Both Sides of the Table

JULY 22, 2010

Back in 1999 when I first raised venture capital I had zero knowledge of what a fair term sheet looked like or how to value my company. I told them that True Ventures had stuck to their brand name and submitted a totally clean term sheet. It was accept the terms or go into bankruptcy so we took the money. No gotchas.

Valuation 405

Valuation Liquidation Preference Pre-Money Valuation Term Sheet 405

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 27, 2010

To the contrary – if you know how to sell your own work, can negotiate good rates, network well, keep consistent work and have a great reputation – it can be very rewarding. I was paid less in salary in 2004 than I was paid at the job I quit in 1999 (a job I had held 8+ years). We were family. We ARE family.

Venture Capital 285

Venture Capital Hiring Software Review Stock Options 285

abovethecrowd.com

APRIL 20, 2016

In 1999, record valuations coexisted with record IPOs and shareholder liquidity. If 1999 was a wet (read liquid) bubble, 2015 was a particularly dry one. Back in 1999, if a company raised $30mm before an IPO, that was considered a large historic raise. It will also minimize future dilution. 2015 was the exact opposite.

IPO 40

IPO Term Sheet Silicon Valley Valuation 40