SAFE for VCs, not so safe for startups
In recent years, “SAFE” notes have become one of the most common ways for early-stage startups to raise capital in the U.S. Still, most international founders have never heard of them. Lifelong entrepreneur and innovation consultant Michael Burtov explains the challenges these notes present to startups and angel investors.
Lessons from WeWork: When real estate pretends to be a…
The recent bankruptcy filing of WeWork, the shared office space company once valued at $47 billion, offers a sobering lesson for startup founders tempted by packaging traditional business models as earth-shattering ideas.
The startup scamming pandemic: How not to get screwed as…
From fake investors and obscure media to false mentorship and compliance threats — the list of scams that startup founders face in the U.S. is endless. Lifelong entrepreneur Michael Burtov explains how to navigate the dark waters of the scamming pandemic and steer clear of traps.
Using Middle-out innovation strategy, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos became…
Rather than trying to break into their target markets with limited resources, immigrant founders can “build bridges” — create platforms, communities, and shared tools. According to lifelong entrepreneur and mentor Michael Burtov, this “middle-out” approach empowers broader innovation. That’s what Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos did, turning obstacles into…