Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld, Jason Mendelson

Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld is a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, and lawyers interested in the venture capital industry. In the book, tech investor and entrepreneur Brad Feld shares his insights about the venture capital process and provides practical advice for both sides of the table – the company and investor. The book is divided into three parts: the context for a venture deal, terms of the venture deal, and post-investment considerations. Along the way, Feld adds his own stories and experiences, which offer a unique insight into the venture world.

The first part of the book provides a broad overview of the venture capital ecosystem, with a special focus on the venture capital process itself. Feld explains each step of the process, from idea to funding, so entrepreneurs can come prepared and ready to negotiate the best deal. He also offers advice on how to think outside of the box to find creative solutions to problems and how to navigate the often-dicey business relations between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.

The second part of the book dives deeper into the terms and conditions of venture deals. Feld explains common terms, such as valuation and ownership, and how they affect both parties. He also outlines the key categories of venture deals and dives into the details on what to expect in each situation. He provides numerous case studies to illustrate the different types of venture deals, as well as analyses of why certain deals can be successful or not.

The third part of the book moves on to post-investment considerations, such as management and governance. Feld emphasizes the importance of having a strong management team and explains the role of the board in creating a successful venture. He also advises entrepreneurs on how to stay in control of decision-making and manage investor relations.

Overall, Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld provides an invaluable resource for both entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Feld’s real-world experiences and advice give valuable insight into the venture capital process and how to get the best deal in any situation. The book gives entrepreneurs a leg up in the negotiation process while also providing venture capitalists with invaluable advice on how to make the best investments. Highly recommended for anyone interested in venture capital.