The rolodex is bulging these days at fundfindr with contacts from all scopes and sectors with a wealth of information and resources to boot. A recent conversation with David Raffa at Lions Capital Corp. lead us to two great resources that we thought we’d share with our audience.

The first is 17 page summary on preparing-executive-summaries. This document gives you the frame work to succinctly communicate the who, what, where, why, when, and how of presenting your opportunity.

The second is a 12 page guide on preparing-investor-presentations. The theme here is really about presenting the right information, in the right format and in the right amount of time.

For more information you can visit the BC Advantage Funds site. Or better yet, check out David Raffa’s book Everything I Needed to Know About Business…I Learned from a Canadian, co-authored by Leonard Brody of Now Public, and soon to release a 2nd edition.

This is just a bit of required reading for anyone looking to enter our pitchies competition and we encourage all entrants to drop us a line at info@fundfindr.com if you have any questions. Remember, practice makes perfect.

For further resources, also check out the Learn section of fundfindr.com for some great success snacks.

We caught up with Virtus Driver Mike Desjardins, in our ongoing series of Video Success Snacks, and found out what was on the reading list of successful entrepreneurs. A great review and overview of these 6 books is provided by Mike who paints a clear picture why your desk, or bedside table, should include these reads. Mike’s engaging style and his success in nurturing entrepreneurial success make this a must watch snack!

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We captured Ian on a Vancouver rooftop in this exclusive fundfindr.tv interview and his insights included what you need to know about raising money in Canada vs. Silicon Valley - he’s done both. Ian conceived, branded and launched EQO, that allowed mobile communities to connect seamlessly. He has contributed to nearly a dozen disruptive technology startups including: BuzMe.com, RingCentral, the Microsoft acquired FrontBridge, Geekmail, VOXEO, eVoice and Helix. He also authored the 1997 book “HTML Studio Skills.”

More recently he started up Something Simpler which is a mantra he uses in both his work and his life. He says it’s harder than it looks to keep things simple. Something Simpler was recently selected for “Best Early Stage” award at the Canadian Financing Forum; and Ian was touted as one of Vancouver’s “Digital Media people to watch in 2008.” Check out some of the cool new projects Something Simpler is working on: RosterBot and Pulse. Watch Weston Triemstra demo the Pulse Facebook application.

Most entrepreneurs that get beyond the seed stage will need to ready themselves for negotiating with angel investors. Entrepreneurs that have been to the dance before will know the key things angels are looking for and what they themselves dearly value.

Newer entrepreneurs can avail themselves of mentor advice or investor ready forums like those held locally by groups like Vancouver Enterprise Forum. Many cities have equivalent events and the technology sector is particularly well served. Since many other entrepreneurs in other sectors may not have as ready access to prepare them I would like to recommend a great resource that is sure to help.

The book is Winning Angels, The Seven Fundamentals of Early-stage Investing by David Amis and Howard Stevenson. I should duly note that the while the book was originally published in Britain, the angel advice is international and represents over 50 winning angels, VCs and entrepreneurs The book is written with the angel perspective so if you are an entrepreneur that viewpoint is even more valuable. The website www.winningangels.com seems dated and promises a Winning Entrepreneurs book. Not sure what to make of the fact that it asks you to register and is dated 2003! Regardless, the value of the first book stands. Here is a little excerpt for your negotiation reference:

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Our own Shannon Kaplun has sourced out a number of resources aimed specifically at women. Here’s a taste of what she’s recommended thus far.

There’s A Business in Every Woman: A 7-Step Guide to Discovering, Starting and Building the Business of Your Dreams, by Ann M. Holmes.

Ladies Who Launch: Embracing Entrepreneurship and Creativity as a Lifestyle, by Victoria Colligan, et al.

Women’s Portal