[author: Bill Warren]

Some interesting links we found across the web this week:

Board of Advisors
Free advice from industry leaders? Tackling difficult problems with experienced executives? WilmerHale Partner Josh Fox explores why and when a board of advisors serves as a key asset for many startups (read part one and part two of this three-part blog series).

Bloomberg US Startups Barometer
Bloomberg’s barometer shows downward pressure on US startups. By measuring dollars invested and returned, Bloomberg tracks the ups-and-downs of the startup market as a whole. 

7 Tips Every Startup Should Know Before Applying to an Accelerator Program
Before hitting the gas and going full tilt into accelerator applications, pause to consider a few important issues. Forbes shares seven things founders should think about before committing to the accelerator route.

Getting Human Resources Right
Nobody likes a trip to HR and often for good reasons. Veteran investor Fred Wilson shares insights on how to make HR a meaningful and effective part of your organization. 

What to Get Right When Raising Money: 5 Insights for Startups From a Former VC
Get that first fundraise right. Entrepreneur peeks into the mind of a former VC to give advice on how to approach investors and the questions to expect. 

Why We Need Diverse Founder and Funding Teams and How to Find Them
Diversity is an asset in any founding team. TechCrunch explores how diverse teams not only make sense from a moral perspective, but can be good for business.