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ProfessorVC: Why I Hate Convertible Debt.Let Me Count the Ways

Professor VC

My partner in Menlo Incubator , Gary Kremen , and I had a recent debate on which one of us hates convertible debt more. This will also serve as a good pointer for all the entrepreneurs who ask why I am not interested in their company led convertible note financing round. Is This a Bridge or a Pier? ProfessorVC.

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Startups and VCs Should Avoid “Pier” Funding

Both Sides of the Table

This happens when the company has been making steady progress but hasn’t built enough “ proof &# to raise its next round of financing from external investors. a loan) that is later converted to equity at the time of the next financing. It starts as a debt instrument (e.g.

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The Option Pool Shuffle

venturehacks.com

Use a hiring plan to justify a small option pool, increase your share price, and increase your effective valuation. Reading on, the term sheet states, “The $8 million pre-money valuation includes an option pool equal to 20% of the post-financing fully diluted capitalization.&# Don’t lose this game. share to $1.00/share: