japan offices for a cultural exchange. Thanks to the State Department. http://bit.ly/dr7M3 # Morgan Stanley Economy and Internet Trends: http://slidesha.re/b9N2e ShopSavvy mentioned on slide 74 # OMG - we paid for that birthday card to Obama. Really? http://flic.kr/p/6LTwC1 # Looking for administrative assistant to work for me. (M-F 8-5), low pay, long hours, 100% health coverage - ping me on Facebook. # Lego store at northpark is packed http://flic.kr/p/6LTfM6 # tag:odeo.com,2009-08-09,24924981 Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:31:00 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24924980-My-Twitter-Updates-for-the-Week Back from church, ready to do some grocery shopping (been two weeks, cupboards are bare). # #android Donut is out. Rock! # Doing some after hours trading… insomnia… # My fashion forward daughter… http://flic.kr/p/6HcAp9 # Enlightening to have kids (16 year olds) from Iraq in the office today. Sort of blew my mind a little… # ShopSavvy was promo'd on Channel 3 in Sacramento this morning - Rock! # @EMarketingGuru Just an FYI, your post violates securities laws. My advice? Take it down, talk to a securities lawyer and regroup. in reply to EMarketingGuru # Pics of Iraqi teens in our offices: http://bit.ly/NsaG Turns out they hadn't heard about #iranelection issues. No kidding. # Queens for Mike Bloomberg? http://flic.kr/p/6JMp7x # Shannon's post on Social Media: http://bit.ly/mmKpy # Pics of Iraqi teens in our offices: http://bit.ly/NsaGi Turns out they hadn't heard about #iranelection issues. No kidding. # @ramdac @jacktx42 Oops… fixed it. in reply to ramd... Back from church, ready to do some grocery shopping (been two weeks, cupboards are bare). # #android Donut is out. Rock! # Doing some after hours trading… insomnia… # My fashion forward daughter… http://flic.kr/p/6HcAp9 # Enlightening to have kids (16 year olds) from Iraq in the office today. Sort of blew my mind a little… # ShopSavvy was promo'd on Channel 3 in Sacramento this morning - Rock! # @EMarketingGuru Just an FYI, your post violates securities laws. My advice? Take it down, talk to a securities lawyer and regroup. in reply to EMarketingGuru # Pics of Iraqi teens in our offices: http://bit.ly/NsaG Turns out they hadn't heard about #iranelection issues. No kidding. # Queens for Mike Bloomberg? http://flic.kr/p/6JMp7x # Shannon's post on Social Media: http://bit.ly/mmKpy # Pics of Iraqi teens in our offices: http://bit.ly/NsaGi Turns out they hadn't heard about #iranelection issues. No kidding. # @ramdac @jacktx42 Oops… fixed it. in reply to ramdac # RT @lalawag Sued for $50,000 Over Moldy Tweet | lalawag http://bit.ly/i028P # Are you a DFW entrepreneur? You should come to our happy hour http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/3081373/ on Monday. # My little boy doing some judo (Ethan is the yellow belt). http://flic.kr/p/6JVyqA # #iranelection Prison abuse in Iran's post-election crackdown; 100+ protesters killed # Need referral to someone in the insurance premium finance business (located in North Texas preferred). # Working from bed, need to get up, shower and head to the office. Got a meeting with an old fraternity brother today! # Cool lunch meeting today with a former Stars Hockey player… # @mlemonds http://bit.ly/tATDH Diduck… :) in reply to mlemonds # Looking for a Yardi programmer to work on a small project - contract/part-time is fine. # Vote for FarStar for best local band (Shannon is lead singer Farstar): http://www.kdge.com/main.html scroll down on right side an vote. # Anyone have software for Dell/EMC SAN? We need Navisphere CLI for the CX300 (the update would also be nice)? # @jasonillian Sounds great. I will have Shannon set something up. See you soon. in reply to jasonillian # Scott's last hour as an unmarried man… http://flic.kr/p/6KoU5y # Are you a fiscal conservative from Texas? Ping me with your city (looking for folks from top 100 cities in Texas). # Scott and his lovely bride! http://flic.kr/p/6KshxW # See you at the Startup Happy Hour on Monday http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/3081373/ please RSVP. # a life less ordinary… # Obama takes Visa, Mastercard or Amex: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25627.html #tcot # Left-leaning Giuliani says we have to stop the health care bill: http://bit.ly/oTP0M # techcrunch is down… # We are thinking of putting on a GameDevCamp in the Fall here in Dallas. Interested? Email Shannon at sbarrett@biggu.com # Ran across a black swan in the park this evening… http://flic.kr/p/6KHAc1 # @svitosky ShopSavvy for iPhone should be out this month. in reply to svitosky # Self rocking chair http://flic.kr/p/6KVQpS # Back from church, ready to do some grocery shopping (been two weeks, cupboards are bare). # #android Donut is out. Rock! # Doing some after hours trading… insomnia… # My fashion forward daughter… http://flic.kr/p/6HcAp9 # Enlightening to have kids (16 year olds) from Iraq in the office today. Sort of blew my mind a little… # ShopSavvy was promo'd on Channel 3 in Sacramento this morning - Rock! # @EMarketingGuru Just an FYI, your post violates securities laws. My advice? Take it down, talk to a securities lawyer and regroup. in reply to EMarketingGuru # Pics of Iraqi teens in our offices: http://bit.ly/NsaG Turns out they hadn't heard about #iranelection issues. No kidding. # Queens for Mike Bloomberg? http://flic.kr/p/6JMp7x # Shannon's post on Social Media: http://bit.ly/mmKpy # Pics of Iraqi teens in our offices: http://bit.ly/NsaGi Turns out they hadn't heard about #iranelection issues. No kidding. # @ramdac @jacktx42 Oops… fixed it. in reply to ramdac # RT @lalawag Sued for $50,000 Over Moldy Tweet | lalawag http://bit.ly/i028P # Are you a DFW entrepreneur? You should come to our happy hour http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/3081373/ on Monday. # My little boy doing some judo (Ethan is the yellow belt). http://flic.kr/p/6JVyqA # #iranelection Prison abuse in Iran's post-election crackdown; 100+ protesters killed # Need referral to someone in the insurance premium finance business (located in North Texas preferred). # Working from bed, need to get up, shower and head to the office. Got a meeting with an old fraternity brother today! # Cool lunch meeting today with a former Stars Hockey player… # @mlemonds http://bit.ly/tATDH Diduck… :) in reply to mlemonds # Looking for a Yardi programmer to work on a small project - contract/part-time is fine. # Vote for FarStar for best local band (Shannon is lead singer Farstar): http://www.kdge.com/main.html scroll down on right side an vote. # Anyone have software for Dell/EMC SAN? We need Navisphere CLI for the CX300 (the update would also be nice)? # @jasonillian Sounds great. I will have Shannon set something up. See you soon. in reply to jasonillian # Scott's last hour as an unmarried man… http://flic.kr/p/6KoU5y # Are you a fiscal conservative from Texas? Ping me with your city (looking for folks from top 100 cities in Texas). # Scott and his lovely bride! http://flic.kr/p/6KshxW # See you at the Startup Happy Hour on Monday http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/3081373/ please RSVP. # a life less ordinary… # Obama takes Visa, Mastercard or Amex: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0709/25627.html #tcot # Left-leaning Giuliani says we have to stop the health care bill: http://bit.ly/oTP0M # techcrunch is down… # We are thinking of putting on a GameDevCamp in the Fall here in Dallas. Interested? Email Shannon at sbarrett@biggu.com # Ran across a black swan in the park this evening… http://flic.kr/p/6KHAc1 # @svitosky ShopSavvy for iPhone should be out this month. in reply to svitosky # Self rocking chair http://flic.kr/p/6KVQpS # tag:odeo.com,2009-08-02,24924980 Sun, 02 Aug 2009 12:31:00 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com http://www.odeo.com/episodes/24924979-Monday-Startup-Happy-Hour-Mobile-Monday-Developer-Event Join us for a regular (i.e. monthly) startup happy hour (5-8PM) and then come upstairs to our offices for the Mobile Monday event. The Dallas Startup Happy Hour is the talk of the startup community in Dallas. Check out the coverage in the Dallas Morning News: http://tinyurl.com/sshhdfw As a result of the events, several startups have found a) employees, b) co-founders, c) angel investors and d) had a few free drinks. Are you interested in connecting with the local startup community? We are working to build a vibrant startup community here in Dallas every bit as interesting and dynamic as San Francisco, Boulder, Boston or Austin. The first step is engagement. Sponsored by SpringStage - you are invited to attend. Please RSVP. Join us for a regular (i.e. monthly) startup happy hour (5-8PM) and then come upstairs to our offices for the Mobile Monday event. The Dallas Startup Happy Hour is the talk of the startup community in Dallas. Check out the coverage in the Dallas Morning News: http://tinyurl.com/sshhdfw As a result of the events, several startups have found a) employees, b) co-founders, c) angel investors and d) had a few free drinks. Are you interested in connecting with the local startup community? We are working to build a vibrant startup community here in Dallas every bit as interesting and dynamic as San Francisco, Boulder, Boston or Austin. The first step is engagement. Sponsored by SpringStage - you are invited to attend. Please RSVP. Join us for a regular (i.e. monthly) startup happy hour (5-8PM) and then come upstairs to our offices for the Mobile Monday event. The Dallas Startup Happy Hour is the talk of the startup community in Dallas. Check out the coverage in the Dallas Morning News: http://tinyurl.com/sshhdfw As a result of the events, several startups have found a) employees, b) co-founders, c) angel investors and d) had a few free drinks. Are you interested in connecting with the local startup community? We are working to build a vibrant startup community here in Dallas every bit as interesting and dynamic as San Francisco, Boulder, Boston or Austin. The first step is engagement. Sponsored by SpringStage - you are invited to attend. Please RSVP. tag:odeo.com,2009-07-31,24924979 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:56:38 -0700 no Texas Venture Capital Blog via Talkr.com