If you can’t tell by the book list on the side of this page, we “read” (technically, listen to) a lot of books on business, startups, and VC.  One of our favorite books is Venture Deals: Be Smarter than your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by none other than Foundry Group’s own Brad Feld (See our VC spotlight on him!) and Jason Mendelson.  Seriously though, if there ever was a “Foundry Group Fan Club”, C:V. would be a charter member…

Name: Venture Deals: Be Smarter than your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist

Overview: This book literally boils down a Term Sheet in all its Legal jargon glory and makes it so basically anyone can understand.  It takes you through each topic, term, and component and gives you a no-nonsense explanation of what it means with specific examples of it in action.  It has sections that cover all aspects of economics and control in a financing and even a foreword from Twitter CEO Dick Costolo!

Invest, Invest with Participating Liquidation Preferences, or Pass: Invest!

Investment Thesis:  This book should be a MUST READ for all aspiring Entrepreneurs and VC’s!  Brad and Jason have an uncanny ability to break down the most difficult and dry legalese into engaging and informative advice.  Another one of our favorite parts of the book is the “Entrepreneur’s Perspective” as it gives a viewpoint for many of the topics from the founder’s standpoint and not just the VC’s.  This book receives our highest recommendation.