I suppose they may have seen it as a viable option. It's tough to tell who is legit at times especially if they come recommended from someone you know (who also may not know the predatory behavior). Who knows? Some of these predator investors/consultants are just schmucks!
Good book, there are a few similar ones out there. His process seems very similar to the 'challenger sale' in either case, I think it is a good read! Thanks for the recommendation :)
Thanks gregcohn, I read this article last night and now am convinced that this isn't good practice. I was surprised that the company that went ahead with these guys actually did because they had been around for sometime.
Independently of being a bad idea from the entrepreneur's point of view, it is a very negative signal to a potential investor if you can raise your own early-stage round (per loumf's comment).
Fundraising is harder than it looks on techcrunch, though, and it's understandable that anxious and/or desperate founders would get to a point where they'd try anything that sounds good.
A better approach would be generating traction ;-).
Yep, I decided to be customer-funded (traction) instead of vc funded. I had met this guy a while back and thought if I could get some funding in it could take me to the next level faster... but, re-focusing on the customer again seems to be the better alternative :)
Ever consider that you may like to be someone else's personal trainer or maybe partner with a few trainers and open up a cross-fit place?
I was in the same boat a few years back, I had an amazing job with great pay but wasn't happy. I had to force myself to give up on certain fun/costly activities so I could save even a little bit at a time. At some point for me, it was more about trying different things while I still had money coming. You seem to be having an early mid-life crisis! Might want to consider a career coach or a life coach, sounds strange but, there are some sites that offer great options like https://www.pivotplanet.com/
Since there are many ed-tech companies looking for ex-teachers to provide a pov on their product, you could consider educational consulting or even joining a team where you can code and provide product direction. I would start by joining a meetup in Seattle for Ed-Tech link:(http://www.meetup.com/EdTechSeattle/). This gives you the opportunity to network which you finish up your teaching contract and line up something you would love to do whether it is coding, teaching on a MOOCs platform, or consulting.
Depends on the disciplines you want to put together since courses, projects, and activities will vary significantly based on the combination.
Also the level at which you want to develop this curriculum (e.g. Undergrad, Masters etc).
I would also consider what you want as the end goal coming out after the self-study is completed? a degree? certification? These can all be factors on how robust your program will / will not be.
Can you give more guidance on what you are looking to develop?
Every professor or teacher I have spoken with loves the idea of them being able to help and reach more individuals now with platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and SchoolKeep. My guess is a lot of them do it because they love teaching. However, for some it may help them get recognition and grants too for their research or school. I wouldn't doubt if some are being asked to speak at conferences and getting paid that way because of their reach & influence through MOOCs platforms either.
