Both Sides of the Table

JULY 22, 2010

Back in 1999 when I first raised venture capital I had zero knowledge of what a fair term sheet looked like or how to value my company. More likely what you’ll see if you have an aggressive term sheet is “participating preferred&# stock. It was accept the terms or go into bankruptcy so we took the money.

Valuation 405

Valuation Liquidation Preference Pre-Money Valuation Term Sheet 405

The Equity Kicker

JANUARY 25, 2016

On Friday it seemed like everyone in the venture capital industry was again reading about market turmoil, this time the news is that angel investors are pulling back and valuations taking a hit. The best startups capture all the returns so focusing too much on entry valuation is a mistake.

Venture Capital 60

Venture Capital Angel Investor Startup Participating Preferred 60

Both Sides of the Table

APRIL 14, 2010

If you want to raise venture capital more easily the advice could be quite practical and counter-intuitive. Many companies that are raising B or C venture capital rounds right now raised their initial money in 2005-2008. It is 2010. But pass they will. Brain damage. Reputation.

Venture Capital 289

Venture Capital Liquidation Preference Common Stock Dividend 289

Both Sides of the Table

JULY 25, 2011

When I first started as a startup CEO in 1999 there were no guides on raising venture capital. To this day I’m still surprised how few CEOs really understand the differences between 2x liquidation preference and a liquidation preference with a 2x cap. Every startup needs the knowledge in this book.

Liquidation Preference 304

Liquidation Preference Term Sheet Cap Table Participating Preferred 304

Startup Company Lawyer

MARCH 14, 2010

In addition, I think that a “peace treaty&# between early-stage investors and startup companies on standard terms (at least at a term sheet level) is a step in the right direction. If you don’t, please educate yourself on this site, Venture Hacks and the term sheet series by Brad Feld/Jason Mendelson, among other places.

Finance 70

Finance Software Review Term Sheet Liquidation Preference 70

Scott Edward Walker

JUNE 9, 2019

Accordingly, I thought it would be helpful for founders to discuss these rights and to point out the problems they create for startups. I liken it to participating preferred — which founders also do not typically understand until it is too late. Pro Rata Rights. The post WHAT ARE SUPER PRO RATA RIGHTS?

Preferred Stock 56

Preferred Stock Term Sheet Dilution Stock 56

Both Sides of the Table

SEPTEMBER 2, 2009

I took money with a 3x participating preferred liquidation preference with 8% compounded interest annually. Coupled with my participating preferred from 1999 and 2000 I had more than $55 million of liquidation preferences. I know because I’ve been there. Tweet This Post Facebook.

Founder 329

Founder Liquidation Preference Term Sheet Participating Preferred 329