Likely Exam Questions Flashcards
What are 3 key components to a startup?
Intellectual Property
Money
People
What are two fundamental concepts to being an startup, and why?
Law - confidentiality agreements, rent, employment contract
Human relationships - people must have confidence in your ability to be rational, reasonable and engage in conversation
What is the Investment Agreement?
Governs relationships between investors and you
Known as Bylaws in US, Articles of Association in UK
Identifies rights of investors and the amount of control they have
Who is a cornerstone investor?
This is the first investor to commit to a new project, when no one else will
AKA “Credible Lead”
Why is it hard to find a cornerstone investor?
They have to write the investor agreement, do due diligence etc
It is easier to piggyback on someone else’s work
What is Due Diligence?
When an investor checks that what you’ve been saying is true
They check contracts, patent etc.
How does liquidation preference work?
Last money in, first money out
The most recent series get their money back first
What is a limited partnership agreement?
For VC investments
The fund manager pitches to investors investments they could go into
Investors can chose to back the LPA
Investors then delegate decisions to the fund manager
As part of the agreement, investors pay a management fee
What is a “carry”?
VC partners get 20% of the profit if a fund is profitable enough to reach set targets
How does the degree to which investors are involved in deciding vary?
It varies between VCs and between partnership agreements.
In which situations are company shares sold for profit?
- If company exits (is sold)
- If company shares are sold on the stock market
What is the Internal Rate of Return used for?
It is used to evaluate the. attractiveness of an investment for the VC
What is an IRR?
Essentially the investment’s rate of return without external factors (e.g. inflation)
What is the best way for a VC fund manager to learn what to invest into?
Best way to learn is by looking at other companies, follow their stories and histories
What is a unique quality that VCs look for in a startup?
A unique capability with a defensible moat
To make a venture return you need a BUSINESS THAT IS RESISTANT TO COMPETITION
YOU NEED A PATENT/UNIQUE ADVANTAGE so that other companies won’t be able to compete with you
What is the main quality that a startup should look for in a VC?
VC reputation and portfolio performance for brand benefit
If a good VC invests in you, this adds credibility
What does SEIS/EIS stand for?
(Seed) Enterprise Investment Scheme
What is SEIS/EIS?
Government tax incentives for private investors to invest in early stage startups