I always advise software startups to file patents to protect their “secret sauce” from competitors, and to increase their valuation. Yes, the software patent process is a mess. say this with conviction even after I survived the process, and have a software patent pending. Software technology changes rapidly. MORE >>

Once you have a potential investor excited about your team, your product, and your company, the investor will inevitably ask “What is your company’s valuation?” How much is NewCo worth to investors at this point (pre-money valuation)? This is the most concrete valuation element, usually called the asset approach. Marty Zwilling. MORE >>

During the summer of 2010, I developed a workshop,  A New ACEF Valuation Workshop for Angels and Entrepreneurs.  To provide some reference points, I surveyed thirteen angels groups in North American to determine their recent experience in negotiating the pre-money valuation of pre-revenue companies.  2011 Angel Group Valuation Survey. MORE >>

In this three-part series I will explore the ways that the Venture Capital industry has changed over the past 5 years that I would argue are a direct result of changes in the software industry, not the other way around. million in team costs to code, launch, manage, market & sell our software. Rewind. These are very different. MORE >>

This summer I conducted our third annual survey of the pre-money valuation of pre-revenue companies recently funded by angel groups in North America.  Access to our 2010 and 2011 surveys can be found at 2011 Valuation Survey of North American Angel Investor Groups. Pre-revenue software, internet, mobile and telecom deals. Other. MORE >>