Gust

APRIL 9, 2014

Equity dilution works when the same pie is divided among more people. Because the total percentage of equity will always equal exactly 100%, every time anyone gets another piece, by definition it “dilutes” all of the previous equity holders. Uncategorized company equity dilution founder investors startup'

Dilution 150

Dilution Equity Vesting Stock Options 150

Gust

OCTOBER 12, 2011

Particularly when there are multiple closings taking place over a period of months, the fuse burns awfully quickly on a 12-month note given the many competing priorities of early stage entrepreneurs. Without any other language to the contrary, the Notes become due and payable in full, including principal and accrued interest.

Finance 107

Finance Term Sheet Pre-Money Valuation Early Stage 107

Gust

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

And now I have to explain to team that they’re taking more dilution than they expected if we do a down round. Me: More dilution? But people seem pretty focused on that number. Raising lower seems kind of like something is wrong. A down round? I thought it was a convertible note with a cap? We never thought about it.

Liquidation Preference 153

Liquidation Preference Valuation Term Sheet Stock 153

Gust

OCTOBER 8, 2014

There weren’t a lot of seed funds in 2007 so this was often done by angels, funding consortia or sometimes early-stage funds that existed then (First Round Capital, True Ventures, SoftTech VC, etc.). When I first became a VC, seed rounds were typically $500k – $1.5 Why the latter?

Cap Table 136

Cap Table Silicon Valley Term Sheet Non-Compete 136

Gust

OCTOBER 21, 2011

Assuming a hypothetical $100,000 investment at a 10% interest rate, this kind of payoff would yield a return of $5,000 ( 5% ) six months later – not exactly the kind of return angel investors are looking for when they make risky early stage investments. a mix of cash and stock) received by other equity holders in the transaction.

Finance 79

Finance Pre-Money Valuation Term Sheet Liquidity Event 79

Gust

MAY 24, 2012

A typical series of Preferred Stock in a venture-backed startup carries a liquidation preference, anti-dilution rights, dividend preference, a separate vote to fill its own seat(s) on the Board of Directors, “protective provisions” requiring the company to obtain a separate vote of the Preferred to take certain corporate actions, and more.

IPO 159

IPO Equity Common Stock Stock 159