Fern Mandelbaum

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

How Do You Balance Work and Family?

Mandelbaum answers a question she thinks about every day: How does she make time for what is the most important part of her life, her ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Putting Together a Team

When putting together a team, Fern Mandelbaum, Partner at Monitor Venture Partners, focuses on the CEO. She looks for someone who is incredibly committed, persevering, ...

Video 2 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Fern's Career Path

Mandelbaum has been an entrepreneur her whole life, starting her first company at the age of 3. She spent her early career years working at companies ...

Video 5 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

The Decision to Sell

Mandelbaum sold her first major company, Skyline Toys, when the company was at a critical juncture: they either need to find a strategic partner or ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

What Do You Look For in a Company?

When deciding what companies to invest in, Mandelbaum spends a lot of time with the prospective company. She considers what skills the founders have and ...

Video 5 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Common Problems Facing Startups

A common problem Mandelbaum sees in new companies is an unwillingness of the founder to let go. The mark of a great entrepreneur is the ...

Video 5 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The most important piece of advice that Mandelbaum would give to an aspiring entrepreneur is to surround oneself with great people and ask these people ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

From Startup Coach to Venture Capitalist

Mandelbaum did not consciously make the decision to shift her life's work, but was asked by two friends to help them with their new venture ...

Video 4 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

The Value of Business School

Mandelbaum believes that the best, and arguably most valuable, part of business school is the people you meet. She recommends working before going into business ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Making Connections

Mandelbaum recommends trying to meet someone that has connections in the venture capital community. It is very difficult to approach a venture firm unsolicited, but ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

What Special Factor Makes an Entrepreneur Successful?

Mandelbaum talks about how luck and timing are key factors in entrepreneurial success. Commitment and perseverance are also essential. In most cases, if you try ...

Video 2 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Matching Interest with Business Opportunities

Mandelbaum moved into the outdoor toy market because she loves sports and outdoor games. She is thriving at Monitor because they focus on companies that ...

Video 4 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Creating a Company Out of a Founder and a Great Idea

The paradox in starting a company is trying to get funding without any team while trying to get a team without any funding, says Mandelbaum. ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

How Much Should You Tell Investors?

Mandelbaum answers the questions: How much of my business idea should I reveal to investors? She believes that if you have a great team and ...

Video 2 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

The VC Market Today

Mandelbaum is optimistic about the opportunities in the market today based on her assessment of holiday parties, which she believes are a valuable indicator of ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

How Do You Meet Really Great People?

Mandelbaum suggests that one should surround themselves with really great people in order to bolster their chances of success. But how can we meet these ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Can Entrepreneurship Be Taught?

Mandelbaum believes that one is born an entrepreneur. A person can learn the basics of entrepreneurship, but the willingness and eagerness to take risks should ...

Video 3 minutes

Fern Mandelbaum, Monitor Venture Partners

Attracting People in the Early Stages

Even without money for salaries, people are often attracted to companies with equity, says Mandelbaum. Obviously, equity is more attractive for people early on in ...

Video 3 minutes