Tag Archives: venture capital

Entrepreneurs are Still the New Asset Class (I didn’t forget)

I’ve been overwhelmed by the responses I received to my Forbes piece a few weeks back, Entrepreneurs are the Next Asset Class, where I discussed the prospects of investing in entrepreneurs directly, not companies.  Many thanks to all the people who took the time to read, tweet, and comment.

While the post is based on some general sentiments that I’ve internalized for some time, I’ll be the first to admit that on the mechanics of investing directly in people, I’m several pivots away from a nugget. Having said that, I do think it’s possible and am going to be writing a number of posts on the topic in the coming weeks.

In the meanwhile, I had to share this email I received over the weekend:

“Imagine investing in the future of Lebron James when he was 10, or K rod , or any highly paid sport star. I have a 12 yr old boy in Florida that plays baseball all year. He weighs 150 pds, hits a ball 210 ft, throws left and very accurate. Do the research on left handed pitchers in MLB and what the earning potentials are. If you would like to know more, or just know someone that invest in the future of sports players, please e mail me. Thank you.”

150 lbs at 12? Man, I barely cracked 150 after I got married. :) If anyone has any ideas for him, let me know and I’ll be happy to connect you.

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Filed under Business, Technology, venture capital

Why Entrepreneurs Don’t Need VCs

I wrote a guest post for Forbes that ran this morning called Why Entrepreneurs Don’t Need VCs. In it I talk a little about how the economics of launching an internet business today has the potential to make venture capital irrelevant for internet entrepreneurs, unless we fundamentally rethink our role in the venture industry. I also outline some thoughts on how our roles need to evolve to stay pertinent.

The bottom line is entrepreneurs have a lot more options today on how they choose to build their business than ever before. Would love to hear your thoughts on how you think these dynamics will play out for entrepreneurs and investors alike, and welcome any experiences that you’re willing to share about your choices with regards to taking on (or ignoring) institutional capital.

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Filed under Fundraising, Technology, venture capital