I often hear would-be entrepreneurs who have an idea for a product or a company and are looking for investors. My advice is always the same.

Mutant Logic, the El Dorado Hills startup, which has developed software that allows makers of integrated circuits to analyze chip designs has secured $500,000 in funding from local angel investors. In addition, the company has signed a licensing deal with UCD, a milestone for a campus that's been pushing to convert its research into commercial ventures.