This interview was originally published on October 23, 2014, as HTE 019: Is This Startup Worth My Life? | Dan Martell During this conversation, I ask Dan Martell what the criteria is for knowing whether or not your idea needs VC funding — his response leaves me speechless, but clarifies the murky waters. As a Canadian entrepreneur, Dan has taken two businesses from idea to exit and he shares with us what he has learned. — Today's guest has been an entrepreneur most of his life – having started at 18 – and failing twice – before finally figuring it out. Now he is an award-winning Canadian entrepreneur and founder of Clarity, a venture-backed startup that makes it easy to connect with top business minds over the phone. He previously co-founded Flowtown, a San Francisco-based social marketing product which raised funding, grew to over 50,000 small business customers and was eventually acquired in 2011. A year later he was named Canada's top angel investor having completed over 33 investments in companies like Udemy, Intercom, and Unbounce. Now, let's hack... Dan Martell. What you will learn in this episode: How and why people overvalue funding for their startups Finding your magic zone to make the world a better place Specifically, when your company is ready for venture funding Making people and relationships your number one asset Resources and links mentioned: Dan's Blog Clarity Talk to Dan on Clarity John Maxwell - Magic Zone Eric Bahn Interview Dan on Twitter Jonny on Twitter Exclusive Sponsor: Get Freshbooks Today!