Founder's CPA的动态

Feeling overwhelmed by financial challenges in your small business? → Stepping into the role of a business owner brings its share of obstacles, with finances at the top of the list. From #SecuringFunding to #ManagingDebt, the early decisions you make can dictate the pace at which your business grows. ? Explore my latest blog post, covering: ? Innovative #FundingSolutions: Strategies to kickstart your funding without diluting ownership. ? #DebtManagement: Tips on using debt strategically to benefit your #BusinessGrowth. ? Smart #FinancialPractices: Guidance on making savvy financial choices that prevent common startup pitfalls. Get actionable insights and real-world strategies here: https://lnkd.in/gadJwsUe #SmallBusinessSolutions #SmallBusinessFinancing #SmallBusinessFunding #SmallBusinessTips #TacomaSmallBusiness #PugetSound

10 Smart Money Moves Inspired by Warren Buffett Discover 10 smart money tips inspired by Warren Buffett’s timeless advice on investing, saving, and building wealth. Learn how to avoid debt, develop healthy financial habits, and invest for the long term. Plus, explore how BusinessPlanProvider.com business plans and fractional CFO services can help you achieve sustainable financial success. #entrepreneurship #startups #business #businessplan #sustainability #personalbranding #customerrelations #productivity #Technology #AI #Creativity #LeanStartups #VentureCapital #investing #Management #Innovation #funding #AngelInvestors #Networking #Linkedin

To actually make a business better is truly difficult. It requires uncommon effort and extraordinary humility, commitment to excellence and grit. Yet there are operators/operating partners out there who claim they've got some secret-sauce - they boast uncommon, extraordinary outcomes. In their hubris, they say "Simply follow our start-to-finish playbook that works in every situation for every company and you'll realize unimaginable success..." while they point to the apparent success of past projects. Yet in reality they're little more than financial engineering strip miners with track records rooted in low interest, cheap capital seasons- it's easy to claim to be uncommon, genius or extraordinary when capital's cheap and the macro-environment tailwinds are up and to the right. But to actually make a business better... that is truly difficult and requires actual uncommon effort and extraordinary humility, excellence and grit. Never mind discipline, conviction and character. Not sound bites. Not platitudes. Not cosmetic changes. And certainly not a "do as we say, not as we do" posture. You can't simply forklift everything from the last project and expect it to work in the next one. And that's true whether in PE, a fledgling startup or in a healthy, founder-led, bootstrapped business. Paul Stansik nails it: "When interest rates are low and debt is cheap, it’s just?easier?to buy a company. You can borrow more and use less of your own money. Then, with a little bit of cost-discipline and a few surface-level improvements, you can wake up a few years later having created value by simply paying down your debt and nudging your EBITDA up a few points.? But when interest rates go up (like they have recently), this play gets harder to run... Suddenly, you can’t just financially-engineer your way to success. You have to find a way to make the business you just bought?better. " Solomon had it right in his proverbs - Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Whether a seller, an investor or an operator, beware of those who claim to have a templatized approach to transforming a business through to a successful exit

?? Founders: While you're building the next big thing, don't forget to build your personal financial foundation. After 15+ years advising venture-backed founders, I've noticed a concerning pattern: Many wait until after their exit to think about personal financial planning. Here's why that's a costly mistake: 1. Early Stock Planning = Major Tax Savings ?? - Your shares are worth pennies in the beginning - Early estate planning can transfer future appreciation tax-free - Smart structuring now could save millions in the future 2. Protect What You're Building ??? - Founders often pour everything into their startup - Without proper estate planning, your family/loved ones could face unnecessary complications - Basic tools like wills, trusts, and life insurance are crucial safety nets 3. Leverage Your Prime Planning Window ? - Pre-Series A is the sweet spot for tax-efficient wealth transfers - Each funding round reduces your planning flexibility - Common mistake: Waiting until IPO/exit when valuations are high and options limited ?? Action Items: - Review your stock holdings and vesting schedule - Consult with advisors who understand startup equity - Consider basic estate planning documents - Explore trust structures while valuations are favorable Don't wait for your big exit to start planning. Get in touch to discuss how we can protect your startup wealth. ?? #StartupFounders #VentureCapital #WealthManagement #FinancialPlanning #Entrepreneurship

If you're opening a business soon, you may thought about using your 401k to fund that venture. This can be a great choice, but it can also limit your ability to structure well for tax purposes and selling later on. In this article, we break down 9 alternative ways to get capital when starting a new business. #smallbusinessowners, what do you think are the best ways to fund new endeavors? https://lnkd.in/giiifj_e

I've found a way to fund dreams that sounds too good to be true. But it's real. Let me share something groundbreaking with you. After starting over 150 businesses, I've learned a thing or two about what it takes to keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive and thriving. I've now created a unique venture funding program. It's something I wish I had when I was starting out. Imagine getting the funds you need without the dread of repayment hanging over your head. Sounds like a fantasy, right? It's not. Here's how it works: I personally guarantee your loan. The best bit is that repayments come from the cash flow of investments we make together. Your focus stays on growing your business, not on looming debt. During my journey, from setting up a popcorn stand in Nantucket to teaching young entrepreneurs how to fish in the business sea, I've seen too many brilliant ideas fade into the background because of financial constraints. With this funding model, your business can: ? Secure the capital it needs without traditional debt stress. ? Grow, fueled by investments that we manage together. I wouldn't offer this if I hadn't seen its success firsthand. It's designed for entrepreneurs who dream big but are pragmatic about their financial health. Are you wondering if this could be the lifeline your business needs? I'm opening the door for you to reach out. Let's explore if this unique funding model fits your vision and how we can make your entrepreneurial dreams come to life, without the traditional financial headaches. Think this sounds like the breakthrough you've been waiting for? DM me. Let's talk about unlocking your business's potential with funding that's as innovative as your ideas.

Have had a lot of friends reach out lately who are considering making the switch from their corporate roles into a startup. I always say a couple of the most appealing pieces are more ownership and equity. BUT evaluating startup equity can be super confusing, especially when you're going into a job offer negotiation. Here's one easy way to think about it: 1/ Quality > Quantity Most startups fail. Focus on the company's potential, not just your ownership %. 2/ What's it ACTUALLY worth? Calculate the present value of your equity using the strike price, preferred share price, and vesting schedule. (We made a spreadsheet for this! (see below) 3/ Look Ahead Present value is just a starting point. Consider what your equity could be worth in different scenarios (think best case, worst case, etc.). 4/ Get Help! Ask the founders to explain how much your stock is worth at different company valuations. I was super lucky before joining Carry, I was sent a calculator to theoretically input and see what my piece of equity could potentially be worth one day. Here's a similar calculator you can use, to see if the jump is worth it (for you). https://lnkd.in/d-gyWXPa #startups #startupemployee #startupfounder #equity #stockoption

Most founders think there are just 3 stages to building a company: Build, Scale, Exit. I’ve come to believe there are actually 6 (and “exit” isn’t one of them). ? Create ? ? Build ? ? Grow ? ? Scale ? ? Enterprise ? ? Large Enterprise The one I see founders most tempted to skip on their scaling journey? ?? “Grow” The grow phase sets up a stronger path to scale. It's where debt starts getting cured. It's tempting to skip... …because this phase is not what 0 to 1 founders love to do. It’s the opposite of moving fast and breaking things. What do I mean when I say curing "debt"? ?? Marketing debt - Stories are a combination of all our experiments so far but we haven’t scrubbed the resources so they’re internally (and externally) consistent. ?? Sales debt - Personal and extended networks are tapping out but we haven’t yet gotten the truly “cold” lead pipeline running. ?? Organizational debt - People we’ve hired who aren’t the right fit for one reason or another. ??? Technical debt - Product and/or service features we’ve deferred and our innovator/early adopter customers willingly lived with. ?? Process debt - Missing or stubbed out processes and procedures, systems that don’t quite work as expected, time-draining manual solutions, founder dependent activities. ?? Actual debt - Loans come due, early investors look for exits, friend and family start hoping to be repaid. ?? Skipping the “grow” phase almost always creates fundamental instability that jeopardizes scale. In fact, it can sometimes keep you from it. ?? There’s a prevailing belief that “scale” will provide all the resources needed to address many of these debts. It doesn’t. In fact, scale comes with a whole different set of capital (time + money) consuming challenges. Loading them on top of an uncured foundation increases risk. You’ll know exactly what I mean if you’ve ever come in to help “scale” a company that skipped (or is skipping) the grow phase. ?? ?? The truth is that we almost never have a fully cured foundation. That’s *not* the goal. We aren't looking to "over process" the team. ?? The goal is make capital investments in curing the foundation that are aligned with our growth targets. I’m curious to know if this sounds like something you’ve seen before in your founder journey. Maybe you're experiencing it now... Where’s it aligned and where's it out of whack?

After starting my small business venture in 2022 as I mentioned in Monday post under entrepreneurship and small businesses as viable investment options. I was on the lookout for another investment that offered flexibility and low risk to diversify my portfolio. This search led me to unit trusts, which have proven to be one of the safest investments in my portfolio due to their flexibility, allowing me to grow them alongside other investments. As a financial consultant dedicated to empowering professionals and businesses with financial discipline, I’m excited to share insights on this flexible, low-risk investment. Why Consider Unit Trusts? Unit trusts pool funds from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio managed by professional fund managers. This structure offers several advantages: ? Minimum Starting Balance: Start investing with as little as UGX 100,000. ? Low Management Fees: Keep more of your returns. ? Low Risk: Diversification mitigates individual investment risks. Features and Benefits of Unit Trusts 1. Low Minimum Investment: Unit trusts are accessible with a low starting balance, making them ideal for new and seasoned investors alike. 2. Professional Management: Expert fund managers handle investments, offering peace of mind and leveraging their expertise for better returns. 3. Diversification: By investing in a mix of assets, unit trusts reduce the risk associated with individual investments. 4. Liquidity: Investors can easily buy and sell units, providing flexibility and access to funds when needed. 5. Low Management Fees: Compared to other investment options, unit trusts typically have lower fees, maximizing your investment’s growth. How to Get Started? Investing in unit trusts is straightforward: ? Select a Reputable Fund Manager: Research and choose a manager with a strong track record. ? Understand the Fund’s Objectives: Align your choice with your financial goals, whether it’s income generation, capital growth, or a balanced approach. ? Review Fees and Charges: Ensure you understand all associated costs to make an informed decision. ? Complete the Application Process: Fill out the necessary forms and provide required identification documents. Unit trusts are a great way to diversify your investment portfolio with minimal hassle and risk. They offer a practical, low-barrier entry into the investment world, managed by professionals. If you’re interested in learning more about unit trusts or need personalized advice on starting your investment journey, feel free to reach out. Let’s schedule a clarity session and empower ourselves with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions.

What does 'investor ready' mean? And will you secure what you need? Here's my take, curious to hear yours... I get a lot of inbound. It's compounding. And the more I talk about Open Equity, the fuller my DMs and inbox gets. I'm not complaining. Or grandstanding. It is what it is. I'm grateful. And I take responsibility a) for talking here, b) not always doing a good enough job explaining what I/we are looking to back. Ultimately, I want founders / owners to succeed. Whether we work together. Or, most likely, not. I am on the side of anyone who has an idea, gives it a go, takes ownership of their future etc. We are all better off. Plus - for a separate post, possibly book - this is how we solve complex problems like social cohesion, wealth inequality, economic prosperity etc. So, there are a number of things every entrepreneur needs to know - if they are to get their vision funded (at whatever stage), and realise a life-changing outcome. #1 Understand what you really need 99.9% of businesses do not need capital. They need capability. And you are better seeking that kind of partner as a Board Advisor / NED. For example: having built several digital/tech/cyber businesses, some to exit, I know this game well. Because I've done it. Many times. First time, I wish I had just found someone and partnered - saving 5 to 10 years (...too stubborn, desperate to 'prove' something to the world). Of course, capital is great. But it usually has strings attached (eg: losing control, unable to sell, not getting paid until everyone is left whole. etc). #2 Build a clear investment case I am talking from painful experience here. Thinking it's a great idea to 'go big' and seek investment at a massive valuation. Optimism is great. And I also want considered, thoughtful (ie: don't lose money). Clear means. You know what you want to build. You know why (in terms of creating enterprise value). You know what it will cost to deliver (and risks). And you have a good idea what return - and by when. #3 Give investors what they want This isn't 'one size fits all'. Different people want different things. But all are looking to multiply capital and manage risk. You have to understand the context. Anyone can invest in an S&P500 Index Fund. Get 12% return annually. Be able to buy/sell instantly. And lose zero sleep about it. The question is: How will you deliver a significantly better return? And how are you managing the risks? (By risks, I mean: market demand, customer acquisition, profitability, key person risk, delivery risk etc). Naturally, all investments involve risk. That's part of the fun. But the default is no. And you have to overcome that. One more thing... Don't overthink it. Yes, money can carry an emotional charge. But capital is a commodity. It needs to be used. Hope useful. Good luck. Will share more on this, if so. #founder #investment #openequity