vSpring's Kick Start Fund: Gavin Christensen
At the 16th Annual NASVF conference in Oklahoma City today I caught up with vSpring Capital's Gavin Christensen after he appeared on a panel discussing special purpose funds.
What kind of funds? He's recently developed Kick Start an early stage seed fund that involves stakeholders from the nearby universities, angel groups and, of course, vSpring. Sounds great for the region, but how did he get "economic alignment" from these very different groups?
Show #244 (21:46) Listen
Comments
They have a portfolio company that has done all the same market research as me regarding the need but not the same research regarding the solution. It reminds me of Palm's failed attempt at Folio but they seem to be chugging along with it.
They have a good team in place. I suppose I could partner with them since they see the market the same way I do. Or if I get another funding source, I would end up putting them out of business.
See for yourself at their website and mine, and make your own comparison.
http://www.celiocorp.com/products/
http://abolishthetinykeyboard.com/
It would have been great to hear vSpring�s thoughts on what makes a good investment and what does not. They say they have gone over the topic extensively. I wish Frank had questioned him on that point.
It sounds like they are having the dialogue we don�t see here. For example, on past shows someone will come along and say that people are the most important number one thing, we invest in people, not ideas, products, or business models. They also say the right person has to be able to motivate the employees.
If the venture can�t support the needs and desires of the employee, it doesn�t matter if you have Tony Robbins as the head of your Human Resources. Even he won�t be able to motivate the employees.
Sure people want to be motivated by their leader, but more than that they want honesty and the foresight to keep them and the venture out of trouble. Without honesty and foresight a leader has no hope of keeping people motivated.
Angels say they are looking for good people as if they are looking for the best. But the business and its products determine what kind of people you get. This idea that you can focus on quality people and not care about the product is ridiculous.
Posted by: Matthew Artero | September 16, 2009 10:21 AM
It was so nice meeting you this week. I just wanted to let you know that the education your show has provided has been an incredible asset here at the outset of our entrepreneurial journey. Thank you for all the work you do, and I hope you enjoyed your time in the Sooner state.
Posted by: Derrick H. | September 17, 2009 5:48 AM
Hello from the Netherlands.
Thanks for taking the time to send the Gavin Christensen podcast to my partner and I. It was one of the highlights of my trip.
Please keep up the good work.
Your faithful listener,
Posted by: Austin Poplin | September 17, 2009 10:33 AM