Comments on: Boston's Uncommon Angels

By: Sour Grapes Much?

Sour Grapes Much? — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:09:18 +0000

To SHAMELESS - let me guess, you presented your model to them, they gave you some harsh but probably much-needed criticism and they didn't fund you.

By: Shameless

Shameless — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:53:30 +0000

You got totally sold didn't you? If I take you to dinner and show you my good side, you just might want to marry me! But wait until you see my past.

Common Angels are the worst. I know a bunch of the Common Angels guys, primarily their leadership, and let me tell you, they're the biggest knuckleheads in the city. Total wankers. They just don't have a clue. And, I would say that if you looked at their track record you'd scratch your head. Really, ask around. They blow, hard.

By: RT

RT — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 13:44:18 +0000

We met with 80% of the East Coast VCs, including Common Angels (they are VCs despite what they claim). There is no magic here - although I was hoping to meet someone that I thought was fantastic, that just didn't happen. It was my own ignorance that built these guys up.

We all know the game in software, Web 2.0, tech etc. Some hit, a lot miss - these guys are just the byproducts of some that hit. I have worked for many guys that are very wealthy, and I kept thinking to myself "what am I missing here, this guy doesn't seem any different, doesn't have any thing special, no special skills." Hell, maybe my employees thought the same thing about me.

It takes a lot to make a great company, a single purpose, focus, customers, employees, etc. It doesn't take great VCs, no matter how much "magic dust" about the group they like to spread, you just need their money, and if you can get it outside their system you will be better off.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 06:58:21 +0000

I'll agree with the above commenters: I've talked to a few East Coast folks who have dealt with them, and the general consensus is: don't. Way too much work/meddling/overhead for what is is from an Entrepreneur's PoV.

By: Web 2.0 is alive in Boston

Web 2.0 is alive in Boston — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 21:41:49 +0000

Don't know much about Web 2.0? They are probably one of the few in Boston who do. They've backed Skyhook Wireless, Carbonite, Nimbit, PermissionTV and most recently Xconomy. I've presented to them, and what you have to expect is to know your business model. Don't think you can just throw around a lot of buzzwords and get by like you can with some investors. They're all operating people and can smell BS walking in the door. We didn't have our financials down well enough and knew it; comments we got were tough but professional and deserved.

By: Ted Morgan

Ted Morgan — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 21:17:24 +0000

I have taken money from CommonAngels and found them to be great. Back in 2004/05 the VC's were not investing in anything and it was only groups like CA that were getting it done for early stage companies. The terms were very easy and they have backed us up all the way through.

By: James

James — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 18:02:55 +0000

I agree with first comment. CA suck. I know of a few companies who received money and hated them. They also don't know much about web 2.0 space.

By: Hack your company

Hack your company — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:12:31 +0000

The CEO members are highly respected and established entrepreneurs, although some of them are retired or should be.

Common Angels is the worst of both worlds-- VC pain, angel dollar amounts.

They want to act like big boy VCs, be a pain in the ass, and gain control while only being able to fund a limited amount.

Don't waste your time.