Getting Deals Done

If you’re in the process of buying or selling a company, there’s a very good chance you’ll be faced with the decision of whether to include an earnout in your deal.  If you talk to people who have used earnouts in past deals, you just might come away with the conclusion that your “decision” should more [...]

This post is the first in a series on the subject of earnouts.  In the world of buying and selling companies, earnouts are often used, frequently discussed, often taken for granted, and commonly misunderstood.  But before going any further on those points, let’s be clear on the basics. 1.  What is an Earnout?  An earnout [...]

In my prior two posts here and here, we’ve reviewed some important trends from 2012 and put the spotlight on some key 2013 predictions made by CEOs and VCs.  Now it’s my turn to make some predictions about the venture capital industry and funding environment in 2013: 1.  More Dollars and Funding Rounds.  Companies will [...]

Are you a business owner looking for investment dollars in 2013 to help you grow your business? Or an investor trying to decide whether and where to invest your money this year? If you answered “yes” to either question, then you’re undoubtedly asking yourself one big question:  WILL 2013 BE A GOOD YEAR TO FIND [...]

Are you a business owner looking for investment dollars in 2013 to help you grow your business? Or an investor trying to decide whether and where to invest your money this year? If you answered “yes” to either question, then you’re undoubtedly asking yourself one big question:  WILL 2013 BE A GOOD YEAR TO FIND [...]

Many CEOs and business owners will agree that the benefits of business ownership far outweigh the related struggles and daily challenges – in brief, they think their businesses are great to own.  And here’s a critical point for you business owners who would one day like to sell your business for a high premium:  many [...]

You’ve probably heard of “Crowdfunding” by now, but you may not be sure exactly what it is.  You likely have the general impression that crowdfunding is a way for companies to raise money without many of the costs and compliance burdens associated with more traditional financing methods.  And if you’re a business owner, you may [...]

Are you planning to sell your business in the next 12 months?  If the answer to that question is “yes,” then here are four things you should do (or start doing) right now: 1.    Be sure your company can run without you.  This is a big one if you want to maximize the purchase price for [...]

The annual “Venture Capital Outlook” symposium hosted by Potomac Tech Wire was held on December 16, 2011 in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia.  As usual,, the program was very well attended and offered up a handful of valuable “take-aways”: 1. Innovative Companies.  Investors looking at the D.C. Metropolitan Area are seeing lots of new innovation and great diversity [...]

Is your company considering whether to buy another company?  If so, you probably know that conducting a “due diligence” review of the Seller’s business, and in particular the legal and financial aspects of that business, is critical. Due diligence allows you as the Buyer to assess whether to move forward with an acquisition and at [...]