(written by Philipp von dem Knesebeck, Managing Partner, Blue Future Partners (bluefp.com, @bluefutureteam), and David Teten) VCs are at the forefront of technological disruption, funding many of the latest cutting edge productivity tools. But what tools are they using themselves to automate their own processes? As a globally focussed LP in early stage VC funds, we at Blue Future...
[Continue Reading]Ready to join a new management team? Here’s how to do your due diligence first
I get emails every week from mid-level and senior executives who want to join a growth company. You’re going to be spending 40+ hours/week with your new colleagues, which is more time than most of us spend with our spouses. So I put together some notes on how to due diligence a management team, from...
[Continue Reading]A trial balloon: How large corporates can coinvest with their employees’ angel investing
Many large corporations face three seemingly disconnected challenges; they want: – Better returns on their balance sheet and underfunded pensions; – Access to the innovation economy to stay on top of the early-stage companies attacking their business; and – Unique employee benefits to retain and excited senior talent. So, I have an idea which addresses...
[Continue Reading]How to run your company based on metrics: what, why, how, who, and when
I review a lot of board decks with a beautifully hand-crafted page with metrics for the company. That makes me nervous. I prefer to see a screenshot of an internal dashboard, not something created for the board, and I prefer to see that same dashboard in the same format at every meeting. The reason...
[Continue Reading]Ten career hacks most people don’t do…but should
I agree with Brad Feld: Most people flake. If you’re not a flake, you are far more likely be trusted, promoted, and funded. If you execute on the steps below, you’re well on your way to being a top quartile performer. I gave a presentation to Womensphere a few months ago on the most valuable...
[Continue Reading]Design your company culture like the world’s largest hedge fund
Ray Dalio, Founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, is a man after my own heart. A few years ago he publicly set down his core Principles for living, managing, and investing. Bridgewater uses these codified rules for recruiting, training, and most important, managing the firm’s culture. It’s well worth your time to read them,...
[Continue Reading]Should Your Startup Pivot, Persevere, or Plank?
(I originally published this in Forbes.) It’s a cliché of the startup world that successful entrepreneurs persevere even when everyone else thinks their idea is doomed (see: Pandora). It’s a cliché of the startup world that successful entrepreneurs pivot when appropriate (see: Paypal, Apple opening an app store, etc.) Unfortunately, these two clichés are both...
[Continue Reading]Free webinars on interviewing, recruiting, employee screening, and social network recruiting
My friends at Accolo have some very worthwhile webinars available for free on their site. These are geared to hiring managers and recruiters. You can watch these at your convenience: The Inside Numbers on the Job Market and the Impending Hiring War How to Conduct the Perfect Interview Understanding your cost to hire. Employment Screening,...
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