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You may have heard the term venture capital, perhaps in a movie, and wondered what it means. In fiction, venture capitalists are often portrayed as wealthy, powerful, and greedy destroyers of companies and jobs. This is just for the drama, venture capitalists can be very helpful to startups. Setting up and growing a business is not easy and it requires funding. Often a lot of it. Getting loans from banks and individual investors can be difficult. This is where venture capital comes in.

Venture Capital Defined

Venture capitalists such as Patrick Chung Xfund, provide investment funding to startups and small companies looking to expand. It is a form of private equity and the money comes from investment banks, financial institutions, or individuals with the money to invest. Venture capital funding can be very risky. Startups don’t always get off the ground and small businesses sometimes stagnate and go under. Investors are cautious and look for companies that have already demonstrated rapid growth or new ones that show great potential. The risk is high but the potential rewards can be higher. Funding through venture capital has become a very popular option for new business owners.

Venture Capital’s Beginning

Venture capital is connected to private equity which developed in the 19th Century. It wasn’t until the 20th Century prewar period that venture capital started. Georges Doriot, a Harvard Business School professor is considered the creator of venture capital. In 1946 he started the American Research and Development Corporation. This first venture capital firm raised $3.5 million from investors, a tidy sum in the 40s, and used it to invest in companies that advanced technology used during the war. Doriot’s firm first invested in a company with the bold idea to use x-rays to treat cancer. A $200,000 investment yielded a $1.8 million return in 1955 when the company went public.  Doriot’s idea was a rousing success.

Venture Capital in the Silicon Vallery

In the early days, most venture capital firms were in the Northeast and tended to invest in local companies. When the tech industry began to grow into California’s Silicon Valley, venture capital firms took notice. Sherman Fairchild, a wealthy East Coast industrialist invested in Fairchild Semiconductor, a company that was hugely successful. 

One of the first West Coast venture capital firms was Davis & Rock, started by New York investment banker Arthur Rock. Davis & Rock invested in tech firms that went on to become giants including Apple and Intel. Investing in tech firms proved so successful that by 1992, only 20% of funds were invested in companies in the Northeast while 48% went to West Coast firms. This has continued until today. Currently, about 33% of venture capital funds are invested in companies located on the West Coast but those companies account for 60% of the value of all deals. 

Venture capital was a great idea that has worked well for many private equity investors. The risks are high but choosing companies with excellent growth potential can reap enormous profits.

 

New businesses have it nearly every step of the way. Between poor business sense and financial planning, nearly 50% of small businesses fail within five years. Fortunately, with a better financial plan, you can avoid addition in that statistic. One of the largest things a business needs is capital to fund growth. Unless you have personal financial planning, that money will burn fast. Most businesses leave financing as a late addition and suffer as a result.

Following are the benefits of managing your money to develop your business! Joseph Stone Capital talks about the great benefits of financial planning to make the correct decision today!

  • Once you get your plan up and running, you get a concrete idea of where your business is going. This is significant as a sense of progress stimulates you and your business to do better. Many businesses comparatively find themselves trapped in a slump that stops change and profit. Understanding your finances offers you a benchmark for your projects. Knowing when you hit those benchmarks offers you greater interest to hit the next one. Before you know it, your business has developed into a sustainable and profitable venture.
  • The most significant reason to start managing your money is to plan your business growth. Knowing how and when to use your money offers you a strategy to follow. This planning and prioritizing enable your business to grow according to a rate you endorse of. With a finance plan, you will get a clearer idea of where your money goes and if it is worth it. This offers you more data to make decisions in regards to your priorities, budget, and growth. While difficult at first, you can always know about financial planning to get a head start.
  • Even if you do not hit your benchmarks, financial planning accounts for times of loss. As you have planned for times of crisis, you are ready than other businesses. You gain greater insight into what is causing an issue and how you may address it. You can either reduce challenging departments or offer them more money to fix themselves. Either way, you set yourself up for achievement.
  • Another great advantage of appropriate financial management is in your business image. Investors love prepared businesses when it comes to money. Having a plan shows that you are dependable and able to grow with enough capital. That means that investors and business partners are more eager to help you out. They may offer you more partners, money, or even both. The key selling point is that you appear accountable enough to deal with their money.
  • With more growth come more opportunities. Staying on track with your plan offers you more room to take risks. These risks are more possibly to net you success and enables for growth. The saying wealth raises wealth still holds true for businesses. Use your financial security to enlarge your departments and carry on success.

Joseph Stone Capital suggests that financial planning is what sets good businesses apart. Never charge into business blindly as you risk the consequences. Keep in mind that the best growth should be on your terms.

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about home appliance maintenance until something goes wrong. And by then, it’s often too late. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common home appliance maintenance mistakes and how to avoid them.

One of the most important reasons to maintain your home appliances is to prevent costly repairs. If you don’t keep up with regular maintenance, small problems can quickly turn into big ones. Not to mention, well-maintained appliances tend to last longer, so you’ll save money in the long run.

Mistake 1: Not cleaning your air conditioner filters

One of the most common home appliance maintenance mistakes is not cleaning air conditioner filters. Dirty filters can reduce airflow and cause the air conditioner to work harder, which can lead to a shorter life span and increased energy costs.

To clean the filters, remove them from the unit and gently tap them against a hard surface to dislodge the dirt. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to clean them. Be sure to replace the filters as recommended by the manufacturer. However, if your AC stops functioning, it’s probably time to call an AC repair service provider.

Mistake 2: Not cleaning the oven stovetop

Another common mistake is not cleaning the oven stovetop. Grease and food spills can cause a nasty build-up that’s not only difficult to clean, but can also be a fire hazard. To clean the stovetop, remove all of the burner grates and drip pans and scrub them with hot, soapy water. Then, use a putty knife to scrape away any stubborn grease and food. Be sure to clean under the grates as well.

Mistake 3: Not defrosting the freezer

If you have a chest or upright freezer, it’s important to defrost it regularly to prevent ice build-up. Ice build-up not only makes it difficult to access your food, but can also cause the freezer to work harder and use more energy. To defrost the freezer, unplug it and leave the door open. Place a few bowls of hot water inside to help speed up the process. Once the ice has melted, wipe down the freezer with a damp cloth.

Mistake 4: Not cleaning the refrigerator

Refrigerators also need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Food spills and bacteria can build up and cause odors. To clean the refrigerator, unplug it and remove all of the food. Wipe down the inside with a hot, soapy cloth. Be sure to clean the condenser coils on the back of the refrigerator. You can do this by removing the grill at the bottom and vacuuming them off.

Mistake 5: Not checking the water hose

The water hose is often overlooked when it comes to home appliance maintenance, but it’s an important part of your dishwasher and washing machine. If the water hose isn’t securely attached, it can cause water leaks and flooding. To check the water hose, unplug the washer or dishwasher and disconnect the hose. Check for any leaks and tighten the connection if necessary.

Mistake 6: Not draining the water heater

Water heaters need to be drained on a regular basis to prevent sediment from building up. This can cause the water heater to work harder and use more energy. To drain the water heater, turn off the power supply and open the drain valve at the bottom of the unit. Let the water drain until it’s clear. Then, close the valve and turn on the power supply.

Mistake 7: Not cleaning the dryer lint screen

Another home appliance maintenance mistake is not cleaning the dryer lint screen. A build-up of lint can cause the dryer to overheat and catch on fire. To clean the screen, remove it from the dryer and scrub it with a brush. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment. Be sure to replace the screen as recommended by the manufacturer.

Mistake 8: Not checking the cords

It’s important to check the cords on your appliances regularly for signs of wear and tear. Damaged cords can be a fire hazard. To check the cords, unplug the appliance and examine the cord for any damage. If there is damage, replace the cord immediately.

Mistake 9: Not using surge protectors

Many people don’t realize that surge protectors are an important part of home appliance maintenance. Surge protectors protect your appliances from damage caused by power surges. To ensure your appliances are protected, be sure to use surge protectors with all of your electronics.

Mistake 10: Not reading the manual

The final mistake people make when it comes to home appliance maintenance is not reading the manual. Each appliance is different and has specific maintenance requirements. Be sure to read the manual for your particular appliance. This will help you avoid making any mistakes that could damage the appliance.

Home appliance maintenance is important to extend the life of your appliances and prevent any accidents or damages. Be sure to avoid these 10 common mistakes to keep your home safe and your appliances working properly.

There’s a common misconception that in order to be a DIYer, you need to have an extensive toolkit. While it’s true that having the right tools can make your life a lot easier, it’s not necessary to buy every tool under the sun. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the essential tools that every DIYer should have in their shop.

Tape Measure

A tape measure is one of the most essential tools in any DIYer’s toolkit. It’s used for everything from measuring the size of a doorframe to checking the distance between two points. When shopping for a tape measure, make sure to get one that’s at least 16 feet long.

Saw Horses

Saw horses are another must-have for any DIYer’s toolkit. They’re used for holding materials in place while you’re working on them, and they come in handy for a variety of tasks such as sawing, sanding, and drilling. When shopping for saw horses, make sure to get a pair that can hold up to 500 pounds.

Circular Saw

A circular saw is a must-have for any DIYer who does metal fabrication. It’s used for cutting metal sheets and other materials, and it can be set to various angles for precision cuts. Make sure to get a saw that has a blade guard for safety.

Wrench Set

A wrench set is another essential tool for any DIYer’s toolkit. It’s used for tightening and loosening bolts and screws, and it comes in handy for a variety of tasks. When shopping for a wrench set, make sure to get a set that includes both metric and imperial sizes.

Pliers Set

Pliers are a type of tool that consists of two metal handles that are connected by a spring-loaded hinge. They’re used for gripping, bending, and twisting objects and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. When shopping for pliers, make sure to get a set that includes both needle-nose and flat-nose pliers.

Hammer

One of the most important tools in any DIYer’s arsenal is a hammer. It’s used for pounding nails into wood and other materials, and it comes in handy for a variety of tasks. When shopping for a hammer, make sure to get one that has a comfortable grip and a solid head.

Drill

A drill is, without a doubt, one of the most important items in any DIYer’s toolkit. It’s used for drilling holes into wood, metal, and other materials, and it comes in handy for a variety of tasks. When shopping for a drill, make sure to get one that has a variable speed setting and a keyless chuck.

Level

level is an essential tool for any DIYer who wants to ensure that their projects are level and accurate. It’s used for checking the level of surfaces, and it comes in handy for a variety of tasks. When shopping for a level, make sure to get one that has a clear acrylic vial.

Square

A square is an essential tool for any DIYer who wants to ensure that their projects are square and accurate. It’s used for checking the squareness of surfaces, and it comes in handy for a variety of tasks. When shopping for a square, make sure to get one that has a clear acrylic vial.

Chisel

A chisel is a type of tool that’s used for cutting and shaping wood and other materials. It comes in a variety of sizes and shapes, and it can be used for a variety of tasks. When shopping for a chisel, make sure to get one that’s made from high-quality steel.

Sandpaper

Sandpaper is an essential tool for any DIYer who wants to achieve a smooth and polished finish. It’s used for sanding down surfaces, and it comes in a variety of sizes and grits. When shopping for sandpaper, make sure to get a variety of grits so that you can achieve different levels of smoothness.

Safety Glasses

It’s important for every DIYer to wear safety glasses when working on projects. They protect your eyes from debris and other hazards, and they come in handy for a variety of tasks. When shopping for safety glasses, make sure to get a pair that has a high-quality lens and a comfortable fit.

These are just a few of the essential tools that every DIYer should have in their shop. By having the right tools, you’ll be able to complete tasks with greater precision and efficiency. So before you start your next DIY project, make sure to stock up on the essentials!

In 2020, consumers watched 12.2 billion minutes of online videos. This statistic highlights the importance of investing in high-quality content for your business.

However, most people don’t have the time or money to invest in a professional video editing suite, so their videos always look like they were made by amateurs.

Not only do poorly edited videos look unprofessional, but they can also hurt your brand’s image.

But don’t worry. Keep reading, as this video editing tips article will show you how to make higher quality videos without spending a fortune on software or hiring a professional editor.

1. Use High-Quality Footage

Poor image quality will quickly ruin a video, no matter how well edited it is. Make sure to use good-quality footage to start with.

You can find high-quality B-roll footage at places like Pexels and Videvo. These will give you a more polished look when you edit videos online.

2. Use a Strong Soundtrack

A good soundtrack can really elevate a video, and help to set the tone and mood. Choose something that fits the feel of your video and that you’re happy with.

Many video editing tools come with stock audio files, so check them out before purchasing royalty-free music.

3. Keep Your Edits Concise

Long, drawn-out edits can be frustrating for viewers and can quickly lose their attention. When inside your video editor, try to keep your edits short and sweet, while still conveying all the necessary information.

4. Use Transitions Sparingly

Transitions can be a great way to add some visual interest to your video, but using too many of them can be distracting and overwhelming. Use them sparingly and only when they genuinely add something to the video.

5. Make Sure Your Audio Is Clear

Bad audio can be just as jarring as poor image quality. Be sure to use good-quality microphones and recordings, and edit out any unwanted noise in post-production.

You can achieve clear audio inexpensively with many great lavaliers (lapel microphones) available for around $50.

6. Add Subtitles or Captions

Subtitles and captions can be a great way to make your video more accessible. They can also help to ensure that viewers don’t miss any important information.

For example, if part of your audience is hard of hearing, subtitles and captions can make sure your message is seen by everyone.

  1. Export in the Highest Quality Possible

When you’re finished editing, be sure to export your video in the highest quality possible. This will ensure that your video looks its best when it’s shared online.

Want More Video Editing Tips Like This?

By following these video editing tips, you can make sure your content is of the highest quality. Creating great videos isn’t easy, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

The importance of video quality may seem insignificant to you at the moment, but rest assured that these tips can increase audience engagement, which will increase your company’s profits.

Want more content marketing advice like this? Check out our blog!