Entrepreneurs

What You Need to Know

5 Key Criteria

6 Critical Components

5 Elements of Success

5 Key Criteria

While our network of investors is quite diverse, there are key criteria prevalent in their investments. Capital Ventures Group can assist in meeting the criteria; however, certain core factors must be present. Learn More

6 Critical Components

Six (6) basic elements comprise the Critical Components necessary for success. Please note this list does not guarantee success or funding, but certainly increases the odds and reduces the risks. Does your company have all the following components? Learn More

5 Elements of Success

A compelling idea is only the beginning of growing a successful business. It is essential to develop and implement a Strategic Plan which combines these five (5) key elements: Foundation, Preparation, Strategy, Capital Raise, Investment & Support. Learn More

Schedule a free 30 minute consultation to learn how we can help you get to the next level

Click me

Entrepreneurs – What You Need to Know

Capital Ventures Group assists clients in:

Developing a Strategic Plan
Developing and organizing documentation
Implementation of strategy and planning
Investor Presentations
Capital Raise
Follow on support

Regardless of your product or service, we have found that there is a repeatable process in developing a successful venture.

Regardless of stage, each venture needs a business plan to run the company and a strategic plan to grow the company. A good business plan describes in detail what the company plans to do and a strategic plan specifies how the company will accomplish it. While every entrepreneur is forced to wear many hats, it’s much easier when he knows which hat to wear.

Each company is unique and requires a custom plan and timeline and a strategic plan is even more critical to a company seeking funding. Entrepreneurs often become so focused on raising capital that they neglect their business. Capital Ventures Group primary focus is to keep the entrepreneur involved with the business while we assist in raising capital – after all that is what we do best – that’s “our” business.

Early stage companies must be realistic when raising capital. The worst thing a company can do is appear impatient and/or desperate. The earlier the stage, the longer it may take to find the right investor. Although an investor shows initial interest, many prefer to observe a company’s rate of growth and development prior to making the investment.

5 Key Criteria

Stage
Companies should be generating revenue, although not necessarily profitable to date. A few investors may have an interest in pre-revenue companies, but development should be complete.
Industry/Sectors
High growth and high margin potential that allow for significant returns upon exit are more important than specific industry or sector.
Market Size/Potential
Companies should have the potential to reach $25 million in revenue within 3 years.
Uniqueness
Regardless of industry, a company should have unique technology, IP, or business model which cannot be easily replicated. Reasonable barriers to entry should exist.
Management
A strong, experienced management team is essential. If funding is necessary to round out the team, then current management should have experience and success in the industry.

6 Critical Components

Differentiated Product or Service
Does the company offer proprietary or significantly, differentiated products or services, the benefits of which create long-term competitive advantage?
Market Size
Does a large identifiable market exist for the company’s products or services? Will capturing less than 5% of the market provide significant revenue?
Sector
Certain market sectors and/or industries have greater popularity and grow at a significantly faster rate than others. Have you considered the potential growth rate when evaluating your potential revenues?
Barriers to Entry
Ideally, the target market is characterized by defensible barriers to entry. How easy is it for other companies to enter the marketplace and create significant competition which might have an effect on profitability or market share?
Competition
Do you have competition – competition does validate the market to a degree? How is your business affected by current and future competition – direct and indirect?
Management Team
Do the management team and advisory board have a history of success in other startups? Are those successes in relevant areas of expertise – do they have track records?

5 Elements of Success

Foundation
A compelling idea is only one of several CRITICAL COMPONENTS required to create the foundation for a successful venture. Our initial evaluation includes a review and recommends a plan to supplement or develop any weak or missing components. While additional funding may be necessary, entrepreneurs often overlook opportunities for growth that they already possess.
Preparation
In addition to the CRITICAL COMPONENTS, certain DOCUMENTATION should be available, particularly if a capital raise is planned. A complete checklist of the suggested documentation and document templates are available in THE TOOLKIT. Capital Ventures Group will critique or create these documents depending on each company’s specific goals and objectives. Be sure to see THE TOOLKIT for additional support and services.
Strategy
There is a significant difference between a business plan and a strategic plan. More importantly, is the distinction between a strategic plan to grow a company and a strategic plan to raise capital. Not recognizing this distinction has been the downfall of many an entrepreneur- let us keep it from being yours.

After the CRITICAL COMPONENTS have been reviewed and the DOCUMENTATION is underway, Capital Ventures Group can develop a STRATEGIC PLAN and timeline based on the requirements of each individual company. Regardless of the amount of capital required, each company needs a plan and timeline to stay on track and to maximize time and effort in achieving success.
Capital Raise
Ideally, the target market is characterized by defensible barriers to entry. How easy is it for other companies to enter the marketplace and create significant competition which might have an effect on profitability or market share?
Investment & Support
Once your initial investment goal has been achieved, we remain available to you as an integral partner providing continued support in the growth of your business. Future rounds of funding may require: refinement and implementation of your business and strategic plans, recruitment of key management, introductions to potential strategic partners and introduction to the appropriate sources of follow on financing.

Schedule a free 30 minute consultation to learn how we can help you get to the next level

Click me

Disclaimer

Capital Ventures Group, LLC is a management consulting firm. We are not broker/dealers. We are not investment advisors. We are not members of NASD and we do not provide investment advice to investors. We do not sell securities, and we are not licensed or registered with NASD or any other federal or state securities regulatory agency or regulatory body. Our fees are based on the services provided to prepare our clients and to facilitate the capital formation process.