Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 27, 2012

It’s true that Angel investors typically do not present entrepreneurs with overly complicated deal structures, especially when compared to venture capitalists. The first capital a young company receives usually takes the form of common stock, the same class of shares the founders hold. Outline multiple tranches.

Term Sheet 223

Term Sheet Pre-Money Valuation Due Diligence Post-Money Valuation 223

Gust

OCTOBER 21, 2011

To account for scenarios in which the startup is acquired before it has a chance to complete a priced equity financing round, most term sheets and deal documents contain a “ change in control ” provision. In descending order of preference from the founders’ point of view: 1. What happens to the outstanding convertible notes?

Finance 79

Finance Pre-Money Valuation Term Sheet Liquidity Event 79

Gust

OCTOBER 5, 2011

Last week , we gave some attention to the “why” behind convertible note financing for early stage startups. In this installment, I’ll dig into the “how” by dissecting an example term sheet based on a real deal. As with so many subjects in law and finance, mastering the jargon is half the battle.

Finance 79

Finance Preferred Stock Term Sheet Early Stage 79

Scott Edward Walker

FEBRUARY 9, 2020

I’ve been doing M&A transactions for 25+ years (including nearly eight years at two major New York City law firms), and I wanted to briefly discuss an important issue for founders interested in selling their company: the distinction between strategic and financial buyers. How Is the Deal Structure Different with a Financial Buyer?

Private Equity 59

Private Equity New York City Equity Deal Structure 59

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

It’s true that angel investors typically do not present entrepreneurs with overly complicated deal structures, especially when compared to venture capitalists. The first capital a young company receives usually takes the form of common stock, the same class of shares the founders hold. Outline multiple tranches.

Term Sheet 227

Term Sheet Pre-Money Valuation Due Diligence Post-Money Valuation 227

Gust

OCTOBER 17, 2011

It’s true that angel investors typically do not present entrepreneurs with overly complicated deal structures, especially when compared to venture capitalists. The first capital a young company receives usually takes the form of common stock, the same class of shares the founders hold. Outline multiple tranches.

Term Sheet 158

Term Sheet Pre-Money Valuation Due Diligence Post-Money Valuation 158

K9 Ventures

OCTOBER 10, 2017

I’ll start with all the questions I can think of, from many different perspectives: founders, LPs, the press, and even other VCs. This post is intended to be a dynamic document, and I will attempt to update it from time to time with new questions that may arise or as financing trends evolve. Q: Is Pre-Seed a Thing?

Seed Stage 82

Seed Stage Finance Later Stage Equity 82

VC Adventure

OCTOBER 8, 2012

When it comes to convertible debt, I’ve had a few instances recently where “out of sight, out of mind” has created some misunderstandings around deal structures. Given the prevalence of convertible debt as a seed financing instrument, an increasing number of companies we look at have some kind of convert in place.

Cap Table 93

Cap Table Dilution Equity Deal Structure 93

VC Adventure

OCTOBER 8, 2012

When it comes to convertible debt, I’ve had a few instances recently where “out of sight, out of mind” has created some misunderstandings around deal structures. Given the prevalence of convertible debt as a seed financing instrument, an increasing number of companies we look at have some kind of convert in place.

Cap Table 48

Cap Table Dilution Equity Deal Structure 48

A Smart Bear: Startups and Marketing for Geeks

JUNE 27, 2011

That means you have to be that sure that that’s the number, regardless of deal structure. Here’s why: The acquirer knows that you, the founder, are looking for financial freedom. Tony Wright (founder of RescueTime) has a great article about it here. Finding this number is more complex than it sounds.

Sales 235

Sales Term Sheet Stock Deal Structure 235

Gust

OCTOBER 26, 2011

As we conclude our convertible note financing series, there are assorted terms commonly seen in term sheets and deal documents that are worth touching on briefly. The Note Purchase Agreement and Convertible Promissory Note are essential documents for any convertible note financing.

Finance 79

Finance Term Sheet Covenant Accredited Investor 79