August 2nd, 2011

Earlybird Hatches The Term “European Comeback”

David Cowan Picture

I just couldn’t keep my big Tweeter shut. When I publicly dismissed the soundness of his widely hailed report on European VC, Jason Whitmire of Earlybird Venture Capital challenged me to openly discuss the facts in a dialogue exceeding 140 characters. So I guess I owe him a response.

Based on the work of their summer intern, Jason and his partner Hendrik Brandis have published a “report”… → Read More

June 9th, 2011

“I Want to Meet a Partner!"

Over the years I’ve heard many legitimate gripes from entrepreneurs about the way venture capital firms treat them while fundraising. I must confess an imperfect record of courtesy myself, though I do try to be respectful, and to incorporate feedback. For example, I once resolved never to keep entrepreneurs waiting long for me in our lobby, and I think I live up to that.

But I often hear one… → Read More

June 14th, 2009

Colnect Is A No-Frills Collectibles Marketplace And Wiki. Someone Wake Up David Cowan!

The granddaddy of all venture capital funds, The granddaddy of all venture capital funds, Bessemer Venture Partners, keeps a tally of the mega-successes it passed on in a list known as the Anti-Portfolio. In it, renowned VC David Cowan is attributed for passing up on eBay:

“Stamps? Coins? Comic books? You’ve GOT to be kidding,” thought Cowan. “No-brainer pass.”

Good news David, lightening may in… → Read More