Understand term sheets, investor commitments, and how startup deals really work.
The time between startup fundraises has grown significantly. Additionally, the time between venture fund vintages has also grown, resulting in a slowdown of capital deployment. All while venture funds buoy the healthy companies in their portfolio with follow-on capital.
Over the next few days we’re going to dive into why follow-on investment is the most important thing for Seed startups. Today, a quick background on the lengthening of the Seed Phase and why Series A raised the bar.
Founders should look beyond dilution in term sheets, focusing on board configuration’s significance and understanding the option pool’s impact. AJ offers words of encouragement, emphasizing resilience and daily learning for success in the competitive market.
AJ provides valuable insights on term sheet structures, evolving clauses, and understanding investor motivations. He offers practical advice on managing tight decision timelines and creating negotiation urgency.
Discover the key questions founders should ask during partner meetings and initial discussions in this insightful episode. AJ encourages founders to be inquisitive about how funds operate and make investment decisions.
The hidden costs of fee-based lenders and why Glade Optics went with GCVF for better deal terms and invaluable business insights
Why Glade Optics chose non-dilutive funding: the dual benefits of protecting equity and gaining mentors
Please listen to Peter’s message about option exercise window. Personally, I agree with him that exercise windows should be longer for employees. The 90-day industry standard is just an arbitrary number.
As fundraising constricts, investor-friendly terms come out. Understand the effect these terms have on you and your company, as well as the effects of stacking SAFEs.
As fundraising constricts, investor-friendly terms come out. Understand the effect these terms have on you and your company, as well as the effects of stacking SAFEs.
Founders, whatever you think it’s going to take you to raise this funding, it’s probably going to take longer. So, begin those conversations earlier than you think you need to.
Founders are always going to add value, no matter how big or small the check size is.
© 2025 All rights reserved
Keep building amazing things.
