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How to Take on Venture Capital Without Losing Control of Your Start-Up
by Caron_Beesley, Community Moderator
- Created: January 28, 2013, 7:42 am
Considering options for funding your start-up? Wondering if now is the right time to seek venture capital, but worried about losing control of your business?
Here are some tips for weighing your funding options, finding the right venture capital firm for your needs, and working with them once you’ve received your first injection of seed money.
Is Venture Capital Right for Your Small Business?
If you are looking for funding under $200,000, smaller angel investors (this could include borrowing from family and friends) or peer-to-peer lending or crowdfunding might be better options than a larger VC firm. Other alternatives include SBA loans. SBA doesn’t provide the loan; instead, they provide a repayment guarantee to banks, removing much of the risk of lending to small businesses. If your business is engaged in a high-tech industry or R&D, another option is a Small Business Innovation Research Grant. These federal funds support the critical start-up and development stages of small businesses.
Finding the Right VC Firm
If you have a proof of concept and are ready for a significant investment to fund your next stage of growth, then venture capital (VC) might be for you. But how do you find the right VC firm with which to align your business?
Given that a VC firm is going to be involved in your business’ funding and management, choosing one that provides a good match for your business is critical. Look for companies that have experience with businesses and industries like yours. Since a VC is going to be actively involved in your business, other factors such as its personality and core values are also important. A VC that is located close by might also be important.
So where can you find potential VC investors? If you have a good network then there’s a strong likelihood you can pinpoint potential investors via this route. Start locally and extend your search from there. Here are some tips and resources that can help:
- Start in your Community – If you are involved in a local Chamber of Commerce or other small business group, start your search here. Talk to experts and business peers alike. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women’s Business Centers may also be able to help introduce you to local investors. Find a center here.
- Talk to Your State Economic Development Agency – At the state level, State and Local Economic Development Agencies may be able to help refer you to investors in your region.
- Consider Trade Associations – Most industries are represented by a trade association, this is another great place to expand your search and meet potential investors. You can also look into national and local investing and venture capital groups like the National Venture Capital Association and the Angel Capital Association.
Your next step is to present any potential investor with a business plan. SBA’s online Build a Business Plan tool can help you create one.
How to Maintain Leadership Control of Your Company
Many small business owners are reticent to invite VC funding because they’re concerned about losing control of their business. While it’s true that a VC firm will insist on controlling more than 50 percent of an early-stage entrepreneurial enterprise—does this mean you actually relinquish control of your business? Not necessarily. VC deals are structured around mutual incentives and milestones that are beneficial for all, and are rarely about one-sided control. VCs want business founders to aspire to grow and succeed, and they structure the financing deals to ensure this. For example, the terms of typical VC financing dictate that the investors don’t realize a profit until management does (assuming that they’ve already seen a return in capital invested) and vice versa.
Another emerging trend, as reported by the New York Times, is that VCs are increasingly putting a premium on young, visionary entrepreneurs who grew up with the Internet, social media and mobile technologies. With this clout behind them, these young founders are becoming more assertive in funding rounds, securing better terms and even cashing out their investors before an initial public offering.
That’s not to say your VC can’t move to replace you if your business isn’t performing or hitting key milestones. Some other things you can do to ensure you retain some level of control include the following:
- Insist on an Employment Contract – This can minimize the risk of founders getting fired by their board of directors. Negotiate this before any seed money has exchanged hands.
- Hire Stellar Employees – Poor staff will compromise the success of your business and jeopardize your position on the management team. By hiring right, you’ll ensure key milestones are understood and met, and profits are realized.
- Collaborate with your Investors – In addition to funding, investors bring a wealth of experience. Capitalize on this and treat your VC as a partner—not as a threat.
For other tips, read Surprising Ways to Maintain Control of Your Business with Investor Approval from Yahoo Small Business Advisor.
Has your business sought VC financing? What best practices can you share for working with VCs? Leave a comment below.
About the Author
Caron Beesley is a small business owner, a writer, and marketing communications consultant. Caron works with the SBA.gov team to promote essential government resources that help entrepreneurs and small business owners start-up, grow and succeed. Follow Caron on Twitter: @caronbeesleyContributors
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Comments
sberar | Window Shopper | 2/9/2013 - 6:40 am
albertjohnson | Window Shopper | 2/6/2013 - 2:51 pm
capitol we find that if you go to family they probably won't ask you for
anything and may just let your borrow money, and you wont have to worry about
loosing control of the business however if things dont go right your probably
going to be indebted to your family for along time. So make sure to have a
thorough business plan before you delve into anything major.
Calgary Moving Company | Window Shopper | 2/6/2013 - 11:19 am
great points you made!!
Given that a VC firm is going to be involved in your business’ funding and
management, choosing one that provides a good match for your business is
critical. Look for companies that have experience with businesses and
industries like yours. Since a VC is going to be actively involved in your
business, other factors such as its personality and core values are also
important. A VC that is located close by might also be important.
Very good read Caron!!
BMT | Window Shopper | 2/1/2013 - 3:59 pm
at protecting yourself and your business. This take education which means
that you have to educate yourself about the VC/Angel - private equity market.
But, let me ask you a question in the end: Would you rather be a 100% owner
and in control of a $100,000 a year business or be a 50%, 40% or lower
percentage owner of a $100 million business. Control is not all that it is
cracked up to be - what the focus should be on is the end goal. If your end
goal is to run a business until you die then forget private equity. If the
goal is to make money and solidify your financial future, than control of
your business does not matter if the other partners can get more out of it
then you can!
nguyenlephuong | Window Shopper | 2/1/2013 - 4:21 am
LuisMier | Window Shopper | 2/1/2013 - 2:42 am
needs,proper planning and a good architecture.This all are made,by keeping
the budget in mind ,the biggest issue for a beginner.This article will help
the people to plan their business and the staffs for whom they already have
small business.
Julie Robert | Window Shopper | 1/29/2013 - 1:35 am
doubt new start-up has to face many issues and most important of these is
collection of capital. But adopting these points will help new entrepreneur
to control his start up according to his thoughts and willingness.
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