Brad Feld

Friends and Family Investors - a more valuable resource than most might think

Angel investors - great insights on what differentiates angels from other types of investors and also (importantly) insights on "angels versus devils" at this stage of your new venture

Understand your needs before you start bugging prospective investors.

Preparing your materials in advance of asking for funding. Don't bring a Powerpoint to a gun fight...

Make sure you understand if the investor is valuing you at pre- or post-money.

You are typically going to give up 20% or so during a Series A and a separate 20% (or so, it's negotiable) to commit to an employee option pool.