Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 21, 2018

According to the 2017 Kauffman Startup Activity Index , the share of new entrepreneurs who started businesses to pursue opportunity rather than from necessity reached 86 percent, more than 12 percentage points higher than in 2009 at the height of the Great Recession. Thus a record number of entrepreneurs (and team members) are getting rich.

Entrepreneur 166

Entrepreneur Valuation Incubator Initial Public Offering 166

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

A conundrum for many frustrated entrepreneurs is that they need money from investors to design and build a prototype product, yet most angel investors expect to see at least a prototype before they invest. Every entrepreneur needs a professional business plan for their own use, whether they intend to seek investor funding or not.

Intellectual Property 249

Intellectual Property Angel Investor Technical Review Elevator Pitch 249

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

I have often been asked about Startup Funding by entrepreneurs. Here is Startup Funding, a Comprehensive Guide for Entrepreneurs. It is going to cost a lot of money just to get the initial batch of products to test the market and would definitely require external funding. Many myths surround the subject of startup funding.

Startup 150

Startup Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Seed Stage 150

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

A conundrum for many frustrated entrepreneurs is that they need money from investors to design and build a prototype product, yet most angel investors expect to see at least a prototype before they invest. Every entrepreneur needs a professional business plan for their own use, whether they intend to seek investor funding or not.

Angel Investor 224

Angel Investor Intellectual Property Technical Review Elevator Pitch 224

Up and Running

JANUARY 2, 2013

I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs think, “oh, I know my business inside and out – pitching will be a breeze!” I’ve also seen many entrepreneurs crash and burn when delivering their investor pitch – and ramble on and on. How much will it cost? ” Good luck! How will you measure success?

Hockey Stick 164

Hockey Stick Exit Strategy Technical Review Due Diligence 164

Up and Running

MARCH 14, 2018

I’ve seen too many entrepreneurs think, “Oh, I know my business inside and out—pitching will be a breeze!” I’ve seen many entrepreneurs crash and burn when delivering their investor pitch—and ramble on and on. How much will it cost? Your financials should easily allow you to calculate your customer acquisition costs.

Hockey Stick 164

Hockey Stick Exit Strategy Technical Review Angel Investor 164

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 30, 2012

Many entrepreneurs still dream of “going public,” making billions of dollars, and playing with the big boys. They don’t realize that this option would likely be their worst nightmare, since it costs millions for the road show, usually dilutes your equity to a tiny fraction, and takes away all your entrepreneurial control.

Exit Strategy 239

Exit Strategy IPO Investment Bankers Entrepreneur 239

Up and Running

MAY 12, 2020

While many traditional jobs still can’t function remotely, or have difficulty adjusting, many entrepreneurs have found success in starting a business from home. Can I afford the cost of any adjustments that need to be made? Think about an exit strategy. Is there a space I can make “my own” in my home?

Software Review 153

Software Review Exit Strategy Technical Review Business Plan 153

Hearpreneur

OCTOBER 10, 2023

We asked entrepreneurs and CEOs about having a business plan and here is what they had to say. #1- Take inspiration from other successful entrepreneurs, and look for opportunities to receive mentorship. As a dynamic document, it remains rooted in your business's core objectives while flexibly responding to change.

Business Plan 143

Business Plan Jordan Entrepreneur Florida 143

Startup Professionals Musings

APRIL 27, 2016

The last thing a new entrepreneur wants to think about for a new startup is how it will end. Yet one of the first things a potential equity investor asks about is your exit strategy. Here are three important reasons for the question: Good investment paybacks normally require an exit event.

Equity 120

Equity Exit Strategy Private Equity Startup 120

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 28, 2015

Too many entrepreneurs look for that one magic bullet -- an exciting new technology, perhaps, or their own determination to make the world a better place -- to override any shortcomings in their startup model. In the real world, marketing initiatives that go viral cost big money and effort for their innovation and execution.

Exit Strategy 120

Exit Strategy Technical Review Distribution Viral 120

Up and Running

MAY 1, 2014

The vast majority of business owners and entrepreneurs aren’t business experts. One of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make in their business plans is stating that they don’t have any competition. You can look at your costs and then mark up your offering from there. > Don’t be intimidated.

Business Plan 163

Business Plan Forecast Balance Sheet Distribution 163

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 19, 2015

According to the latest Kaufman Startup Activity Index , entrepreneurs are making an unprecedented comeback in America, with data showing the largest year-over-year increase in two decades. Thus a record number of entrepreneurs (and employees) are getting rich. Initial Public Offerings (IPO) are back as an exit strategy.

IPO 120

IPO Angel Investor Startup Incubator 120

Hearpreneur

MAY 15, 2020

We asked some entrepreneurs and business owners, why they started their businesses: #1- Make learning to swim more convenient. My struggles lead to all kinds of problems including getting cited by OSHA and TCEQ, skyrocketing insurance costs & lost business opportunities. Each story is different though the reasons may be the same.

Entrepreneur 127

Entrepreneur LLC Los Angeles San Francisco 127

Up and Running

AUGUST 19, 2014

Many angels are entrepreneurs themselves, or executives and business or community leaders. what’s behind your financials, your go-to-market strategy, your current traction in the marketplace, your competition and why you’re better, your intellectual property or “secret sauce,” your exit strategy, etc.). Tweet This Tip.

Angel Investor 161

Angel Investor Technical Review Due Diligence Startup 161

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 7, 2020

I recognize that entrepreneurs tend to substitute vision and passion for formal processes, but using no discipline or process in building something new is a sure way to spend money, rather than see any return and build a self-sustaining business. Technologists building cool new platforms, just because they can, won’t find investor interest.

Entrepreneur 328

Entrepreneur Exit Strategy Metrics Operations 328

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 3, 2021

Based on my own years of experience in startups and big business, and more recently as an angel investor, I often cringe when I see one of you entrepreneurs missing a cue that I have seen work for many before you. A passionate entrepreneur I met a while back had found that a certain algae could be grown cheaply, and could end world hunger.

Exit Strategy 406

Exit Strategy Merger Angel Investor IPO 406

Hearpreneur

OCTOBER 5, 2018

Benjamin Yee is the entrepreneur behind an innovative software, EMERGE App, that makes it easy to manage the process. It’s a user-friendly and affordable app that businesses can utilize to help increase efficiency while reducing overall costs involved. For example, landed costs are a pain for importers. Listen to them.

Software 59

Software Management Entrepreneur Vietnam 59

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 5, 2011

Many entrepreneurs still dream of “going public,” making billions of dollars, and playing with the big boys. They don’t realize that this option would likely be their worst nightmare, since it costs millions for the road show, usually dilutes your equity to a tiny fraction, and takes away all your entrepreneurial control.

Exit Strategy 235

Exit Strategy IPO Entrepreneur Investment Bankers 235

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 12, 2020

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million dollar investment before they even have a business plan. It won’t work, it costs time and money, and hurts your credibility when you need them later. They are not trying to make money, but simply to recoup their costs over time.

Incubator 429

Incubator Startup Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 429

Startup Professionals Musings

JUNE 15, 2013

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million dollar investment before they even have a business plan. It won’t work, it costs time and money, and hurts your credibility when you need them later. They are not trying to make money, but simply to recoup their costs over time. Marty Zwilling.

Incubator 256

Incubator Entrepreneur Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 256

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 23, 2021

Most aspiring entrepreneurs I know are just waiting for that unique idea to strike them that will kickstart their new venture, put them in control of their lifestyle, achieve financial independence, and maybe even change the world. The return was far greater than the cost of donated shoes.

Startup 399

Startup Exit Strategy Cofounder Equity 399

Up and Running

AUGUST 28, 2018

Financial summary: Explain your business model, startup costs, revenues, and liabilities to the company. Your funding ask and exit strategy, if applicable. Exit strategy : You only need this if you’re seeking outside investment. When writing your financial plan, make sure to consider startup costs.

Business Plan 72

Business Plan Technical Review Exit Strategy Oregon 72

Up and Running

JULY 2, 2014

You can’t underestimate the importance of selecting an attorney who “gets” your business model, your market opportunity, and most importantly, your fundraising and exit strategy. Now, if you’re a savvy investor or entrepreneur, I’m sure your jaw just dropped as you read that. ownership and never dilute.

Technical Review 118

Technical Review Angel Investor Due Diligence Dilution 118

Entrepreneurs-Journey.com by Yaro Starak

FEBRUARY 11, 2011

In this post, I want to lay out the details involved in how I first realized the opportunity, the formation of the business idea, the search for my supplier, the establishment and growth of the business, problems encountered and lessons learned, as well as the exit strategy that resulted in the $250,000 sale of the business.

SEO 97

SEO PPC America Design 97

Up and Running

SEPTEMBER 19, 2018

Financial Summary: Explain your business model, startup costs, revenues, and liabilities to the company. Your funding ask and exit strategy, if applicable. Personnel plan : Costs of employees. Exit strategy : Needed if you’re seeking investment. Target market: Who is your ideal buyer? Be specific.

Business Plan 154

Business Plan Technical Review Forecast Software Review 154

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 31, 2021

Based on my experience as an investor and mentor to aspiring entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and elsewhere, one of the quickest ways to kill your credibility and your startup is to offer a poorly written business plan, or none at all. An entrepreneur who can’t manage a plan, probably won’t be able to manage the new business.

Silicon Valley 342

Silicon Valley Exit Strategy Business Plan Restful 342

Up and Running

JULY 15, 2016

Despite the fact that production costs for certain products are now cheaper in some Southeast Asian countries, China remains the factory of the world. This is clearly the best way for foreign entrepreneurs to retain control of the company and transfer money abroad. For Western entrepreneurs, these rules can cause a headache.

China 60

China Entrepreneur Technical Review Framework 60

Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 5, 2023

Some entrepreneurs start polling venture capitalists for that multi-million-dollar investment before they even have a business plan. It won’t work, it costs time and money, and hurts your credibility when you need them later. They are not trying to make money, but simply to recoup their costs over time.

Startup 305

Startup Incubator Exit Strategy Institutional Investors 305

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 12, 2021

You should plan an exit strategy, and optimize your activities and timing to get top dollar. I have found that entrepreneurs often don’t appreciate the need for intellectual property or their “secret sauce” when looking for an investor, and are quick to give away the details when selling the business.

Due Diligence 410

Due Diligence Intellectual Property Bankruptcy Exit Strategy 410

Up and Running

MAY 15, 2018

As an entrepreneur, you will face several challenges while seeking the funds, in part because you’ll have to convince others that your idea is a solid investment. This means being able to increase profits without increasing costs at an equal (or higher) rate. However, sourcing enough money to start your new venture can be difficult.

SBA 84

SBA Angel Investor Technical Review Startup 84

Startup Professionals Musings

JANUARY 4, 2020

One of the big questions that every entrepreneur struggles with is how much funding they should request from investors in the first round. Here is where projections of cost, pricing, volumes and cash flow are critical. How much do you really need for the next 12 to 18 months? Marty Zwilling.

Startup 337

Startup Preferred Stock Exit Strategy Equity 337

Startup Professionals Musings

MARCH 10, 2023

I recognize that entrepreneurs tend to substitute vision and passion for formal processes, but using no discipline or process in building something new is a sure way to spend money, rather than see any return and build a self-sustaining business. Technologists building cool new platforms, just because they can, won’t find investor interest.

Exit Strategy 288

Exit Strategy Metrics Operations Cost 288

Startup Professionals Musings

MAY 13, 2011

Explain in terms your mother could understand, and quantify the “cost-of-pain” in dollars or time. Many entrepreneurs scare away potential investors by claiming that their technology represents “truly disruptive technology.” Exit strategy. For a family business, don’t project an exit.

Business Plan 290

Business Plan Sweat Equity Exit Strategy Intellectual Property 290

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2013

Many entrepreneurs still dream of “going public,” making billions of dollars, and playing with the big boys. They don’t realize that this option would likely be their worst nightmare, since it costs millions for the road show, usually dilutes your equity to a tiny fraction, and takes away all your entrepreneurial control.

IPO 224

IPO Founder Exit Strategy Investment Bankers 224

Startup Professionals Musings

AUGUST 13, 2012

Explain in terms your mother could understand, and quantify the “cost-of-pain” in dollars or time. Many entrepreneurs scare away potential investors by claiming that their technology represents “truly disruptive technology.” Exit strategy. For a family business, don’t project an exit.

Business Plan 283

Business Plan Sweat Equity Exit Strategy Intellectual Property 283

Startup Professionals Musings

OCTOBER 7, 2022

One of the big questions that every entrepreneur struggles with is how much funding they should request from investors in the first round. Here is where projections of cost, pricing, volumes and cash flow are critical. How much do you really need for the next 12 to 18 months? Marty Zwilling.

Preferred Stock 304

Preferred Stock Exit Strategy Equity Angel Investor 304