The mythical American should be able to start a business purely through a combination of working hard, having the right attitude, and pulling up their bootstraps. Chances are, however, real-world business owners are going to need outside help at some point. One such way to get help (without giving up control of your business to […]
Seeking Capital
7 Investor Term Sheet Demands Startups Need Not Fear
Most entrepreneurs looking for an investor can tell you how much money they need, but few have given much thought to what they are willing to give up for it. Perhaps they’re way off in their valuation (usually far too high), or paralyzed by fear at seeing the other terms, because they have no idea […]
Should Your Next Business Loan Be Secured or Unsecured?
One of the biggest decisions a business has to make when seeking finance is whether to choose a secured or unsecured loan. In simple terms, a secured loan is taken out against agreed collateral, with the lender holding a legal charge or debenture on a specific asset. Should the loan not be repaid, the lender […]
8 Lessons for Entrepreneurs from the Shark Tank
As an advisor to entrepreneurs and active angel investor, I often get questions about the realism of the Shark Tank TV series, compared to professional investor negotiations.
Where Startups Get Their Money
Angel investors generally focus on seed money—early investment for startups at early stages of growth—for amounts less than $1 million.
How to Qualify for a Business Loan
What makes a business a good candidate for a bank loan? What are loan officers looking for? Read on for the answers to these questions.
Size Up Your Investors Before Accepting Their Money
Even though the color of their money is always green, all startup investors are not the same. Struggling entrepreneurs are often so happy to get a funding offer that they neglect the recommended reverse due diligence on the investors.
The 3 Stages of Successful Fundraising
Fundraising: Love it or hate it, unless you are independently wealthy, it’s key to the success of your new startup. When done right, it can lead to lucrative partnerships with angel investors and venture capitalists. Luckily, in my experience, the process of fundraising is always similar. The following steps were most crucial in raising each of my initial angel rounds.
How to Get a Business Loan: What You Might Not Know
A lot of what it takes to get a business loan is common sense. Get your credit in order, be professional, and make certain you can provide your own investment. These seem like no-brainers, right?
How to Broaden Your Search for the Right Investors
If you’re part of an accelerator or startup, the SEC just granted you a new way to approach funding in 2014: the right to solicit a broader range of investors.
