5 Smart Ways to Avoid Giving Too Much Equity to Investors | AllBusiness.com

July 17, 2023 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The startup ecosystem is currently evolving at a higher pace than ever. Investors’ expectations have changed, and fundraising is a huge challenge for startups. Crunchbase data shows that seed and angel investment to U.S. startups fell 45% year over year in the first quarter of 2023 to $3.1 billion. Seed and angel investments in the U.S. are facing their lowest quarterly level since the fourth quarter of 2020.

While there has been a decline in seed and angel investment, the drop in Series A investment for U.S.-based startups has been even more significant. Series A investment in the first quarter of 2023 decreased from $14.5 billion in the fourth quarter of 2021 to $5.7 billion.

Due to the current economic conditions, investors may ask for more startup equity to cover the increased risk. Founders, therefore, must carefully evaluate the trade-offs and decide whether venture capital is the right path for their startup’s growth and long-term vision.

They Were Rejected On Shark Tank And Today Are Making Millions | Forbes

October 26, 2020October 25, 2020 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

The investors from TV’s Shark Tank aren’t going to want to see this. Here are ten ventures turned down on the show, that have become great successes.

Cellhelmet

Cellhelmet provides protective cases for your most precious possession – your cell phone. Since being turned down on Shark Tank, Cellhelmet has gone on to create a whole suite of mobile device accessories including charging solutions, power banks and screen protectors. Their products can now be found in 3,000 stores, and they have offices in both the US and China.

Millennials: 10 Things Old Farts Won’t Tell You About Entrepreneurship (Sixth in the series)

May 10, 2016May 31, 2016 ~ CBPS ~ Leave a comment

6. Investors and The Rule of Rocks

Shark Tank has done a lot to raise the level of wishful thinking in America. Many people believe that if you find the right ten slides, or the perfect 30 seconds, you’ll be able to extend your hand and a check will float from the ether and drop into the palm of your hand.

Oh, that this were true.

Continue reading “Millennials: 10 Things Old Farts Won’t Tell You About Entrepreneurship (Sixth in the series)” →

4 Funding Myths to Stop Believing Now | Entrepreneur

September 28, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Fundraising can be a tricky business, with many factors influencing the outcome. Avoid these funding myths and make sure you have the information and strategies you need to keep your company thriving.

Myth: Funding is synonomous with success.

Reality: Not every successful company seeks funds and not every company that does becomes successful in the long term. Don’t look for outside dollars because you think it’s impressive or could get you press attention. Funds from VCs or angel investors often come with management strings and pressure to perform. Ask yourself if you need money at all and if you’ve exhausted bootstrapping, loans from banks, friends or family, or even funding through revenue.

The Three Reasons You Need a Business Plan | Peter Mehit

August 17, 2015August 18, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

How Small, Local Businesses Can Reach New Investors And Keep Dollars In Communities | Fastcoexist.com

March 2, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Small, local businesses lack access to capital. Banks will place restrictions before giving loans, like asking for collateral, wanting to see years of revenues, or asking for personal covenants. And then venture and angel investors aren’t interested in the low-rate returns hairdressers, restaurants and furniture-makers can offer; they want “high growth.”

That is why small, local businesses generally stay as small, local businesses. But what if small businesses could reach over the top of those market failures to the general public and investors who are willing to suffer the relatively low returns on offer? That might open up options.

Six Global Trends for SMEs to Stay Ahead of the Curve | Getentrepreneurial

February 19, 2015February 23, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Staying up to date in today’s constantly shifting business world is not easy, but being aware of SME trends as they are happening can put small business owners ahead of the curve. Spotcap, the fastest online credit platform, reveals the six most important global trends which entrepreneurs need to follow to stay on the ball with industry challenges.

The bigger, the better

Big data is not just for big businesses anymore and will have a significant impact on the pace-setters of the small business sector. Entrepreneurs can seek to leverage large amounts of data across multiple delivery channels to uncover patterns in consumer behavior. Analyzing big data can help organizations to change the way they make decisions. According to a survey from IBM, 75 percent of all small business owners are increasing their investments in data analysis tools. These shrewd investors will reap the benefits of news features that allow them to sift easily through masses of valuable data and plan their next move accordingly.

4 New Year’s resolutions for investors | Money Cnn

January 2, 2015 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Millions of Americans make resolutions to hit the gym, eat more salad and smile frequently. But don’t forget to pay as much attention to your money.

Keeping tabs on your investment portfolio can be just as important when it comes time for retirement.

Here’s CNNMoney’s suggested list of New Year’s resolutions for investors:

1. Find your password and log on! Many investors who have their portfolios in cruise-control mode. While you don’t need to trade daily, it’s important to at least do an annual checkup on your accounts. Log in or call your 401(k) or brokerage account provider and see whether you should make any changes.

At your annual physical, you get your blood pressure checked. The equivalent to that in investing is looking at your asset allocation — how much you have in stocks versus bonds versus cash and commodities.

Is your asset mix still appropriate based on your age and risk tolerance? It could be time to make a change.

Secrets to Financing a New or Growing Business | All Business

December 31, 2014 ~ knjohn ~ Leave a comment

Obtaining funds to start a new business or to expand an existing one can be a challenging and exciting experience. Before lenders and investors can commit to funding, they will want to know there is a high chance that your business will be successful.

Certain areas need to be addressed and prepared such as a coherent and comprehensive business plan that includes marketing strategies, financials, product or service offerings, competitor analysis, and short- and long-term growth strategies.