Factors To Consider When Investing In A Startup
Investing in a start-up business comes with many risks. This is because the business has not yet proved itself profitable and can result in you losing whatever you invest in it. The good news is that there is a lot that you can do to mitigate the risks. All you need to do is get good answers to the right questions. Some of the factors to consider, which will work as your guide, are highlighted below.
Main considerations to make
Scalability of the company
Scalability simply refers to the ability of the company to grow its revenues quickly while keeping the expenses down. This will result in good margins. There are some business models which have great scalability, such as those that involve mass production. Those that require customization or technical installation expertise, on the other hand, are not easily scalable.
Attraction to potential acquirers
The company should have an exit strategy right from the beginning. You should thus ensure that the company would please the potential corporations that will acquire it. Most corporations prefer ventures that have high growth and great profit margins. The products or services should also align with the strategies that they have. Ensure that you understand who is likely to buy the company, the reasons as to why they will be interested, and the duration that it might take before the acquisition.
Anticipated returns
A potential exit must come with a return calculation, which should be based on the amount that you invest, company valuation, percentage of stock ownership, and the purchase price of the acquisition. This makes it important to consider not only the potential selling price of the company but also whether additional rounds of investment might have a negative effect on your ownership percentage. For example, if you wish to get ten times return on your investment, you should consider a company that will not require much additional capital. Keep in mind that the calculations you make are only theoretical and things may be different when it comes to actualization.
Management team
For you to invest in a company, you should ensure that it is led by a solid management team. The managers should have relevant knowledge, experience, and skills among other features, which are useful in growing the company successfully. The team should display confidence in what they do and deliver results promptly. Poor management may result in loss of your investment capital.