John Donboli

Writing

Practical notes on venture capital, early-stage investing, and building brands.

2026-10-12

How I Evaluate an Early-Stage Startup: A Four-Part Framework

A working framework for sizing up an early-stage company: team, market, evidence, and deal structure, and the questions that sit under each.

2026-10-12

Why Power Laws Shape Everything in Venture Capital

Venture returns are driven by a small number of outsized winners. Here is why that changes how portfolios, risk, and decisions work.

2026-10-12

SAFEs, Convertible Notes and Priced Rounds: A Plain-English Primer

How the three most common ways to fund an early-stage company differ, and what investors and founders should understand before signing.

2026-10-12

A First-Pass Due Diligence Checklist for Early-Stage Investors

A practical checklist covering team, product, finances, ownership, and legal basics to review before investing in an early-stage company.

2026-10-12

Using Creator Video in Your Marketing: The Permissions Checklist

Short-form creator video can power a small brand's marketing, but only with clear permission. A plain-English checklist for businesses and creators.

2026-10-12

Building a Brand From Scratch: Five Lessons for New Founders

Practical lessons for founders starting a brand with limited budget: clarity, consistency, proof, and patience.