Equity is the foundation of what makes your business valuable to potential investors. In this clip from my Techsgiving talk, I break down why equity matters for founders and startup owners and how it impacts investors’ decisions to support your venture. Understanding equity isn’t just about numbers it’s about knowing how to strategically structure it to attract and retain the right investors.

Navigating the world of fundraising can feel like a maze so many paths, so many potential pitfalls. But with the right strategy and tools, you can chart a clear course to success. Learn how to dodge common obstacles, align with investors, and build the funding roadmap your business needs to thrive.

Thinking about raising funds for your startup through crowdfunding? It’s a powerful way to secure capital, but ensuring compliance with the SEC is critical. Missteps can lead to significant penalties and legal trouble. In this video, I break down key steps to handle SEC requirements during a crowdfunding campaign. Don’t let paperwork derail your funding efforts let’s make sure you’re set up for success.

Ever heard of a buyer note? When structuring the purchase of a business, a buyer note can be a powerful tool. It’s a loan agreement where the buyer pays a portion of the purchase price over time, offering flexibility and bridging the gap in financing. This strategy can open doors for entrepreneurs while ensuring sellers are protected.

Buying a business but nervous about getting burned? An Escrow Agreement can be your safety net. Here’s how it works: set aside a portion of the purchase price (say, 10%) with a third-party escrow agent. Once you’ve taken over the business, if everything checks out, the funds are released to the seller. If not, you get your money back.

Founders: Before signing that term sheet, know this. Investors often introduce what’s known as the “option pool shuffle” to require large option pools, diluting founder shares more than investor shares and decreasing the overall value founders retain on exit. This subtle but powerful move can have serious effects on your exit earnings and long-term stake in your company.

Buying a Business? Use a Hold Back to Reduce Risk
A hold back lets you withhold part of the purchase price until the business proves it meets expectations helping protect you from unexpected issues after closing.

Campaign season is here, but fund managers—beware! Before you support your favorite candidate, make sure you’re staying compliant with Section 206 of the Investment Advisers Act, also known as Pay to Play regulations. If you manage funds tied to government or municipal entities, like pension funds or university endowments, your political contributions could lead to restrictions on key decisions.

Avoid costly pitfalls by learning useful strategies for successfully buying or selling a business. We’ll break down critical aspects such as due diligence, purchase agreements, and financing strategies to help you confidently navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.