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Thoughts on Differentiated Venture Investing

Sep 29, 2009

Welcome to nicheVC: Part II

A quick bit about the Semantic Web (21st C technology and web services), where I fit in, and how it fits into my universe.

As a Baby Boomer / X-Gen fence-sitter, I am an above average user of the Web services, an increasingly active user of social networking platforms (Facebook, LinkedIn, Plaxo, delicious (now Diigo), etc.). Since the mid-80s, I have used an IBM/Compaq suitcase (DOS-based green screen; late undergrad), a Mac Plus and Power Mac (early-to-mid ’90s), and various PCs or PC laptop/tablets (late ’90s to current). As a student, educator, and investor, I have seen and lived the evolution of software and web services strategy from push to pull, from the license to on demand. I have seen, used, and more recently invested in open source applications.

About six months ago, I saw some light behind microblogging, specifically Twitter (@nicheVC) and the aggregation, categorization, and backup of aforementioned digital media via FriendFeed (I worry a bit about the Facebook acquisition). I have been wondering for some time when I would find or provoke the personal and professional bandwidth to launch and maintain a full-fledged blog. Yes, I am an always on VC who weaves his professional life carefully through the familial and personal. I do have much to say about topics surrounding venture investing, education, the convergence of these two, and how technology can and should be the enabler that allows humans to reach new heights, to be more efficient and effective.

So, the dichotomy of a full plate and lots of interesting thoughts lead me to NOW, the right place at the right time.

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Category: Information Technology, Venture Capital

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  • Jack Henderson
    Nice blog, quick comment (sorry it'll probably come across as snarky, not meant that way...):

    When you use someone else's WordPress Theme (looks like yours is Grid Focus) you should probably attribute it in the footer. I know that the template comes with the footer attribution in place so it should be something pretty easy for you to put back in. I'm sure Derek Punsalen (the Grid Focus author) would appreciate the credit.

    Best of luck with your blog, it looks really interesting.

    Jack
  • Thanks, Jack. As a novice to blogging and web design, I used a web designer to create the template and had no idea there was attribution to set in place. This will be rectified shortly.
  • janejensen
    Congrats on the new venture Frank. As an active academic, I've come to rely on your tweets on new tech and up-to-the-minute policy reports. Us profs are often behind the times although we may be in front of the classroom. I look forward to following your writing now that you have more than 140 characters to work with.
  • Thx, Jane. You should expect quality over quantity. As a prof, your perspective on ed tech, the timeliness of innovation in HE and the role that the private sector could/should play is very relevant. Thx for the comment and stay tuned. BTW, if there is a particular topic that is worth opining on herein, please do avail.
  • Chris Steer
    Frank,
    Looking forward to following this blog. Interestingly, I use the same Hill Street Blues "sign off" when I close the weekly team meetings we have with our team that is scattered across the U.S. Hope all is well with you.
  • Chris: Thx for commenting. The 'sign off' is definitely apt for a variety of
    settings and does conjure up very real memories from undergrad days. Hoping
    back at you. And thx for helping me build out content ideas & refinements
    therearound.
  • Hi Frank, I like your twitter posts and other than David Troy, you are the only VC that I follow. As you know, the blogosphere is a tough playground.

    I might follow your blog but visually I prefer bloggers that are a little easier on the eyes like: http://ma.tt/
    or even http://www.princeofdundalk.blogspot.com/

    What I am saying is, you have to get out your camera and let us see what a VC's life is all about.
  • Great comment. As I endeavor to find my voice in the blogosphere, I will
    also attempt to bundle in media that will purport a more visual, interactive
    authenticity. Hope you'll consider bearing with me as I get my 'sea legs'
    and thanks again for the great feedback. BTW, I, too, like the
    http://ma.tt medium.
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