How to venture capital economics actually work?
Startup CFO Solutions
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03/09/2021
To achieve high growth objectives and scale, align employee compensation to these strategic goals and be creative with how you structure the various components of compensation
๐๐ฝ equity incentive plans provide long term alignment. Youโre giving away a share of future profits, so spread out giving equity over 2-4 years in small increments like 0.5 to 1%. Spread vesting over time, such as a 1 year cliff and then 4 year vesting period.
๐๐ฝ having short term incentives which are annual or quarterly is important in order to achieve the outcomes you need right now.
๐๐ฝ short term performance metrics should be data driven, objective, simple to calculate and track and align with areas within the employeeโs control. Have stretch goals, meaning achievable but also challenging, as overachievement and excessive payouts will upset your investors.
๐๐ฝ never underestimate the value of non-cash compensation. Things like time off, flexible work hours, coaching and training opportunities are highly valued.
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M&A, Mergers and Acquisitions, meaning one company buying another. Typically a lengthy, complicated process with high stakes and associated with large corporations.
However, acquiring companies or assets for growth is something startup CEOs should keep in mind. Some potential instances this strategy could be useful:
๐๐ฝTo speed up or enable geographical expansion
๐๐ฝ Product expansion to better leverage existing sales channels and customer relationships
๐๐ฝ Done as a cashless merger so that cash is preserved
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02/04/2021
From my work with ecommerce and DTC early stage companies in the CPG space, Iโve seen some pitfalls be repeated. Check this out for some top mistakes to avoid:
๐๐ฝ not leveraging touchpoints with consumers to capture customer data records and use to better serve their needs.
๐๐ฝSelling on Amazon without
considering the long term costs in terms of lower margins, higher CAC and inability to really know your consumer to increase LTV.
๐๐ฝNo cohesive management of both DTC and retailer channels, leading to revenue overall not growing.
๐๐ฝNot tracking both CAC AND LTV or using those insights proactively to manage the business.
๐๐ฝLack of operational oversight over product sourcing, inventory management and order fulfillment. This often results in erosion of profit margins and sales.
Raising a seed round for your startup: whatโs a SAFE and whatโs a convertible note? And what are the differences between the two? Watch below to find out.
After raising a seed round, hereโs what to do next
Five things to focus on prior to raising a seed round for your startup
๐ large market opportunity
๐ understanding of target customers and their top pain points
๐ know your competitors and why your proposed offering is superior
๐detailed description of your solution/MVP
๐youโve gained traction which supports your conclusions
12/10/2020
Check this out to learn about special purpose acquisition companies or S**Cs and key takeaways for early stage companies thinking of going public
S**C IPOs And 5 Key Takeaways For Early-Stage Companies Considering Going Public Using a S**C (aka blank check shell corporation) to go public has gained popularity in 2020, with 200 S**Cs raising about $64bn this year, which is more than double the number of S
Should you raise venture capital funds for your business? If youโre currently boot strapped, or funded via friends and family or angel investors, check this out!
For startups considering a corporate sale, watch this for some important considerations to maximise the price you command for your business.
Timing is a big driver of value and preparation is key.
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