Iowa City (Guest post by Michal Eynon-Lynch.) Creating a positive company culture is much like creating a positive classroom culture. As former teachers and camp counselors, this is something we enjoy actively considering. When intentionally attempting to improve company culture, I recommend following these three tips: 1. Laissez-faire it up 2. Hire well 3. Make it enjoyable. Laissez-faire it up: In the classroom, I can easily make a lot of really firm rules and structures. I can make my students do worksheets every night and give them points for completing their homework on time. I can penalize … read more

Omaha (Guest post written by Mark Hasebroock.) Frequently, we are asked, "What should I present to you when I pitch my business?" I've heard and read a number of different ways to pitch and they all have merit. There isn't one specific right answer. But there are some guidelines. From our standpoint, as capital providers and value add partners, we like to hear: What's the problem? What's your solution? How big is the market opportunity? Why will you win? Format: Ten to twelve slides. Be brief and be blunt. | What's the problem? Some of the best ideas we have invested in so far stemmed from a founder identifying a problem that is personal to them. It often starts with … read more