Most Common Startup Questions?
I’m putting together a list of the most common questions I hear from startups… please feel free to leave a comment and add to the list!
What is the difference between angel/VC?
Should I go after angel or VC funding?
How much equity should I make available to investors?
How do I figure out valuation?
How long does it take to get funding?
How should I contact an investor?
What should I say to an investor?
Should I apply to present at local groups?
What is the difference between common and preferred stock?
What are warrants?
What is convertible debt?
How much control do investors have after the investment?
My credit is bad– can I still get funding?
What happens if the business fails and can’t re-pay the investment– am I liable to repay the funds?
Do you think I will be funded?
Does anyone read the business plan?
Do I need a business plan?
Do you have a template/outline/sample I can use?
Will you sign an NDA?
Will an investor steal my idea after reading my business plan?
How do I figure out taxes?
How much should I put down for depreciation?
Where can I get help with the financials?
What does “pro forma” mean?
Is it okay to show a loss on the financials in the beginning?
What do I write in the first email to an investor?
What happens during a presentation to investors?
What should I do to follow up?
How can I get an intro to an investor?
Do you know any investors I can contact?
What percentage of equity should I give key employees?
Should I use the services of someone who is willing to let us pay them with equity?
When can I start paying myself?
How can I protect myself from a bad partnership?
When should we start offering health insurance, etc.?
How should we compensate board members/advisors?