Take the Money and Run! An Insider's Guide to Venture Capital

This book is for entrepreneurs who want to realize their vision, want to build a major enterprise, and want to change the world. To do that, you‘ll need two things: cash and speed. You‘ll need to get the money, and then run like mad before a big existing competitor slows you down, or another fast-moving start-up runs up your tailpipe.

To get the money, you may want to consider raising money from institutional investors, the venture capital firms. The good news is that venture-backed companies rank among the most successful enterprises ever created. The bad news is far fewer than 1 in 100 companies approaching venture capitalists ever get to "take the money."

So, the first section of this book gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how venture capital firms work, and much more importantly how they think. You‘ll get first-hand insight into what things you can do to improve your chances and the things to avoid that can doom your hopes.

The second section of the book will help you "run." It is a series of short pieces of advice covering almost every segment of start-up operations, from product development to financing to staffing to sales and marketing. The chapters catalog some of the best start-up practices seen over the last 20 years, and also some of the biggest errors made.

Gerry Langeler's deep experience as a successful venture capitalist for two decades, and a very successful entrepreneur who raised venture capital from top VC firms, provides the secrets to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams.

Best of luck on your journey!