Five Must-Read Blogs for Startup Investors
For those interested in investing in startups, there are many great resources to tap into. Over the years, I have discovered several blogs that I find myself coming back to over and over. These blogs have valuable information, unique viewpoints, and they are an excellent source of perspective and advice.
Blogs for Startup Investors
This blog is run by venture capitalist Fred Wilson of Union Square Ventures. Those in Greater Des Moines (DSM) may recognize Union Square Ventures because it is an investor in local software company Dwolla. Wilson’s goal has been to educate industry investors and startups, and when you read his blog, you get a good diverse sense of news, particularly in the subject of fintech. He promises to write a post every weekday and has been doing so since September 2003. In the author’s own words: “This is my diary, my sandbox, my therapist, and more than anything it is my bar where I get to be the bartender. AVC is a place where everyone is welcome and the conversation is civil and lively.”
Gotham Gal is written by angel investor Joanne Wilson. She is a huge proponent of women-owned businesses, and she writes about the women behind both the businesses and the investments in the businesses. She is a self-proclaimed “voracious reader,” “insatiable foodie” and her most important role, she writes, is “mom.” Wilson’s blog content reflects her diverse interests. (Look up the December 26, 2016 post for a mean coconut cake recipe.)
Techstars co-founder Brad Feld started demystifying startup capitals by writing about them. He has published many articles and since 2010, he has helped author at least five books. FeldThoughts is the name of his blog, which contains posts on subjects that range from investing to marathons.
The two sides of the table explored on this blog are venture capital and startups. Both Sides of the Table author Mark Suster’s content is intended to make readers really think. The “both side” concept really works: a successful negotiation is one where both sides win; a disastrous one is where only one side wins.
Programmer, writer and investor Paul Graham writes long-form blog essays, taking a deep-dive into his subject matter that spans subjects like convincing investors and raising money. He has the experience and perspective to boot?in 2005, he was one of the co-founders of Y Combinator, the first of a new type of startup incubator.
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Tej Dhawan
Tej Dhawan is chief data officer with the Principal Financial Group®.
As the chief data officer, Dhawan is responsible for developing and carrying out the strategic vision for company-wide data and applications.
Dhawan works closely with the chief information officer and chief digital officer to help shape, evolve and drive our digital experience. He also partners with business and technology teams from around the company to build a customer-focused digital experience that addresses the ever-changing needs of our global customers. The experience takes into consideration a mix of data, analytics, user experience, and augmented intelligence.
Dhawan's experience includes small business ownership, startup advocacy, accelerator mentorship and use of data to influence and adopt innovation. Dhawan earned his bachelor's degree in math and computer science at Central College.