article thumbnail

Cram Down – A Test of Character for VCs and Founders

Steve Blank

Cram downs are back – and I’m keeping a list. Except, that is, for the bottom feeders of the Venture Capital business – investors who “ cram down ” their companies. For existing investors, sometimes it was a “pay-to-play” i.e. if you don’t participate in the new financing you lose. Stopping Cram Downs.

Cram Down 417
article thumbnail

6 Keys To Managing Funding From People Close To You

Startup Professionals Musings

Many use a convertible loan note that may be converted into equity upon the closing of the first formal angel or VC round of financing, with a more realistic valuation. New money from professional investors sees no value in old money, so the equity of early investors is “crammed down” and often lost in the scale-up surge.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

The Good The Bad And The Ugly Of Funding From Friends

Startup Professionals Musings

Many use a convertible loan note that may be converted into equity upon the closing of the first formal angel or VC round of financing, with a more realistic valuation. New money from professional investors sees no value in old money, so the equity of early investors is “crammed down” and often lost in the scale-up surge.

Cram Down 148
article thumbnail

Founders Finding Funding From Friends May Be Fools

Startup Professionals Musings

Many use a convertible loan note that may be converted into equity upon the closing of the first formal Angel or VC round of financing, with a more realistic valuation. New money from professional investors sees lesser value in old money, so the equity of early investors is “crammed down” and often lost in the scale-up surge.

Founder 254
article thumbnail

Don’t Hurt Friends and Family Investors Who Love You

Startup Professionals Musings

Many use a convertible loan note that may be converted into equity upon the closing of the first formal Angel or VC round of financing, with a more realistic valuation. New money from professional investors sees lesser value in old money, so the equity of early investors is “crammed down” and often lost in the scale-up surge.

Cram Down 230
article thumbnail

The Pros and Cons of Filing Business Bankruptcy

The Startup Magazine

Chapter 13 can be used by sole proprietors, one-person corporations, and certain LLCs in some states to repay some debt, “cram down” any assets that are subject to loans and otherwise reorganize their business under a three- to five- year repayment plan. The value of assets can be “crammed down” to market value; debtor pays less.

article thumbnail

How To Take Money From Friends And Still Be Friends

Startup Professionals Musings

Many use a convertible loan note that may be converted into equity upon the closing of the first formal Angel or VC round of financing, with a more realistic valuation. New money from professional investors sees lesser value in old money, so the equity of early investors is “crammed down” and often lost in the scale-up surge.

Cram Down 120