Risk is really another word for uncertainty.
Investing in utilities is fairly low risk, because we're pretty sure that people aren't going to suddenly start using twice as much electricity out of the blue (or half as much, unfortunately).
Investing in startups is fairly high risk, because not only could they go out of business, but they could be huge home runs. One of my companies told me their stated goal was to be a billion dollar company--and it's completely possible if executed right.
They could also be out of business a year from now.
What can I do? I can help make intros to next round investors, potential hires, get them press--all the things that move the company forward and make a positive outcome more certain.
The more you get done, the less risk remains. Sometimes, I feel like the first your of a company's life is just an exercise in avoiding ways to die. Start with things most likely to kill your company, and then work your way down. Most often, the highest risk is running out of cash and not hiring the right people--so address these risks with the most urgency.
What's the most uncertain thing in your company? In your life? And what can you do this week to gain clarity on it?