Some interesting links we found across the web this week:
The SEC could change the requirements for
investing in startups, and that's not good
With its new equity crowdfunding rules soon to take effect, the
Securities and Exchange Commission is a central startup news story
this year. However, an even greater change may be in the works as
the Commission considers narrowing the definition of an
"accredited investor" (subscription required)
for the first time in 33 years, which would—among other
things—shrink the number of individuals who can purchase
startup shares without going through an equity crowdfunding
platform. As TechCrunch suggests here, such a shift would
prompt protest from founders and investors alike.
How and why to pitch angel groups
...Because there are plenty of great reasons to maintain a robust
pool of angel investors in the ecosystem. They're essential
resources for early-stage companies and don't typically demand
unicorn-level returns on their investments. They're best found
in groups, as detailed in this piece from the managing director of
Red Bear Angels, an angel network for Cornell entrepreneurs.
15 Things I Wish I Knew Before Raising A Seed
Round
And for those making the leap to VC pitches and a seed round, here
are some excellent tips from a fellow founder.
Is a Different Kind of Silicon Valley
Possible?
American startup culture centers on the Bay Area, Boston and New
York, but it's important to remember how many smaller cities
are committed to building vibrant entrepreneurial communities. Here
The Atlantic profiles Durham, North Carolina, where real
estate redevelopment, academia and tax credits are combining to
foster a strong tech scene.
NY bill would provide tax credit for open source
contributors
Speaking of tax credits, here in New York a new bill proposes tax
breaks for developers who choose to make their code open source.
The bill is a modest first step and has a tough road to passage,
but it is likely we'll see others like it—new generations
of legislators could make our state governments more responsive to
the needs of tech entrepreneurs.
USPTO Startup Resources
The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency
that manages patent and trademark filings, and it often engages
directly with the startup world that so heavily relies on its
services. This link isn't a news story, but it's a great
page to bookmark and reference for info on protecting your
company's most valuable assets.
Links compiled by Jared Brenner.
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