Amazon Book Review – Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist — Brad Feld
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ABOUT THE BOOK
“Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist” by Brad Feld, co-founder of the Foundry Group, is a definitive resource for anyone navigating the intricacies of venture capital financing. This extensively updated edition draws upon years of direct experience to break down a notoriously complex topic—the VC deal process. Feld covers everything from parsing the venture capital term sheet and negotiating typical and emerging deal structures to understanding economic terms, legal nuances, and modern topics like ICOs and gender issues in startup fundraising.
The book stands out for its accessible explanations of critical financing documents and negotiation strategies, demystifying concepts like equity, convertible debt, valuation, and the roles of various investors. In addition to the core funding mechanics, the new edition addresses the practical steps of engaging bankers, legal counsel, and understanding the ramifications of different funding rounds. Feld’s candid, real-world insights equip founders and early employees to not just survive, but thrive, in the high-stakes world of venture-backed startups—from initial seed funding through scale and exit. By fostering a mindset of collaboration and transparency, “Venture Deals” helps entrepreneurs build better relationships with investors and positions them for long-term success.
WHY THIS BOOK
With practical, insider advice that strips away legalese, “Venture Deals” empowers readers to enter negotiations informed and confident. In a landscape where misunderstanding a term sheet can mean the difference between scaling up and stalling out, this book is essential for demystifying the VC process and increasing your odds of a successful fundraise. Its actionable guidance enables founders and business leaders to avoid common pitfalls, make smarter decisions, and protect their interests.
WHO IS RECOMMENDED TO READ THIS BOOK?
- Early-stage founders and entrepreneurs preparing to raise venture capital
- Investors and venture capital associates seeking a deeper understanding of deal structure
- Startup lawyers and financial advisors supporting growth-stage companies
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brad Feld is a co-founder of the Foundry Group, a renowned venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology companies. With deep operational and investment experience spanning decades, Feld is an authority on startup growth and venture finance, and has played a key role in hundreds of financings. His practical, no-nonsense approach has made him a trusted voice for founders and investors worldwide.

