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Technology is always about firing someone.
The value proposition of “technology” is usually that an employer can fire someone. It is always about doing more work with fewer people. This typically has a short term advantage for a business owner, but typically create poorer experiences for their end users over the long run.
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Patents: An Imperfect System
The patent system is a clunky, one-size-fits-all system. It does not work for every invention or every industry, but the patent system as we know it has existed for over two centuries and industry has adapted.
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Printing Money and the Shiny New Toy
What drives the entrepreneur may be more complicated than what it seems…
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You are not a tech entrepreneur.
There are countless industries where technology can improve things. Most of these industries are bland, run-of-the-mill industries that deliver services. It may be plumbing, pest control, or even pumping gas at a convenience store. These benign, everyday businesses focus on delivering some product or service.
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This product is great…for someone else.
Entrepreneurs are constantly testing out their messaging. They are constantly pitching to their family and friends, and they are always prepared to pitch to investors.
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Assignment Due Diligence: Unassigned Assets
It is heartbreaking to see bad behavior by ‘inventors’ and their startup companies, but it occurs over and over again. Let this lesson be an example of the things you need to check anytime you are doing due diligence on an early stage company.
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Voice of the Customer
Our business is to loan money using patents as collateral. My most frequent question:
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Showing Up and the Green Beans
At coffee the other day, someone said that showing up on time was the lowest cost, easiest way to get off to a good start. I have always believed in the simple mantra of “show up.”
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Patent Attorneys Do Not Live with Their Mistakes
Patent attorneys typically have zero feedback about the quality of their work product. This is an inherent weakness of the whole patent system. The attorneys do not have to live with their mistakes, because patent litigation and patent transactions happen long after their work product has ended.
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Due Diligence and IP Valuation Webinar
The Angel Capital Association hosted a webinar on Due Diligence and IP Valuation. In this webinar, I discussed an IP-backed loan for Ivani, who has an extensive IP portfolio.