Tag Archive for 'Michael Blake'

Angel Lounge Recap

Published on February 2, 2008 in Angels and Events. 2 Comments

I’ve been wrapped up in things lately and haven’t given as much attention to this blog as I did during the first 30 days (of course, this is only day 41 of this blog).  So I was happy to see that Scott Burkett wrote a nice wrap up piece from the recent Angel Lounge event.  It was a great event (thanks Scott, Mike, and Charlie!) and it was interesting to see who was at the table.  Even more interesting was the fact that I was the youngest guy (I think) in the room.  It makes me smile when that happens since it happens less and less nowadays.

I do want to comment on one part of Scott’s post though.  In soapbox mode, Scott says (emphasis is mine)

There was a brief discussion about some past efforts to try and do the same thing we’re shooting for - and that those efforts were not terribly successful. I will simply say this. “We” are not “they”. Whatever happened before us is largely irrelevant to me. Granted, we want to examine the reasons as to why those efforts were not effective, and we have.  But as I tell the folks that I work with professionally, I will almost always choose to look through the windshield, and not in the rear-view mirror.

But then, after soapbox mode, Scott says (again, emphasis is mine)

We will bring Atlanta/Georgia back to where it needs to be. It will take time, but we will do it.

Dangit Scott, you got trapped into the mindset you were just railing against.  The things you and other folks (and myself) are doing aren’t to get back to where things need to be and they definitely aren’t about being “like” the Valley, or Boston, or wherever.  What we’re all doing (at least I think and hope) is to make things better in Atlanta.  There are so many reasons that entrepreneurs should want to stay and start companies in Atlanta.  Heck, I think there are reasons that entrepreneurs should want to move to Atlanta from wherever and start companies.

So let’s not worry about trying to get Atlanta back to what it should have been or could have been or was.  Let’s figure out how we build a vibrant community that reflects the way we all want things to be so that we can all build and finance great companies right here.

Event: Angel Lounge

Published on January 30, 2008 in Events. 0 Comments

I’m heading to StartupLounge’s Angel Lounge event today.  It’ll be interesting to see who shows up as well as how big of a crowd Scott and Michael are able to get together.  Judging by past Capital Connections events, I won’t be surprised if it’s quite a few people.  Also, just a reminder that Capital Connections is next week.  I, unfortunately, won’t make that event so if anyone wants to blog about the event here, let me know and we’ll hook something up.

StartupLounge Roping In Some Angels

Published on January 14, 2008 in Events and Venture Capital. 3 Comments

Scott Burkett and Michael Blake are on a roll. I recently mentioned their next Capital Connections event - previous events have been highly attended. They just announced a new gathering for angel investors - Angel Lounge.

Most angels form syndicates when they invest in companies. Usually this is because they can’t or don’t want to singly fund a company. The idea is to diversify among multiple investments and not have a concentrated holding as well as share the risk with others who may be more helpful or knowledgeable about a company. This makes a lot of sense since having more people thinking about a company’s well being is usually a good thing.

The downside is that entrepreneurs often have to do the legwork of finding angels to fill out their fund raising round. But if angels could self organize into networks, formal or informal, then the entrepreneur will save time and be able to quickly focus back on creating value through their company.

Good job guys! I’m looking forward to seeing some positive results from this.

StartupLounge Capital Connections Event

Published on January 5, 2008 in Events. 1 Comment

Scott and Michael - StartupLounge.comScott Burkett and Michael Blake just announced the next StartupLounge.com Capital Connections event.  If you haven’t been to this event, it’s pretty happening.  Scott is pretty rigorous (as he should be) about keeping vendors out (aside from a few paying ones) and only letting entrepreneurs and investor types in.  The event is free (hence the few sponsors/vendors that are allowed in) but drinks will cost you (bring your wallet and no complaining!).  In my opinion this is one of the higher quality events in town.  The event isn’t limited to entrepreneurs who are actively seeking money either.  So if you’re an entrepreneur or a non-antagonistic investor, check out the event and make sure you mingle and meet people you don’t already know.  There is some interesting stuff happening in town!