YoungUpstarts

OCTOBER 24, 2017

Is it prudent to have a set formula for valuation before you know how the company will perform or will you require the company to pay for an expert to value the company if one side wants to sell? Plan for your company’s eventual valuation. Proper planning for a valuation can make this process much smoother. Lump sum at closing?

Partner 208

Partner Technical Review Intellectual Property Due Diligence 208

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 27, 2014

I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. The good news is that a patent can scare off or at least delay competitors, and as a “rule of thumb” patents can add up to $1M to your startup valuation for investors or M&A exits (merger and acquisition).

Software Review 250

Software Review Software Technical Review Intellectual Property 250

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 8, 2019

Some nonprofit entrepreneurs think they can skip the whole plan, rather than just the sections on valuation, equity offered, and exit strategy. You still start the process with a business plan, but then you look for a philanthropist rather than an investor.

Equity 235

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 235

Both Sides of the Table

JUNE 5, 2011

2: As expected at least one person accused me of writing this post because I want to see lower valuations. As the risks below get eliminated the higher the valuation investors are prepared to pay. So rounds tend to be “range bound&# where the top end of the valuation spectrum often being done in boom markets (i.e.

Pre-Money Valuation 336

Pre-Money Valuation Valuation Silicon Valley Stock 336

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 21, 2018

There is additional encouraging news for aspiring entrepreneurs on many fronts, just in case you are thinking about joining the existing ranks: Valuations of successful startups have hit an all-time high. They also suggest that a business valuation discipline has returned to the Valley.

Entrepreneur 166

Entrepreneur Valuation Incubator Initial Public Offering 166

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 23, 2014

We are in a bubble (with so many private $1bn+ valuations). pre-money valuation you certainly would want to exercise your right to continue investing if you had prorata rights. 15 years ago we were at the peak of Internet hype with the launch of many over-capitalized businesses with a market size & opportunity was limited.

Technical Review 398

Technical Review Venture Capital Valuation Pre-Money Valuation 398

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 27, 2016

I still generally advise software startups to file a patent as a barrier to entry from competitors and to increase their valuation by investors, but every entrepreneur needs to understand the tradeoffs. By definition, patents limit the commercialization rate and range for a new innovation. All patents require public disclosure.

Software Review 120

Software Review Intellectual Property Software Technical Review 120

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

By definition?—?I’m I’m over-paying for every check I write into the VC ecosystem and valuations are being pushed up to absurd levels and many of these valuations and companies won’t hold in the long term. On the one hand, you’re over paying for every investment and valuations aren’t rational.

Pre-Money Valuation 471

Pre-Money Valuation Valuation Venture Capital Early Stage 471

Both Sides of the Table

JUNE 22, 2011

I’m no great scholar on bubbles – I have more interesting things to spend my time worrying about than the exact definition , but having been around a few I have at least given them intellectual consideration. And for some that means that despite waiting they may see worse valuations in the future than now. Feels good.

Saudi Arabia 309

Saudi Arabia Valuation IPO Technical Review 309

View from Seed

AUGUST 17, 2021

90% of the airtime around ownership and valuations is focused on what happens when the first check is written. Effective post money is the effective valuation of an investor’s dollars at any one time. Looking back, our biggest mistakes and omissions as a firm can often be traced to improper market definition.

IRR 205

IRR Dilution Founder Portfolio 205

Gust

OCTOBER 19, 2014

I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. The good news is that a patent can scare off or at least delay competitors, and as a “rule of thumb” patents can add up to $1M to your startup valuation for investors or M&A exits (merger and acquisition).

Software Review 173

Software Review Software Technical Review Intellectual Property 173

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 12, 2023

Let’s consider some basic definitions. VCs tend to demand more control of your spending and strategic decisions, with required board seats and lower valuations. Angels will likely agree to simpler term sheets, better valuations, and less restrictive terms on potential dilution, voting rights, exit options, and executive roles.

Angel Investor 246

Angel Investor IRR Venture Capital Valuation 246

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

It is going to cost a lot of money just to get the initial batch of products to test the market and would definitely require external funding. The bridge or exit stage is generally of very large transactions and for companies with substantial valuation. Point number 3: Never raise money with an increased valuation.

Startup 150

Startup Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Seed Stage 150

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 6, 2023

Lack of checks and balances on startup valuations. A startup that is listed on a crowdfunding platform gets no formal pushback or negotiation on its declared valuation. Unreasonably high early valuations hurt the entrepreneurs, as well as professional investors, later when a second round becomes a down round or can’t be negotiated.

Angel Groups 201

Angel Groups Accredited Investor Due Diligence Equity 201

View from Seed

AUGUST 17, 2021

90% of the airtime around ownership and valuations is focused on what happens when the first check is written. Effective post money is the effective valuation of an investor’s dollars at any one time. Looking back, our biggest mistakes and omissions as a firm can often be traced to improper market definition.

IRR 156

IRR Dilution Founder Portfolio 156

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 25, 2020

Lack of checks and balances on startup valuations. A startup that is listed on a crowdfunding platform gets no formal pushback or negotiation on its declared valuation. Unreasonably high early valuations hurt the entrepreneurs, as well as professional investors, later when a second round becomes a down round or can’t be negotiated.

Equity 411

Equity Angel Groups Accredited Investor Due Diligence 411

Tim Keane

JANUARY 12, 2010

Term-sheets and Valuations: Thinking about Negotiations.   I’ve sat down with entrepreneurs and a copy of a term sheet guide I like [ “Term Sheets & Valuations - A Line by Line Look at the Intricacies of Venture Capital Term Sheets & Valuations ” by Alex Wilmerding, Aspatore Press.] The Valuation Question.

Term Sheet 68

Term Sheet Valuation Dividend Liquidation Preference 68

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 22, 2012

After all, growth equals high valuations and loads of venture capital! Instant growth = huge valuation from follow-on investors = big VC mark-up on our quarterly reports = LP interest. But my definition of the word is much broader. Startups will continue to be aggressive in spamming us in our Facebook timeline. And headlines.

Silicon Valley 390

Silicon Valley Venture Capital Startup Technical Review 390

VC Cafe

AUGUST 2, 2022

Given the ‘fuzzy’ period we’re in, where we still struggle with a definition of the Metaverse, it’s easy to dismiss it all as a fad. In March 2022, Yuga Labs , the company behind BAYC, raised a $450M seed round at $4 billion valuation led by A16Z with the aim: create a better Metaverse.

IP 206

IP Cofounder Valuation Acquisition 206

Berkonomics

MARCH 5, 2020

So, it is important for the entrepreneur to identify, address and mitigate each of these in order to increase valuation and decrease the risk of ultimate loss of the business. Reduction or elimination of one or more of these risks increases the valuation of the company and certainly improves its chances of survival and growth.

Valuation 62

Valuation Down Round Early Stage Demand 62

Up and Running

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

A sound requirement analysis and scope definition tend to improve quality planning and thereby reducing the cost and duration of a project. They were able to take their market valuation to $1.0 A requirement document defines the system’s purpose, functionality, interface, the scope of the product, and performance criteria.

Cost 158

Cost Developer Azure Cloud 158

View from Seed

AUGUST 17, 2021

90% of the airtime around ownership and valuations is focused on what happens when the first check is written. Effective post money is the effective valuation of an investor’s dollars at any one time. Looking back, our biggest mistakes and omissions as a firm can often be traced to improper market definition.

IRR 136

IRR Dilution Founder Portfolio 136

Austin Startup

SEPTEMBER 10, 2017

TL;DR: Using a “tiered” valuation cap structure in a convertible note or SAFE can provide flexibility that bridges the gap between (i) what founders expect their company to be worth in the near future, and (ii) what investors are comfortable accepting now. Did you get a “good” valuation? What a valuation cap isn’t.

Valuation 48

Valuation Dilution Silicon Valley Seed Stage 48

SoCal CTO

JANUARY 18, 2011

I received an inquiry from a reader of my blog and thought I would provide some thoughts, but would definitely welcome input: I am an unpaid CTO of a small startup. During all this time, valuation pitched to the investors was in the $1M – $3M range. For me – I would definitely start by soul-searching – do I want to still be involved?

CTO 167

CTO CTO Hire Equity Vesting 167

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 13, 2020

Let’s consider some basic definitions. VCs tend to demand more control of your spending and strategic decisions, with required board seats and lower valuations. Angels will likely agree to simpler term sheets, better valuations, and less restrictive terms on potential dilution, voting rights, exit options, and executive roles.

Angel Investor 314

Angel Investor Entrepreneur IRR Valuation 314

Steve Blank

APRIL 23, 2014

VCs like acquisitions as much as IPOs because the acquiring companies often can rationalize paying large multiples over the current valuation of the startup. However, these nosebleed valuations make it even more important in getting the acquired company integrated correctly. Is the Potential Acquisition Searching or Executing?

Acquisition 332

Acquisition Intellectual Property Silicon Valley Startup 332

SoCal CTO

JANUARY 18, 2011

I received an inquiry from a reader of my blog and thought I would provide some thoughts, but would definitely welcome input: I am an unpaid CTO of a small startup. During all this time, valuation pitched to the investors was in the $1M – $3M range. For me – I would definitely start by soul-searching – do I want to still be involved?

CTO 150

CTO CTO Hire Equity Vesting 150

YoungUpstarts

SEPTEMBER 20, 2019

As well as how to work with pre and post-money valuations. Some VCs and angels will definitely want you to be seriously ambitious about making money. Even if you do, it will definitely impact the attitude they are coming to the table with. This instantly puts founders on guard, in a defensive position.

Technical Cofounder 127

Technical Cofounder Entrepreneur Cofounder Post-Money Valuation 127

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Some nonprofit entrepreneurs think they can skip the whole plan, rather than just the sections on valuation, equity offered, and exit strategy. You still start the process with a business plan, but then you look for a philanthropist rather than an investor.

Angel Investor 132

Angel Investor Equity Technical Review Exit Strategy 132

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 22, 2020

As a long-time advisor to entrepreneurs, and a former angel myself, I still find startups confused about the definition of an angel investor, and how and when to attract one. Set a realistic valuation for your startup to attract angels. Successful valuations above $5M are rare for startups.

Angel Investor 322

Angel Investor Valuation Syndicate Syndication 322

Hearpreneur

SEPTEMBER 27, 2020

The idea about success remains popular but its definition means different to everyone and so is it’s measure. 2- Depends on one’s definition of success. The definition of success differs from person to person, and business to business. If it’s the other way around, then its definitely overrated.

Entrepreneur 134

Entrepreneur .Net Metrics Revenue 134

YFS Magazine

DECEMBER 14, 2015

For business owners, startup valuation is a topic that causes lots of angst, raises tons of questions and definitely gets emotions blazing. But let’s take a step back.

Valuation 60

Valuation Startup Venture Capital Finance 60

ithacaVC

NOVEMBER 14, 2014

I have written about startup valuations previously. If you are advising startup founders, I strongly suggest having them read all 4 of the posts to get the lay of the startup valuation land. There’s a reason it’s so difficult to figure out – valuations have little basis in reality for early stage companies.

Valuation 69

Valuation Startup Down Round Early Stage 69

A Smart Bear: Startups and Marketing for Geeks

AUGUST 18, 2015

They have everything: money, brand, momentum, existing customers, press, product teams, distribution channels, expertise, market insight, analysts, sales offices, product features, and, by definition, a working business model. In the big-boy and big-girl world of real, at-scale companies, valuation is about total future earnings.

Technical Review 120

Technical Review Valuation Flash Revenue 120

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 13, 2013

Some non-profit entrepreneurs think they can skip the whole plan, rather than just the sections on valuation, equity offered, and exit strategy. You still start the process with a business plan, but then you look for a philanthropist rather than an investor.

Equity 207

Equity Angel Investor Technical Review Exit Strategy 207

Startup Professionals Musings

DECEMBER 26, 2013

There is additional encouraging news for aspiring entrepreneurs on many fronts, just in case you are thinking about joining the existing ranks: Valuations of successful startups have hit an all-time high. Step into a new entrepreneur era where the definition of “work” is something you love. It’s not too late to start. Marty Zwilling.

IPO 273

IPO Entrepreneur Social Media Startup 273

View from Seed

JANUARY 27, 2021

As the definition of seed has expanded , our fund has gradually grown to target the full seed spectrum. In our first two funds, we’ve been fortunate to seed five unicorns ( Attentive , Whoop , Grove Collaborative , Skillz , and TripleLift ) and 10 companies with $100M+ exits or recent valuations.

LP 411

LP Early Stage Seed Stage Venture Capital 411