Frontera Launch, Don't overshare early, Bootstrapping, small mindedness, routines and early interventions....

Portfolio Update:

You probably heard about the launch of Frontera - this has kept me busy. I have not stopped investing. I am focused more on agtech and other industries.? That said, I have agreed to 3 new investments.? 1 is in healthtech and 2 are in edtech.? So if you have great ideas keep them coming.?

As for portfolio, overall, a lot of stabilization?and actually financings getting done.? My hope is this trend continues.? The AI crazy aside, most of my investments are not in that space.? There is not the same crazy valuations but if you have a great team and great idea its business as usual.?

Why do another startup?

A word about why you do a startup- lets face it you do it because you have a passion for it.? ?And at the end of the day there is no other problem you would rather be solving.? For me, its no different.? Why go back to the grind? Because honestly I have to do it and I also want to solve a problem. Most great businesses are born out of solving a problem you know well.? I did a podcast recent- it explains why started Frontera and my journey as a parent, that frankly led me to Divergent Investments.? I credit my son for my journey here.? His growth has been remarkable and I want to share that opportunity with the world, in a scaleable way.?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1RvZFfLguqQpY6hwB3AiX2?si=75b42a6d1e364e49&nd=1&dlsi=e959f24a7b444f74

Entrepreneurs Corner:? Sharing info before a round (when investors call you interested),? Bootstrapping, proud moment or waste of time?? My pet peeve- small mindedness.??

Early interest- ok to share?? Hell no

So an investor calls you and says they heard you are "killing?it" and want to dig in.? ?I know it feels good, but reflexively say no.? ?I was a VC a top fund and let me tell you something- they have too much time on their hands and can always call you to "dig in".? ?No risk whatsoever.? A fund will say they are interested, ask you to do calls, share info and if you agree they basically get a free no risk look at your business.? ?I assure you there is no upside in that for you at all.? ?It happens all the time and its?a good strategy because every once in a while something hits.? But 90% of the time, they say no anyway and just bait you into working with them early.? ? If you want to get feedback instead choose some really good investors, ideally that your current trusted investors refer, and have some calls.? Be proactive instead of reactive.? Don't let the process control you and absolutely don't share information you dont have to share- I promise you it won't remain confidential.? ?

Bootstrapping, a sense of pride or small thinking?? it can be a little of both...

Let me give you some advice (as a general rule, not all the time): Don't bootstrap

There are all these stories of people with pride who are saying they didn't take any venture capital or venture little.? Ok, congratulations.? Did you build a huge business??I doubt it. I can tell you it does happen from time to time.? Most of the time, if you are going to ramp up and gather the resources and talent you need to do something groundbreaking, you will need capital.? ?While you can be proud of having a lot of a small pie, it is almost always better to have a smaller?piece of a big pie.? ?

What people don't tell you is most successful startups dont catch lightning in a bottle.? There are plenty of companies build without VC money and they have built brick by brick over time.? Remarkable entrepreneurs.??

If you are starting a company and you are a true innovator, you need to think big.?Its not satisfactory to go slow or not innovate. Don't bother pitching me or raising money if you are not.? I do agree if you idea is small or you intend to sell early or often, then don't raise VC.? But if you are trying to change the world or a segment of the world, you will need it.??

Small mindedness-- avoid it all costs

?My pet peeve as a professional and entrepreneur is small mindedness.? You can encounter this in many places.? I recall board members of mine worrying about 1-2% dilution when our company was valued nearly $4B.? Instead of protecting the business, they want every last penny.? Small minded people never take accountability?for their actions.? They simple say a bunch of crap, impose and then leave.? ?

Insulate yourself by always keeping the big picture in mind but also never surround yourself with small minded people.? ?Think big and keep big thinkers around.? Its the only way.?

Parents corner:? ?Routines can be fun.? Take action, Early Diagnosis and the outcome

I love routines with my two sons.? One of my favorite is lunch on Saturday.? Over the years it has changed.? More recently, me and my younger son love to go to Red Robin.? We just sit there at chat.? He tries to get me to allow him to use the little gaming console at the table (I say no).? ?It is just a pleasant hour together.? As he has gotten older I occasionally can get him to share some tidbits about school or friends.? ?Even though he sometimes get restless I can tell he likes the routine of it.? ?Don't underestimate the value of routines for kids.? ?They don't always articulate it or show it, but they may love it and thrive on it and it may give them a sense of comfort.? Just in your presence and consistency.? Another great routine that I always thought was over rated?before I had kids-- taking them to school in the morning.? ?For whatever reason morning is this interesting time of day before the events of the day have transpired when you have them in your car for a conversation.? I just love it- as best I can I take my older son to school each day.? He doesn't always share but every once in a while I get some access and its worth it.?

Early Intervention- please do it and please reach out to me or Frontera if we can help

Ok let me get on a soapbox here.? Why did I start Frontera?? Not because I am frustrated with autism or early childhood therapy, but because my son's recovery was remarkable.? I wish I would have intervened even sooner.? I cannot tell you how many parents soothe themselves by saying buzz words like neurodiversity but what you should be doing is everything you possibly can to help your young child grow.? ?At the end of the day the chips will fall where they may but you may be surprised.? Sitting on your hands or worrying about expense or cost is a huge mistake that will cost you and your child.? ?