Microsoft is officially shutting down Skype’s free consumer service on May 5, 2025, marking the end of an era for a platform that once revolutionized global communication. Launched in 2003, Skype pioneered internet-based voice and video calling, enabling millions to connect across borders with free
Introduction I still remember my first day in Silicon Alley. The energy was electric, quite different from what I’d experienced in Silicon Valley. The hustle and bustle of New York City provided a unique backdrop to the digital innovation happening in lofts and co-working spaces
Introduction Ever wonder why some companies have both an advisory board and a board of directors? You’re not alone! As someone who built startups before jumping into angel investing, I’ve sat on both sides of the table. Let me tell you—these two bodies are as
Every morning when Phil Connors wakes up in Punxsutawney, it’s February 2nd. Again. And again. As a startup founder who’s now on the other side of the table as an angel investor, I’ve realized that this classic comedy contains surprising wisdom for entrepreneurs and business
Introduction The first time I stepped onto a pickleball court, I laughed at the silly name and plastic ball. Five years and countless matches later, this addictive sport became my business insights laboratory. As someone who built tech startups before becoming an angel investor, I’ve
Cities are living, breathing ecosystems of human potential. I’ve watched urban centers transform through my journey from scrappy entrepreneur to angel investor. The concepts of “creative cities” and “smart cities” particularly fascinate me—they represent different visions for our urban future, yet many confuse these distinct
Introduction I remember the first time I drove down Sand Hill Road. The buildings were… unremarkable. Low-slung office parks nestled among California oaks. Nothing screamed “this is where billions in venture capital flow from!” Yet this unassuming stretch of pavement has changed our world more
Starting a business is exhilarating, but managing finances? Not so much. As a startup founder turned angel investor, I’ve seen firsthand how the right accounting software can make or break early-stage ventures. In 2025, the accounting software landscape is brimming with tools that simplify bookkeeping,
It’s 2019, and I am the cofounder at a startup. Our app has just hit 1 million downloads on Google Play and we were on top of the world. We were still not generating enough cash to hire a team and couldn’t raise venture funding.
I’ve worked out of offices for 20 years. I’ve seen everything from bustling coworking spaces to sleek corporate offices. The debate over coworking vs traditional offices rages on, with passionate advocates on both sides. Today, I’ll dive deep into this topic, exploring the pros and
Growth is the lifeblood of any startup. It’s what investors look for, what founders obsess over, and what can make or break a company. One type of growth pattern that every entrepreneur dreams of is the fabled “hockey stick” growth curve. If you’ve ever looked
Hey there! I’m an entrepreneur turned angel investor, and I’ve been in the game for quite a while now. I’ve learned the importance of strategic networking over the years. It’s not just about shaking hands and exchanging business cards – it’s about building meaningful connections
As an entrepreneur-turned-angel investor, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of equity compensation in attracting and retaining top talent. However, ensuring that equity incentives remain competitive and motivating over time can be a challenge, especially for rapidly growing startups. This is where the concept of an
Fraud is a silent killer that can cripple even the most promising businesses. As an angel investor who has seen startups rise and fall, I can’t stress enough the importance of safeguarding your venture against fraudulent activities. Imagine pouring your heart, soul, and resources into
As a startup entrepreneur turned angel investor, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial cybersecurity is for any business – but especially for startups. In today’s digital world, cyber threats are everywhere. One data breach could sink a fledgling company before it ever gets off the ground.
As an entrepreneur who has built and exited several successful startups, I often get asked about the secrets to running a business on autopilot. The allure of a self-sustaining company that practically runs itself is a tantalizing prospect for any business owner. While it’s a
As someone who has been through the trenches of starting a business, I know firsthand how crucial it is to keep expenses in check. When you’re just starting out, every penny counts, and unnecessary spending can quickly eat away at your limited resources. Over the
Mental health has become a topic of paramount importance. With stress, anxiety, and depression on the rise, there’s a growing demand for accessible and effective mental health services. Starting a mental health business can be rewarding and impactful, but it requires careful planning, dedication, and
As an entrepreneur turned angel investor, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for restaurants to attract and retain customers in a highly competitive industry. While advertising is a common strategy, it can be costly and may not always yield the desired results. In
You know what they say – the best way to learn is by doing. I’m an entrepreneur turned angel investor, and let me tell you, the startup world is a wild ride! Tech startups often steal the limelight, but today, we’re diving into the lesser-known