photo credit: ronbrinkmann There are lots of articles and books written about the formula for start-up success, but start-up mistakes are much more consistent. These common mistakes will take even the best idea into start-up dead pool. Greed Getting rich quick only happens playing the lottery. If you are starting a company for a quick [...]

photo credit: armandoalves In our investment banking business we are often contacted by business start-ups asking for our help in raising money. I am sure that we were not the first organization that was contacted and that these hopeful entrepreneurs had been searching for months for funding. I try to be helpful and spend time [...]

photo credit: Valdo Raps Its no secret most entrepreneurs have limited resources as it pertains to how and where to secure capital infusion. It is these limitations, which precludes small businesses from moving past level one in business and on to a more lucrative future. There are numerous loan programs and lending institutions servicing small [...]

photo credit: Theodore Scott Many say that now may not be the best time to deal with the Spanish market. Property, once one of the most intriguing aspects of Spain, has now become overcrowded and overpriced. But on the other hand, investing in businesses there has started to let its potential shine. There are thousands [...]

photo credit: star5112 “Get an introduction to the venture capitalist.” It’s good advice. It just isn’t always possible, or even likely. Many outstanding entrepreneurs with equally outstanding financing proposals simply don’t have The Introduction. Unsolicited, and un-introduced, financing proposals are typically tossed into the dog pile or slush fund or circular file. In most venture [...]

photo credit: SuperFantastic During the 1970s in a number of countries around the world, a push began to install solar energy panels on private residences. Many experts contended that solar energy, including solar energy incorporated into residential property, was to be the proverbial wave of the future. In reality, the early movement towards solar energy [...]

photo credit: JUCCCE When we purchased Rockford Ball Bearing Corporation out of bankruptcy in 2006, the venture capital market was flush with cash. This spring we sought an additional round of funding for our expansion. Venture Capital is never easy to find, but especially during these difficult economic times it is getting harder. New strategies [...]

photo credit: rachie lea All businesses start with “the big idea”. The person with the idea often times does not have all of the start up capital that they need to turn this multi-million dollar idea into a reality. The first place that many business owners start to seek funding is from friends and family. [...]

photo credit: pshutterbugAs the global economy is going through one of the worst downturns, no one is talking about investing today. Everyone is talking about withdrawing whatever investments one has made. This is the time for angel investors and private equity investors to think strategically, and not sentimentally. And start looking for the right investment [...]