Tag Archives: angel investors

Ep. 192 – The Pros and Cons of Equity-Based Funding

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-5Is equity-based funding really the best option for financing the growth of a startup? For many early-stage companies, trading in a percentage of the ownership for some much-needed cash makes a lot of sense. In other situations, however, the limitations and long-term risks outweigh the rewards. As with so many things in business, finding the “right” answer is really a matter of balancing options and understanding the greater context.

In this episode of the Success In Business Podcast, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks about some of the hidden disadvantages of equity-based finance. As always, Tom is joined by producer and co-host Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 191 – Seed Funding: Angel Investment Criteria, Part 8

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-3From an angel investor’s perspective, a startup is only worth investing in if there’s a good chance it will scale rapidly, steadily increasing in value and catching the attention of larger companies and big investors with very deep pockets. When the business has gained enough value to be sold at a handsome profit, it’s time for a “liquidity event,” allowing the angel investor to cash out their equity.

In today’s episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks about the importance of an easy “exit” for the angel investors’ business model. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 187 – Seed Funding: Angel Investment Criteria, Part 4

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-5Startups have a limited shelf life. From the inception of the idea to the moment it becomes irrelevant, there’s a countdown. For seed-stage investors, this means that any startup worth investing in needs to have a solid plan in place to completely exploit their market advantages, and be willing to do whatever it takes to grow as fast as possible before competitors can find a foothold.

In today’s episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks explains why companies with high growth potential take priority for most investors, and why it’s absolutely vital for startups to lock down their advantages. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 185 – Seed Funding: Angel Investment Criteria, Part 2

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-3Most angel investors aren’t looking to wade hip-deep into the projects they support. It’s not the best use of their time, and it’s a needless distraction from the business of investment. What a professional investor is looking for is a founder with that perfect mixture of enthusiasm and experience, and a motivated team behind them that can turn a great idea into a great business.

In today’s episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks about what it means to have a great team, and why great founders often matter more than great business ideas. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 184 – Seed Funding: Angel Investment Criteria, Part 1

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-2Angel investors generally have a focus. Sometimes their focus is on a geographical area or customer demographic, other times it’s on a market niche or specific industry. Some groups even go as far as distinguishing between true startups and other early stage companies. Because these groups don’t want to waste time talking to founders whose businesses don’t fit within the scope of their interests, they almost always make this information easy to find. This means the first step for finding angel investment money is often finding the right angel group to talk to.

In today’s episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks about investor criteria using a group that’s close to home, local angel investment group Asheville Angels. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 183 – Seed Funding 101: Equity Valuation Example

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SIBP-Blog-NEW-1For angel investors and small venture capital firms, investing is about hitting a very specific target. They want to invest a carefully weighed amount in a startup that has the potential for very high growth. They also want to know that when it’s time for them to take their money back out of the business, there will be plenty of interested buyers. If your startup doesn’t fit within that strike zone, odds are that these kinds of investors will politely pass on the opportunity to fund you.

In today’s episode, host and business coach Tom Ryan talks about the angel investor’s checklist, and the priorities from their side of the table. As always, Tom is joined by co-host and producer Jason Pyles. Continue reading →

Ep. 056 – Interview with Slidebean CEO ‘Caya’ Cayasso, Part 4

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Jose 'Caya' Cayasso, CEO of Slidebean

Jose ‘Caya’ Cayasso, CEO of Slidebean

In this episode, the Success In Business Podcast wraps up our interview with Jose ‘Caya’ Cayasso, founder and CEO of presentation-sharing software startup Slidebean. In this segment of the interview, Tom and Caya discuss working with investors, the challenge of timing your fundraising, and the startup cultures of New York, Silicon Valley and Costa Rica.

In addition to his success as an entrepreneur, Caya has been named in the “40 Under 40” list of Costa Rican innovators by El Financiero newspaper, and received an Innovation Champion by the Costa Rican Ministry of Science and Technology. Continue reading →