Funding
The Holiday Fundraising Trap – What Founders Should Do Now
Thinking about launching your fundraise now? November & December are the worst months to start, with just 6.4% of deals closing in January. Here's what you should do.
Funding
Funding
Time Is Killing Venture Returns
As an investment vehicle for LPs, venture capital is broken. As a founder, you need to understand this dynamic. Choose your investors wisely.
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Why Longer Fundraising Cycles Are Good for Startups
It's taking longer to raise a round of venture funding. This is a healthy change. Let me explain why.
Funding
Valuation Makes The Headlines – Liquidation Preferences Allocate The Cash
Why do some startups, despite raising over $100 million and achieving unicorn status, end up with little to show for it? The startup press and many founders are obsessed with valuation. But that can be a trap. During a liquidation event, the most important factor is how the cash is
Funding
🪤 Avoid the SAFE Note Dilution Trap
SAFEs are fast and inexpensive to use. That’s a feature and a bug. Too many founders overuse SAFEs and end up in a dilution trap. * Carta recently released its Q1 2024 State of Pre-seed report. It's the perfect opportunity to review the current state of SAFE notes
Funding
How To Steer Your Startup Through The VC Shakeout
Are your current venture investors acting strange? Did they seem more nervous and jumpy at your last board meeting? Are you concerned that you’re suddenly not all on the same page? Venture funds are under a lot of pressure right now. This has implications for your startup as you
Funding
Are You Growing Fast Enough?
2023 is in the books. Your 2024 budget is sitting in front of you. The start of a new year is the perfect time to reassess whether your startup is still on the venture path. Here is a simple question: Is your revenue growth strong enough to attract a round
Funding
Down Rounds and Recaps Part 4 – Navigating the Startup Recap
Welcome to part four of our series on down rounds and recaps: * Part 1: A Guide to Down Rounds and Recaps * Part 2: Managing Your Key Stakeholders * Part 3: A Deep Dive Into Down Rounds * Part 4: Navigating the Startup Recap <- You are here Let’s get on
Funding
Down Rounds and Recaps Part 3 – A Deep Dive into Down Rounds
Welcome to part three of our series on down rounds and recaps: * Part 1: A Guide to Down Rounds and Recaps * Part 2: Managing Your Key Stakeholders * Part 3: A Deep Dive Into Down Rounds <- You are here * Part 4: Navigating the Startup Recap Let’s get into
Funding
Down Rounds and Recaps Part 2 – Managing Your Key Stakeholders
Welcome to part two of our series on down rounds and recaps: * Part 1: A Guide to Down Rounds and Recaps * Part 2: Managing Your Key Stakeholders <- You are here * Part 3: A Deep Dive Into Down Rounds * Part 4: Navigating the Startup Recap Let’s get into
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Down Rounds and Recaps Part 1 — What, Why, When
Welcome to part one of our series on down rounds and recaps: * Part 1: A Guide to Down Rounds and Recaps <- You are here * Part 2: Managing Your Key Stakeholders * Part 3: A Deep Dive Into Down Rounds * Part 4: Navigating the Startup Recap Let’s get into
Funding
Mass Extinction Event for Startups? Are You Default Investable or Default Alive?
For many startups, the next 12 months will be challenging. Default Investable or Default Alive. Know which path you are on. A few weeks ago, Tom Loverro of the venture fund IVP tweeted that we are on the verge of a mass extinction event for startups. Carta shared data showing