The Miami Startup Ecosystem Map 🌴. Last year I mapped out Miami's VCs, accelerators, angel groups, tech conferences, and unicorns. I've updated the map right on time for the annual Miami Tech Month by adding 46 new players. 👉 Who did I miss?. #Miami #miamitech #techweek

Just arrived in #Austin. Beautiful day 🌞

With #SXSW approaching, I've explored the #Austin tech scene. Here's a guide to VCs, accelerators, and more in the area. Excited to reconnect with colleagues, meet inspiring founders, and connect with VCs in Austin 🤠 . Who else should I meet?

Excited for our portco The Mirror to launch its Open Alpha 👾 #GodotEngine #IndiegameDev #VFX #Physics.

RT @MariaDerchi: Check out our new Miami Tech Dashboard! 👩🏼‍💻 👀 #miamitech.

3. Numbers that confuse This is our projected ARR in GMV using a quarterly MRR 🤔.

2. Aggressive sale techniques - Founder: "We are closing our round now and only have $xK left, so if you want to get in the round the money needs to be wired by EOD tomorrow".

1. Anyone but the co-founder pitching/reaching out - This could be an executive assistant or worse someone who is paid to sell your startup.

🚩🚩🚩 3 Red Flags for early-stage VCs:.

Focus on creating something global. In an interconnected world, geographical boundaries can be broken down by entrepreneurial drive and vision.

The founder mentality is the willingness to roll up your sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done. It's a rare combination of scrappiness, resourcefulness, and tenacity.

Founder red flags 🚩:. - No co-founders.- Lack of clarity.- Uncomfortable with ambiguity.- Uses platitudes instead of data.

6. Make sure you understand the terms of the deal. Consult with a lawyer/other investors if you don't.

5. Diversify your investments. Don't invest in one startup. Invest in 10 to 20 startups.

4. Research startups. Research the team's background, previous investments and funding history.

3. Network with angels. Surround yourself with people who know what they are doing. Ask to shadow or co-invest with a successful investor. Your network is your net worth.

2. Join networks. Joining networks and attending events exposes you to startup pitches, knowledge, and mentorship.

1. Understand the risks and rewards. Early stage investing is risky but can provide high returns. Don't invest what you can't afford to lose.

The most successful startups received early stage venture capital because of one thing:. They solved big problems in fundamentally different ways.

RT @nic_detommaso: What people don’t tell you about the VC space:. Many acquisitions that happen in the startup ecosystem are actually not….