FOUNDERS
Daryl Starr
Mikel Berger
Latest Blog Posts
Savage to Sage
Daniel Fuller, a friend of mine, started a new podcast and invited me to be the first guest. We get into a lot of my personal journey that lead me to business ownership and Little Engine Ventures.
Common Practice Too Often Replaces Common Sense
This week a prospective business seller said he didn’t run his business according to traditional cost accounting methods. (I had asked about gross margins to get a sense of gross profit. This is an important indicator to me because it often reveals intellectual property and annual growth ceiling.) He gently said, “that’s just not how Read more about Common Practice Too Often Replaces Common Sense[…]
I want to die a business owner
Our hometown, Lafayette, Indiana, closed some downtown streets for restaurants to offer more outdoor seating this weekend. Our family decided to go out for a nice Sunday evening dinner. Walking along we saw a couple of businesses on Main Street that caught my eye. It’s not too often that you see an actual for-sale sign Read more about I want to die a business owner[…]
Introducing “Little Engine Information”
Little Engine Ventures (“LEV”) has conducted research on private companies since 2016. After thousands of direct and indirect records have been organized privately, we thought it was time to share a few insights about our community with our friends and neighbors without breaking confidentiality. Early feedback has been promising and so we thought we’d name Read more about Introducing “Little Engine Information”[…]
Turpentine Conversations
Friday I had the opportunity to visit a friend’s business. She is subletting some extra space from us for awhile until the buildout of her new space is finished. We walked around the office, the production area, and shipping. The conversations turned to labeling. She talked about having some of her lids pre-printed. She’d just Read more about Turpentine Conversations[…]
Updated Investment Criteria for Little Engine Ventures
Our basic investment criteria has not changed since we launched: get paid for the risks we take. We are not seeking guarantees. We provide guarantees and accept risk. Our guarantees often come in the form of cash and simple agreements. The risks we are willing to accept are diverse but of like kind, and of Read more about Updated Investment Criteria for Little Engine Ventures[…]
Light calendar, long task list
Daryl and I are enjoying this season of no big events and fewer random coffee requests. It fits his personality. I’ve been good with it too but I’ll welcome the occasional coffee getting back on my calendar in the future. For now this season also aligns well with our near term objectives for Little Engine. Read more about Light calendar, long task list[…]
How to Start a Searcher Group
This blog post has two parts. The most valuable part is understanding how to start a group for search funders in your region. The second part, is me explaining why we are no longer the host. I’ll start with part two. Skim over this and check out part one for the premium value. Part Two: Read more about How to Start a Searcher Group[…]
Profile of the Ideal Business
A wise investor once said that a businessmen ought to begin with the end in mind and work backwards. At 10pm last night, I fired off a message that outlined my concept of “the best.” I thought I would share it below. 50-60% Gross Profit Margin – This indicates one or more proprietary aspects, often Read more about Profile of the Ideal Business[…]
Whistle
A whistle blower calls “foul.” Little Engine Ventures Complaint Submission Form A company manager once told me I remind him of a protective father warning him with a firm handshake and stern words before taking the daughter out on a first date, “She means a lot to me. I trust you. Bring her back safely.” Read more about Whistle[…]