The document provides an overview of a seminar on how to sell a business opportunity to investors. Some of the key topics covered in the seminar include creating a marketable business plan, the funding process, types of investors, and selling the business plan. The document emphasizes that investors expect a thorough, well-written business plan that demonstrates the business acumen and marketing capabilities of the founders. It also stresses the importance of being prepared to clearly pitch the business idea in an elevator pitch or informal presentation.
Are you seeking investment capital for your startup? Do you need to secure additional financing to expand your business? This presentation provides a crash course in selling your business opportunity to the investment community from the investor's perspective. We cover the ins and outs of the investment process and focus on how you can create a marketable business plan that will generate buzz within the investment community for your product or service.
This document provides information on financing options for bootstrapping a business, including using friends, family, and founders; grants; angel investors; venture capital; and commercial banks. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a foundation and credibility before seeking outside funds, and focusing on customers and cash flow. When seeking funds, entrepreneurs are advised to clearly explain their problem and solution, business model, and management team's ability to execute. Investors are interested in a return on their investment and the business's ability to generate profits and provide an exit within a set timeframe.
Effective Communication with Angel InvestorsRemound
Effective communication is critical for private equity relationships. The entrepreneur must understand the investor's criteria including how much money is needed, intended use of funds, expected return and timeline. The communication should achieve shared understanding and help people think in new ways to act effectively. An entrepreneur needs to know what stage of development they are in and who typically invests at that stage.
Venture & Angel Investments for Startups - 2021Crowd Product
Sanjay Mehta provides a document listing "20 Things Not To Do" as an entrepreneur. Some key mistakes highlighted include raising too much money early, hiring based on credentials rather than potential, building products without customer validation, and not having a clear path to profitability. The document emphasizes the importance of frugality, focusing on financial health over income, having a unique value proposition to avoid competition, and carefully managing equity allocation. Overall, the document aims to help entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes through sharing lessons learned from others.
How to raise money via marketplace investingniinue123
- Crowdfunding/marketplace investing allows entrepreneurs, artists, and causes to pitch ideas and raise funds from online communities through websites. It works by setting fundraising goals and deadlines. If goals aren't met by the deadline, no funds are collected.
- To raise funds successfully, one must identify target audiences, plan the campaign in advance with timed messages, leverage social networks, break large projects into smaller pieces, tell a compelling story, and properly credit backers. Focusing on the benefits to backers and engaging supporters are also important.
Startup financial modeling class - general assembly sf -- septemer 27VentureArchetypes LLC
Financial modeling for startups workshop given at General Assembly class in San Francisco by Nathan Beckord, CFA, Founder of www.VentureArchetypes.com. Part of a 3-part series on raising startup capital.
The document discusses what entrepreneurs need to know when seeking venture capital funding. It states that securing venture capital is difficult, with less than 1% of startups receiving it. Investors want to see strong leadership and a cohesive team that can adapt to change. They also want evidence of significant revenue potential and scalability. Simply having a good idea is not enough - the business must demonstrate traits like addressing a large market, producing high returns, and having product traction to attract venture capital funding.
This document provides guidance on building an investment-ready business. It discusses developing a clear value proposition and business model, understanding the types of investors and their interests, and effectively pitching your business to investors. Key points include focusing on solving customers' problems, having a simple operating plan, knowing your competition and exit strategy, and conveying how investors will earn a return on their investment within a defined timeframe. The document recommends preparing a concise four-page investor summary and 20-minute pitch focused on stimulating interest from the audience's perspective.
Are you seeking investment capital for your startup? Do you need to secure additional financing to expand your business? This presentation provides a crash course in selling your business opportunity to the investment community from the investor's perspective. We cover the ins and outs of the investment process and focus on how you can create a marketable business plan that will generate buzz within the investment community for your product or service.
This document provides information on financing options for bootstrapping a business, including using friends, family, and founders; grants; angel investors; venture capital; and commercial banks. It emphasizes the importance of establishing a foundation and credibility before seeking outside funds, and focusing on customers and cash flow. When seeking funds, entrepreneurs are advised to clearly explain their problem and solution, business model, and management team's ability to execute. Investors are interested in a return on their investment and the business's ability to generate profits and provide an exit within a set timeframe.
Effective Communication with Angel InvestorsRemound
Effective communication is critical for private equity relationships. The entrepreneur must understand the investor's criteria including how much money is needed, intended use of funds, expected return and timeline. The communication should achieve shared understanding and help people think in new ways to act effectively. An entrepreneur needs to know what stage of development they are in and who typically invests at that stage.
Venture & Angel Investments for Startups - 2021Crowd Product
Sanjay Mehta provides a document listing "20 Things Not To Do" as an entrepreneur. Some key mistakes highlighted include raising too much money early, hiring based on credentials rather than potential, building products without customer validation, and not having a clear path to profitability. The document emphasizes the importance of frugality, focusing on financial health over income, having a unique value proposition to avoid competition, and carefully managing equity allocation. Overall, the document aims to help entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes through sharing lessons learned from others.
How to raise money via marketplace investingniinue123
- Crowdfunding/marketplace investing allows entrepreneurs, artists, and causes to pitch ideas and raise funds from online communities through websites. It works by setting fundraising goals and deadlines. If goals aren't met by the deadline, no funds are collected.
- To raise funds successfully, one must identify target audiences, plan the campaign in advance with timed messages, leverage social networks, break large projects into smaller pieces, tell a compelling story, and properly credit backers. Focusing on the benefits to backers and engaging supporters are also important.
Startup financial modeling class - general assembly sf -- septemer 27VentureArchetypes LLC
Financial modeling for startups workshop given at General Assembly class in San Francisco by Nathan Beckord, CFA, Founder of www.VentureArchetypes.com. Part of a 3-part series on raising startup capital.
The document discusses what entrepreneurs need to know when seeking venture capital funding. It states that securing venture capital is difficult, with less than 1% of startups receiving it. Investors want to see strong leadership and a cohesive team that can adapt to change. They also want evidence of significant revenue potential and scalability. Simply having a good idea is not enough - the business must demonstrate traits like addressing a large market, producing high returns, and having product traction to attract venture capital funding.
This document provides guidance on building an investment-ready business. It discusses developing a clear value proposition and business model, understanding the types of investors and their interests, and effectively pitching your business to investors. Key points include focusing on solving customers' problems, having a simple operating plan, knowing your competition and exit strategy, and conveying how investors will earn a return on their investment within a defined timeframe. The document recommends preparing a concise four-page investor summary and 20-minute pitch focused on stimulating interest from the audience's perspective.
Raising startup capital pitch hacks class at general assembly sf september ...VentureArchetypes LLC
How to build a killer investor presentation (aka "VC pitch deck") for raising venture capital. Part of a 3-part lecture series given at General Assembly in San Francisco by Nathan Beckord, Founder of VentureArchetypes and FounderSuite.com. Contains pitch hacks, pitch deck examples, pitch archetypes, and minimal viable pitch, as well as numerous tips and tricks.
A primer for founders on how to raise that first round of venture capital from Harvard Business School professor and Flybridge general partner Jeff Bussgang
Raising startup capital - fundraising as a process general assembly sf oct 4...VentureArchetypes LLC
How-to guide on raising startup capital (VC, angel, seed) as a structured process. Part of a 3-part lecture series given at General Assembly in San Francisco by Nathan Beckord, Founder of www.venturearchetypes.com
The document discusses 12 common reasons why startups fail. It provides details for each reason: 1) Market problems where there is no market for the product. 2) Business model failure where the cost to acquire customers is higher than their lifetime value. 3) Poor management team that lacks strategy and execution. 4) Running out of cash before reaching milestones. 5) Developing a product that does not solve customer problems. 6-12 discuss issues like arrogance, shortsightedness, hubris, egotism, sloppiness, imbalance, and inflexibility.
This document provides an agenda for discussing entrepreneurship and identifying funding opportunities for entrepreneurial projects. It discusses different types of funding such as debt and equity. It then lists various agencies and opportunities where young entrepreneurs can seek funding, such as CGMTSE, TDB, and TBI. The document outlines the typical venture capital deal cycle and what VCs look for in a business plan, including details about the business, team, needs, barriers, financial projections, and exit strategy. The overall summary provides an overview of funding sources and considerations for entrepreneurs pursuing funding.
TIMELINE ON HOW TO LAUNCH AND BUILD A HIGH GROWTH STARTUPDresnice
Timeline on how to approach Startup key stages and build a high growth startup for Africans entrepreneurs. In this manifesto, I share key task and actions you need to carry out systematic.
Peter Jones provides advice for startups seeking venture capital (VC) funding. He emphasizes that founders should be brutally honest about whether their idea has the potential to become a huge global market. Successful VC-backed companies typically need to generate over $1 billion in exits. Founders also need extreme ambition and commitment to growing a large, wealth-creating business, not just a lifestyle company. Building a strong founding team with prior startup success improves the odds of raising funding. Warm introductions from trusted contacts are the best way to get the first meeting with a VC, who depends on their professional networks. Founders should qualify whether a particular VC is a good fit before wasting time pitching to them.
The document provides information about financing and funding options for entrepreneurs. It discusses the 360° CUBE pitch which involves presenting a business opportunity across 6 posters in 6 minutes to investors. These posters cover the social problem, vision and mission, business model, marketing and sales, team and partners, and financial milestones. Additional sections provide templates for an elevator pitch and video, and explain how to calculate breakeven points and sources of funding such as personal funds, debt financing, equity capital from angels or venture capital.
The document discusses the Engage to Launch workshop, which was developed to help stalled startups and ventures within large companies restart growth. The workshop focuses on engaging with customers early to validate business models through customer feedback and testing ideas. Participants work through frameworks to define problems, generate solutions, and refine business models based on customer input. They arrange meetings to get feedback, solicit input to improve their ideas, and recruit early customers. The goal is to help companies fail fast through customer validation so they can pivot quickly rather than clinging to ideas that don't work.
This document provides information about business angel investment and what is required to attract angel investors. It discusses the funding gap for early stage ventures, what angels look for in investment opportunities, how to prepare a business plan and presentation, common deal structures, and where to find angel investors. The key points are that angels invest in high-risk early stage companies and look for a viable business idea, strong team, proprietary technology, validated market need and financials, and realistic valuation given the risk. Preparation involves getting professional advice, addressing strengths/weaknesses, and being ready to answer detailed questions from investors.
This document provides information about generating ideas for social enterprises, including finding business ideas, testing ideas, and planning group development. Specifically:
1. It discusses various ways to find business ideas, such as identifying local skills, copying other social enterprises, and determining needed goods/services.
2. Testing ideas is important, including assessing viability, available skills/resources, marketability, profitability, and funding potential.
3. Planning group development requires considering roles, decision-making, training, applying lessons learned, managing work, and reviewing progress. Setting goals, strategies, and timelines is part of the project planning process.
This document provides a guide for angels and entrepreneurs on angel investment. It covers background information on angels and VCs, perspectives from inside an angel's mind during investing, tips for investor presentations, the due diligence process, common reasons startups fail, and how VCs differ from angels. The guide references slideshow presentations on each topic available online to provide more depth. It aims to give entrepreneurs and new angels an overview of the angel investing process.
This document provides an overview for entrepreneurs on raising a first round of capital from venture capitalists (VCs). It discusses why entrepreneurs may want to raise money from VCs due to their experience, networks, and ability to provide follow-on funding. The document outlines what VCs look for in investments and the due diligence process. It provides tips for entrepreneurs in preparing their pitch and presentation, including focusing on the team, market opportunity, and business model. The document also discusses term sheets, expectations, and typical valuation ranges for seed, Series A, and Series B rounds.
Angle paisa | Business Start Up FundingAngle Paisa
ANGLE PAISA started operations in July 2010 in collaboration with some of its counterparts in US and local investors by working on projects in the real estate sector and websites. It later felt the need of expanding into the Start Up Funding market and reaching out to a larger pool of investors and public at large for inviting ideas and contributing funds.
Nurturing science based ventures an international case perspective - ralf w. ...Darina Andronic
The document discusses business planning for new ventures. It explains that a business plan evolves from an initial business concept proposal into a full plan through several stages of assessment. The purpose of a business plan is to convince oneself and investors of a venture's viability by answering questions about its current state, goals, and path to achieving those goals. Common sections of a business plan are described, and pitfalls that can cause plans to fail are outlined.
Carolynn Duncan, CEO of Founder Training Center, discussed 16 habits of successful entrepreneurs that investors look for during meetings. These habits fall under four categories: intangibles like business savvy and appearance; traction such as accomplishments; execution like the ability to get things done; and concept viability including market opportunity. Developing these habits builds credibility, provides real feedback, and helps founders pass gatekeepers to access resources. Duncan challenged participants to improve in two habit areas.
This document provides guidance on finding funding for a new business. It discusses four main sources of funding: equity, debt, public sector grants, and crowdfunding. For crowdfunding, it defines the models of donations, rewards, debt, and equity crowdfunding. It emphasizes having a clear project plan and costs, choosing the right platform, creating a compelling pitch, engaging supporters, and maintaining communication. Key tips for funding applications include having clarity, concision, realism, and understanding the funder's objectives.
Facebook - Promoting Yourself Without Sacrificing Your PrivacyATLMusicandStartUp
Facebook offers different ways for individuals and businesses to promote themselves while maintaining privacy controls. Personal profiles are for individual use, groups enable collaboration, brand pages are for business promotions, and applications provide powerful tools. The document stresses controlling privacy settings, personal information, and how it is used.
This document discusses portfolio selection and the basic problem faced by investors of determining which risky securities to include in their portfolio given uncertain outcomes. It covers Harry Markowitz's approach to solving this problem by focusing on an investor's initial wealth, holding period, terminal wealth, and preference for diversification. Key aspects covered include calculating portfolio expected returns and risk, indifference curves, and the risk preferences of different types of investors including risk-averse, risk-neutral, and risk-seeking.
Raising startup capital pitch hacks class at general assembly sf september ...VentureArchetypes LLC
How to build a killer investor presentation (aka "VC pitch deck") for raising venture capital. Part of a 3-part lecture series given at General Assembly in San Francisco by Nathan Beckord, Founder of VentureArchetypes and FounderSuite.com. Contains pitch hacks, pitch deck examples, pitch archetypes, and minimal viable pitch, as well as numerous tips and tricks.
A primer for founders on how to raise that first round of venture capital from Harvard Business School professor and Flybridge general partner Jeff Bussgang
Raising startup capital - fundraising as a process general assembly sf oct 4...VentureArchetypes LLC
How-to guide on raising startup capital (VC, angel, seed) as a structured process. Part of a 3-part lecture series given at General Assembly in San Francisco by Nathan Beckord, Founder of www.venturearchetypes.com
The document discusses 12 common reasons why startups fail. It provides details for each reason: 1) Market problems where there is no market for the product. 2) Business model failure where the cost to acquire customers is higher than their lifetime value. 3) Poor management team that lacks strategy and execution. 4) Running out of cash before reaching milestones. 5) Developing a product that does not solve customer problems. 6-12 discuss issues like arrogance, shortsightedness, hubris, egotism, sloppiness, imbalance, and inflexibility.
This document provides an agenda for discussing entrepreneurship and identifying funding opportunities for entrepreneurial projects. It discusses different types of funding such as debt and equity. It then lists various agencies and opportunities where young entrepreneurs can seek funding, such as CGMTSE, TDB, and TBI. The document outlines the typical venture capital deal cycle and what VCs look for in a business plan, including details about the business, team, needs, barriers, financial projections, and exit strategy. The overall summary provides an overview of funding sources and considerations for entrepreneurs pursuing funding.
TIMELINE ON HOW TO LAUNCH AND BUILD A HIGH GROWTH STARTUPDresnice
Timeline on how to approach Startup key stages and build a high growth startup for Africans entrepreneurs. In this manifesto, I share key task and actions you need to carry out systematic.
Peter Jones provides advice for startups seeking venture capital (VC) funding. He emphasizes that founders should be brutally honest about whether their idea has the potential to become a huge global market. Successful VC-backed companies typically need to generate over $1 billion in exits. Founders also need extreme ambition and commitment to growing a large, wealth-creating business, not just a lifestyle company. Building a strong founding team with prior startup success improves the odds of raising funding. Warm introductions from trusted contacts are the best way to get the first meeting with a VC, who depends on their professional networks. Founders should qualify whether a particular VC is a good fit before wasting time pitching to them.
The document provides information about financing and funding options for entrepreneurs. It discusses the 360° CUBE pitch which involves presenting a business opportunity across 6 posters in 6 minutes to investors. These posters cover the social problem, vision and mission, business model, marketing and sales, team and partners, and financial milestones. Additional sections provide templates for an elevator pitch and video, and explain how to calculate breakeven points and sources of funding such as personal funds, debt financing, equity capital from angels or venture capital.
The document discusses the Engage to Launch workshop, which was developed to help stalled startups and ventures within large companies restart growth. The workshop focuses on engaging with customers early to validate business models through customer feedback and testing ideas. Participants work through frameworks to define problems, generate solutions, and refine business models based on customer input. They arrange meetings to get feedback, solicit input to improve their ideas, and recruit early customers. The goal is to help companies fail fast through customer validation so they can pivot quickly rather than clinging to ideas that don't work.
This document provides information about business angel investment and what is required to attract angel investors. It discusses the funding gap for early stage ventures, what angels look for in investment opportunities, how to prepare a business plan and presentation, common deal structures, and where to find angel investors. The key points are that angels invest in high-risk early stage companies and look for a viable business idea, strong team, proprietary technology, validated market need and financials, and realistic valuation given the risk. Preparation involves getting professional advice, addressing strengths/weaknesses, and being ready to answer detailed questions from investors.
This document provides information about generating ideas for social enterprises, including finding business ideas, testing ideas, and planning group development. Specifically:
1. It discusses various ways to find business ideas, such as identifying local skills, copying other social enterprises, and determining needed goods/services.
2. Testing ideas is important, including assessing viability, available skills/resources, marketability, profitability, and funding potential.
3. Planning group development requires considering roles, decision-making, training, applying lessons learned, managing work, and reviewing progress. Setting goals, strategies, and timelines is part of the project planning process.
This document provides a guide for angels and entrepreneurs on angel investment. It covers background information on angels and VCs, perspectives from inside an angel's mind during investing, tips for investor presentations, the due diligence process, common reasons startups fail, and how VCs differ from angels. The guide references slideshow presentations on each topic available online to provide more depth. It aims to give entrepreneurs and new angels an overview of the angel investing process.
This document provides an overview for entrepreneurs on raising a first round of capital from venture capitalists (VCs). It discusses why entrepreneurs may want to raise money from VCs due to their experience, networks, and ability to provide follow-on funding. The document outlines what VCs look for in investments and the due diligence process. It provides tips for entrepreneurs in preparing their pitch and presentation, including focusing on the team, market opportunity, and business model. The document also discusses term sheets, expectations, and typical valuation ranges for seed, Series A, and Series B rounds.
Angle paisa | Business Start Up FundingAngle Paisa
ANGLE PAISA started operations in July 2010 in collaboration with some of its counterparts in US and local investors by working on projects in the real estate sector and websites. It later felt the need of expanding into the Start Up Funding market and reaching out to a larger pool of investors and public at large for inviting ideas and contributing funds.
Nurturing science based ventures an international case perspective - ralf w. ...Darina Andronic
The document discusses business planning for new ventures. It explains that a business plan evolves from an initial business concept proposal into a full plan through several stages of assessment. The purpose of a business plan is to convince oneself and investors of a venture's viability by answering questions about its current state, goals, and path to achieving those goals. Common sections of a business plan are described, and pitfalls that can cause plans to fail are outlined.
Carolynn Duncan, CEO of Founder Training Center, discussed 16 habits of successful entrepreneurs that investors look for during meetings. These habits fall under four categories: intangibles like business savvy and appearance; traction such as accomplishments; execution like the ability to get things done; and concept viability including market opportunity. Developing these habits builds credibility, provides real feedback, and helps founders pass gatekeepers to access resources. Duncan challenged participants to improve in two habit areas.
This document provides guidance on finding funding for a new business. It discusses four main sources of funding: equity, debt, public sector grants, and crowdfunding. For crowdfunding, it defines the models of donations, rewards, debt, and equity crowdfunding. It emphasizes having a clear project plan and costs, choosing the right platform, creating a compelling pitch, engaging supporters, and maintaining communication. Key tips for funding applications include having clarity, concision, realism, and understanding the funder's objectives.
Facebook - Promoting Yourself Without Sacrificing Your PrivacyATLMusicandStartUp
Facebook offers different ways for individuals and businesses to promote themselves while maintaining privacy controls. Personal profiles are for individual use, groups enable collaboration, brand pages are for business promotions, and applications provide powerful tools. The document stresses controlling privacy settings, personal information, and how it is used.
This document discusses portfolio selection and the basic problem faced by investors of determining which risky securities to include in their portfolio given uncertain outcomes. It covers Harry Markowitz's approach to solving this problem by focusing on an investor's initial wealth, holding period, terminal wealth, and preference for diversification. Key aspects covered include calculating portfolio expected returns and risk, indifference curves, and the risk preferences of different types of investors including risk-averse, risk-neutral, and risk-seeking.
The document discusses designing teams and processes to adapt to changing needs. It recommends structuring teams so members can work within their competencies and across projects fluidly with clear roles and expectations. The design process should support the team and their work, and be flexible enough to change with team, organization, and project needs. An effective team culture builds an environment where members feel free to be themselves, voice opinions, and feel supported.
UX, ethnography and possibilities: for Libraries, Museums and ArchivesNed Potter
1) The document discusses how the University of York Library has used various user experience (UX) techniques like ethnographic observation and interviews to better understand user needs and behaviors.
2) Some changes implemented based on UX findings include installing hot water taps, changing hours, and adding blankets - aimed at improving the small details of user experience.
3) The presentation encourages other libraries, archives and museums to try incorporating UX techniques like behavioral mapping and cognitive interviews to inform design changes that enhance services for users.
An immersive workshop at General Assembly, SF. I typically teach this workshop at General Assembly, San Francisco. To see a list of my upcoming classes, visit https://generalassemb.ly/instructors/seth-familian/4813
I also teach this workshop as a private lunch-and-learn or half-day immersive session for corporate clients. To learn more about pricing and availability, please contact me at http://familian1.com
3 Things Every Sales Team Needs to Be Thinking About in 2017Drift
Thinking about your sales team's goals for 2017? Drift's VP of Sales shares 3 things you can do to improve conversion rates and drive more revenue.
Read the full story on the Drift blog here: http://blog.drift.com/sales-team-tips
How to Become a Thought Leader in Your NicheLeslie Samuel
Are bloggers thought leaders? Here are some tips on how you can become one. Provide great value, put awesome content out there on a regular basis, and help others.
Royal Bird - The Best Crowd Funding Platform for Your Innovative Start-Up. Quality of your IDEA can bring FUND for your future business. Crowd Funding is a method of raising capital through the collective efforts of investors. Who contribute a small amount, online via social media and crowdfunding platforms to finance a new business for Idea Development. You may go through the details about Royal Bird. Here are the complete details about Royal Bird - the Crowd Funding Platform.
The document provides guidance on building an effective business plan and pitch. It emphasizes that the business plan should be a living document used to operate and grow the business over time. An effective pitch should capture the essence of the business idea in 10 slides or less and cover key topics like the opportunity, business model, customers, competition, and management team. It also stresses that the pitch is more important initially than the full business plan as it is used to generate interest and determine if the idea has merit.
Dr. Clarisse Behar Molad has over 15 years of experience as an international consultant working with start-ups, corporations, NGOs, and governments in the Balkan region. She helped create Balkan Unlimited in 2010-2011 as a result of her work with the Macedonian Government on an Innovation Initiative. The document provides tips for start-up founders on how to effectively pitch their business idea and ask for investment, including outlining the value proposition, demonstrating market viability through customer interactions, keeping presentations concise yet compelling, emphasizing the management team's experience, and maintaining a realistic view of the market opportunity.
WORKING WITH BANKERS AND PRIVATE INVESTORS TO FUND YOUR BUYOUTKris Geysels
This document summarizes steps for business owners to fund a buyout of their own company through working with bankers and private investors. It discusses identifying financial needs, funding sources like debt, equity and mezzanine financing, building trust with bankers and investors, and negotiating terms. It also addresses contingencies if the business performs below expectations after the deal and emphasizes the importance of relationship management in that scenario.
For impressing in an interview/pitch, be concise, truthful, and address the most important business issues. Research the person you are presenting to and explain why your business is a good fit.
For running your own business, focus on what is important to your business and where the profit is generated. Know the details of your business.
For surviving a recession, think about how customers are feeling and flex your business model to remain relevant. Protect your job by demonstrating commitment to your employer.
This document provides guidance on creating a business plan and financial forecast for a startup business. It explains that a business plan communicates the business concept to external parties like banks or investors. It also helps the founder stay organized and measure progress. The guide outlines key sections for the business plan including an introduction, products/services, market research, and marketing strategies. It emphasizes being clear and informing the reader of all relevant details without assumptions.
This document provides guidelines for creating an effective business plan, including the purpose and qualities of an effective plan, target audiences, common plan sections and their contents, and tips for the executive summary, company description, product/service, market analysis, marketing plan, operational plan, management team, financial plan, funding, and conclusion sections. The key sections of a business plan are outlined as the executive summary, company description, product/service, market analysis, marketing plan, operational plan, management team, and financial plan. An effective plan clearly presents the business or product, target market, marketing strategy, operational details, management team, and financial projections.
Startups are changing the world by developing a fast-learning environment with a secure opportunity for failure in a competitive, fast-moving market.
It's about the sweet spot of cultivating the client, but it's also about employee satisfaction. Fast thinking means quick change, which is how startups transform the world by being 20 steps ahead.
For more information, watch my Youtube Video by clicking the link in the description box:
https://youtu.be/hhVyOxrePAs
The document is the summer 2012 issue of Launch! Magazine from Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management. It features profiles of entrepreneurs who are students or alumni of the school. The issue includes profiles of entrepreneurs Michael Cheshire of Jungo Toys, Vikas Khanna of Zoovee Ventures, Bryan Elliott of Linked Orange County, and Cesar Rosas of Primavera Capital. It also profiles the consulting start-up ModalMinds and its founders. The magazine discusses what angel investors look for in deciding whether to finance a business and offers tips for entrepreneurs pitching their businesses to potential investors.
The document discusses an entrepreneur's bootcamp that covers various topics related to entrepreneurship over 7 days. The topics covered include entrepreneurship and wealth creation, the entrepreneur's lifecycle, how to develop a business plan, how to pitch to investors, how to scale a company, how to transform one's career and business, and a concluding business transformation conference. It provides details on each session, including dates, times, and what will be discussed. It also advertises an online course on business planning and asks questions to gauge if the reader is an entrepreneur or interested in becoming one.
This document provides tips for writing an effective business plan to obtain funding for a startup. It explains that a good plan clearly demonstrates that there is a profitable market and product/service, outlines how the business will operate efficiently, and shows how expenses, costs and profits will balance out. The tips recommend thoroughly understanding the business and target market, tailoring the plan to the specific audience seeking funding, only requesting necessary funding that can be backed by evidence, and keeping the plan concise by directly answering the most important questions for investors.
The 5 ps to finding capital and attracting investors to your business AP DealFlow
The document discusses finding capital and attracting investors for businesses. It outlines the 5 Ps approach: Planning, Promotion, Placement, Presentation, and People. Planning involves writing a business plan to outline one's idea and financial projections. Promotion is about targeting the appropriate investors, like angels or venture capital. Promotion can be done through the APDealFlow platform, which allows adding media and pushing deals to agents and investors. Placement refers to closing deals, which involves negotiating terms sheets and agreements with investors. Presentation and networking with people are also important aspects of obtaining funding.
The document provides advice for entrepreneurs considering starting their own business. It outlines several key points: entrepreneurs should build their business around a concept with meaningful value for customers; an important early step is creating a business plan; the focus should be on developing a strong, sustainable business model rather than financial projections; experience working in different organizations is valuable before launching one's own enterprise; entrepreneurs should think big but be realistic about scaling capabilities; and one's ability to scale a business should be limited only by ambition, not access to capital, given today's availability of early funding. The document emphasizes the importance of networking with other entrepreneurs and seeking guidance from those further along in their entrepreneurial journey.
a presentation I made at Jacksonville State University's "The Alabama Conference for Inventors"... some content blatantly lifted from other great presentations
7 Fatal Pitch Deck Mistakes Scaring Away Investors - Don't Be A Little PitchBryce North
Ahh…rejected pitch decks. Having a hard time attracting investors or not sure how to get their attention? Don't waste another minute building investment presentations that are doomed to fail! This presentation is for anyone who has spent hours chasing investors that never close.
Find more great resources here --> www.dontbealittlepitch.com
For many of us, the feeling of inevitable doom when we start writing our investment strategy can be overwhelming. Just how much effort should we put into creating something that might just get shut down? Or worse, ignored. It all feels so defeating and before you know it, you are quickly running out of cash. Major heartburn.
Check out our successful pitch deck master class: https://www.dontbealittlepitch.com/pitch-deck-master-course
Accelerators V1.0 - Betting against the oddsDylan Ler
The document provides a summary of best practices for accelerators based on the author's experience. It discusses establishing a clear investment thesis to guide decision making. Other areas covered include developing a unique value proposition, focusing on a specific startup stage or industry, cultivating strong mentor and investor networks, tracking metrics, designing curriculum tailored to applicants, and generating deal flow. The document emphasizes standardization, transparency, and community building as keys to operating a sustainable accelerator program.
The document provides an overview of key components of an effective business plan, including an executive summary, market analysis, management team, financial plans, risks, and scheduling. It emphasizes that a business plan should be a formal, persuasive document that convinces readers of the viability of the venture and outlines strategies for converting ideas into a profitable business. An effective plan addresses all relevant internal and external factors and serves as an entry point for securing funding.
FINANCIAL PLAN AND RESOURCE GENERATION GROUP 5.pptxArtLemuelLoterea
Family and friends are potential sources of startup capital that provide some advantages over other options. While they have faith in your talents and success, acquiring funds from them may strain personal relationships if the business fails and cause family conflicts. Other options like crowdfunding or competitions provide exposure, validation of ideas, and experience running campaigns that can help future fundraising efforts. Overall, the best approach is to consider your funding needs, risks, and time commitments to select sources that fit your business goals and stage of development.
Dr. Alyce Su Cover Story - China's Investment Leadermsthrill
In World Expo 2010 Shanghai – the most visited Expo in the World History
https://www.britannica.com/event/Expo-Shanghai-2010
China’s official organizer of the Expo, CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade https://en.ccpit.org/) has chosen Dr. Alyce Su as the Cover Person with Cover Story, in the Expo’s official magazine distributed throughout the Expo, showcasing China’s New Generation of Leaders to the World.
Calculation of compliance cost: Veterinary and sanitary control of aquatic bi...Alexander Belyaev
Calculation of compliance cost in the fishing industry of Russia after extended SCM model (Veterinary and sanitary control of aquatic biological resources (ABR) - Preparation of documents, passing expertise)
Budgeting as a Control Tool in Government Accounting in Nigeria
Being a Paper Presented at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Budget Office Staff at Sojourner Hotel, GRA, Ikeja Lagos on Saturday 8th June, 2024.
How to Invest in Cryptocurrency for Beginners: A Complete GuideDaniel
Cryptocurrency is digital money that operates independently of a central authority, utilizing cryptography for security. Unlike traditional currencies issued by governments (fiat currencies), cryptocurrencies are decentralized and typically operate on a technology called blockchain. Each cryptocurrency transaction is recorded on a public ledger, ensuring transparency and security.
Cryptocurrencies can be used for various purposes, including online purchases, investment opportunities, and as a means of transferring value globally without the need for intermediaries like banks.
The Rise and Fall of Ponzi Schemes in America.pptxDiana Rose
Ponzi schemes, a notorious form of financial fraud, have plagued America’s investment landscape for decades. Named after Charles Ponzi, who orchestrated one of the most infamous schemes in the early 20th century, these fraudulent operations promise high returns with little or no risk, only to collapse and leave investors with significant losses. This article explores the nature of Ponzi schemes, notable cases in American history, their impact on victims, and measures to prevent falling prey to such scams.
Understanding Ponzi Schemes
A Ponzi scheme is an investment scam where returns are paid to earlier investors using the capital from newer investors, rather than from legitimate profit earned. The scheme relies on a constant influx of new investments to continue paying the promised returns. Eventually, when the flow of new money slows down or stops, the scheme collapses, leaving the majority of investors with substantial financial losses.
Historical Context: Charles Ponzi and His Legacy
Charles Ponzi is the namesake of this deceptive practice. In the 1920s, Ponzi promised investors in Boston a 50% return within 45 days or 100% return in 90 days through arbitrage of international reply coupons. Initially, he paid returns as promised, not from profits, but from the investments of new participants. When his scheme unraveled, it resulted in losses exceeding $20 million (equivalent to about $270 million today).
Notable American Ponzi Schemes
1. Bernie Madoff: Perhaps the most notorious Ponzi scheme in recent history, Bernie Madoff’s fraud involved $65 billion. Madoff, a well-respected figure in the financial industry, promised steady, high returns through a secretive investment strategy. His scheme lasted for decades before collapsing in 2008, devastating thousands of investors, including individuals, charities, and institutional clients.
2. Allen Stanford: Through his company, Stanford Financial Group, Allen Stanford orchestrated a $7 billion Ponzi scheme, luring investors with fraudulent certificates of deposit issued by his offshore bank. Stanford promised high returns and lavish lifestyle benefits to his investors, which ultimately led to a 110-year prison sentence for the financier in 2012.
3. Tom Petters: In a scheme that lasted more than a decade, Tom Petters ran a $3.65 billion Ponzi scheme, using his company, Petters Group Worldwide. He claimed to buy and sell consumer electronics, but in reality, he used new investments to pay off old debts and fund his extravagant lifestyle. Petters was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to 50 years in prison.
4. Eric Dalius and Saivian: Eric Dalius, a prominent figure behind Saivian, a cashback program promising high returns, is under scrutiny for allegedly orchestrating a Ponzi scheme. Saivian enticed investors with promises of up to 20% cash back on everyday purchases. However, investigations suggest that the returns were paid using new investments rather than legitimate profits. The collapse of Saivian l
In World Expo 2010 Shanghai – the most visited Expo in the World History
https://www.britannica.com/event/Expo-Shanghai-2010
China’s official organizer of the Expo, CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade https://en.ccpit.org/) has chosen Dr. Alyce Su as the Cover Person with Cover Story, in the Expo’s official magazine distributed throughout the Expo, showcasing China’s New Generation of Leaders to the World.
13 Jun 24 ILC Retirement Income Summit - slides.pptxILC- UK
ILC's Retirement Income Summit was hosted by M&G and supported by Canada Life. The event brought together key policymakers, influencers and experts to help identify policy priorities for the next Government and ensure more of us have access to a decent income in retirement.
Contributors included:
Jo Blanden, Professor in Economics, University of Surrey
Clive Bolton, CEO, Life Insurance M&G Plc
Jim Boyd, CEO, Equity Release Council
Molly Broome, Economist, Resolution Foundation
Nida Broughton, Co-Director of Economic Policy, Behavioural Insights Team
Jonathan Cribb, Associate Director and Head of Retirement, Savings, and Ageing, Institute for Fiscal Studies
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive Officer, Independent Age
Tom Evans, Managing Director of Retirement, Canada Life
Steve Groves, Chair, Key Retirement Group
Tish Hanifan, Founder and Joint Chair of the Society of Later life Advisers
Sue Lewis, ILC Trustee
Siobhan Lough, Senior Consultant, Hymans Robertson
Mick McAteer, Co-Director, The Financial Inclusion Centre
Stuart McDonald MBE, Head of Longevity and Democratic Insights, LCP
Anusha Mittal, Managing Director, Individual Life and Pensions, M&G Life
Shelley Morris, Senior Project Manager, Living Pension, Living Wage Foundation
Sarah O'Grady, Journalist
Will Sherlock, Head of External Relations, M&G Plc
Daniela Silcock, Head of Policy Research, Pensions Policy Institute
David Sinclair, Chief Executive, ILC
Jordi Skilbeck, Senior Policy Advisor, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association
Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms, former Chair, Work & Pensions Committee
Nigel Waterson, ILC Trustee
Jackie Wells, Strategy and Policy Consultant, ILC Strategic Advisory Board
Fabular Frames and the Four Ratio ProblemMajid Iqbal
Digital, interactive art showing the struggle of a society in providing for its present population while also saving planetary resources for future generations. Spread across several frames, the art is actually the rendering of real and speculative data. The stereographic projections change shape in response to prompts and provocations. Visitors interact with the model through speculative statements about how to increase savings across communities, regions, ecosystems and environments. Their fabulations combined with random noise, i.e. factors beyond control, have a dramatic effect on the societal transition. Things get better. Things get worse. The aim is to give visitors a new grasp and feel of the ongoing struggles in democracies around the world.
Stunning art in the small multiples format brings out the spatiotemporal nature of societal transitions, against backdrop issues such as energy, housing, waste, farmland and forest. In each frame we see hopeful and frightful interplays between spending and saving. Problems emerge when one of the two parts of the existential anaglyph rapidly shrinks like Arctic ice, as factors cross thresholds. Ecological wealth and intergenerational equity areFour at stake. Not enough spending could mean economic stress, social unrest and political conflict. Not enough saving and there will be climate breakdown and ‘bankruptcy’. So where does speculative design start and the gambling and betting end? Behind each fabular frame is a four ratio problem. Each ratio reflects the level of sacrifice and self-restraint a society is willing to accept, against promises of prosperity and freedom. Some values seem to stabilise a frame while others cause collapse. Get the ratios right and we can have it all. Get them wrong and things get more desperate.
1. 07.13.2012
Bankrolling your
idea
A crash course in how to sell your business opportunity to
the investment community from an investor’s perspective
Presented by Erik Gagnon
Chief Strategist, Chi Rho Communications
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2. ABOUT CHI RHO COMMUNICATIONS
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3. SEMINAR TOPICS
YOUR BUSINESS PLAN
CREATING A MARKETABLE BUSINESS PLAN
THE FUNDING PROCESS
TYPES OF INVESTORS
SELLING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN TO INVESTORS
GENERATING INVESTOR BUZZ
PROTECTING YOUR INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL
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5. WHAT IS A BUSINESS PLAN?
Executive Summary
Company Summary
Products and Services
Market Analysis Summary
Strategy and Implementation Summary
Management Team Overview
Financial Plan
Investors hear new business concepts nearly every day. Your
business plan is your main tool to gain their ATTENTION.
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6. WHY IS YOUR BUSINESS PLAN SO IMPORTANT?
Investor / Lender Demands
Attract Collaboration
Consider the Details
Management Tool
Fail to plan and you plan to FAIL!
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7. AVOID THESE COMMON MISTAKES
Procrastination
Sharing your business plan with the world
Distributing a bland plan
Distributing an incomplete or error-filled plan
Pay as much ATTENTION & FOCUS to your business plan as you do
your product or service!
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8. WHAT INVESTORS EXPECT FROM YOUR PLAN
Thoroughness
Audience driven
Paints a realistic picture
Addresses pros and cons of the business idea
Conveys professionalism
Demonstrates your business acumen
Investors expect your plan to be INVESTOR READY. Create a plan
that is marketable and stands out from the crowd.
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10. ELEMENTS OF A MARKETABLE BUSINESS PLAN
Attracts positive attention
Demonstrates your marketing capabilities
Demonstrates your knowledge & skills
Demonstrates your business acumen
Fosters goodwill
Business Plans are a lot like resumes, the good ones generate a
QUICK RESPONSE while the rest wind up in the trash
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11. TIPS ON WRITING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN
Keep it clear
Keep it concise
Write naturally
Be Logical
Professional Tone
Be confident, but don’t avoid addressing weaknesses
Understand the INVESTOR’s MIDSET and write your business plan
directly to them
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12. TIPS ON PACKAGING YOUR BUSINESS PLAN
Stand out from the crowd & demonstrate your marketing capabilities
Provide product samples
Be willing to demonstrate your product on demand
Create dynamic presentation materials
Research the investment team before you present to them
You generally have to spend money to make money so INVEST in
your presentation materials
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14. THE STAGES OF FUNDING
1. Early Stage Financing
2. Expansion Stage Financing
3. Acquisition/Buyout Financing
4. Initial Public Offering (IPO)
Capital investment is a STAGED PROCESS. Securing investors
usually isn’t a one-time deal.
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15. EARLY STAGE FINANCING
Seed Financing
R&D Financing
Startup
First Stage
THINK about your long term growth objectives and your funding
objectives very early on in your business planning process
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16. EXPANSION STAGE FINANCING
Second Stage — a.k.a. “Working Capital”
Third Stage — a.k.a. “Mezzanine Financing”
Fourth Stage — a.k.a. “Bridge Financing”
Pay attention to EQUITY DILUTION very early in the funding process
if you want to maintain majority ownership of your company
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17. ACQUISITION / BUYOUT FINANCING
Acquisition Financing
Management LBO
Complex deals require professional EXPERTISE. If you aren’t a
finance expert then hire one.
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18. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING
•Public Stock Offerings
If you GO PUBLIC some day, consider hiring a CEO who has
successfully taken a company public before
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20. ANGEL INVESTORS vs. VENTURE CAPITALISTS
Unless you have a rich uncle, Angel investors and Venture
Capitalists are your main sources of STARTUP CAPITAL
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21. MORE ABOUT ANGEL INVESTORS
You won’t be an Angel’s only investment
Each individual investment an Angel makes is very risky
47% -- Lost Investment (5 in 10)
26% -- 1x to 4x Return (3 in 10)
15% -- 4x to 6x Return (2 in 10)
8% -- 6x to 30x Return (1 in 10)
4% -- >30x Return (>1 in 10)
Demand high returns from each investment because they CANNOT know
and WILL NOT know which one deal will succeed wildly.
Nor can they reliably predict which ones will fail miserably.
Expect to PAY OUT huge returns to your Angel investor when your
business begins to generate a positive ROI
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22. RULE OF THUMB FOR ANGEL INVESTORS
Angels look for a 10x return on EVERY deal
Seek to exit deals 5-7 years down the road
Typically invests no more than $250,000 in any one investment
Don’t invest any more than 10% of funds in any one venture
To receive SERIOUS consideration from Angel Investors your
ROI should be 30-40% minimum
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23. WHAT ANGELS LOOK FOR IN A POTENTIAL DEAL
SCALE! SCALE! SCALE!
Your Valuation MUST be reasonable!
You have the capacity and ability to execute
Angels look to MINIMIZE RISK by selecting ventures that offer rapid
growth potential, a high rate of return & strong management teams
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24. 14 QUESTIONS YOU WILL DEFINITELY BE ASKED
1. Who are your major competitors?
2. What makes your products and services unique?
3. Who are your targeted customers
4. How have your targeted customers responded to your prototype?
5. What is your marketing strategy for your products and services?
6. How much angel capital are you seeking?
7. How do you plan to distribute my investment?
8. What time frame do you expect the invested money to last?
9. What is my stake in the company and my ROI?
10. What will happen next if the company fails?
11. How much profit will your company make?
12. How much money do you have invested in your venture personally?
13. Do you have experience in this field?
14. What are the long term goals of the company?
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26. YOUR PITCH
A “pitch” is simply how you present your company verbally
Any verbal communication to an outsider about what your company
does or will do should be considered a pitch
Lay it out on paper before you talk to outsiders
Identify complementary materials you need to make your pitch
effective
Chances are your products or services have a UNIQUE SELLING
POINT… Your business plan better have one too
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27. THE ELEVATOR PITCH
An elevator pitch is a short informal presentation
Engages discussion / gets someone interested
Make it Short, Simple, Memorable: “What, How, Why.”
Max 3 key words / phrases, 2 sentences.
Make it easy for non-experts to understand
Think through your elevator pitch CAREFULLY before you discuss your
business with anyone… friends, family and acquaintances included
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28. ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO MAKE YOUR PITCH
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Keep some type of promotional material ton you at all times
Always have a business card at a minimum
You never have a second chance to make a first impression
Sometimes strange encounters lead to big things. ALWAYS be
prepared to make your pitch.
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29. FORMAL PRESENTATIONS
Perfect your presentation
Come prepared
Watch the clock
Image is Important
Always follow up
Investors want you to demonstrate your CAPABILITIES when they
meet with you… Put on a show!
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30. ASKING FOR INVESTMENT CONSIDERATION
Don’t beat around the bush
Don’t expect an immediate decisions
Don’t appear desperate
Investors expect discussions to focus on financial outcomes…
specifically what type of ROI they can expect
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32. UNFAIR ADVANTAGE
Forget Competitive Advantage
Angel Investors and VCs *really* like Unfair Advantage
Big market lead
Experienced team
ex-Google PhDs
Core / “breakthrough” tech
“Defensible” IP / patents
“Exclusive” partnership
Great sales/marketing
Chances are your products or services have a UNIQUE SELLING
POINT… Your business plan better have one too
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33. PEOPLE OVER PRODUCT
Your management team is often your make or break point with investors
Types of people who get potential investors excited:
Geeks with deep technical background
Entrepreneurs who have sold companies
Recognized experts in their field or sector
Sales/Marketing rainmakers
Teams that have worked together before and shown real success
Make sure your management team has skin in the game
Attract world class talent BEFORE you solicit investment capital… it’s
a differentiating factor that every investor respects and appreciates
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34. TALENT ATTRACTS ATTENTION
Seek people with A-caliber startup qualities
If your investors aren’t impressed, it reflects on your ability to recruit
talent
Worse still, your investors may handpick people to manage your
business if you are talent deficient
Ideas don’t make money, PEOPLE make money
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36. GUARD YOUR IDEAS
Being first to market isn’t always an advantage
Confidentiality agreements with employees & contractors are musts
Get management to sign non-compete agreements
Forget confidentiality agreements with potential investors
Trademark / service mark your intellectual property
Expect new competition soon after you go to market
There are NO PATENTS for business ideas… If someone leverages
your ideas and leapfrogs you, you have little or no recourse
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38. SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
You will likely be turned down A LOT!
Learn to handle criticism
Deals often fall through
Finding the right investor takes time and effort
Investors will demand results
LEARN from every rejection you receive… understand why and
refine your business plan and pitch strategy accordingly
bankrolling your BIG idea | 38
Editor's Notes
A business plan is a detailed document describing your business idea and projecting your projected financial performanceThere is a basic flow to the document and it almoss always covers the topics you see on the overe headA good business plan is very thorough
Investor / Lender DemandsLenders and investors expect to see that you have a clear business plan before they take a risk on your business. Attract CollaborationUnless you can sell “ice to the Eskimos”, serious collaborators / partners will demand to read through your concept before they team up.Attention to DetailsAs you are work on your plan, you’ll probably find that there are many aspects of your new business that you haven’t considered.Planning saves money and time since you will be able to deal with issues before they become a problem.Management ToolKeeps you focused on where you are and where you want to be in the future. Prioritizes tasks: daily and long term.
Don’t procrastinateSomeone may beat you to market if you don’t put your ideas into action quicklyRaising capital is a slow process. Start early.Don’t share your business concept with everyone you knowLoose lips sink shipsProtect your intellectual capitalCreate a marketable planUnderstand your audienceThink like an investorPay attention to how you package your plan
ThoroughnessA detailed analysis of your idea, the marketplace, your competitors, your marketing strategy, your management team, and financial projectionsThe more detailed your financial projections, the betterAudience drivenAddresses the principal questions / concerns from the INVESTOR‘s perspectiveSpeaks to the investor in THEIR languagePaints a realistic pictureInvestors expect to see a business plan that paints a realistic financial picture of the anticipated growth of the company.If the plan is overly aggressive and not consistent with growth in the industry, your plan will probably be shelved.Addresses pros and cons of the business ideaIt isn’t a sales brochure, it’s the foundation for making an educated investment decisionNOT A SALES TOOLConveys professionalism Demonstrates your business acumen
Attracts attentionStands out from the crowd in a good wayInvestors receive countless bland business plans. A good plan makes their day. Demonstrates your marketing capabilitiesMost aspiring entrepreneurs don’t see their business plan as an extension of their sales collateralDemonstrates your knowledge & skillsDemonstrates your business acumenFosters goodwillThe perception that your business has "intrinsic value” that can’t be captured on a financial statementThere are some really good software programs that guide you through the process of writing a business plan (business plan pro)
WritingKeep it clearEasy to UnderstandDefinitions for technical terms are consistent Minimal repetitionKeep it conciseUses the minimum # of wordsOnly include relevant facts & ideasEfficient use of ideas & wordsWrite naturallyKeep the tone conversationalDon’t write an academic research paperBe LogicalOrganizedUse factual statementsReference your factsProfessional ToneAvoid humorEver meet a Venture Capitalist? Enough said…PositiveAvoid negatives (e.g. “There is an opportunity for” instead of “This doesn’t exist”)Be confident, but don’t avoid addressing weaknessesProvide both the pros & consA potential investor may have ideas to address your weaknesses
PackagingStand out from the crowd and demonstrate your marketing capabilitiesProvide product samplesBe willing to demonstrate your product on demandCreate dynamic presentation materialsSlidesFilmCustomer testimonialsResearch the investment team before you present to themTailor your communications to their backgrounds, expertise and interestsRemember that investor’s resources aren’t infiniteYour business plan is competes for funding against every other business plan the investor receivesYou’re competing for attention as well as funding
Early Stage FinancingSeed Financing — A small amount of money involved (usually $50,000 or less). Funds are used to develop a concept. The earliest stage of financing. Typically, friends, family, or partners R&D Financing — A tax advantaged partnership set up to finance product development. Investors secure tax write-offs for their investments. If the product becomes successful, they share in the profits. Startup — Money is used for product development and initial marketing. While startup companies are organized, they have not sold products commercially. First Stage — The entrepreneur usually has developed a prototype. Funds are used to initiate full scale manufacturing and sales.Expansion Stage FinancingSecond Stage — Working capital for the initial expansion of a company that is shipping product but may not yet be showing a profit.Third Stage — Also called “Mezzanine” financing. Capital at this stage is used for major expansion including physical plant expansion, marketing, and working capital.Fourth Stage — Also referred to as “bridge” financing. This is financing for a company expecting to go public within six months to a year. Often bridge financing is structured so that it can be repaid from the proceeds of a public underwriting.Acquisition/Buyout FinancingAcquisition Financing — Funds provided to a firm to finance its acquisition of another company.Management LBO — Funds provided to enable an operating management group to acquire a product line from either a public or private company concern.Public Market — The purchase of over-the-counter stock. The venture investor is involved with improving the company.IPOA public stock offering
Seed Financing — A small amount of money involved (usually $50,000 or less). Funds are used to develop a concept. The earliest stage of financing. Typically, friends, family, or partners R&D Financing — A tax advantaged partnership set up to finance product development. Investors secure tax write-offs for their investments. If the product becomes successful, they share in the profits. Startup— Money is used for product development and initial marketing. While startup companies are organized, they have not sold products commercially. First Stage — The entrepreneur usually has developed a prototype. Funds are used to initiate full scale manufacturing and sales.
Expansion Stage FinancingSecond Stage — Working capital for the initial expansion of a company that is shipping product but may not yet be showing a profit.Third Stage — Also called “Mezzanine” financing. Capital at this stage is used for major expansion including physical plant expansion, marketing, and working capital.Fourth Stage — Also referred to as “bridge” financing. This is financing for a company expecting to go public within six months to a year. Often bridge financing is structured so that it can be repaid from the proceeds of a public underwriting.
Acquisition Financing — Funds provided to a firm to finance its acquisition of another company.Management LBO — Funds provided to enable an operating management group to acquire a product line from either a public or private company concern.
Public Market — The purchase of over-the-counter stock. The venture investor is involved with improving the company.
AngelsThey tend to invest their own money and reputation in earlier stage companies.The really good ones (yes, there are bad ones) have built their own businesses from the ground up.They tend to get their ‘hands dirty.’They tend to bring their friends along for the ride.When the dollars need [to] get big for future financing rounds, angel investors usually voluntarily step back.They tend to want influence over day to day operationsVenture CapitalistsThey tend to invest in later stage companies with some revenue, product completed, and market traction…. after an initial angel round has been done.The really good ones (yes there are bad) come with a big rolodex of contacts and partners to help you cross some of the early hurdles.They tend to be more bankers/financiers than operating people…They tend to look at a business with a black/white eye on financial numbers [Returns!]…The good ones will often bring along investment partners in a syndicate. … They seem to apply a formula …. If something has worked for them with a portfolio company in the past, they’ll apply the same logic to future companies. [Study their portfolio!] They are investing other people’s money … and if they perform well those people will give them more money to invest. [Motive!]WHALESAn person with a lot of money who really doesn’t know what he’s doing when it comes to startup companiesNot always good to find a whale (give examples)
You won’t be an Angel’s only investmentEach individual investment an Angel makes is very riskyA 2007 study by the Angel Capital Association found that:47% -- Lost Investment (5 in 10)26% -- 1x to 4x Return (3 in 10)15% -- 4x to 6x Return (2 in 10)8% -- 6x to 30x Return (1 in 10)4% -- >30x Return(>1 in 10)An Angel typically invests no more than $250,000 in any one investmentDon’t invest any more than 10% of funds in any one venture
Expect a very high rate of return if you secure angel capital. Again the baseline payment raTE IS AROUND 10 TO 1. However, in today’s economy this rate is going up. It’s not unheard of for SaaS businesses to pay upt o 30 to 1.Have realistic expectations before you sit down with investors.Tell the story of AMP and their 5 to 1 expectations.
SCALE! SCALE! SCALE!Given the failure rate of their investments, Angels take gambles on companies that offer very high growth potentialTo provide ROI, your opportunity MUST Scale!Your Valuation MUST be reasonable!Investors are NOT being greedy by seeking 25%/year ROI’s.These are VERY high risk investments.That you can walk the walk as well as talk the talkExecution by Entrepreneur is IMPERATIVE for success.You can manage your financials: Revenue growth, Margins, EBITDA values, etc.Superior Management is critical to achieve a successful exit.They want your venture to move swiftly to the next stage of funding so they can get out and move on.They want Rock Stars and Superheroes on your management team.
You can expect to be asked a lot of questions by Angel Investors. A good angel does thorough due diligene. Don’t lie or stretch the truth because they are going to do their own homework anyway.
Your PitchA “pitch” is simply how you present your company verballyIt can be formal or informalAny verbal communication to an outsider about what your company does or will do should be considered a pitchBEFORE you communicate your new ideas to ANYONE, lay out your pitch on paperNetworking may lead to investorsWrite out your full pitch for informal situationsList out the supplementary materials you’ll need to make your pitch effective everything from business cards to your business planModify your pitch for different situations
An elevator pitch is a short informal presentationIt’s an introduction to your business that engages discussion / gets someone interested in learning moreShort, Simple, Memorable: “What, How, Why.”“We’re X for Y” is ok if 1) it’s true 2) X & Y are well-knownMax 3 key words / phrases, 2 sentences.It doesn’t have to take place in an elevatorMake it easy for non-experts to understandYou never have a second chance to make a first impression
An elevator pitch is a short informal presentationIt’s an introduction to your business that engages discussion / gets someone interested in learning moreShort, Simple, Memorable: “What, How, Why.”“We’re X for Y” is ok if 1) it’s true 2) X & Y are well-knownMax 3 key words / phrases, 2 sentences.It doesn’t have to take place in an elevatorMake it easy for non-experts to understandHave some type of promotional material to distribute to anyone who listens and shows interestAlways have a business card at a minimum
Formal presentationsANY scheduled meeting to discuss your business ideas, funding opportunities should be considered a FORMAL presentationTips on contentMake sure your discussion points are covered in your business planDemonstrate your products / provide samplesA team approach works bestBe organizedDon’t over promise. This is NOT a sales presentationTips on your presentationCome preparedOutline your goals before the meetingPlan your agendaLeave collateral materials behindWatch the clockBe promptDemonstrate good time management skills Don’t let the meet run lateTake the lead but keep it interactive and encourage discussionTips on your imageDress appropriatelyWatch your languageAvoid off color humorFollow upALWAYS send a thank you noteAddress the questions that were unanswered in the meetingList out the next steps
Asking for Investment ConsiderationDon’t beat around the bushHow Much Money Raised / Now Raising? Show 3 Budgets: Small, Medium, LargeShow how you’ve got “Small” already lined upShow “Optionality”, Competitive Interest (if poss.)What Will you Do with the Capital?Key Hires (Build Product)Marketing & Sales (Drive Revenue)CapX, Ops Infrastructure (Scale Up)Map Out Achievable Milestones with Non-Linear Increase in ValueShow what will get you to next milestone (product, customers, hires)Show how the capital you have is more than adequateShow substantial UPTICK in value when milestone is achievedfunctional productinitial customers / revenuebreak-even or profitableAddress what type of pay back the investor should expect to receiveAre you willing to grant equity?When will you begin to show a positive ROI?Don’t expect an immediate decisionThe decision process typically takes 90 days or moreDon’t appear desperateInvestors will leverage desperation to their advantage when negotiating termsIf you’re uncomfortable with the investor, it’s best to walk away
Forget Competitive AdvantageAngel Investors and VCs *really* like Unfair Advantagebig market leadexperienced teamex-Google PhDscore / “breakthrough” tech“defensible” IP / patents“exclusive” partnershipgreat sales/marketingInvestors enjoy watching your competitors suffer… Unfair Advantages weaken your competitors and allow you to quickly develop market shareUnfair Advantages mitigate a considerable amount of your investor’s riskMany VC’s are known to encourage dog fighting as a hobby
Your management team is often your make or break point with investorsDo they have the skills, passion, and temperament to propel a startup?Do they have successful track records?Does your team interact well with the investor?Do they have business management experience in a startup environment?Are they leaders?People that get potential investors hot and botheredGeeks with deep technical backgroundEntrepreneurs who have sold companiesRecognized experts in their field or sector?Sales/Marketing who Make it RainTeams that have worked together before and shown real successFriends and relatives who are simply “really good people” do not countDo they have skin in the game?Have they fronted money during the seed stage?Do they have an equity agreement?Are they willing to sign non-compete agreements?Also Identify:Key Hires you Need but *Don’t* Have, and…… you’ve got candidates lined up in those areas ... ready to hire as soon as you close funding… or at least job descriptions / est. salary
More on Your Management Team…Qualities that investors look for but generally go unsaidGood healthNatural leadership presenceSelf-confidence / healthy egosHumility / no arrogance Sense of urgencyComprehensive awarenessRealistic outlookConceptual abilityThey have superior conceptual abilities. Chaos does not bother them because they can conceptualize order.Low need for status Their need for status is met through achievement not through material possessions.Objective approachThey take an objective approach to personal relationships and are more concerned with the performance and accomplishment of others than with feelings.Emotional stabilityThey have the stability to handle stress from business and from personal areas in their lives.Attraction to challengesThey are attracted to challenges but not to risks. It may look like they are taking high risks, but in actuality they have assessed the risks thoroughly.Manage to the numbersThey can describe situations with numbers. Financial acumenThey understand their financial position and manage it. Make sure there are no weak links in your management teamIf your investors aren’t impressed, it reflects on your ability to recruit talentWorse still, your investors may handpick people to manage your business
Realize the risk involved in going to market with a really great ideaThere are people who will steal your ideas for their own personal gainYour risk of theft increases exponentially with each person you tell.Word of mouth is powerful. Who know who else may find out down the road.Forget confidentiality agreements with potential investors95% of serious investors won’t signVC’s and Angel investors network to lean more about your ideaThey want to make sure your story is consistentThey want to assess the market and the viability of your product on their ownGet employees and contractors to sign confidentiality agreementsGet management to sign non-compete agreementsPut trademark / service mark symbols on all of your intellectual capital and apply for copyrights as soon as possibleRegardless of how quiet you keep things, you’ll be surprised at how quickly new competition will sprout up once you move to market
Set Realistic Expectations for YourselfAs an Entrepreneur you will be turned down A LOT!!Understand that there may be a number of reasons for your opportunity to be ‘rejected.’Beyond the basic opportunity, the market size, the amount of funding you need, the competition, the product, the industry niche, the lack of any barriers to entry, the management team, etc., etc….You may be rejected solely because of an investor’s portfolio management discipline.Continue to look for additional sources of investment capital even if an investor shows interestYou never know when or why they may back out