Startup Companies

Finding a backer for your startup is a full-time job. A spray-and-pray action plan is frustrating and pointless. Investors’ wallets are stretched thin by an exhaustive array of deal flow. Qualifying and targeting at-hand names becomes an ongoing, compulsory exercise.

Capitalization Table

Early-stage ventures need to follow a different track when raising capital than those firms with a robust financial model. Angel investors look at the youngest companies through the lens of aspiration. Their focus is likely on founder competency, rather than the irregular state of your income statement.

Content Portfolio

The pitch deck is your core requirement simply because investors have trained themselves to ask for it. For founders, the work does not end there. Some investors respond best to detailed documentation and incisive commentaries. Other names could prefer a set of video explainers, among other options.

Shareholder Quest

Finding arms-length investors is the art of ceaseless networking, nurtured by the ability to discount rejection. Money is always available at a price. The central question is how much equity will you concede for that cash infusion? Searching for capital amid desperation can lead to regrettable outcomes.

Venture Community

Your trust circle of peers and mentors is a vital source of encouragement. A course of action to broaden this community includes being involved at a coworking space, participating in an accelerator program, or presenting at a pitch competition. Collegial rapport pays off in unexpected ways.

Headline Viewpoint

We offer up-to-date thoughts on the complete range of site topics, framing articles and editorials from the business press.