DiscoverOptimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship1888: [Part 1] How do Great Entrepreneurs Choose a Capital Provider - Maybe Not the Way You Think by Mike Smerklo
1888: [Part 1] How do Great Entrepreneurs Choose a Capital Provider - Maybe Not the Way You Think by Mike Smerklo

1888: [Part 1] How do Great Entrepreneurs Choose a Capital Provider - Maybe Not the Way You Think by Mike Smerklo

Update: 2025-12-01
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Episode 1888:

Mike Smerklo challenges the typical founder mindset around fundraising by revealing why chasing high valuations might be a dangerous distraction. Drawing on lessons from taking two companies public, he lays out the first three of five crucial factors every entrepreneur must consider, valuation, terms, and firm reputation, to avoid costly mistakes and find truly strategic capital partners.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/how-do-great-entrepreneurs-choose-a-capital-provider-maybe-not-the-way-you-think/

Quotes to ponder:

"Make sure you don't get seduced by a brand or a perception here, and do your homework on how the firm has supported (or failed to support) entrepreneurs over time."

"Most of the terms are frankly simple or standard and therefore don't need a lot of your attention, but a few really matter and here is where you need to be aware…be very aware."

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1888: [Part 1] How do Great Entrepreneurs Choose a Capital Provider - Maybe Not the Way You Think by Mike Smerklo

1888: [Part 1] How do Great Entrepreneurs Choose a Capital Provider - Maybe Not the Way You Think by Mike Smerklo

Mike Smerklo