Private equity and venture capital investors are copying our sisters in the hedge fund world: we’re trying to automate more of our job. When I was single, I registered for (a lot of) dating websites. When I met my now-wife, I realized that any technology that can find me a spouse is a killer...
[Continue Reading]How universities can help students and alumni work in the tech industry
“CEO is the new Analyst.” My former Partner John Frankel of ff Venture Capital observes that 20 years ago, the defining movie of the generation was “Wall Street”. Everyone wanted to work in finance. But now, the defining movie of today’s twentysomethings is “The Social Network”. Everyone wants to work in tech startups. So...
[Continue Reading]How K-12 education will improve and what to do in the meantime
(This is an essay I wrote while doing background for my book, To University and Beyond: Launch Your Career in High Gear.) Public K-12 education is, on the average, abysmal. Higher education is becoming hugely expensive without a corresponding improvement in services. While the best US universities continue to dominate international rankings, the rest of...
[Continue Reading]How to get superior returns in venture capital
A friend of mine interviewed for a job with massively successful hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen. My friend sat in the conference room, and Cohen walked in. He looked at his resume, and asked just one question: “What’s your edge?” My friend got the job because his answer was differentiated, credible, and backed up...
[Continue Reading]What’s your VC tech stack? Results from a survey of early-stage VC funds
(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]How entrepreneurs and executives can work with private equity and VC funds
I presented a few weeks ago to the American Marketing Association Executive Forum on how their members can work with and earn money from private equity and venture capital funds. I discussed all of the major engagement models: Expert Networks, Consulting, Interim Executives, Advisors, Board Members, Deal Executives, and Executives in Residence/Entrepreneurs in Residence. I’ve...
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