Just about every money-exchanging relationship we have involved either “someone we knew already” or “somebody brought to us by someone we like”. Since we incubate technologies in popular subject areas and are near Boston and Cambridge, we see plenty of new faces and hear our share of possible collaborations. And we get cold calls and will listen to them, and often offer nuggets of advice (for what that’s worth).

But, usually, nothing ever happens with strangers, even several Powerpoints later. I can think of exactly one great long term relationship we have with a company founder who literally knocked on our door one day, and I am so glad he did!

I think it is just human nature to regard those in our circle more highly. I doubt there is much more to it.

as a longtime consultant to tech startup founders, I’m just waiting for the right one to refer to
you from my part-time home in Orange County

I know you’d be very happy to skip looking at those from my main home base in Minneapolis!
then again, come here and meet some great startups, and you could snowboard at a spot
just a half mile from my house okay, it ain’t the Sierra, but pack your stick, and you could rip….

cheers,
Graeme