Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

Venture capital relationships are unusual beasts. First there is a high-energy courtship period, followed by a nearly-confrontational negotiation, followed by a "Let's get going!" partnership. How you handle yourself during the negotiations often sets the stage for your future relationship. Here are some things you should know to help keep your balance during the negotiations and start off on the right foot when they are over.

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

At some stage in the development of your company, you will be looking to raise capital, acquire a company or be acquired, maybe even form a joint venture. When you do, you will encounter the frequently intense analytical process known as due diligence. What is this process and how do private companies prepare themselves for it?

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

You will find angel investors mostly in the early stages of capital investment, but they can also be part of latter-stage companies as well. No matter where you find them, one thing is clear, every business can use an angel sometime!

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

The chances are good that you have never raised early-stage institutional capital during your business career. That money comes from the professional gamblers of the venture world and they are good at their profession and nearly as tough as you hear. Here are some ideas that let you know what to expect from and to show you how to take care of your early-stage investors.

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

Bridge capital, as its name suggests, takes you from one stage in your business to another. Because of its high-risk uses and its short-term nature, it is also one of the most expensive forms of financing you will encounter. Find out if "time" is worth the expense.

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

You have leased office equipment. You have leased plant equipment. You have leased cars and trucks. Did you ever think of leasing your web site? Here's a leasing company who has - and a whole lot more.

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

No matter what your stage in the business cycle and no matter what type of capital has invested in you - you need to communicate with the people who have invested in your business. Plan your reporting and keep them advised in what is happening in your business.

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

Of all the types of financing available to your business, equipment financing may be the one most often ignored. Check your options, leasing may provide flexibilities and benefits you cannot afford to ignore.

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

Like many businesses, capital firms and financial institutions have their own language - but in this case, it refers to how they evaluate the funding stage of your company! It also applies to each firm's investment preference and most likely the make-up of their portfolio. Here are some terms and general definitions which can help you to pinpoint the capital sources most likely to be interested in your funding needs.

Al Lierman, President - Planigent, Inc. - 2009-10-10

You hear a lot about creating business plans. Now find out why they are important to your business.

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

In a down economy, one of the key differences between large and small business is their access to capital. Face it: to stay alive, small business owners just have to be smarter and more creative to find that capital.

Alan Hamor - 2009-10-10

There are a number of capital sources who might invest in your business. Which one is right for your company’s needs and which one you can access are the key questions.

Alan Hamor - 2009-04-01

One of the most frequently asked questions by entrepreneurs is how investors value their businesses. This is not a simple question to answer because there are a lot of variables in the valuation equation. Once you filter out the differences between investment firms and industries, however, there are a few fundamental thoughts that can help you increase your understanding of your company’s current value.