Yesterday Neil and I met up with lawyer we bumped into at a SDForum event for some lunch.  We had been having a very interesting conversation on the unique attributes that lead to success companies we wanted to continue.

It seems that much like house purchase/sale in Scotland investment contracts are effectively standardised.  Each law firm has it's own version, but there is a lot of commonality.  This means that when a deal is being done, negotiation can focus on the substance and the parties don't end up with huge legal fees for developing, understanding and negotiating bespoke contracts.  The National Venture Capital Association even publish model contracts for the investment process: http://www.nvca.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=108:model-legal-documents&catid=43:resources&Itemid=136.  I took a quick look at the British Venture Capital Association website (http://www.bvca.co.uk/) but I don't see any equivalent there...

It will be really interesting to compare what we have heard here to  happens in Scotland - that is now one of my missions for August and I have already made a few arrangements to meet folks to get a feel for the Scottish environment.

My project at Sun is hard work at the moment.  Everyone I need to engage is extremely busy and has a lot of other things going on, so it's quite hard to get the input I need.  Although exactly what will happen when the Oracle merger is approved is still not clear, there are a lot of people working on helping Oracle to understand what it is they just bought too. 

The acquisition process reminds me of unpacking a new mobile phone that you bought on the web and that just arrived in the post.  You sort of know what you bought from the specification, but when you actually have it in your hand there is a little trepidation:  Will I like what I see when I turn it on?  Will it be easy to use?  Will I be able to text fast or do I have to learn a new system? Will it fit in my pocket?  Will it work with my handsfree kit?  Of course, you have it on free 7 day trial but if you have to send it back it's a nuisance and a little embarrassing...  Everyone wants Oracle to be pleased with their new toy...

In addition to work, I'm trying to enjoy being in this rather lovely part of the country.  My wife, Ruth, is coming out to visit an about a week and I'm really looking forward to exploring some more with her.  She is very keen to see some baseball (after touring Fenway Park in Boston on her last visit) so we've booked tickets to see a Giants game on next Saturday night.  I also need to get to book some more diving (one of my favourite pass-times) down in Monterey Bay in the next few weeks...

Finally I don't want to appear sycophantic but I don't feel I can blog without commenting on something else that has happened this week that has me really excited.  We received the list of projects and companies for our second executive internship in Scotland, and I find it truly inspiring to read about all the great things that are going on at home.  I find it even more inspiring that they are prepared to get involved with the Saltire Fellowship, and give up their valuable time to engage with us.   Thank you to all involved in preparing this - a LOT of hard work has clearly gone into the process already and the list of opportunities is amazing.

Silicon Valley is a wonderful place to meet people and find out about exciting companies, but increasingly I am feeling ready to come home and get stuck in...