He created a simulator, like Flight Simulator, but for scuba divers. It started out as a hobby, now he's generating revenue. He thought it would grow into a video game, and it still may. What's changed? He began with one vision then the customers got involved and reshaped his business plan. It's a classic tale and one that investors everywhere look for: When does that great idea morph into something people will pay for?

Turns out the simulator is the ideal way to demonstrate and train users on the features of their dive computers. These snazzy watches cost up to $1500 and who in a retail store can learn all the features of all the dive computers they offer? Enter DiveNav. Alberto's created animated commercials to sell these gadgets then offers training programs that the user can take at their leisure. The training classes introduce the trainee to the simulator, so why not take a virtual dive or two? It's a great way to plan your next dive or your next vacation!

Since his last company exited at over $100M, Alberto's a serial entrepreneur and an angel investor. Can he do it again?

You're invited! Come to the DiveNav Holiday Party 11:30am Wed Dec 16th at 4311 Jamboree Road (at Fairchild) in Newport Beach. Alberto's bringing the food and me the champagne. RSVP to frank@theFrankPetersShow.com

Show #265 (36:06) Listen Disclaimer: I own stock in DiveNav.

BANNED BY WILSON SONSINI

Photos for twitter? Sounds like a natural, so that's what former Tech Coast Angel Dan Caulfield has jumped into: TweetPhoto. Is it another case of "it's more fun to be an entrepreneur than an angel"? Well, not exactly, because now he's ex-CEO and there's trouble in paradise.

TweetPhoto works with TweetDeck, which is on my desktop already, so I tried it. Works great, and for a photographer like me, I can see myself tweet'ing out lots of my favorite shots.

So, if you're a former Tech Coast Angel, I'd assume you take your deal back to your friends, right? No, Dan has jumped in bed with LA-based Maverick Angels. "I was in a hurry," so he didn't mind paying to pitch.

Dan had a piece of the realtime web, now he's trying to buy out the founders.

Show #259 (23:41) Listen

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8 Dec 2009 the Puerto Rico Venture Forum in San Juan

Susan Solovic was recently presented with a Leader of Distinction Award by the Institute of Women Entrepreneurs in Anaheim recently. Thanks to the SBA's Jill Andrews who helped arrange this interview with Susan.

She's the founder of SBTV.com, an online media company that mimics network television with an emphasis on small business issues. She enjoys telling the stories of successful entrepreneurs, "just knowing that someone else stumbled and fell, or failed, and now look at where they are today; I think that says to everyone: You know what? It's not a cake walk". So I have to ask her, tell me a story of the challenges you've faced. Be prepared to be inspired; you'll know why she's the award winner.

Show #236 (38:00) Listen