Author Archives: Dave Berkus

Think ahead when raising your early investments

Posted on March 28, 2019 by Dave Berkus

Some businesses just can’t fit within the angel capital or friends and family model for raising funds.  Sooner or later you may need to seek venture capital and accommodate the needs of the venture community in negotiating the terms of … Continue reading →

Posted in Raising money | 2 Comments

How much of my business do I have to give to an investor?

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Dave Berkus

If you’re looking for growth capital, this one’s for you. We’ll cover what information you’ll expect to provide, your range of expected values and amounts of investment to expect.  All to help you set your expectations.  OK? Financial History and … Continue reading →

Posted in Raising money | 3 Comments

Can you overcome five risks and create wealth?

Posted on March 14, 2019 by Dave Berkus

Of course, we are speaking of increased valuation of your company when we speak of “wealth.”  Especially if you are in the early stage of growing a business, these five risks can and often do derail entrepreneurs before realizing the … Continue reading →

Posted in Positioning, Protecting the business | 3 Comments

Could you have created a “dirty cap table?”

Posted on March 7, 2019 by Dave Berkus

Oh, I know. When you started the business, you took investments from friends and family in small amounts just to get you started.  Of course, that worked at the time.  But… Enter the need for larger investments When you seek … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignition! Starting up, Raising money | 3 Comments

Would you sign a personal guarantee if you have investors?

Posted on February 28, 2019 by Dave Berkus

It’s a fact of life that a banker, lender or lessor will ask for a personal guarantee from the founder or entrepreneur most every time. But what if you’ve diluted your interest from 100% to something less than 50%? Should … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignition! Starting up, Protecting the business, Raising money | 2 Comments

Oh, go ahead and ask for a five-million-dollar investment in your startup.

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Dave Berkus

I cannot tell you how many times I have seen executive summaries of business plans in which the entrepreneur seeks $5,000,000 to build the business. Four reasons you should reconsider. First, few startups can use that much money today with … Continue reading →

Posted in Ignition! Starting up, Raising money | 7 Comments

Once again: Is it the jockey or the horse?

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Dave Berkus

Early stage investors have been arguing over this for years.  Do they bet on the entrepreneur (jockey) or the business idea and plan (the horse)?   This is serious stuff.  If you are looking for money, this question will certainly come … Continue reading →

Posted in Depending upon others, Ignition! Starting up, Surrounding yourself with talent | 4 Comments

Can you become a master negotiator?

Posted on February 7, 2019 by Dave Berkus

Think you don’t use negotiation most every day of your life? From the time we learn to manipulate our parents from the crib to today, we learn to negotiate to obtain our wants and needs.  As we grow, we negotiate … Continue reading →

Posted in Growth!, Positioning | 7 Comments

Non-competes, gray areas, and salvaging a failed purchase

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Dave Berkus

Last week we introduced the subject of non-compete agreements.  Let’s dive a little deeper and present some “gray area” scenarios to consider.  Then we’ll address the success or failure of the buyer with your product… First the obvious case in … Continue reading →

Posted in Depending upon others, Protecting the business, The liquidity event and beyond | Leave a comment

What about your previous company non-compete?

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Dave Berkus

Entrepreneurs tend to remain in the business niche they know best.  Usually that means one they once or recently spent time in as an employee or manager within a company where they had little or no ownership. Are you one … Continue reading →

Posted in Protecting the business | 1 Comment