The Capital Network is a nonprofit organization that provides education and mentoring to help early-stage entrepreneurs successfully raise seed capital. It connects entrepreneurs to angel groups, venture capital firms, accelerators, and experienced entrepreneurs through 40+ annual events like workshops, roundtables, and bootcamps. The organization aims to increase entrepreneurs' chances of obtaining the right investments and connections needed to succeed and grow their businesses.

1. The Capital Network is a non-profit (501c3) organization that provides practical, hands-on
education and personalized mentoring to help early stage entrepreneurs master the entire funding
process and successfully raise seed capital & beyond.
We know fundraising is hard so we provide entrepreneurs with:
Want to know more?
Follow us on @TCNUpdate www.thecapitalnetwork.org
The Right Network
We work with Angel Groups, VC Firms,
Accelerators, Community Organizations,
Service Providers and Seasoned
Entrepreneurs to help you succeed and grow
by increasing your chances of getting the
right kind of investment and connections.
The Right Programming
In collaboration with the investors who fund our
area’s startups, we create 40+ events a year -
workshops, roundtables, 1 on 1 mentoring and
bootcamps - that reflect the latest trends and
insights in the fundraising and startup
community.

2. thecapitalnetwork.org - @TCNUpdate
Choosing & Managing a Board :
Insights from Serial Board Members
Christopher Mirabile
Launchpad Venture
Group
Catherine White
Golden Seeds
Charlie Hipwood
MassVentures

3. Choosing Your Board - AGENDA
1. Why you need a board
2. How boards happen and what they
look like
3. How do they operate?
4. How do you get the most out of
your board & board relationships?
5. Q&A

4. Managing Your Board
Why Do You Need A Board? [Charlie]
a. Formal:
i. duty of care and loyalty
ii. represent shareholders and company
iii. Compensation and Audit
b. Informal:
i. Balance
ii. Help with growth
iii. Assess/measure what has been accomplished
and where you are going on a regular basis

5. Managing Your Board
How do boards happen & what do they look like? [Christopher]
• Typically formalized around first financing
• Typically 3 or 5 in total size
• Mostly appointed rather than chosen
• Usually 1-2 founder, 1-2 investor + 1 independent
• Often observers - what is an observer?

6. Managing Your Board
How do boards operate? [Catherine]
• Governance v. ​management​​
• Agenda & materials
• One meeting and one​​ phone​ call​ per quarter
• Metrics/KPIs (see appendix)
• Typical meeting​

7. Managing Your Board
How Do You Get The Most Out of Your Board And
Your Board Relationships? [Charlie]
• Set expectations
• No surprises
• Highlight areas for discussion
• Close the loop
• Reach out in between meetings for important items

8. Managing Your Board
Traps for the unwary [All]
• Never surprise your board
• Poor materials
• Poor scheduling
• Allowing meetings to be operational review
• Allowing directors to be disruptive or non-value-
added

9. Managing Your Board
Appendix - Example Dashboard