Get in early, back people who know their industry cold, and more about how, when, and where to invest. Many of my local venture counterparts won’t invest in medical device, hardware, or consumer products. A decade later, those relationships became investments in Aegle, Nice Healthcare, and Current Clinic. Long-standing relationships plus a willingness to ask—that’s the most reliable way to access high-potential investments. 9) Build, build, build, build, build, build, fail.