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In 2011, the valuation of pre-revenue, start-up companies is typically in the range of $1.5–$2.5 million and is established by negotiations between the entrepreneur and the angel investors. Such comparisons can only be made for companies at the same stage of development, in this case, for pre-revenue startup ventures.
In short, more and more entrepreneurs are signaling their price expectations earlier in their seed fundraise process. Or, in the case of a convertible note, they’ll explicitly state a valuation cap. In theory, there are three levels of pricing for an entrepreneur to potentially signal to a prospective investor: 1.
During the summer of 2010, I developed a workshop, A New ACEF Valuation Workshop for Angels and Entrepreneurs. To provide some reference points, I surveyed thirteen angels groups in North American to determine their recent experience in negotiating the pre-moneyvaluation of pre-revenue companies.
I think the title of this post is a TV show, but fitting as there has been much debate in the venture community as to the whether angel investors are good or bad for entrepreneurs and VCs. One of my comments was that we would likely see more institutionalization of angel groups and syndication of deals among groups.
In theory, there are three levels of pricing for an entrepreneur to potentially signal to a prospective investor: Lower than “market.” This approach is almost never a good idea. By definition, all entrepreneurs should think that their endeavor is truly exceptional. Above market.
I have frequently heard the expression from other investors, “We can put a lot of money to work here.” This is the psychology that drives VCs to load up a company with more capital, rationalizing that $5m at a $20m pre-moneyvaluation is little different than $10m at a $40m pre-moneyvaluation.
The term sheet converts all the convertible debt into a post-moneyvaluation of $100, essentially making the convertible debt worthless. The new money comes in at a pre-moneyvaluation of $100, but includes a complete refresh of founder equity to 40% of the company. So they recapitalize the company.
A reminder that it is important for all entrepreneurs is to remember to be careful about “deal drift.” I think the perfect saying to have as a reminder is “time is the enemy of all deals,” or as my wife is all too tired of hearing me say, “Don’t pop the champagne until the ink is dry on the contract and the money is in the bank.”.
Pre-moneyvaluation was initially set higher but was adjusted to match the Ser B valuation. Pre-moneyvaluation was approx. Pre-moneyvaluation was approx. Pre-moneyvaluation was at least $250M (2). General Catalyst & Sequoia participated. Author howerl.
I also joke with Reid Hoffman that this was back in the days before he was “Reid” Reid’s an incredible entrepreneur, startup investor, and human being. round which closed in November 2003, and the pre-moneyvaluation between $10 million and $15 million. It was a pretty good valuation for the time.
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