First, re Groupon. Certainly they help people. But I didn't say that making the world a better place was necessary. I said that it was one way to make produc

First, re Groupon. Certainly they help people. But I didn't say that making the world a better place was necessary. I said that it was one way to make products that benefit people. Groupon benefits people. Whether it makes the world a better place is a different question. As for your scenario, I don't trust VC's. Someone may be being nice at first just to leverage you out of more of a share later. My first impression is that SPECTRE poses a distinct danger of pushing a company too far too fast, and that this is most likely the source of the accusations of dirty tricks. I don't know what you mean about assholes. If they are merely arrogant and irreverent that's one thing. If they seem to encourage unethical behavior I would not consider them. HERO poses a different initial concern. I would be worried about them pushing to dilute my share, and just being nice at first to win confidence. Bringing someone into a business is a lot like getting married. I would want someone I could both respect and get along with, but failing that at least knowing where I stand would be helpful.