I have been an observer of and investor in the consumer and Internet market for the past 18 years. Since I retired from Wall Street in in Mid 2007, I have made 23 investments and have had already five exits to public companies, with average return of 3x in less than 18 months. I spot trends early by doing core consumer research (see Thinkplus.vc for some of my recent thought pieces). I also look at global macro trends and continuously interact with entrepreneurs and VCs in the Valley.  I focus on the long term strategic value of the company, the core value proposition to the consumer/business, and the 'investablity' of the idea.  When a company pitches me, and it passes the initial investment focus tests,  I go through a rigorous investment analysis process before I even start on due diligence.  I advise my companies on long term strategic positioning, product positioning and strategy, and, importantly, on funding and financial planning. I focus on select areas that I have researched and determined to be growth areas in the next 5-10 years (see thinkplus.vc for more details), not necessarily the typical 'hot trends' in the Valley.  I keep very close to the companies that I invest in-- with many, I am also on the Board or an advisor - with others I still provide feedback and keep track of their progress and look for potential yellow flags before they turn red.

I will syndicate deals that I am going to be very close to (usually means I am on the Board) or the ones that I feel will benefit from a curated offering to the broader investment community.  By definition, these will be deals that I most strongly believe in and also believe that the story needs some good shepherding, and has the potential to be a Unicorn.