Posts Tagged ‘Investors’
Are You Getting Your Fair Share of Startup Equity?
I always tell entrepreneurs that two heads are better than one, so the first task in many startups is finding a co-founder or two. You need to find the skills or experience you don’t have in business, technology, or money. So the first question I usually get is what percent of the company or equity…
Read MoreHow to Match Your Startup Stage to Investor Interest
Time is too precious to waste trying to close a deal with the wrong investors at the wrong time. Luckily, not all investors are looking for the same thing, so it pays to know what type of investors are most interested in what your startup brings to the table. The key is understanding how potential…
Read MoreAvoid These 3 Risks When Seeking Investors
Becoming a small business owner is a stressful prospect. Even the most experienced in their field struggle when they go from being under the safe gaze of a corporation to being completely on their own. Double that stress when it comes to financing their venture. Even bootstrap startups are going to struggle with funding after…
Read More10 Good Reasons Not to Seek Investors for Your Startup
Sure, maybe you need the money. Maybe that’s what your business plan says. But seriously: Do you really want to have investors involved in your dream startup? I’ve said it before: bootstrapping is underrated. I get frequent emails from people asking how they can get investment for their new startup, and I’ve admitted to being a…
Read MoreLooking for Investment? Understand Startup Valuation
How much equity do I have to give to angel investors? If you’re a startup founder looking for angel investment, you need to understand valuation. It’s a buzzword that people use in other contexts, too, which adds to the confusion. But it’s ultimately what determines how much of your company your investors will get, and…
Read MoreImportant Pitch Lesson: The Best Business Plans Change
My favorite moment in a recent business plan contest: The entrepreneurs put up a projected income slide. One of the judges commented that what was on the slide was different from what he saw in the business plan. The entrepreneur immediately answered, “No, of course not, that was an earlier iteration.” Business Plans Change. They…
Read MoreHow Winning Startups Tackle Tough Growth Constraints
There is nothing wrong with growing your business by selling more of your solution to more people in more cities, states, and countries. That’s called organic growth, and everybody does it. But in my experience as a startup advisor, too many entrepreneurs get stuck there, and always find excuses for not really exploring mergers, acquisitions, partnerships,…
Read More6 Places to Find the Right Investor for Your Startup
One of the biggest myths I have found in the entrepreneur community is that every startup needs one or more outside investors for credibility and success, and perhaps is even entitled to at least one. They don’t realize that according to statistics from Startup.co, almost 60 percent are funded with personal savings and credit, and another…
Read MoreBootstrapping is Much More Fun Than Investors
If you really want to start a business your way without a boss or professional investor hovering over you, then just fund it yourself or through friends and family, and grow it organically. It’s more possible to bootstrap today than a few years ago, as the cost of entry continues to go down. According to…
Read More9 Rules of Investing for Entrepreneurs
As an entrepreneur, your personal finances can oftentimes affect your ability to invest and grow your venture, especially if new growth opportunities are capital intensive. Similarly, if you’ve recently sold your business or startup for a sizable amount and decide you want to invest the proceeds, it is critical that you follow certain basic investment…
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