We investors see this all the time. An entrepreneur pitches using a deck with no slide for competition. When asked (as we always do) the response is, “This is new. We have no competition.” Niet! No! Unh unh. Professional investors laugh when they hear an entrepreneur come out with that one. That statement has killed more […]
Investors
What’s the Minimum Information to Give Your Investors?
Every investor wants regular information from companies taking their money. And most of us investors are frustrated by the lack of regular communication—unless, of course, the company needs more money. On the other side, entrepreneurs and CEO’s usually have a natural fear of giving too much information to us investors after the initial investment is […]
Think Ahead When Raising Your Early Investments
Some businesses just can’t fit within the angel capital or friends and family model for raising funds. Sooner or later you may need to seek venture capital and accommodate the needs of the venture community in negotiating the terms of an investment. What VC’s can and cannot do First, VC’s in general cannot invest in ‘S’ […]
How Much of My Business Do I Have to Give to an Investor?
If you’re looking for growth capital, this one’s for you. We’ll cover what information you’ll expect to provide, your range of expected values and amounts of investment to expect. All to help you set your expectations. OK? Financial History and Projections Let’s start with the basics. If you are a growing business with a track […]
10 Good Reasons Not to Seek Investors for Your Startup
Before you buy into the myths about startup investors, first consider whether you actually want startup investors for your new business at all. No, I’m not bitter … I had VC money in Palo Alto Software for a few years and they were helpful, collaborative, and good people. I’m not a bitter victim. And I’ve […]
Could You Have Created a “Dirty Cap Table”?
Oh, I know. When you started the business, you took investments from friends and family in small amounts just to get you started. Of course, that worked at the time. But… Enter the need for larger investments When you seek professional investors, whether organized angels or venture capitalists, one of the early questions you are asked […]
Would You Sign a Personal Guarantee if You Have Investors?
It’s a fact of life that a banker, lender or lessor will ask for a personal guarantee from the founder or entrepreneur most every time. But what if you’ve diluted your interest from 100% to something less than 50%? Should your investors expect you to carry 100% of the risk? The short answer is “yes.” […]
Oh, Go Ahead and Ask for a $5 Million Investment in Your Startup
I cannot tell you how many times I have seen executive summaries of business plans in which the entrepreneur seeks $5,000,000 to build the business. Four reasons you should reconsider. First, few startups can use that much money today with all the virtual services available and increasingly inexpensive methods of development, prototyping and marketing. Second, almost […]
Is It the Jockey or the Horse?
Early stage investors have been arguing over this for years. Do they bet on the entrepreneur (jockey) or the business idea and plan (the horse)? This is serious stuff. If you are looking for money, this question will certainly come up in one form or another when you approach professional or organized angel or VC […]
Is It the Jockey or the Horse?
Early stage investors have been arguing over this for years. Do they bet on the entrepreneur (jockey) or the business idea and plan (the horse)? This is serious stuff. If you are looking for money, this question will certainly come up in one form or another when you approach professional or organized angel or VC […]
