Venture Capital

SAYING GOODBYE TO THE ANGEL AND HELLO TO…

Is it Time to Seek Venture Capital?

So, the good news is your company or business is growing. Growing so fast that you’re about to outgrow your Angel Funding. And now is the time a large infusion of capital could take you places. So, do you abandon your Angel Funders?

They were there when you needed them most. They could also be friends or family that helped your business or company when you were just getting started. But you need a larger source of funding to ensure your growth. If you could just secure $2 million.

So, the $2 million question: Should you seek Venture Capital?

You might want to consider a couple of things before you venture forth. A common practice in venture capital equity is unwanted or unnecessary management personnel coming on board to help you manage your growing enterprise. Hmmm…do you see conflict on the horizon? Be aware that many times these management additions are a prerequisite to receiving funding.

Then there’s that little thing called the pre-money valuation. Actually it can be a pretty big thing. Venture capitalists have the money so it’s no surprise they want a stake in your business. Chances are it’s a pretty big stake. After all, they want a way to safeguard and profit from their investment.

Despite all this, let’s say you go ahead and suddenly you’re faced with a capital spending need, a business expansion, or personnel changes. You’re ready to move, but find you have to consult with the venture capital firm before making any decision.

Venture capital gives you potential access to large sums of money. Before you decide to take the leap, why not take the time to talk to someone who’s been there?

Schedule a Consultation

dOWNLOAD 2-PAGER

As Featured In

News & Insights

Who We Helped in 2022

At the start of every year, we at Oaklyn Consulting like to look back at the past 12 months to reflect on projects accomplished and lessons learned from our clients. Building on our achievements from 2021, Oaklyn Consulting worked with 34 organizations in 2022 on...

Who We Helped in 2021

We learned these 10 lessons from our 30 clients last year and believe they reflect the times: 1. Companies faring well and poorly are evaluating strategic alternatives We worked with 14 clients that came to us with questions about strategic alternatives, because...

CFO Dive: 5 CFO Tips For Tapping Today’s Abundant Capital

Record monetary and fiscal stimulus is flooding markets with liquidity, giving CFOs an unusual opportunity to improve capital structure. Thanks to CFO Dive and Jim Tyson for sharing my thoughts on the current landscape. Read the article in CFO Dive. Read the...

Who we helped in 2020

As we all look forward to the possibilities of 2021, it’s tempting not to look back on 2020 at all, happy for it to disappear in the rearview mirror. But sometimes a review can hold helpful lessons. We found that the turmoil of the last year provided opportunities...

Triangle Business Journal: North Carolina’s Brewers, Bakers and Other Small Businesses Fight to Hold on as Stimulus Funds Dwindle

As the economy staggers amid a raging pandemic, businesses are in a precarious situation as their federal relief funds are used up. The question for many: Without another round of stimulus, is bankruptcy ahead? Thanks to Lauren Ohnesorge of the Triangle Business...

Who We Helped in 2019

During the holiday season, our tradition is to reflect on the year and assess how we fulfilled our purpose as a firm. Maybe you do something similar. Oaklyn Consulting's purpose is to be a good citizen of the business communities where we operate. In particular, we...

Business.com: Venture Capital Winners and Losers: How to Stop the Bleeding From a Struggling VC Investment and How to Capitalize on Success

Risk-taking is a natural part of venture capital. Many times, investments turn out just as expected. But other times, they can lead to either massive payoffs or problematic results. With either extreme, investors should be aware of their options. Thanks to...

Memphis Business Journal: How to Stop The Bleeding From a Struggling VC Investment

Venture capital investors typically know how to handle their clearly winning and losing investments. The challenging ones are those that could be valuable, but are currently bleeding cash. It was a pleasure to contribute an article to the Memphis Business...

Who We Helped in 2018

Why Business Owners Shouldn’t Get Complacent During Good Economic Times

Even the most optimistic of us know better than to coast in good times. Yes, there will be periods when the Dow is hitting new highs, unemployment is low and growth is happening, but none of these things can last forever. There are changes that come with growth and...

Who We Helped in 2017

In this season of giving thanks, we’d like to extend our gratitude to the entrepreneurs and investors we’ve worked with this past year. Thank you for the strong working relationships we’ve shared and for entrusting us with the big decisions concerning you and your...

Our Time-Based Billing Approach Helps In These Four Situations

Our by-the-hour-model allows us act as a counselor, working alongside our clients to help them achieve their objectives. It seems like a little tweak, but the billing model allows us to help in many situations where traditional investment bankers cannot. Here are...

Can Your Startup Generate Venture Scale Returns - Oaklyn Consulting

Can Your Startup Generate Venture Scale Returns? Check the Math.

My good friend Beezer Clarkson at Sapphire Ventures spots the best articles. This one, by a partner at JME Venture Capital, shows one way for company founders to see their businesses through investors’ eyes. I’ve summarized the article here, so the post is longer...

Who We Helped in 2016

As the holiday season arrives, Oaklyn Consulting is 6 months old. The firm was founded on the idea that we could help more business owners considering mergers, acquisitions or fund-raising in a way that “just don’t do it” stayed on the table as an option. We are...

There is Capital…You Just Don’t Know How to Ask for It

When faced with hurdles in obtaining financing, some business owners throw up their hands and conclude there is no capital to access. That’s not true. While investors might be more inclined to say “no” in certain economic environments, there are dollars out there....

Showcasing the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Charleston, South Carolina

I (Frank) had the opportunity to take part in the annual DIG SOUTH event, participating in a panel on crowdfunding. DIG SOUTH founders Stanfield and Sunny Gray are doing a great service, drawing attention to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Charleston, S.C., and...