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 term
sheet 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.
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