Taking Strategic Risks for Growth + Ventura Listings has Moved + SBA? is Open & The Pitch Deck Tala Used to raise $6.5M Series A

Welcome Back to this Weeks Edit of the Excuse Me SIR. ICYMI Newsletter!! ???? As always we are bringing the JUICE, so kick back, dive in and let's make you smarter in 15 Mins or Less.?

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ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

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THIS WEEKS MANTRAS:?

1. It is not necessary to react to everything you notice.?

As a naturally fiery personality and as someone who came from a background that made her feel like she had a lot to prove….I used to get SO triggered by people making digs at me and my business. But the truth is…the bigger you go and the higher you climb, the more people ( most of the time the ones you least expect ) will speak you DOWN the loudest. I have had videos made about me, newsletters made about me, people talking shit in the comments, sharing my videos in a not-so-kind way…I have seen it all. It comes with the territory of doing cool af things. Do not let your observations rile you up, if you want to keep going, you must remain neutral and keep on doing you.?

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2. You can be Assertive, and also be kind, empathic, and compassionate.

As women, we are told to be amiable, silent, patient, and small…to not be perceived as a threat. Immediately when we stand our ground, are assertive, don't fluff up our words or beat around the bush…That is when we are told we are rude, bossy, divas….the list goes on. And for so long…I felt like I could not be assertive, for so long I would always beat around the bush, downplay my ask, apologise for an ask, over-explain an ask so that I wouldn't be perceived as anything other than kind and respectful and now I say FUCK THAT. You can be Assertive and still be kind, empathetic and compassionate.?

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Mood….

?THIS WEEKS QUESTIONS:

1. As a leader, how do you balance the need for decisive action with the necessity for inclusive decision-making, especially when guiding a diverse team through periods of uncertainty and change?

2. What strategies do you employ to maintain mental and emotional resilience while managing the pressures of scaling a business & life being…well life?

NEWSLETTER ROUNDUP:

????SIR. BUSINESS ACADEMY? COMMUNITY IS OPEN ????

???? VENTURA LISTINGS: New Dashboard Within SBA? Community for Listings!!

???? HEADLINES TO WATCH: Listen to the Audio Headline Update HERE.?

???? STARTUP EDIT: Taking Risks for Growth Whilst Remaining Operationally Stable. Listen HERE.?

????VENTURA EDIT: Creative acquisition Financing Options for first time & serial acquirers.

?? VENTURA LISTINGS? Is Hosting its first ever Virtual Pitch Night for Business Buyers & Sellers!! Register to the Event HERE. ( 19th AUG )?

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?? We launched a $500,000 In-Kind Grant for Female Founders Industry Agnostically!!!! Super Super Excited to Announce this Grant. Read HERE. For More Info!?

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?? VENTURA LISTINGS? Has Moved!!! We have created your own dedicated Dealflow Newsletter & Now Offer a dedicated listings space in our SBA? Community with more robust access and profiling options. Join the New Ventura Listings Space HERE. FOR FREE!!

You're ready to grow & scale your business, streamline operations, maximize your results and build a goddamn conglomerate company. You are poised to go bigger and bolder than ever before, but now you need access to the unfair advantage you need to successfully navigate the nuances of building, growing, scaling and selling companies so that you can do everything you are set out to do.? But although you want the above… right now you:?

• ?Want to make more money, more quickly and more effortlessly and don't know how to make your current sales & marketing efforts do that for you at scale?

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• Find yourself getting overwhelmed about all of the things on your plate, where everything feels equally as complex and important and you never know if you are making the right decisions at the right time in strategies that will pay off?

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• Feel isolated in decision-making, without a network of peers & experts in your corner for the little things?

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• You are ready to diversify into new markets, offer new products and services and are ready to amplify your efforts for growth and don't know where to start, when to do it or how to do it?

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That’s exactly why we created the SBA? Community. This micro touchpoint community is tailored to ambitious entrepreneurs like you, offering all the benefits of top-tier business advice focusing on accessing the support you need, when you need it and tapping into a network of other ambitious entrepreneurs who get what you are going through and where you are trying to go, without the overwhelming costs, commitment. Here's what you gain by joining us:

• Targeted Advice: Direct access to concise, actionable strategies that cut through the clutter.
• Peer Support: A community of like-minded business owners who are eager to connect and collaborate.
• Flexible Learning: Engage at your own pace, on your own schedule, with resources that move your business forward.
• Cost Efficiency: Get the insights you need without breaking the bank.

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GET READY FOR:?

• Bi-Weekly Coaching & Office Hours Sessions
• Guest Expert Masterclasses & Workshops
• Exclusive Founder Chat for Nuanced & Expansive Discussions
• SBA? Course Hub & Video Library
• SBA? Resource Artillery
• Exclusive Discounts, Offers & Events
• + So Much More!!

Ready to make the leap??

Click here and let’s start shaping the future of your business together.

Startup Edit: How to Balance Strategic Risk-Taking with Operational Stability

This week, we’re diving into a challenge that every growing & scaling business faces: balancing strategic risk-taking with maintaining operational stability. When scaling, it’s tempting to go all in on new opportunities, whether it is a new product/offer launch, hiring to meet expansion demands or making a new investment to fuel growth…but this can often lead to MOUNTAINS operational chaos if not balanced correctly.?

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You need to make bold decisions to grow, but not at the cost of the stability you’ve worked hard to build.

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For every client we work with, we perform risk assessment and analysis on the company before any major decision or project! This is vital for resource allocation & understanding our growth capital.?

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Here are some things we typically get our clients to consider pre-risk take:

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?? UNDERSTANDING YOUR RISK APPETITE

The first step in navigating this balance is defining your risk appetite. It doesn't matter if you have a higher or lower risk appetite, what matters is how you navigate it. Risk appetite essentially means understanding how much uncertainty your business can handle without jeopardizing its core functions. You can figure this out pretty quickly by looking at your relationship to risk, money & change, your emotional intelligence and capacity level, ?assessing your financial health, market position, and auditing operational resilience which will give you the clarity you need to set the boundaries for your strategic decisions & make informed choices about which risks are worth taking.

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?? PRIORITISING OPERATIONAL HEALTH

Strong operations are the backbone of any successful business. From culture to technology to marketing or financial operations…streamlined processes, systems and healthy operational efficiency is paramount for scaling success. When your operations are solid, you have the confidence to pursue new opportunities without the fear of operational collapse.

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?? EMBRACING SMALL BETS?

The biggest mistake we see with founders is putting all of their eggs into a basket without testing & collecting feedback first. Leading them to waste an immeasurable amount of time, money and resources into concepts and risks that yield no return. Testing new ideas on a smaller scale allows you to gauge their potential without risking everything.?

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?? MAKING DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS

Not nearly enough founders leverage accurate, relevant or enough data to inform strategic choices but doing so is what allows you to reduce uncertainty, enhance decision-making and sharpen your business acumen. If you have not done so already, I highly encourage you to implement data collection and analysis processes which will give you a clear picture of what’s working and what isn’t, enabling you to adjust your strategies accordingly.

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?? BUILDING A FINANCIAL CUSHION?

Whilst this is often a luxury, when and where possible, having a financial cushion is certainly recommended especially if you are expecting there may be some unexpected challenges to arise out of a decision. Also, remember that not all debt is bad debt, some of the richest people in the world leverage debt to take risks that drive growth & then reap the rewards. Financial cushions can come in many forms and I encourage you to get creative about what they look like.?

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?? DIVERSIFYING GROWTH STRATEGIES?

Diversification can be your great risk and downfall of all OR it can help you mitigate specific risks and open up avenues for substantial growth. The outcome lies in having the right strategic acumen in your corner to know when to say GO on diversification. Is your company structured and operationally sound enough to diversify efforts within your company??

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?? THE IMPORTANCE OF REMAINING CONSUMER-CENTRIC?

Taking risks is not the time to veer away from your customers…Your customers are your biggest asset. Every decision you make MUST BE BORN from the consumer by Continually gathering feedback and adapting to their needs. Are you factoring your consumer insight into your risk-taking & growth strategies? Or are you focusing on what YOU think Is best for the company??

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?? YOUR TEAM IS YOUR BACKBONE?

The truth of the matter is that a strong, motivated team can navigate risks more effectively and efficiently than teams that are not. Your success comes from people whether they are your customers or your direct teams!! What resources and support do you need to provide to your team to ensure they have the skills, mindset, acumen and capacity to handle taking on risks for the company??

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?? MAINTAINING FLEXIBILITY?

Knowing when to pivot, pull back or pump the breaks completely is part of successfully executing any sort of high-risk project. Flexibility allows you to turn potential risks into opportunities, adapting your strategies to meet new challenges.?

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Ready to build a more risk-tolerant company capable of soaring into growth scale-up for decades to come??

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Join SBA? Today or Respond Back to this email to find out how you can work with me this week!

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HEADLINERS TO KEEP TABS ON:

• S&P 500 Logs the worst week since April due to a significant drop caused by sell-offs in technology stocks. Despite Losses, over all the market remains in “Greed” on the Fear & Greed Index meaning that investors are excited about the market overall, but cautious about individual stocks. HERE.

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• Invest with CHERUB acquired Pear Influential to develop their SPV arm ( Talking about this on this weeks ICYMI AUDIO EDIT. )

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• Female Founder World Launches $15k USD Grant with Vista Print HERE.

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• Duolingo reminds us of how Horizontal Market and strategic Acquisitions can enrich our customer experience and increase customers' willingness to pay HERE.

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• Peep the Deck Tala ( Grace Beverly ) Used to raise an additional boost round of $6.5M in an effort to fuel global US expansion. HERE. ( - Business Insider )

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• Take Notes from Shopmy Consumer Connection & Brand Partner Strategy because they are rewriting the playbook. They have recently launched a new feature that allows brands to pay creators for organic mentions made through creators' content. Companies like LTK better keep up or they will be left behind! HERE.

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• Birchall Cuts jobs & costs by 30% due to crowdfunding flatlining HERE.

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• REFY Community Retreat looked sooooo good and it is such an important reminder for brands that influencers should not be the only people on your nurture list. HERE.

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LISTEN TO THIS WEEKS EPISODE OF THE NEW EDIT OVER ON SPOTIFY HERE.

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M&A Edit: Creative Acquisition Financing Options that help Acquirers Reduce Initial Risk

Welcome to this week's M&A Edit! Today, we're diving into some creative and out-of-the-box acquisition financing options that can help first-time acquirers reduce risk and manage cash flow more effectively. In a challenging market, these strategies provide flexibility and innovative ways to structure deals, ensuring that both buyers and sellers can achieve their goals.

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Here at SIR. we love and promote Creative Deal Making!! It is the best way to get some skin in the game for women in business & M&A!! Below you will see a series of financing options that allow you to get creative with how you execute your next deal, making M&A more accessible than ever before.?

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1. SELLER FINANCING

Seller financing is when the seller agrees to finance a portion of the purchase price, which the buyer repays over time. And we typically see these repayments being made with direct profit/revenues from the company instead of paying the acquire out. This can be a win-win for both parties.

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Why we Love It:

• Less Cash Upfront: You don’t need to come up with as much cash right away ( if any - We are currently looking into a deal that requires $0 Upfront Investment ), making it easier to close deals.
• Flexible Terms: You can negotiate payment schedules that fit your cash flow.
• Seller’s Interest: The seller has a vested interest in the business’s success, often providing ongoing support.

Things to Think About:

• Building Trust: You need to earn the seller's confidence in your ability to run the business successfully.
• Clear Agreements: Make sure the terms are well-defined to prevent any misunderstandings down the line.

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2. EARNOUTS ( ANOTHER FAN FAVE )

An earnout is where part of the purchase price is contingent on the business hitting specific financial targets after the acquisition. This aligns the interests of both parties.

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Why we Love It:

• Risk Reduction: Typically we see it structured as the acquirer will front 5% - 10% of the purchase price up front & then the rest of the payment schedule is hinging on the company hitting certain financial milestones. These payouts are again, also typically paid from the company's profit/revenues.
• Aligned Interests: Both parties are motivated to ensure the business succeeds.

Things to Think About:

• Set Clear Metrics: Define precise financial targets to avoid any disputes.
• Seller Involvement: The seller might need to stay involved to help achieve these targets.

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3. REVENUE-BASED FINANCING (RBF)

RBF involves repaying the loan based on a percentage of the business’s ongoing gross revenues until a predetermined amount is paid back. So whilst there may be overlap with the other financing models, you have to remember that there is alot of nuance to Sellers Notes & Earnouts that can make it a little more complex. Where as RBF is the ULTIMATE creative acquisition financing option for reduced financial risk from get go.?

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Why We Love It:

• Performance-Based Payments: Your payments fluctuate with business revenue, easing the financial strain during slower periods.
• Aligned Interests: Encourages both parties to focus on growing the business.

Things to Think About:

• Consistent Revenue Streams: Ensure the business has reliable revenue streams.
• Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence to confirm the business can sustain the repayment plan.

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4. ASSET BASED LENDING WHCH IS ALSO KNOWN AS LBO ( LEVERAGED BUY OUT )

Asset-based lending involves securing loans against the business’s assets, such as inventory, equipment, or receivables.

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Why We Love It:

• Leverage Assets: You can use the business’s assets to secure financing, reducing your need for upfront cash. Although many companies do not have enough assets or security to pass a loan application in the first place.
• Flexible Terms: Loans can be structured based on the value of the assets.

Things to Think About:

• Accurate Appraisal: Make sure the assets are accurately appraised to determine their true value.
• Financial Reporting: Lenders might require detailed and regular financial reporting.

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5. EQUITY ROLLOVER

In equity rollovers, the seller retains a minority stake in the business post-acquisition in exchange for a reduced upfront payment.

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Why We Love it:

• Less Cash Needed Upfront: Reduces the amount of cash you need to close the deal.
• Seller’s Continued Investment: Keeps the seller invested in the business’s future success, providing continuity and expertise.

Things to Think About:

• Ongoing Involvement: Agree on the terms of the seller’s continued involvement and the eventual exit strategy.
• Clear Agreements: Define the rights and responsibilities of both parties clearly to avoid future conflicts.

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Remember, the best choice will depend on the specific circumstances of your acquisition and the parties involved.?

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Key Takeaways for Female Founders

• Understand Your Options: When looking to acquire or be acquired it is so important to be well-versed in the various financing methods available. Each has its advantages and challenges, and the right choice depends on your business’s unique circumstances.
• Prepare Thoroughly: Financial health, a solid business plan, and professional advice are essential components of successful acquisition financing.
• Negotiate Smartly: Every term in a financing agreement can have long-term implications. Approach negotiations with a clear understanding of your goals and limits.
• Stay Balanced: While acquisitions can drive growth, maintaining operational stability during the process is crucial to long-term success.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always consult with a professional advisor before making any financial or legal decisions related to mergers and acquisitions.

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JOIN SBA? TO PREPARE YOUR COMPANY FOR ACQUISITION ( WHETHER YOU ARE A BUYER OR A SELLER )

As we grow, Ventura Listings has moved!!! We are moving the listings edit to it's own Newsletter to accommodate for deeper business deep dives and more personalised newsletter opportunities.?

We have also created a new Listings Page in our SBA? Community!! This is A FREE private access group that allows you to scroll through all available businesses and chat with other founders and investors about navigating the M&A process.?

?JOIN THE NEW VENTURA LISTINGS HERE.

That is all for this week!

xo, Lacey & the SIR. Team

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