1. What are various sources of equity investment?
- Public stock: Buying/selling stocks among publicly traded companies (NYSE/NASDAQ)
- Private equity:
- Venture capital- equity investments made for launch or early expansion of business
- Leverage buyout- strategy of making equity investments as part of transaction in which the company gains business assets from current share holders
- Growth Capital- refers to the equity investments in mature companies looking for capital to expand operations, enter new markets, or finance a major acquisition without change of control of the business
- Distressed/Special situations- investments in equity or debt securities of a distressed company or company where value can be unlocked resulting from a one time oppotunity
- Mezzanine capital- equity securities that often represent the most junior portion of a companies capital structure that is senior to the companies common equity
3. What guidelines should entrepreneurs follow when they are selecting a venture capitalist?
- scrutinize your business with a critical eye- can the business give returns the VCs demands?
- Beef up management- hire the right people
- Keep a high profile so the VCs will visit
- Target the search- look for firms that specialize in industry and size of investment
- Keep a lookout- look for smaller VC firms
- investigate possible venture partners- figure out needs
5. What are the differences between a single-hit and a home-run business?
- A home-run business is basically a business that invests more and more capital over a long period (7 or 8 years) in hopes of high returns. This usually yields poor results and can hurt the investor and business owner.
- Whereas a single-hit business seeks a more capital efficient way doing things. Theyll turn to virtual businesses and receive higher returns on early stage funding, building the essential assets needed within 2 to 3 years.
6. What are the four key factors that a banker seeks before providing a corporate loan?
-The 4 Cs of lending:
- Character- talent, reliability and honesty
- Cash Flow- to cover debt, service must be available throughout term of obligation
- Collateral- to support at least part of the loan should the company be unable to meet its obligations
- Contribution- contributions by the entrepreneur towards the funding requirements