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> -----Original Message-----
> From: list-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> [mailto:list-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Henry Bremridge
> Sent: 14 December 2006 10:24
> To: list@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [LUG] interesting points -
>
>
> On Thu, Dec 14, 2006 at 09:27:14AM +0000, Aaron Trevena wrote:
>
> > That's still very few and far between. I don't think there
> is a single
> > UK open source company with VC Backing.
> >
> > I've worked for a few of VC Backed companies (before,
> during and after
> > the dot.com bubble), not one of them seemed to have backers who
> > understood what they had invested in, and at least one managed to do
> > more harm than good by interfering in how the business was run.
> >
> That does not surprise me. From the VC perspective if the
> business seems
> good they will invest: remember they are looking at it from a
> portfolio
> approach. Don't look at VC funding as dumb financing. You are
> basically
> selling your company to them and agreeing to work for them. If you are
> not happy with that then do not accept the money from that VC. Find
> another (easier said than done)
>
> Question: is an opensource company a software company, or a service
> company? The company cannot get rich selling software: that
> is free. In
> my opinion the revenue can only really come from providing support and
> if so that is a totally different model and different company.
>
> Take for example RedHat: I still do not understand that company's
> business. Microsoft I can understand but not RedHat. As an example I
> note Oracle's decision to start selling linux software and support (or
> did I read that wrong)
>
> > I also worked with some friends on a business plan, seeking VC
> > backing, dealing with the networking companies that
> 'connect you' with
> > backers was a joke, the agent was more interested in investing than
> > the VC he was showcasing the project to.
>
> There are a lot of horror stories. Any middleman will try to get their
> cut of the cake and I do not really understand what value
> they add to a
> good VC. If they are a source of funds and you are happy with them..
> >
> > Sorry, but UK VC lacks the vitality, quality and
> availability of what
> > is available in the US - I don't think we have a single UK based VC
> > that you could compare to those in the US like Guy Kawasaki, and the
> > ex-microsoft/hp/etc business angels.
> >
> Yes it is a much bigger market and while competition can be
> much tougher
> there are more niches to occupy.
>
>
There is a general problem with the UK here. We are very much in no mans
land between the "corporatist" european system and the "individualist "
US style
> --
> Henry
> Thu Dec 14 10:03:51 GMT 2006
>
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