Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist

Venture Capital has a lot of tricky names and concepts, they explain them well and clearly

There could be a PDF file along with the book with all the examples and numbers cited... not always you can write them all down, and to follow the thinking it could be easier than to copy them in a paper and follow the audio

Yes..!

As a former author (of legal, tax, financial, and business issues), I was impressed with Brad and Jason's crystal-clear writing style.

There were so many things I found insightful. Here are a few of their recommendations: 1. Select the right lawyer. The lawyer you pick is a reflection of you. If you pick a "lame" lawyer (my word, not theirs), your own credibility drops more than a notch or two. 2. Keep tabs on (and control of) the negotiation with the VCs. Do not just hand over the reins to your attorney. The way to stay involved and in charge is to understand what is important in the negotiations and what is not. This way you can prevent each side's lawyers from quibbling over unimportant points which only serve to run up legal bills...and/or so you can prevent your attorney from straining your relationship with your investors. 3. Understand that the early rounds of financing can have a big effect on the future of your company (and they explain why, what you need to know, and what mistakes you should not make). 4. Understand the concept of ANTI-DILUTION. It's very important! 5. Understand FOUNDER VESTING. For example, if one of the founders decides to leave after a year or two, you do not want him or her to walk away with a large ownership stake, while you remain at the company and continue to work (hard).

Brad and Jason also teach you that not all VC firms are the same. Different firms specialize in different types of startups or in different stages of the funding process. And some firms are much better at mentoring entrepreneurs than others. The authors also discuss the TIMING of the funds run by VCs (most funds run approximately 10 years, and they explain why this is important for you to know).

They also help you to understand things from the perspective of VCs and angel investors, so you can present yourself well to them.

And all throughout, they teach you how avoid mistakes and nasty pitfalls that could result in serious and regrettable problems. In short, this book is exactly what every entrepreneur, VC, and advisor needs.

Thanks Brad and Jason. Your book is so well done, and written in such a wonderful, kind spirit. You have made an important contribution. I am tremendously impressed.

Though I enjoyed this audio version very much, I do believe that it is important to have this in a book or kindle form, too, so that you can refer to it as needed.

Nice presentation of technical subject. I was afraid it might be dry; but just enough humor to make it an enjoyable commute listen.

I thought this was a book on venture deals and how to be more knowledgeable about them. It seems more about the culture of the industry and how this guy experienced it. The read is very slow and the voice is so monotone you start to lose interest fast. The way its read is as if you can't understand english, its very slow. Maybe that is good but I could not listen past the 2nd chapter. I would have been happier reading an article on a business blog than listening to this. Don't listen while driving, you may fall asleep.If you live in the Bay Area this topic is something you may hear a lot about and will probably find someone in person to talk to about the subject. Just reach out and do some networking.

No.

I'm not sure if this book was just made to make money or help people. I don't feel helped or any more smarter on the topic.

The book is very helpful, however you may need to take notes as there is much detail to take in. I would have purchased the hard copy in hindsight.

You will need to constantly stop and start the audio to take in the information.

Please note I had a relatively low amount of knowledge in VC before starting this book.

This book is packed with facts about the deal. If you've ever had a business, thought about investing in someone's business, its more than just equity at stake. The contracts Feld goes through in this book break it down line by line, explaining what is normal, vs when one person (the investor or entrepreneur) is getting the upper hand. Real life examples, candid opinions -- this is everything I wish lawyers, mentors, or teachers should have told me years ago but didn't. I imagine listening to this book once or twice a year to stay sharp.

If you run or even work at a small company that has or intends to raise money from venture capitalists or angel investors, then this book is a must listen. It delivers exactly what it says it will which is to explain in very clear language, the ins & outs of venture financings.

Well written book, explained concepts in simple and easy to understand terms. Also managed to add humour into something than can be seen as dry.

Very good informative stuff. Though very technicial which means you must be focus as to follow it , its not popular science or general approach. Fantastic!

No. The audio version is great, but due to the nature of the subject it is probably better to have the print version in front of you for a reference. I knew this going into it, so it does not affect my rating or perception of the book.

My reaction to the book was one of enthusiasm. The book helps clarify many things that an entrepreneur wants to know. It gave perspectives from both sides. It is a book that should have been written years ago.