I knew Simon before he did Lanyrd. I try to back friends when they do interesting stuff. I figure if your friends don't have your back, they aren't really your friends, right?

I've done about as well investing in friends as I have on thesis investment, so it's not a terrible strategy.

Do you worry about the friendship souring if things go awry with the company/investment? In the sense that if a !friend investment goes sour, perhaps it's rough, but you're not out a friend in addition to the money.