Gust

OCTOBER 18, 2011

This is the first of a six part series on different methods used by angel investors to arrive at pre-money startup valuations. It is one of the most useful methods for establishing the pre-money valuation of pre-revenue startup ventures. Return on Investment (ROI) = Terminal (or Harvest) Value ÷ Post-money Valuation. (in

Valuation 174

Valuation Pre-Money Valuation Southern California Post-Money Valuation 174

Gust

JULY 23, 2014

So even if my own mother asked me to meet with you, and you were pitching me a biotech opportunity for a $10 million investment at a $90 million valuation, I might take the meeting, but it wouldn’t be particularly useful for either of us. It’s generally proven amazingly useful to everyone involved.).

Angel Investor 153

Angel Investor Elevator Pitch Pre-Money Valuation Technical Review 153

Gust

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

Entrepreneurs and investors who have spent any time dealing with convertible debt seed financing transactions are likely to have encountered the subject of valuation caps. Valuation caps can come into play in settings other than seed-stage convertible note financing rounds. Read on for a fuller explanation. by February 2006).

Valuation 98

Valuation Pre-Money Valuation Merger Vesting 98

Gust

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

There were no metrics. Him: On metrics. Me: There is no rational explanation for valuations of A round companies by ANY objective financial measure. If we priced it based on any metrics your company would likely be worth less than 7 figures at your A round. People seem concerned about valuation. Your A round?

Liquidation Preference 153

Liquidation Preference Valuation Term Sheet Stock 153

Gust

APRIL 30, 2014

Having now invested in over 85 startups, and finding that my personal metrics are very similar to aggregated industry ones, it is clear that (a) there is little to no correlation between my home runs and my personal favorites, and (b) angel investing done correctly really *can* produce a consistent IRR in the 25%-30% range.

Angel Investor 148

Angel Investor IRR Due Diligence Aggregator 148

Gust

JUNE 21, 2014

And even with those metrics, and assuming an optimistic holding period of only six years instead of nine, the net annual return on all of the investor’s angel activity will be 25%…a pretty limited compensation for taking the enormous risks, active involvement and lengthy period of illiquidity involved.

Angel Investor 127

Angel Investor Post-Money Valuation Valuation Time Value of Money 127

Gust

AUGUST 5, 2012

In fact, a business plan is needed more by you than investors, as the blueprint for your company, team communication, and progress metrics. Include a current valuation estimate. Financial forecast and metrics. People ask me if they really need ANY business plan, unless they are looking for an outside investor.

Business Plan 182

Business Plan Sweat Equity Exit Strategy Intellectual Property 182