Why Liquidation Preference Is a Key Term Sheet Provision

A piece of paper with the words "Liquidation preference" printed on it

What happens to your startup’s proceeds when it’s sold? How do liquidation preferences determine who gets paid first? In Venture Deals, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson explain how liquidation preference impacts the distribution of funds during a company sale. This crucial term sheet provision can mean the difference between founders walking away with profits or empty-handed when their startup gets acquired. Keep reading to understand how liquidation preferences work and why they matter for your startup’s future.

Acquisition Letter of Intent: Exclusivity Clauses & Due Diligence

A cartoon drawing of a businessman sitting at a desk and holding a document illustrates an acquisition letter of intent

What happens after you receive an acquisition letter of intent from a potential buyer? How do cultural differences affect the way LOIs are interpreted around the world? In Venture Deals, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson explain the key elements of an acquisition letter of intent and its implications for business owners. From exclusivity clauses to due diligence requirements, understanding these components helps navigate the complex process of company acquisition. Keep reading to learn crucial insights that could protect your interests when dealing with potential buyers and investors.

Asset Deal vs. Stock Deal: Weighing the Advantages & Pitfalls

A balance scale with "ASSET DEAL" on one side and "STOCK DEAL" on the other illustrates asset deals vs. stock deals

What happens to your company’s liabilities when you sell it? How can the structure of a business sale impact both buyers and sellers? In their book Venture Deals, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson discuss asset deals vs. stock deals in company acquisitions. Their insights help business owners understand the advantages and potential pitfalls of each approach, from liability transfers to tax implications. Whether you’re considering selling your company or looking to acquire one, understanding these deal structures could save you from costly mistakes down the road.

How to Manage an Acquisition Offer: Grasp These 2 Concepts

A professional woman reading a document in an office illustrates how to manage an acquisition offer

What happens when a company receives an acquisition offer? What does due diligence require? Should you go with an asset deal or a stock deal? In their book Venture Deals, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson break down the complex process of company acquisitions. From letters of intent to due diligence requirements, they guide entrepreneurs through the essential steps and decisions involved when selling their business. Let’s explore the key elements you need to know before signing that acquisition offer on the dotted line.

Pre- and Post-Money Valuation: Venture Capitalists Explain

People in silhouette in a conference room with a cityscape through the windows illustrates pre- and post-money valuation

How much of your company will investors really own after funding? What determines your startup’s worth in the eyes of venture capitalists? In their book Venture Deals, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson break down the essentials of pre- and post-money valuation in venture capital deals. Understanding these concepts helps founders navigate negotiations and avoid surprises about ownership stakes after investment. Keep reading to learn how different valuation theories affect what VCs think your company is worth—and how to pitch your startup accordingly.

What Is Venture Debt? How It Works + Pros & Cons

A businesswoman in a yellow jacket looking up and wondering about something illustrates the question, "What is venture debt?"

What is venture debt, and how does it differ from traditional startup funding? What are the potential benefits and risks of this alternative financing option? In Venture Deals, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson explain how venture debt offers startups a way to secure funding without giving up equity. This specialized form of lending has become increasingly popular, but recent events such as the SVB collapse highlight important considerations for entrepreneurs. Read on to discover the advantages, drawbacks, and real-world implications of choosing venture debt for your startup’s growth.

5 Venture Capital Term Sheet Provisions You Should Have

A silhouette sketch of five people in a business meeting illustrates a venture capital term sheet

Why do venture capital term sheet provisions matter so much for your company’s future? What key elements should you understand before signing on the dotted line? In Venture Deals, Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson explain how term sheets shape the relationship between founders and investors. From financial matters to governance issues, each provision carries significant weight in determining who owns what and who controls your company’s direction. Keep reading to learn how to navigate these critical decisions and protect your interests as a founder.

The Top 3 Disadvantages of Traditional Business Today

An old business building crumbling, showing the disadvantages of traditional business

Why do the traditional business ways no longer work? Is top-down management good for a company? In The Age of Agile, Stephen Denning argues that changes in the business landscape mean that many of the old ways of managing and leading a company no longer work. He explores three traditional business practices and explains why they’re obsolete. Let’s look at these three disadvantages of traditional business in more detail.

Competitive Advantage in Business: Why It Doesn’t Matter

Two leaders playing chess to get a competitive advantage in business

Do you want a competitive advantage in business? Why is focusing on your competition actually bad for your company? In The Age of Agile, Stephen Denning targets companies’s focus on competition and creating long-term competitive advantages. He claims that such attention on other businesses in this way doesn’t work for two reasons: rapid change and high customer expectations. Check out why competition isn’t the sole thing you need to pay attention to.

How to Be Like Elon Musk: 4 Exercises Inspired by His Life & Work

Elon Musk in a TED 2017 interview

What compels Elon Musk to disrupt entire industries and challenge the status quo? What specific habits and mindsets have shaped his journey to become one of the world’s most influential innovators? In his book Elon Musk, Segun Thompson reveals the key principles behind the tech mogul’s success, offering insights into Musk’s personality and motivations. His experiences at Tesla, SpaceX, and beyond illustrate his cross-disciplinary thinking that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit. Read on to learn how to be like Elon Musk through practical exercises and real-world examples inspired by Thompson’s book.