Raising capital is one of the most difficult aspects of growing a business. We know what information investors need to know and how they invest their money.
A general overview of the process is as follows:
1. Create Materials for Potential Investors:
a. Write a comprehensive Business Plan with detailed financial projections. A thorough, well-written business plan is absolutely essential to the capital raising process.
b. Create a presentation for face-to-face meetings with potential investors
c. Conduct mock meetings and coach management prior to meeting with potential investors
d. Prepare due diligence materials
2. Identify, prioritize, and contact buyers:
a. Identify and prioritize appropriate investors. SV's team has years of experience that enable us to recognize which people, firms, and corporations may have an interest in investing in your company.
b. Contact appropriate targets and deliver the first round of materials.
c. Coordinate and negotiate non-disclosure agreements, follow-up with interested targets, and deliver the next round of materials (this round typically includes the full Business Plan)
3. Solicit and evaluate initial expressions of interest:
a. Establish credibility, financial resources, and seriousness of intent of prospective investors.
b. Value proposed deal structures.
c. Select leading bidder to enter exclusive negotiations.
4. Negotiate and structure the transaction:
a. The structure of a deal can be more important than the price. Form of payment, i.e. cash, stock, options, tax treatment, timing considerations will be crucial elements of the transaction.
b. Work closely with a prospective investor, their lawyers and accountants to explore options, clarify goals and resolve issues.
c. Shield you and your company from day-to-day burden of this process while preserving buyer-seller relationship and negotiating flexibility.
5. Facilitate contract negotiations, due diligence, and closing:
a. Work with company counsel to draft a Letter of Intent and/or definite agreement once there is an agreement on price, structure, and terms of the transaction; this document is a precursor to a formal contract.
b. As documentation is prepared, address and resolve issues as they are identified.
c. Assist in closing the transaction.