Other factors that can play a significant role in valuation are comparable deals, those that are in the same industry, with revenue, earnings and growth rate differences as adjusters.

The strategic buyers sees the business as complementary to their existing activities and perhaps could enhance their total product offering, making them a more formidable competitor. Another three or four will provide some return of capital or a small return on investment. The first step is to determine the average pre-money valuation for pre-revenue startups.

In its most simple iteration, the method provides the following formula for calculating the post-money valuation of seed/start-up companies:The formula is based on the following assumptions and definitions:The valuation of an investor-funded company at exit in the nth year can be estimated by a variety of techniques.

It was used to fund many of the largest technology companies you know, like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, which received funding from venture capital firms by the names of Sequoia Capital…

For example:Every company has “hair” somewhere so the key is for you to identify the risk issues and have a plan to correct them so risks are mitigated.We are now ready to discuss how VC pre-money calculations are determined looking at revenue and earnings projections to determine the sale value of the company in 4 or 5 years.Let’s assume you own a software solutions company that has grown over a 5 year period to revenues of $5 MIL and earnings of $1 MIL. This method compares the startup (raising angel investment) to other funded startups modifying the average valuation based on factors such as region, market, and stage. They would often value the acquisition at a premium over what a PE might offer.Although pre-money valuation is a significant factor in doing a VC/PE deal, there are other factors to consider in your evaluation. (If the sale price exceeds a certain hurdle, e.g. We can then calculate the terminal value in the nth year at $50 million x 15 percent x 12 = $90 million.Another method for estimating terminal value is to use a multiple of annual revenues. Finally, they can now work backwards and try a few pre-money values to see what their IRR would be upon exit.Since most deals take longer to perform than planned, the VC would then look at the same investment return over a 5 year span and would calculate a 29.9% IRR, 26.5% IRR and a 23.7% IRRYou will also see a 1X preference in the calculation which essentially means that before the sale price is distributed the initial investment of $2 mil is repaid to the VC, thus making the net amount $27 mil for distribution to stockholders. Also, you will be subject to a high level of financial scrutiny, more accounting controls and measurement, detailed quarterly financial reporting, annual audited statements, and numerous board meetings.The Falcon staff is prepared to assist you in maximizing pre-money valuation as well as guiding you through the maze of preferences that investors seek so that you can manage your company and grow it rapidly. Summary of Findings . They would often value the acquisition at a premium over what a PE might offer.Although pre-money valuation is a significant factor in doing a VC/PE deal, there are other factors to consider in your evaluation. Also, you will be subject to a high level of financial scrutiny, more accounting controls and measurement, detailed quarterly financial reporting, annual audited statements and numerous board meetings. The angel investor here would have a 33.3% equity stake in the company based on the post-money valuation of 1.5 million€. Here are some top venture capital companies with seed funding. The ball is then in your court to accept or negotiate for a higher pre-money valuation. If the VC likes the business but is unsettled about the risks they might ask for a 2x preference which increases their ROI if the firm underperforms.The VC’s would run through many more models and might propose a $10 million pre-money valuation. Although most of the analysis herein is quantitative, there always can be valuation influences based upon qualitative properties. Even so, dilution is only part of the logic behind such a “high” anticipated ROI for seed/start-up investments.Very early-stage investing is very high-risk investing. So, the VC would look at a least 4 potential forecasts:At the end of 4 years, the VC projects that the company can be sold at 6x earnings for the 20% earnings rate and at 8x for the 40% earnings rate. Please contact Ted Stack, Mark Gaeto, or Carl Witonsky for further information.© 2018 Falcon Capital Partners, LLC Securities offered through $35 million, then the preference might be waived.) Also, with a more efficient team and a benefit from economies of scale you believe the earnings margin would be 40%. $35 mil, then the preference might be waived.) Furthermore, my experience is that typical pre-money valuations for seed/start-up companies are between $1 million and $3 million. Your historic revenue growth grate has been 20%, but with influx of $2 million you are adding sales and marketing staff to support a 40% growth rate.