Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 26, 2020

As an advisor to new hardware entrepreneurs, I often hear the myth that a business plan is no longer required to find an investor, if your idea is good enough. You may have heard that venture capitalists in Silicon Valley no longer read business plans. Provide specifics on the customer business model.

Business Plan 423

Business Plan Product Intellectual Property Elevator Pitch 423

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 13, 2012

People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor. In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Explain the business model. Exit strategy.

Business Plan 283

Business Plan Sweat Equity Exit Strategy Intellectual Property 283

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 12, 2020

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million dollar investment before they even have a business plan. Every entrepreneur needs help and support along the way, from developing the initial idea, to selling off the successful business (exit strategy).

Incubator 429

Incubator Startup Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 429

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 8, 2023

Your pitch and business plan are important. Perhaps you can get money from friends and crowdfunding with no plan, but angels look for the extra discipline and effort demonstrated in a written plan. Make sure these cover your business model and exit strategy, so the angels see how both of you will make a reasonable return.

Venture Capital 265

Venture Capital Accredited Investor Syndicate Syndication 265

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 13, 2011

People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor. In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Explain the business model. Exit strategy.

Business Plan 290

Business Plan Sweat Equity Exit Strategy Intellectual Property 290

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

Funding might be a need in some cases — but it’s not an absolute necessity. ? The business should be self-sustainable. The primary source of your funds should be your paying customers, i.e., your business should generate enough revenues and profits to fund the growth and expansion. Government programs.

Startup 150

Startup Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Seed Stage 150

Up and Running

FEBRUARY 12, 2022

Learn why the traditional way of writing a five-year business plan is often a waste of time and how to use a Lean Plan instead for smarter, easier strategic planning to establish your long-term vision. But, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t plan for the long term. What is a long-term plan?

Business Plan 83

Business Plan Lean Forecast Exit Strategy 83

Up and Running

JANUARY 2, 2013

Have a well thought out business plan on hand to share, so investors can read more if they’d like to. The intention, after all, is – you deliver a powerful pitch, and their hands are out asking for either your executive summary or your complete business plan. How will you reach your customers?

Hockey Stick 164

Hockey Stick Exit Strategy Technical Review Due Diligence 164

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

They must amplify your “elevator pitch” to investors, as well as key points from the business plan and the financial model. Prepare an investment-grade business plan. Every entrepreneur needs a professional business plan for their own use, whether they intend to seek investor funding or not.

Intellectual Property 249

Intellectual Property Angel Investor Technical Review Elevator Pitch 249

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 10, 2023

Even if you are not requesting outside funding, I would expect a clear process for sourcing and managing the investment you plan to apply. External investors expect a documented business plan, with clear targets on funding needed, use of funds, revenue projections, return potential, and exit strategy.

Exit Strategy 288

Exit Strategy Metrics Operations Cost 288

Growthink Blog

NOVEMBER 10, 2017

Below are our top 20 reasons why you need a business plan. Reference our proven business plan template to most quickly and easily complete your plan. To prove that you’re serious about your business. To establish business milestones. Creating the business plan forces you to analyze the competition.

Business Plan 128

Business Plan Private Placement Exit Strategy Finance 128

Gust

AUGUST 5, 2012

People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor. In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Explain the business model. Exit strategy.

Business Plan 182

Business Plan Sweat Equity Exit Strategy Intellectual Property 182

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 22, 2010

People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor. In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Explain the business model. Exit strategy.

Business Plan 186

Business Plan Exit Strategy Sweat Equity Intellectual Property 186

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 27, 2021

Your pitch and business plan are important. Perhaps you can get money from friends and crowdfunding with no plan, but angels look for the extra discipline and effort demonstrated in a written plan. Make sure these cover your business model and exit strategy, so the angels see how both of you will make a reasonable return.

Search 317

Search Accredited Investor Angel Investor Venture Capital 317

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

They must amplify your “elevator pitch” to investors, as well as key points from the business plan and the financial model. Prepare an investment-grade business plan. Every entrepreneur needs a professional business plan for their own use, whether they intend to seek investor funding or not.

Angel Investor 224

Angel Investor Intellectual Property Technical Review Elevator Pitch 224

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 7, 2020

Even if you are not requesting outside funding, I would expect a clear process for sourcing and managing the investment you plan to apply. External investors expect a documented business plan, with clear targets on funding needed, use of funds, revenue projections, return potential, and exit strategy.

Entrepreneur 328

Entrepreneur Exit Strategy Metrics Operations 328

Up and Running

MAY 1, 2014

You’ve reviewed what a business plan is , and why you need one to start and grow your business. It’s time to dig into the process of actually writing a business plan. In this step-by-step guide, I’ll take you through every stage of writing a business plan that will actually help you achieve your goals.

Business Plan 163

Business Plan Forecast Balance Sheet Distribution 163

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 28, 2018

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million dollar investment before they even have a business plan. Every entrepreneur needs help and support along the way, from developing the initial idea, to selling off the successful business (exit strategy).

Incubator 236

Incubator Exit Strategy Institutional Investors Angel Investor 236

Up and Running

MAY 17, 2017

Plus, you’ll always be prepared in case an opportunity or desire to sell arises in the future—it’s a smart idea to have an exit strategy. The sad reality is that many business acquisitions do not work out as hoped. I spoke to a business owner recently who was bringing in $1.7 million in sales revenue.

Acquisition 92

Acquisition Technical Review Revenue Exit Strategy 92

YoungUpstarts

MAY 6, 2019

Business plan. What is your business going to be? These are some serious questions and you need to have an answer for all these questions to create a sound business plan. Finally, you have a product, a business plan, and a marketing strategy. Is there an exit strategy?

Startup 104

Startup Technical Cofounder Merger Early Stage 104

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 27, 2012

Remember the goal is an overview presentation that will pique investor interest enough to ask for the business plan and a follow-on meeting, not close the deal on the spot. Every startup needs both a business plan and an investor presentation, completed before you formally approach any investors. Business model.

Elevator Pitch 247

Elevator Pitch Exit Strategy Burn Rate Merger 247

Business Plan Blog

OCTOBER 8, 2013

Ten Deadly Business Plan Writing Sins for Raising Capital. Another key factor is how these business concepts are portrayed in the startup’s business plan. All good business plans put considerable attention on the competition for several reasons. Focusing on Technology. Ignoring the Competition.

Business Plan 67

Business Plan NDA Exit Strategy Valuation 67

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 10, 2011

Remember the goal is an overview presentation that will pique investor interest enough to ask for the business plan and a follow-on meeting, not close the deal on the spot. Every startup needs both a business plan and an investor presentation, completed before you formally approach any investors. Business model.

Elevator Pitch 234

Elevator Pitch Exit Strategy Burn Rate Merger 234

Up and Running

MAY 4, 2015

Explain your plan for customer acquisition. Describe your revenue model. State your exit strategy. a shipping company, won the Liftoff Houston Business Plan Competition after a four minute pitch and 10 minutes of Q&A, but she says she never would have gotten to that point without writing her business plan first.

Technical Review 60

Technical Review Entrepreneur Software Review Houston 60

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 17, 2014

Equally important, you need to make these projections first as goals for your own use, to convince the team as well as investors that you have a business which is achievable. Aggressive revenue projections and growth rate. Revenue in the fifth year should be at least $20 million, with a growth rate average of 100% per year.

Liquidity Event 249

Liquidity Event Equity Venture Capital Merger 249

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 28, 2013

I recommend a simple set of guidelines, which work for at least 80% of the business plans I see. In reality, you need to make these projections first as goals for your own use, to convince the team as well as investors that you have a business which is achievable. Aggressive revenue projections and growth rate.

Liquidity Event 243

Liquidity Event Startup Equity Venture Capital 243

Up and Running

NOVEMBER 12, 2018

The subscription box industry is growing rapidly thanks to a steady revenue model and tapping into people’s love for surprises. But with so many people trying to get their share of the growth, many subscription box businesses fold within a year or two. There are several different types of business plans that can help you stay on track.

Business Plan 63

Business Plan Curation Balance Sheet Intellectual Property 63

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 15, 2013

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million dollar investment before they even have a business plan. Every entrepreneur needs help and support along the way, from developing the initial idea, to selling off the successful business (exit strategy).

Incubator 256

Incubator Entrepreneur Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 256

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 19, 2010

Remember the goal is an overview presentation that will pique investor interest enough to ask for the business plan and a follow-on meeting, not close the deal on the spot. Every startup needs both a business plan and an investor presentation, completed before you formally approach any investors. Business model.

Elevator Pitch 235

Elevator Pitch Exit Strategy Burn Rate Merger 235

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 27, 2016

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million dollar investment before they even have a business plan. Every entrepreneur needs help and support along the way, from developing the initial idea, to selling off the successful business (exit strategy).

Incubator 120

Incubator Startup Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 120

YoungUpstarts

SEPTEMBER 28, 2016

Create a Business Plan. As a management tool, develop a business plan with a five year projection and an exit strategy. Business plans are the roadmap for your company and usually include a section on operations, marketing and budgeting. Do not be afraid to create more than one revenue stream.

Management 100

Management Small Business Administration United States Exit Strategy 100

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 16, 2012

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million dollar investment before they even have a business plan. Every entrepreneur needs help and support along the way, from developing the initial idea, to selling off the successful business (exit strategy).

Incubator 237

Incubator Startup Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 237

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 24, 2012

They must amplify your “elevator pitch” to investors, as well as key points from the business plan and the financial model. Prepare an investment-grade business plan. Every entrepreneur needs a professional business plan for their own use, whether they intend to seek investor funding or not.

Angel Investor 260

Angel Investor Intellectual Property Elevator Pitch Angel Groups 260

Gust

AUGUST 19, 2012

Remember the goal is an overview presentation that will pique investor interest enough to ask for the business plan and a follow-on meeting, not close the deal on the spot. Every startup needs both a business plan and an investor presentation, completed before you formally approach any investors. Business model.

Elevator Pitch 146

Elevator Pitch Exit Strategy Burn Rate Merger 146

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

A limited budget makes for a better business plan. Flaws in a business plan are often masked by money, but ultimately will kill any startup. Don’t quit your day job until the revenue is flowing. Keep your exit strategy options open as you learn. You need to see them quickly, and pivot as required.

Bootstrapping 120

Bootstrapping Entrepreneur Startup Exit Strategy 120

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 28, 2016

Even if you are not requesting outside funding, I would expect a clear process for sourcing and managing the investment you plan to apply. External investors expect a documented business plan, with clear targets on funding needed, use of funds, revenue projections, return potential, and exit strategy.

Exit Strategy 155

Exit Strategy Metrics Operations Cost 155

Gust

AUGUST 10, 2014

Equally important, you need to make these projections first as goals for your own use, to convince the team as well as investors that you have a business which is achievable. Aggressive revenue projections and growth rate. Revenue in the fifth year should be at least $20 million, with a growth rate average of 100% per year.

Liquidity Event 176

Liquidity Event Equity Venture Capital Merger 176