The Solution to Venture Capital's Most Frustrating "Catch 22": The Smart Startup Guide ver. 3.0

Companies in need of startup money from venture capitalists face a frustrating "Catch 22" situation these days. They need financing in order to be able to commence sales, yet venture capital firms only invest in companies which already have "traction" (i.e., sales). Many startups never find a way out of this trap and eventually "die on the vine".

"Launching a startup company is probably the hardest thing you will ever do. Why would you even consider doing it without first knowing the lessons of those who succeeded before you?", asks startup expert and author Peter Ireland.

Starting in the late 1990s entrepreneurship became confused with merely walking around for 6 to 12 months with business plan and begging bowl in hand pestering complete strangers for money. Not surprisingly, most who try this route fail.

On the other hand, "Real entrepreneurship is about creating positive cashflow. Quickly", as Peter likes to point out. This is what the Smart Startup Guide promises to teach and delivers.

Considering the bleak state of the economy and risk averseness of the venture capital industry, the timing could not be better for the latest edition of the best selling startup guide for fast growth companies. This newest version of the Guide, which was originally launched in 1996, is expanded by over 35 pages and incorporates a new chapter on business modeling techniques for startups. Business modeling, until recently the domain of academics and high-priced management consultants, offers startup entrepreneurs two key benefits by teaching how to:

-   create the real value needed to gain traction in the marketplace
-   minimize the startup capital needed to launch.

For entrepreneurs who need to quickly learn successful startup strategies employed by Amazon, Dell, AutoByTel, eBay, and many more, the Guide is an invaluable resource. Utilizing its lessons on real entrepreneurship enables founders to neatly sidestep venture capital's infamous "Catch 22".

Entrepreneurs can learn more about the challenges facing startups at the company's website.

The author, Peter Ireland, has almost 20 years of experience with technology and Internet startups as founder, mentor, consultant, and investor.