Do you know the number one enemy of most start-up business failures? It’s time. How long it takes to get things done. Product development and testing. Legal and regulatory approvals. Negotiating sales. Hiring. Raising capital. The length of time that these things take is always longer than most senior executives estimate; sometimes significantly longer. So how much time should you allow to raise a round of capital? Questions I attended a lovely BBQ this past week at a colleag

Are you a magician or pickpocket? Do you get in front of an investor audience, say abracadabra, wave your hands, and hope to transfer money from an investor’s pocket to yours? Well, most investors will get wise to your attempted sleight of hand before the end of your pitch. Will you be found out and get a “no”? Magician or Pickpocket? Many founders come across during investor meetings as magicians or pickpockets. They get excited, increase their speaking volume, speaking spee