Finance Marketing Stock 
Both Sides of the Table
AUGUST 9, 2011
I spent my days meeting companies, figuring out what areas of the market interested me and trying to get a sense for how VCs thought about fair valuations. I started showing my partners more deals that I found interesting and doing loads of analysis on the future of markets I thought were ripe for disruption. The market had tanked.
The Startup Magazine
JANUARY 19, 2025
For example, these professionals can develop detailed cash flow forecasts that consider market trends and business-specific challenges. A reserve fund provides peace of mind and reduces reliance on costly financing options during tough times, keeping the business on solid ground. However, even small contributions over time can add up.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Steve Blank
OCTOBER 24, 2017
Uber , Zenefits , Tanium , Lending Club CEOs of companies with billion dollar market caps have been in the news – and not in a good way. None of this was law, and nothing in writing required this; this was just how these firms did business to protect their large institutional customers who would buy the stock. Board Control.
Both Sides of the Table
MAY 23, 2012
There are obvious reasons the industry has had less-than-desirable returns, including: massive over-funding of the sector, huge increases in inexperienced venture capitalists that took a decade to peter out, and the massive correction in the value of the public stock markets that closed many exit opportunities for half a decade.
SoCal CTO
SEPTEMBER 27, 2011
Paul Graham provides what is roughly the core formula for equity at any point in The Equity Equation : You can use the same formula when giving stock to employees, but it works in the other direction. Stock vests for 4 years. The key in his approach is that equity compensation should be viewed the same way that you view investment.
Steve Blank
JULY 11, 2017
Before the rapid rise of Unicorns, (startups with a valuation over a billion dollars), when boards were still in control, they “encouraged” the hiring of “adult supervision” of the founders after they found product/market fit. It was so compelling, everyone worked extremely long hours, for little pay and some stock. Postscript.
Both Sides of the Table
SEPTEMBER 5, 2012
Was Paul Graham right in his “high resolution” financing post? Can you imagine investing in the stock market where your price was determined at a future date and the better that company performed the HIGHER the price you paid for that investment. Some thoughts on raising angel money.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
305 
Let's personalize your content