I’m a former VC turned sometimes coach, critic and builder of new things. Here is my backstory.

What I do these days:

I write.

Since 2004, I’ve been writing on technology, investing, politics, and whatever else comes to mind…

 

I coach.

I am open to connecting with a limited number of professionals interested in committing to a coaching process—people who have a six-month-plus goal of becoming highly sought-after professionals.

I’m especially interested in:

  • Early career investors or working professionals in the startup ecosystem who would like to join the VC world, especially those who help diversify the investor community.

  • Professionals who have a specific, well-practiced skillset to offer who excel in their craft, but who have never really marketed themselves and are now looking to get on the radar for more opportunities.

My specialty is in narrative and strategic positioning. Much of my advice will be centered around thought leadership and community engagement. I'm not a great fit for someone who doesn't ever want to put themselves out there.

 

I advise founders on fundraising.

Are you raising or about to raise? Do you have a story and a business model that will resonate with investors?

Are you sure?

For twenty years, I’ve seen some amazing businesses and some fantastically awful ones—with most being an in-between mix of mildly confusing, substantively boring, and at best, muddled in their messaging.

I offer a short workshop-style engagement consisting of a business model review, narrative assessment, and collaborative repositioning to produce a clear story that will improve your chances with investors—or, if we can’t get there, I will have saved you at least six plus wasted months and tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, in personal capital.

For three hours of advising time, I charge $1500. If you’d like to start with a half-session, we can do 90 minutes for $750.

This is not a capital introduction service and I do not make referrals.