Up and Running

SEPTEMBER 19, 2017

When you accept outside money, particularly a private equity (PE) investment, however, that changes. In this article, I’ll provide some personal stories of how investors have navigated the balance between raising private equity capital and not losing control of their startup. Rule 1: Bootstrap until you have a viable product.

Private Equity 94

Private Equity Pre-Money Valuation Equity Startup 94

Both Sides of the Table

JUNE 22, 2011

But this mania to not miss out on the next big thing is driving some investors to pay growth-equity prices for traditional market risk (as in, they’re paying up before it is clear there is product / market fit). Those with strong business models suddenly stand out when the tide goes out. And well they should be.

Saudi Arabia 309

Saudi Arabia Valuation IPO Technical Review 309

Lightspeed Venture Partners

NOVEMBER 19, 2012

Interestingly, this new deal actually lowered the pre money valuation for the company. 75,000 for 10% implies a $675,000 pre money valuation. 150,00 for 20% implies a $600,000 pre money valuation. Kevin agreed to this, as did the founder, and a deal was struck.

Pre-Money Valuation 166

Pre-Money Valuation Alabama Valuation Churn Rate 166

Tim Keane

JANUARY 12, 2010

The investors and the entrepreneurs are – or should be – aware that the price of the company’s equity is set by the market – in simplest terms, what an informed buyer is willing to pay.   As a starting point, these become market comparable discussions based on other similar transactions within a recent timeframe and similar business.

Term Sheet 68

Term Sheet Valuation Dividend Liquidation Preference 68

Lightspeed Venture Partners

OCTOBER 22, 2012

The founders have more demand than they know what to do with, and want to raise $55k for 5% equity in the company to buy a second truck. This implies a pre money valuation of $1.045M. See my breakdown of week 2 for more on how to calculate pre money valuation.).

Pre-Money Valuation 101

Pre-Money Valuation Valuation Dilution Differentiation 101

Lightspeed Venture Partners

OCTOBER 1, 2012

pre money valuation). Cuban has interest in a gluten free diet, and claimed that he liked the company, but his only concern was valuation. The company came back and offered him 20% of the company for the $200k (an $800k pre money valuation). They were seeking $200k for 10% of the company (a $1.8M

Pre-Money Valuation 158

Pre-Money Valuation Valuation Participating Preferred Preferred Stock 158

Professor VC

JANUARY 17, 2008

While currently free to angel groups, their business model revolves around aggregating the angel investment data. Again, I see nothing wrong with this, although entrepreneurs often prefer convertible debt as it defers the valuation discussion and leaves the Series A price for the venture firm to set.

Pre-Money Valuation 28

Pre-Money Valuation Angel Investor Angel Groups Valuation 28