Economic reality is setting in on entrepreneurs

I've had a number conversations in the last week with early stage companies who are still holding onto too much hope with regard to the prospects for investment.  I hate to be the harbinger of bad news but getting investors -- whether that be venture capitalists or angel investors -- to part with cash this year is very unlikely. I don't want to say it's impossible, because we're looking at making a couple of investments this year. But, I'm still seeing too many entrepreneurs with expectations that are too high for the prospects of their company and the respective valuations, terms and likelihood of an investment. And, I'm still seeing investors holding onto their cash like a life raft.  Realistic expectations, perseverance, and innovation are the mind set that entrepreneurs must have toward managing their companies through this period.