Dave Lavinsky

The Term Sheet's Role in Raising Venture Capital

Entrepreneurs and companies who are seeking venture capital often negotiate with one or more venture capital firms on a number of important issues. These issues include the amount of capital to be raised, the investment terms, etc. The document which summ... Read >

Alternative Venture Finance: Shell Corporations

A shell corporation is a company that is incorporated but has no significant assets or operations. These corporations may be formed as an alternative venture financing mechanism. Shell company financing works in two ways. In many cases, the shell corpo... Read >

The Use of Common Stock in Venture Capital Transactions

When raising capital for a business venture, a company can either raise debt capital, equity capital or a combination of the two. Debt capital is money loaned to the company at an agreed interest rate for a fixed time period. Conversely, equity capital is... Read >

How to Use Graphs and Charts in Your Business Plan

Many people ask how many graphs or charts they should have in their business plans. As with most other business planning questions, the answer is "it depends." This article discusses the key factors influencing the number of graphs and charts to include i... Read >

How to Size an Emerging Market in Your Business Plan

In developing their business plans, companies of all sizes face the challenge of determining the size of their markets. To begin, companies must present the size of their "relevant market" in their plans. The relevant market equals the company's sales if ... Read >

Documenting the Exit Strategy in Your Business Plan

All investors greatly desire and are motivated by a clear picture of a company's exit strategy, or the timing and method through which they can "cash in" on their investment. This picture best comes into focus when the key valuation and liquidity drivers ... Read >

Developing Realistic Financial Assumptions in Your Business Plan

Many investors skip straight to the financial section of the business plan. It is critical that the assumptions and projections in this section be realistic. Plans that show penetration, operating margin and revenues per employee figures that are poorly r... Read >

Describing Intellectual Property in Your Business Plan

Most companies that are worthy of raising venture capital have proprietary Intellectual Property (IP). In fact, the quality of the IP and the management team are often the two most important aspects of a venture capitalist's investment decision. The chall... Read >

Raising Capital for Your Business – How Long Does it Take?

Most companies vastly underestimate the time commitment necessary to successfully complete a financing. In actuality, a company seeking financing needs to budget between 500 to 1000 work-hours to the capital-raising process, spread out over a 6-9 month t... Read >

Effectively Completing the Operations Plan Section of Your Business Plan

The Operations Plan is a critical component of any business plan as it presents the Company's action plan for executing its vision. The Operations Plan must detail 1) the processes that are performed to serve customers every day (short-term processes) and... Read >

Vacationing in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a pristine recreational lake area. With high-stake casino gambling and Las Vegas-style entertainment on one side and spiritual retreats and horseback riding on the other, you can't go wrong. Everything you could possibly want is available fo... Read >

An Introduction to Steamboat Springs, CO

Steamboat Springs, Colorado, or "Ski Town" as it is affectionately known, is one of the most charming and unique vacation destinations in the United States. The town prides itself as a place that offers world class service and amenities without the high p... Read >

An Introduction to Bahamas Vacations

A Bahamas vacation is something that most travelers will never forget. The 700 islands of the Bahamas make up a 100,000-square-mile archipelago, extending over 500 miles. Including uninhabited cays and large rocks, it has a total estimated land area of 5... Read >

Guide to Mountain Vacations

There are a number of beautiful mountain ranges across the United States that provide wonderful vacation destinations. A mountain vacation can be an adventurous, fun-filled trip for the entire family, or it can be a secluded and relaxing romantic getaway... Read >

Vacationing on Cozumel Island

Cozumel an island paradise visited and adored by travelers from around the globe. It's not just the beautiful white sandy beaches that circle the island or the almost perfect year round vacation weather, nor is it the plentiful supply of lodging, interna... Read >