In Case You Missed It: Launch Links - Week of December 11, 2016
- 12.16.2016
Some interesting links we found across the web this week:
Here’s
what that new Fed rate increase means for venture-backed startups
The US Federal Reserve made
headlines this week by raising its benchmark interest rate for only the second
time since the recession. TechCrunch breaks down the impact on
ventures at all stages, noting that early-stage companies are least likely to
struggle as a result of the change.
Federal
Reserve Exploring Blockchain Options
Elsewhere at the Fed, a
long-awaited first research paper on distributed ledger technology was just
released to the public. Will government
attempt to control the uncontrollable by accepting and regulating anonymous
currency? Watch this space in 2017! (Bonus link: a great piece from
Entrepreneur, arguing that fintech regulation makes it harder for you
to bootstrap, but empowers your VC to be a key regulatory middleman.)
A VC
Explains Why It Takes So Long for Startups to Raise Money
When time for your next (or first) financing round, don’t be
too bold to overestimate how long it will take to both reach a and
close the deal. Unrealistic views on that process can be a critical error
by any founding team. Via Forbes, we like these thoughts on the
subject from a partner at Voyager Capital.
The
Funding Conundrum for Women-Oriented Businesses
And, unfortunately, you should
budget even more time if you’re a female founder or marketing primarily to
women. The gender gap in entrepreneurship remains astounding, but if this
report is any indication, there are plenty of great role models out there doing
something about it.
NVCA-Deloitte
Human Capital Survey
Speaking of demographics, the National Venture Capital
Association (creators of a famous set of form documents that power most
financings these days) recently partnered with Deloitte to study employment in
the venture capital industry. It’s important to know your investors, but
with a report like this you can also get to know those they work with every
day. Definitely worth a save.
Links compiled by Jared Brenner.
