Investing

What I invest in:

I invest in the overlap between companies I find interesting and founders I can be helpful to.

That generally ends up being things I’ve worked on in in the past — consumer tech, marketplaces, fintech, social networks, future of media — or themes that I’m exploring at the moment.

I’m a multi-stage angel. I invest in everything from pre-seed to series B

Things I help with

• Fundraising: I’ve been on both sides of the table as a founder and as a VC. I have raised money and I have invested institutional capital at multiple stages. There are so many things I didn’t understand about fundraising as a founder and so much bad information out there. I don’t just do warm introductions and extend my credibility — although I do do that. I also help understanding who is going to be the right fit for you personally, what metrics they care about and how to balance that with your business, how to navigate the politics of a venture firm and what is the best way to tell your story.

• Growth: Growth is oxygen for startups. I’ve seen the growth playbook for hundreds if not thousands of consumer, marketplace, social and soloprenuer companies. I can help you and your team brainstorm your growth strategy.

• Telling your story: It’s hard to people to use something they can’t connect with, so I write a lot. I generally invest in companies because I think it fits into a broader theme or archetype I see emerging. I try to help everyone from customers to investors to potential hires get to know you as a founder, your company and the broader themes surrounding you.

• Pre-Board: I’ve been in a lot of board meetings. Most are really useless. The best ones help founders see and navigate crucible moments for their companies. You don’t need a full ‘Board of Directors’ yet but I strive to bring that crucible moments perspective before you do.

• Founder Struggle Shit: I get how hard this is. There are easier ways to make money than starting a company. Sometimes cofounders split up. Someone quits. Sometimes the SEC sends a letter that nearly ends your company two days before your round closes and you don’t know if you can make payroll next month. I’ve seen a lot of crazy shit. I’m around when things go sideways.

• Things I am not good at. I try but I wouldn’t rely on me for this.

  • Sourcing customers and/or potential hires

  • Technical and/or product feedback

My Investment Process

• In a previous life I was a founder so I strive to make sure it’s a good experience for founders.

  • If I know I am not going to invest I won’t take the meeting. Please don’t take it personally. It is strictly because time is a founder’s most valuable commodity and I don’t want to waste yours.

  • If you don’t have a good experience, please let me know. I won’t take it personally and I want to get better.

• DM me your deck/memo/demo/whatever directly or have someone I know send it to me. I read everything that comes directly to me and try not to discriminate against people without networks, but it’s obviously easier for me to grok what you’re building or who you are if someone I know adds context.

• If I think it’s interesting and I can help I will reach out to schedule a call. If were in the same city I am also down to meet up in person

• I usually invest $50K-100K. If you don’t think it’s enough or think it’s too much, I might not be the best fit.