Neil Senturia

3 days ago | sandiegouniontribune.com | Neil Senturia

Six years ago, I did something nice for a friend. Today he called to say that his wife had just become a U.S. citizen, and he wanted to tell me how appreciative and grateful he was for my assistance. Interesting word — gratitude. I am a big proponent of that word. Grateful is sometimes connected to the word “lucky.”  Regardless of all the nuances, the bottom line is proven that you are happier, live longer, remain healthier, if you practice gratitude. Notice I did not mention richer. Huh.

1 week ago | sandiegouniontribune.com | Neil Senturia

Normally I try to explore the puzzle of entrepreneurship writ large. But sometimes, you just have to go with the flow and wonder at the unknowable world.  My bride and I went to New York City for a week. You know museums, theater, old friends, some deals and some meals.

2 weeks ago | sandiegouniontribune.com | Neil Senturia

Let’s play a game. Let’s try to get really rich. First thing we need is what is called a two-sided marketplace. Commonly this is thought of as a platform that connects buyers and sellers. Think how Amazon started — books and buyers. But there is a subtle hook.  If your platform has no sellers, then no buyers come. And if you have no buyers, then nobody is on the platform selling. In some way it is the classic chicken and the egg. Venture investing is a two-sided marketplace.

3 weeks ago | sandiegouniontribune.com | Neil Senturia

Given that I am vertically challenged (5 feet, 4 7/8 inches), my interest in basketball has always been more about the players’ skills and elegance than ever hoping to be anything more than a towel boy. But I read the sports page, and decision-making is critical whether you’re in basketball or a startup. Consider Luka Doncic, who was traded by the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. You will need ESPN to closely dissect the puzzle, but as a decision, it had the hallmarks of bet-the-farm.

1 month ago | sandiegouniontribune.com | Neil Senturia

About 32 years ago, I attended a downtown big shot awards dinner. My networking model is a simple one. I buy the ticket, I get there 15 minutes before it is supposed to start, I work the room, and when they ring the bell and everyone goes into dinner, I head for the escalator, and I am on the way home.  But then an unintended consequence. That night I spent the entire cocktail time talking to one particular woman, the room didn’t get worked.