For many entrepreneurs, the VC world is a mystery. What do VCs really want? What are the valuation metrics? What are the key terms in a shareholder's agreement?

It's all complex stuff (even for some VCs) and, yes, there are numerous VCs who are blogging about these issues.

Is it a good thing? Well, there's a piece on the topic on Boston.com. So far, it seems the answer is "yes."

After all, if entrepreneurs have accurate guidelines, it means that the parties won't waste time. Something else: certain companies - that may provide tremendous benefits - can get the funding they need.

Oh, a blog can also bring more deal flow for VCs, and in light of the competition, this can be a nice advantage.

What's more, VC blogs can be a good source for those who aren't looking for capital. After all, VCs must keep a pulse on the latest-and-greatest. So, they often have some intriguing opinions.

If you want to check out some of the VC blogs, click here.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook and The Edgar Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.

Should VCs get bloggy? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• Jefferies assumed coverage of International Game Tech (NYSE: IGT) with a Buy rating and $47 target citing an attractive risk/reward.

• Big 5 Sporting Goods (NASDAQ: BGFV) was started with a Sector Performer rating and $33 target at CIBC, expecting shares to be driven by an operating margin recover and improving cash flows.

• CVS/Caremark Corp (NYSE: CVS) was reinstated with an Overweight rating at Lehman Brothers and resumed with an Overweight rating at Morgan Stanley.

• JP Morgan believes the rough environment, growing competition and valuation warrants IHOP Corp (NYSE: IHP) to start with a Neutral rating.

• B. Riley initiated shares of United Online, Inc (NASDAQ: UNTD) with a Buy rating and $18 target.

• Bear Stearns started T-3 Energy Services, Inc (NASDAQ: TTES) with an Outperform rating and $32 target.

• Morgan Stanley initiated shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: VNDA) with an Overweight rating and $29 target.

• American Technology initiated shares of Bankrate, Inc (NASDAQ: RATE) with a Buy rating and $48 target.

• Altus Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ALTU) was initiated with an Outperform rating and $20 fair value estimate at Leerink Swann.

Analyst initiations 4-30-07: BGFV, CVS, IGT, IHP and RATE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

On the front page of JimmyJane.com, there is the following:

Welcome to Jimmyjane - where naughty is nice, sexy is smart, and the pleasure's in the details. With our blend of sophisticated design, superior craftsmanship and a twist of whimsy, we make what we love. Curious?

Yes, the company sells adult toys - such as vibrators and even blindfolds. However, this is far from schlocky stuff; rather, the company focuses on great design and, of course, customer satisfaction.

Actually, Jimmyjane is trying to protect its intellectual property. For example, the company recently filed a patent - which has the following title: "Personal vibrator with replaceable motor."

Here's the abstract:

A vibrating massager includes a housing, a power source supported by the housing and a replaceable motor. The housing and motor are configured so that the motor may be readily replaced by a human operator without the need to replace the housing, power source, or other components. The motor may be sized and configured to substitute for a conventional battery in a multi-battery device. When positioned in place of a battery in a supporting device, the motor operates to impart a vibrating motion to the supporting device.

Yes, I'm sure the attorney had fun filing that one.

The company also has some heavy-hitters on the board, such as Amy Schoening. She was the former chief marketing officer of the Gap (NYSE: GPS).

So, Jimmyjane looks like a can't miss business concept, right?

Not necessarily. According to a recent piece in Private Equity Week [a paid service], the company has been struggling to raise money.

But as of last year, it looks like the company got some traction and was able to raise about $1.1 million from a variety of angels. Perhaps the most notable: Tim Draper, who manages Draper Fisher Jurvetson. Some of his mega investments include Baidu (Nasdaq: BIDU) and Skype, which is owned by eBay (Nasdaq: EBAY).

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and the EDGAR-Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.

Sex, vibrators and VCs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.