Venture Deals – Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist

Date: 2023-11-08

Book Authors: Brad Feld & Jason Mendelson

This is required reading if you plan to raise money. Feld and Mendelson break down how venture capital works — term sheets, dilution, board seats, liquidation preferences — all the confusing stuff you pretend to understand during investor calls. It’s technical, but not dry. The authors use wit and clarity to make the startup-finance world less intimidating.

💡 What It Taught Me: • Not all valuations are equal — the fine print can make or break you. • The game is about leverage — and understanding how to keep it. • SAFE notes and convertible debt aren’t as “simple” as they look.

❤️ What's Strong: • Explains venture math with real scenarios. • Helps you protect yourself before you sign anything. • Up-to-date with modern deal terms and trends.

🤔 What's Dense: • Not a casual read — better if you’re actively raising or advising. • Legal-heavy sections may need a second read.

📈 Verdict: Read this before your first investor meeting — and again after. It won’t close the deal for you, but it might keep you from making a fatal mistake.

Rating: 4.6/5