Did you know the Utah Fund of Funds continues to attract high quality, active venture capital funds to be active and interested in making investments in Utah companies? See the latest list here! << MORE >>

Yep, I know, entrepreneurs can't afford to pay for market research. Did you know that the market research firms "share" some of the research at low or no cost? << MORE >>

It's hard in Utah to get a feel for the national trends just by "talking to people". We're small enough and different enough that this doesn't work. A daily scan of the Wall Street Journal is a quick and cost effective way to get a strong national picture of the trends affecting your business. << MORE >>

In short, it's not clear to me that there is such a thing as a safe harbor
when it comes to taking non-accredited money.  That's why credible and experienced corporate attorneys will tell you that the time and trouble
it takes to accept non-accredited money is not worth the little bit
that you will get!  ...<< MORE >>

If you feel that one partner in a venture isn't pulling their weight, or there are other issues be up front and say so. Have the conversations, work out various options, but don't just "spring it" on someone - that destroys trust and relationships, not to mention being just plain wrong.<< MORE >>

A few weeks ago, I blogged on the problems of taking non-accredited investors, emphasizing the importance of compliance with securities regulations when raising money for a private firm. 

The Utah Tech Council is sponsoring an event for entrepreneurs that seems very timely.  This event is free for UTC members and invited guests.  If you are an entrepreneur or an emerging entrepreneur, contact the team at UTC and often they often will invite you to an event so you can get to know the organization. 

Utah Tech Council - Feb. 19 2009 Clinic
How Entrepreneurs Stay Out of Jail

Join us at our next clinic where Keith Woodwell, Director of the Division of Securities and Benjamin Johnson, Director of Corporate Finance for the Division of Securities, will speak about what to look out for when seeking funding and avoid compliance pitfalls. He will also address how the division can be a constant resource entrepreneurs.   Details and registration at http://utahtech.org/events/20090219_clinic.htm.

 

...A nearly graduated student who wants to be an entrepreneur asked me how to "get in the loop". << MORE >>

Save yourself time, effort, headache and risk and stick with investors who really are savvy enough with enough resources to survive any potential losses - those who are accredited. << MORE >>

I have been stunned to see how many startups decide that their legal work is a DIY (Do it Yourself) project. NO NO NO!  ...<< MORE >>

To see the latest in technologies developed at Utah's colleges and universities, attend the Sorenson Inventor Showcase which will take place at the Little America Hotel in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, April 16, 2008. The speedpitch presentations begin at 9 AM, the Showcase at 10 AM, followed by the awards luncheon at noon. This year's showcase is co-hosted by MountainWest Capital Network and the Sorenson Discovery and Innovation Center and the Speedpitch presentations were organized by GOED and designed specifically to meet the needs of Utah's business and investment community<< MORE >>