10 startup predictions for 2019 in Romania
An investor’s perspective on what will happen on the tech stage in Romania this year Several factors are working together towards creating a favorable context for launching a startup in Romania. Firstly, is the recent abundance of VC and PE money: four funds launched in ‘17 and ‘18 and another one or two are announced…
What is “Quality of revenue”
Not all revenue is good (enough) revenue I start today a series of articles trying to elaborate on concepts that are less understood in the local market. Examples of such concepts are “quality of revenue”, “venture returns”, “vested interests”. Hope this will help founders be better prepared to close their rounds and investors better assess their…
Guerrilla Camp podcast
https://www.mixcloud.com/sorin-badea/guerrilla-camp-live-ciprian-bof-ovidiu-diaconescu-26-nov-2018/
Investment thesis: Infrastructure for innovation
The systemic “chicken and egg problem” in emerging markets and the role of a VC in building future ecosystems. The root of all evil Vicious cycles are endemic in emerging ecosystems — they are the byproduct of systemic deficiencies and make it difficult or even impossible for the emerging ecosystem to grow and develop. Example of…
Start a Startup on a $1 Budget
It could take years of your life. It could burn all your savings. It could ruin your relations or marriage. And yes, no matter how much you will work, you would most probably fail. But whoever you are, the best thing you could do with your life is start a startup. Right now. Part 1:…
Gut feeling
On risks versus uncertainty I’ve been on a panel recently and the moderator asked about how we assess risks when making an investment decision. Some of the other VCs in the panel gave technical explanations, talked about valuations and investment criteria. Of course, they were right. But I also think it’s about gut feeling. Matt…
When to give up and shut down your startup?
A guide to probably the most difficult decision you may need to make as a founder This is a mantra: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Wayne Gretzky) It’s true in ice hockey and painfully true when it comes to startups: you can’t win unless you try. So, you try. You make mistakes,…
