Comments on: What do VCs look for in a startup? Technology? Passion? Team? Attitude?

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Sat, 29 Dec 2007 11:14:28 +0000

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By: Ashish Sinha

Ashish Sinha — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:56:15 +0000

Smart observation, I must say. Yes, the number is important and at the same time, I know a startup where nobody wants to code, everybody wants to get into biz dev!!
Point I am trying to make is – a startup would need ppl with all sorts of skills – to cross the chasm!.
Doesnt matter they have it or not – what’s really important is do they acknowledge the importance of these skills?
I was surprised to see few startups not even ready to acknowledge that (and few VCs were really pissed off with this!)

By: Piyush Gupta

Piyush Gupta — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:44:01 +0000

Another Keen observer’s observation:

Complimentary Skills – Yes they do look for it but mind, it should be just right in number & also it depends on case-by-case basis i.e. it depends on if you are strict research technology company or market driven technology company. Having these skills very much right in number is quite important else be ready to give an axe to that extra employee which your VC might term as redundant (Doesn’t matter how good a buddy is he yours!).

By: Ashish

Ashish — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 17:30:57 +0000

Hey Raseel – Yes you are right – All I am referring is for startups to be clear and precise about their offering..
Its like this – Can a startup sell the idea in 100 words? (instead of blabbering for an hour?)

In general, the first few minutes of the conversation is all a startup will have to put forth their USP, and if they take an hr to say the same, its a blaahhh!

By: Prashant

Prashant — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:39:00 +0000

i liked the third point the most “Listen, listen and listen: ” so very often i meet folks who believe that being a fast talker is all it need to do well in business [specifically sales ] . Being Aggressive is not always advisable . sometime you need to ask right Questions and shut up .

By: Raseel

Raseel — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 22:15:04 +0000

I think Articulating is a wrong, if not too strong, a word. What Ashish probably meant, from the examples that followed, is “Clarity”.
It is necessary for the Entrepreneurs to have a crystal clear clarity of thought.

By: Satya

Satya — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 17:25:17 +0000

Interesting observations..though all I want to add is that many a times startups have no idea on what are they trying to do. Articulating one’s ideas is very important! Should have been the topmost item.

~Satya

By: palash

palash — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 11:54:58 +0000

Great set of advices!!
I really liked the “listen. listen and listen” thing..!

Thanks for your i/ps.