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Hi
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

Harvard innovation lab

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

STARTUP
SECRETS
An insider‘s guide to unfair competitive advantage

Funding strategies to go the distance

MICHAEL J SKOK
North Bridge Venture Partners
twitter: @mjskok mjskok.com

1
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Agenda
• Many ways to fund your startup
– from angels to accelerators

• Develop a funding strategy
– Your particular needs?
• even raise money ?

– Explore the options
• Initial funding
• Trajectory to stay funded

• Remove the mystique of VC
– Attracting
– Process

• Case example: Endeca – Steve Papa, founder
– Details can be found here
2
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Sex, Relationships & Money
This could get complicated, but it
needn‘t!

3
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Raising money is like sex
• Everyone wants to know
about it
• Few people talk about it
openly

4
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Raising money is like sex
• Everyone wants to know
about it
• Few people talk about it
openly
• People are afraid to ask…

5
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Everything you always wanted
to know about raising money *
* but were afraid to ask…

6
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Raising money is like sex
• Everyone wants to know
about it
• Few people talk about it
openly
• People are afraid to ask…
• It‘s fun once you get it!

7
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Typical sources:
•

Equity
– Angel
– Accelerators
– Seed, Venture Capital
•

Including Strategic / Corporate investors

– Growth, Private Equity
– Public Markets

•

Other
–
–
–
–

•

Bootstrap
Friends & Family
Debt
Grants, subsidies, off balance sheet

Alternatives
– e.g. Crowdfunding
•
•

Business: e.g. AngelList
Products/Services: e.g. Kickstarter

8
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Funding strategy
• Should you even raise money?
– If you don‘t know = the answer is no!
– Do the work first

• Example reasons for a ―no‖
–
–
–
–

No need!
Personal: risk aversion, lifestyle, control
Business: Small potential
Other: not for profit, or research
9
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Overview
Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation

Repeatability

Scalability

Profitability

Predictability

Decreasing RISK
Increasing VALUE

10
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

The 2 best times to raise capital
• With all the POTENTIAL…
– Or

• Plenty of PROOF !

11
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Overview
Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation

Repeatability

Scalability

Profitability

Predictability

Decreasing RISK
Increasing VALUE

12
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Crisis?
What crisis ?!

13
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Overview
Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation

Repeatability

Scalability

Profitability

Predictability

Decreasing RISK
Increasing VALUE

14
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Overview
Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation

Repeatability

Scalability

Increasing VALUE

Profitability

Predictability

15
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Overview
Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation

Repeatability

Scalability

Profitability

Predictability

Decreasing RISK
Increasing VALUE

16
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Angel
• $ wide variety:
– a few thousand to a few million
– Convertible debt or equity

• Individuals
– Generally affluent
– Experienced advice

• Angel networks
–
–
–
–

Networks of connections
Professionally organized - cohesive
Fund centric model
Clarity and speed of process
17
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

#innovationlab

Evolution of Angel Investing
•

Accessing Angel
Investors:

CommonAngels Fund III

Who knows you
Stage; total capital
need
– Domain focus / fit
– Portfolio
diversification

$13M ($33M under mgmt)

Stage

–
–

Size

Seed, early stage

Sectors

Software, Internet, Digital Media,
SaaS, Cloud, Mobile

Geography

Boston, New England, and NYC

Management

Two General Partners and an 8person Investment Committee
18
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Portfolio Companies

19
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Seed…
• Seed spray and pray

Or

• Seed to A
20
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Seed Capital
• seed2A or seed2BE?
• Agile, it‘s not just for
engineering
• Think like an investor
• Local or express - preserving exit
options
• Software today is different

21
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Seed to A: Confirmation
• Problem
– ―A problem well stated is a problem half solved‖*
• Ideally 4U – see ―Value Proposition‖

• Potential
– Market opportunity

• Product
– Specification

• Team
– Identification
*Charles Kettering, head of research for GM

22
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Accelerators
• 4 hats: founder, investor, vendor, donor
• Best are exclusive (YC, TechStars)
• Short time, short money
$18k for 6% equity (optional $100k note)
12 week program

• Strong results
@reedsturtevant

23
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

TechStars Boston – $2M fund

24
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

TS Boston 2011
• TS invested $500k
• 100x follow on, 2 yrs
• $46M by others

25
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Strategic Partnering

Carmichael Roberts

• Identify large companies that need your
technology or products
– Find the internal champion—this is critical!

• Convince them that you can increase the time
to market with their help
– $$$ and expertise

• Carve out an area to work on exclusively with
them
– Royalty on final products
26
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Government Support
• Unemployment remains a huge issue in the
U.S.
– Local, State and Federal levels

• Response:
– Programs to stimulate jobs
– Via new ideas & companies

• Find them:
– Grants: money given without any need to repay
– Tax Credits: keeps money in your business
– Special Loans: like grants with small payback

27
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Non-Profit Businesses 501c3
• Philanthropy - often best capital source
– Foundations
– HNW individuals
– Large companies

• Can still build a business similar to a for-profit
– Partner with for-profit, if needed
– Reward through bonuses not equity

• If profitable path needed for a particular product line?
– Do not force it!
– License out or spin off the business
28
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

#innovationlab

Strategic / Corporate investors
•

Their motivations?
– Business relationship
– Financial return
– Hedging?

•

Your motivations?
– Is this on your roadmap?
•

Or are you being tempted by the $?

– What does this enable that you otherwise wouldn‘t have
•
•
•

Market access
Credibility
Whole product

– What does this limit?
•
•

•

Other strategic partners?
Exit

Business relationship first
– Skin in the game
29
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

30

What is right for you?
Intense

Capital

Efficient
Small

Potential

Large
30
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

31

What is right for you?
Intense

Capital

Efficient
Small

Potential

Large
31
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Venture Capital
• Seed: ~$100k to $1-3m
– Seed to A or Pray?

• A to IPO
– $Millions, Multiple rounds

• Stage dependent participation, involvement
– Active (board seat)
– Passive (follow ―lead‖ investors)

32
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Expectations of your VC?
•
•
•
•

Operating experience?
Investment experience?
Hands on / off?
Thoughts…
–
–
–
–
–

Team & board building
Remove roadblocks
Reveal opportunities to accelerate
Strategic insight
Access to resources, network
33
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Sex, Relationships & Money
This could get complicated, but it
needn‘t!
simplified

34
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

VCs receive ‗000s of plans

35
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

This is what happens to most…

36
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Research…
 Fit: Geography, Sector, Stage
 Portfolio: Complementary, competitive?

 Partnership (brand)
 Track record
 Capital, free capital, reserves

37
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Target, be selective and focus
 Fit: Geography, Sector, Stage
 Portfolio: Complementary, competitive?

 Partner(s)
 Track record
 Capital, free capital, reserves

38
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Build a relationship
You could be partners for several
years…

39
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Triangulate ways to connect
•
•
•
•

Find someone who knows the VC
Get a warm introduction
Interact on line
Use your initiative!

40
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Process
Run your own…

41
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Process framework
The VC

You
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Research
Connect
Meet
Motivate
Diligence
Fit check
Pitch
Legal
Celebrate (briefly!)

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Thesis
Qualify
Meet
Prioritize
Engage
Socialize
Partner meeting
Final diligence
Fund
42
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

First connection: Who, what, why?
• Make a connection
• Establish
– Who are you (relevant experience)
– What do you do (uniquely well for who)
– Why does it matter (market opportunity)

• Investors often have ADD
– (not value add – Attention Deficit Disorder!)
– Limit agenda, control the discussion, get the first
meeting !!
43
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

First meeting
Tell your story…
See ―Getting behind the perfect pitch‖

44
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Process – build momentum!
The VC

You
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Research
Connect
Meet
Motivate
Diligence
Fit check
Pitch
Legal
Celebrate (briefly!)

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Thesis
Qualify
Meet
Prioritize
Engage
Socialize
Partner meeting
Final diligence
Fund
45
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Incomplete stand outs are better than
complete stand ups!
•

We looking for outstanding:
– People
– Technology or other disruption
– Market opportunity

•

One outstanding of the above literally stands out vs. all good, but none
great

•

We don‘t expect complete
–
–
–
–
–

•

Team
Product
Value prop
GTM plan
Business Model

Entrepreneurs don‘t need all the answers!
– Self aware, listening, leaders…
46
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Dating and Validating
Why diligence is so important to YOU
too!

47
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Dating - evaluating investors:
•
•
•

Everyone‘s money is the same color
Get to know the partnership and their portfolio
This is NOT an arranged marriage! Pick your partner.
– Level of insight and experience
– Track record is great but it‘s history
– Talk to others who have worked with them
•
•

Will they be a balance for you?
Good self-aware mentor?

– Find someone who is genuinely motivated to set you up for success.
– If you don‘t have comfort, and personal chemistry,
•

•

Keep looking!

See LinkedIN article
– http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130206211336-1893586-who-arethe-best-venture-capitalists-pure-investors-or-operators?trk=prof-post

48
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Validating - the VC‘s work
• Get to know the team
– (Time, References etc)

• Understand the business
– (value prop, biz model)

• Check under the hood
– (eg Expert opinion on Tech)

• Validate assumptions
– (GTM, speak to customers, partners)
49
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Process – term sheet timing…
The VC

You
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Research
Connect
Meet
Motivate
Diligence
Fit check
Pitch
Legal
Celebrate (briefly!)

•
•
•
Term sheet? •
•
•
Term sheet?
•
•
•

Thesis
Qualify
Meet
Prioritize
Engage
Socialize
Partner meeting
Final diligence
Fund
50
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

The Deal
“The process is the
deal”
Rich D’Amore

51
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Funding strategy questions
• First question
– How much do you need?

52
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

How much do you need?
•
•
•
•

Run the numbers
Build the assumptions
Assess the dependencies
Define the milestones

53
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Financials
•

P&L, Cash Flow
–

•

6 quarters for cash flow, requirement

For sizing the business, overall capital requirement (informs investor for their
reserves)
–

Annual P&L, CF up to 5 years thereafter,
– Highlighting if applicable
– Cash flow positive
– Breakeven

Suggested information / detail as needed for the above
–
–
–

Headcount
Bookings
Revenue
•

–
–

Gross Margin
Expenses
•

–
–

May need to break out things like Services depending on your business

Major categories like R&D, Sales, Marketing, G&A shown as needed

Profit/Loss
Cash

54
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Realistic optimists?

55
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Funding strategy questions
• First question
– How much do you need?

• Second question
– How much do you want?

56
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

How much do you want?
• Enough to build real value
• Define the milestones
•
•
•
•
•

Key hires
Product beta, ship
First customers
Channel partners
Etc…

• 18 months of runway typically
57
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Funding strategy questions
• First question
– How much do you need?

• Second question
– How much do you want?

• Final question
– What should you raise?

58
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

What should you raise?
• One strategy (dilution sensitive, risk tolerant)
– Raise just what you need
– Just before you need it ?

• Another strategy (dilution insensitive, risk
intolerant)
– Raise more than you need
– Well before you need it

• Either way
– Timing is everything so plan
– Assume the unexpected
59
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Factors
• Predictability of your business
–
–
–
–

Your execution
Market adoption
Cash flows (business model)
Potential outcome (risk / return)

• Competitors‘ balance sheets

• Valuation…
60
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Valuation
The sixty four million
dollar question…

61
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Valuation vectors

62
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Don‘t just value – evaluate…
Always be one round ahead in your thinking
• Proof (Metrics, Milestones per earlier)
– Customers, Partners, GTM, BizModel, Product

• Allow for
– Unknowns
– Time to fundraise

• Capital to capitalize!
63
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Ultimate exit potential (if you must!)
• Potential acquirers
– Their motivations
• Recent transactions in the space
– $ paid and valuations basis

• Independent beyond IPO
• Comparable valuations
– Data for these like revenues, growth rates, market cap

64
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

―ABC: Always Be Closing‖
• Build relationships
between financing
rounds
• Always ready to close

65
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

The most important capital
you‘ll raise…
Human capital
Invest in it with your option
pool!

66
Harvard innovation lab :

Hi

#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

What really matters
•
•
•
•

Investor fit
Amount of capital raised
Human Capital (option pool)
Timing

(To clear the bar: Clean Terms)
67
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Raising money is like sex
• It needn‘t be
complicated
• It‘s fun when you get
it!
• So pick your passion
not your poison

68
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

Thank you…
•
•
•
•

Maia Heymann @MaiaHeymann
Reed Sturtevant @ReedSturtevant
Jeffrey Beir @jbeir
Carmichael Roberts

• Steve Papa

– Common Angels
– TechStars
– Seed2A
– NB Venture Partners
– Endeca

*Learn best practices from Endeca Founder Steve Papa here.

69
Hi
Hi

Harvard innovation lab :
#innovationlab

Michael J Skok :

Startup Secrets :

Company Formation

@mjskok

Harvard innovation lab

#startupsecrets

www.mjskok.com

STARTUP
SECRETS
An insider‘s guide to unfair competitive advantage

Funding strategies to go the distance

MICHAEL J SKOK
North Bridge Venture Partners
twitter: @mjskok mjskok.com

70

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Funding strategies to go the distance

  • 1. Hi Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok Harvard innovation lab #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com STARTUP SECRETS An insider‘s guide to unfair competitive advantage Funding strategies to go the distance MICHAEL J SKOK North Bridge Venture Partners twitter: @mjskok mjskok.com 1
  • 2. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Agenda • Many ways to fund your startup – from angels to accelerators • Develop a funding strategy – Your particular needs? • even raise money ? – Explore the options • Initial funding • Trajectory to stay funded • Remove the mystique of VC – Attracting – Process • Case example: Endeca – Steve Papa, founder – Details can be found here 2
  • 3. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Sex, Relationships & Money This could get complicated, but it needn‘t! 3
  • 4. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Raising money is like sex • Everyone wants to know about it • Few people talk about it openly 4
  • 5. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Raising money is like sex • Everyone wants to know about it • Few people talk about it openly • People are afraid to ask… 5
  • 6. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Everything you always wanted to know about raising money * * but were afraid to ask… 6
  • 7. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Raising money is like sex • Everyone wants to know about it • Few people talk about it openly • People are afraid to ask… • It‘s fun once you get it! 7
  • 8. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Typical sources: • Equity – Angel – Accelerators – Seed, Venture Capital • Including Strategic / Corporate investors – Growth, Private Equity – Public Markets • Other – – – – • Bootstrap Friends & Family Debt Grants, subsidies, off balance sheet Alternatives – e.g. Crowdfunding • • Business: e.g. AngelList Products/Services: e.g. Kickstarter 8
  • 9. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Funding strategy • Should you even raise money? – If you don‘t know = the answer is no! – Do the work first • Example reasons for a ―no‖ – – – – No need! Personal: risk aversion, lifestyle, control Business: Small potential Other: not for profit, or research 9
  • 10. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Overview Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation Repeatability Scalability Profitability Predictability Decreasing RISK Increasing VALUE 10
  • 11. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com The 2 best times to raise capital • With all the POTENTIAL… – Or • Plenty of PROOF ! 11
  • 12. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Overview Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation Repeatability Scalability Profitability Predictability Decreasing RISK Increasing VALUE 12
  • 13. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Crisis? What crisis ?! 13
  • 14. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Overview Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation Repeatability Scalability Profitability Predictability Decreasing RISK Increasing VALUE 14
  • 15. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Overview Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation Repeatability Scalability Increasing VALUE Profitability Predictability 15
  • 16. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Overview Ideation Confirmation Creation Validation Repeatability Scalability Profitability Predictability Decreasing RISK Increasing VALUE 16
  • 17. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Angel • $ wide variety: – a few thousand to a few million – Convertible debt or equity • Individuals – Generally affluent – Experienced advice • Angel networks – – – – Networks of connections Professionally organized - cohesive Fund centric model Clarity and speed of process 17
  • 18. Hi Harvard innovation lab : Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com #innovationlab Evolution of Angel Investing • Accessing Angel Investors: CommonAngels Fund III Who knows you Stage; total capital need – Domain focus / fit – Portfolio diversification $13M ($33M under mgmt) Stage – – Size Seed, early stage Sectors Software, Internet, Digital Media, SaaS, Cloud, Mobile Geography Boston, New England, and NYC Management Two General Partners and an 8person Investment Committee 18
  • 19. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Portfolio Companies 19
  • 20. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Seed… • Seed spray and pray Or • Seed to A 20
  • 21. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Seed Capital • seed2A or seed2BE? • Agile, it‘s not just for engineering • Think like an investor • Local or express - preserving exit options • Software today is different 21
  • 22. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Seed to A: Confirmation • Problem – ―A problem well stated is a problem half solved‖* • Ideally 4U – see ―Value Proposition‖ • Potential – Market opportunity • Product – Specification • Team – Identification *Charles Kettering, head of research for GM 22
  • 23. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Accelerators • 4 hats: founder, investor, vendor, donor • Best are exclusive (YC, TechStars) • Short time, short money $18k for 6% equity (optional $100k note) 12 week program • Strong results @reedsturtevant 23
  • 24. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com TechStars Boston – $2M fund 24
  • 25. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com TS Boston 2011 • TS invested $500k • 100x follow on, 2 yrs • $46M by others 25
  • 26. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Strategic Partnering Carmichael Roberts • Identify large companies that need your technology or products – Find the internal champion—this is critical! • Convince them that you can increase the time to market with their help – $$$ and expertise • Carve out an area to work on exclusively with them – Royalty on final products 26
  • 27. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Government Support • Unemployment remains a huge issue in the U.S. – Local, State and Federal levels • Response: – Programs to stimulate jobs – Via new ideas & companies • Find them: – Grants: money given without any need to repay – Tax Credits: keeps money in your business – Special Loans: like grants with small payback 27
  • 28. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Non-Profit Businesses 501c3 • Philanthropy - often best capital source – Foundations – HNW individuals – Large companies • Can still build a business similar to a for-profit – Partner with for-profit, if needed – Reward through bonuses not equity • If profitable path needed for a particular product line? – Do not force it! – License out or spin off the business 28
  • 29. Harvard innovation lab : Hi Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com #innovationlab Strategic / Corporate investors • Their motivations? – Business relationship – Financial return – Hedging? • Your motivations? – Is this on your roadmap? • Or are you being tempted by the $? – What does this enable that you otherwise wouldn‘t have • • • Market access Credibility Whole product – What does this limit? • • • Other strategic partners? Exit Business relationship first – Skin in the game 29
  • 30. Hi Harvard innovation lab : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #innovationlab Michael J Skok : #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com 30 What is right for you? Intense Capital Efficient Small Potential Large 30
  • 31. Hi Harvard innovation lab : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #innovationlab Michael J Skok : #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com 31 What is right for you? Intense Capital Efficient Small Potential Large 31
  • 32. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Venture Capital • Seed: ~$100k to $1-3m – Seed to A or Pray? • A to IPO – $Millions, Multiple rounds • Stage dependent participation, involvement – Active (board seat) – Passive (follow ―lead‖ investors) 32
  • 33. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Expectations of your VC? • • • • Operating experience? Investment experience? Hands on / off? Thoughts… – – – – – Team & board building Remove roadblocks Reveal opportunities to accelerate Strategic insight Access to resources, network 33
  • 34. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Sex, Relationships & Money This could get complicated, but it needn‘t! simplified 34
  • 35. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com VCs receive ‗000s of plans 35
  • 36. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com This is what happens to most… 36
  • 37. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Research…  Fit: Geography, Sector, Stage  Portfolio: Complementary, competitive?  Partnership (brand)  Track record  Capital, free capital, reserves 37
  • 38. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Target, be selective and focus  Fit: Geography, Sector, Stage  Portfolio: Complementary, competitive?  Partner(s)  Track record  Capital, free capital, reserves 38
  • 39. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Build a relationship You could be partners for several years… 39
  • 40. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Triangulate ways to connect • • • • Find someone who knows the VC Get a warm introduction Interact on line Use your initiative! 40
  • 41. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Process Run your own… 41
  • 42. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Process framework The VC You • • • • • • • • • Research Connect Meet Motivate Diligence Fit check Pitch Legal Celebrate (briefly!) • • • • • • • • • Thesis Qualify Meet Prioritize Engage Socialize Partner meeting Final diligence Fund 42
  • 43. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com First connection: Who, what, why? • Make a connection • Establish – Who are you (relevant experience) – What do you do (uniquely well for who) – Why does it matter (market opportunity) • Investors often have ADD – (not value add – Attention Deficit Disorder!) – Limit agenda, control the discussion, get the first meeting !! 43
  • 44. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com First meeting Tell your story… See ―Getting behind the perfect pitch‖ 44
  • 45. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Process – build momentum! The VC You • • • • • • • • • Research Connect Meet Motivate Diligence Fit check Pitch Legal Celebrate (briefly!) • • • • • • • • • Thesis Qualify Meet Prioritize Engage Socialize Partner meeting Final diligence Fund 45
  • 46. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Incomplete stand outs are better than complete stand ups! • We looking for outstanding: – People – Technology or other disruption – Market opportunity • One outstanding of the above literally stands out vs. all good, but none great • We don‘t expect complete – – – – – • Team Product Value prop GTM plan Business Model Entrepreneurs don‘t need all the answers! – Self aware, listening, leaders… 46
  • 47. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Dating and Validating Why diligence is so important to YOU too! 47
  • 48. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Dating - evaluating investors: • • • Everyone‘s money is the same color Get to know the partnership and their portfolio This is NOT an arranged marriage! Pick your partner. – Level of insight and experience – Track record is great but it‘s history – Talk to others who have worked with them • • Will they be a balance for you? Good self-aware mentor? – Find someone who is genuinely motivated to set you up for success. – If you don‘t have comfort, and personal chemistry, • • Keep looking! See LinkedIN article – http://www.linkedin.com/today/post/article/20130206211336-1893586-who-arethe-best-venture-capitalists-pure-investors-or-operators?trk=prof-post 48
  • 49. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Validating - the VC‘s work • Get to know the team – (Time, References etc) • Understand the business – (value prop, biz model) • Check under the hood – (eg Expert opinion on Tech) • Validate assumptions – (GTM, speak to customers, partners) 49
  • 50. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Process – term sheet timing… The VC You • • • • • • • • • Research Connect Meet Motivate Diligence Fit check Pitch Legal Celebrate (briefly!) • • • Term sheet? • • • Term sheet? • • • Thesis Qualify Meet Prioritize Engage Socialize Partner meeting Final diligence Fund 50
  • 51. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com The Deal “The process is the deal” Rich D’Amore 51
  • 52. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Funding strategy questions • First question – How much do you need? 52
  • 53. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com How much do you need? • • • • Run the numbers Build the assumptions Assess the dependencies Define the milestones 53
  • 54. Harvard innovation lab : Hi Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #innovationlab Michael J Skok : #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Financials • P&L, Cash Flow – • 6 quarters for cash flow, requirement For sizing the business, overall capital requirement (informs investor for their reserves) – Annual P&L, CF up to 5 years thereafter, – Highlighting if applicable – Cash flow positive – Breakeven Suggested information / detail as needed for the above – – – Headcount Bookings Revenue • – – Gross Margin Expenses • – – May need to break out things like Services depending on your business Major categories like R&D, Sales, Marketing, G&A shown as needed Profit/Loss Cash 54
  • 55. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Realistic optimists? 55
  • 56. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Funding strategy questions • First question – How much do you need? • Second question – How much do you want? 56
  • 57. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com How much do you want? • Enough to build real value • Define the milestones • • • • • Key hires Product beta, ship First customers Channel partners Etc… • 18 months of runway typically 57
  • 58. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Funding strategy questions • First question – How much do you need? • Second question – How much do you want? • Final question – What should you raise? 58
  • 59. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com What should you raise? • One strategy (dilution sensitive, risk tolerant) – Raise just what you need – Just before you need it ? • Another strategy (dilution insensitive, risk intolerant) – Raise more than you need – Well before you need it • Either way – Timing is everything so plan – Assume the unexpected 59
  • 60. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Factors • Predictability of your business – – – – Your execution Market adoption Cash flows (business model) Potential outcome (risk / return) • Competitors‘ balance sheets • Valuation… 60
  • 61. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Valuation The sixty four million dollar question… 61
  • 62. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Valuation vectors 62
  • 63. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Don‘t just value – evaluate… Always be one round ahead in your thinking • Proof (Metrics, Milestones per earlier) – Customers, Partners, GTM, BizModel, Product • Allow for – Unknowns – Time to fundraise • Capital to capitalize! 63
  • 64. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Ultimate exit potential (if you must!) • Potential acquirers – Their motivations • Recent transactions in the space – $ paid and valuations basis • Independent beyond IPO • Comparable valuations – Data for these like revenues, growth rates, market cap 64
  • 65. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com ―ABC: Always Be Closing‖ • Build relationships between financing rounds • Always ready to close 65
  • 66. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com The most important capital you‘ll raise… Human capital Invest in it with your option pool! 66
  • 67. Harvard innovation lab : Hi #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com What really matters • • • • Investor fit Amount of capital raised Human Capital (option pool) Timing (To clear the bar: Clean Terms) 67
  • 68. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Raising money is like sex • It needn‘t be complicated • It‘s fun when you get it! • So pick your passion not your poison 68
  • 69. Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com Thank you… • • • • Maia Heymann @MaiaHeymann Reed Sturtevant @ReedSturtevant Jeffrey Beir @jbeir Carmichael Roberts • Steve Papa – Common Angels – TechStars – Seed2A – NB Venture Partners – Endeca *Learn best practices from Endeca Founder Steve Papa here. 69
  • 70. Hi Hi Harvard innovation lab : #innovationlab Michael J Skok : Startup Secrets : Company Formation @mjskok Harvard innovation lab #startupsecrets www.mjskok.com STARTUP SECRETS An insider‘s guide to unfair competitive advantage Funding strategies to go the distance MICHAEL J SKOK North Bridge Venture Partners twitter: @mjskok mjskok.com 70

Notas del editor

  1. Problems worth solving are usually 4U …UnworkableUnavoidableUrgentUnderservedMVP, MVS
  2. There may be many ways to express your unique positioning, but I’m a believer in pictures - in case you hadn’t already figured that out ;) So here’s the kind of simple picture I recommend using to clearly position yourself. The key to this particular diagram is the axes you choose. Suffice it to say you want to end up in the top right, positioned to win in a unique whitespace. Here bubble sizing is for relative size of competitors a,b,c,d.Catch me in person and I'll tell you the real key is to find a way to explain why the competitors just can't cross the barriers in this diagram to even enter the top quadrant. Then you know you're really onto a winner. - examples would be the shift from on premise to in the cloud, or scale up to scale out, or on premise to SaaS/multi tenant etc.It's a subject unto itself for a drill down, but you need to be able to get across the white space you have identified
  3. There may be many ways to express your unique positioning, but I’m a believer in pictures - in case you hadn’t already figured that out ;) So here’s the kind of simple picture I recommend using to clearly position yourself. The key to this particular diagram is the axes you choose. Suffice it to say you want to end up in the top right, positioned to win in a unique whitespace. Here bubble sizing is for relative size of competitors a,b,c,d.Catch me in person and I'll tell you the real key is to find a way to explain why the competitors just can't cross the barriers in this diagram to even enter the top quadrant. Then you know you're really onto a winner. - examples would be the shift from on premise to in the cloud, or scale up to scale out, or on premise to SaaS/multi tenant etc.It's a subject unto itself for a drill down, but you need to be able to get across the white space you have identified
  4. Financial planning is a specialist skill though, and few entrepreneurs have it. It's an example of where we can often help introduce the right resources to get your plan together.Outer years are directional only – to show how big the business can be, how the model works, how growth and profitability can be thought about
  5. Show clarity of milestones and thinking around how to achieve what is in your controlRecognize the need for humility in regard to what you can’t control = often the market and timingIt turns out that most entrepreneurs are over optimistic – thinking along the blue lineOf course if you came in and pitched the black, boring line, you will not likely attract funding. And if that’s what you really think your business will do it may not be appropriate for VC funding anyway.Whereas most businesses take longer to take off than people think and if they are successful can exceed expectations. See the red line.In the end no one can really predict all this, but it helps if you can be a “realistic optimist” and plan somewhere in between and adjust along the way – eg the green line.