M&A
Business and Operations
Key Concepts in Evaluating Exit Strategies
Evaluate business exit strategies by understanding the distinctions between all-cash sales, public-security exchanges, and restricted private securities and
June 11, 2013Insights
M&A insights & market research
Perspective on valuation, deal structure, and sector dynamics across the middle market — written for founders, owners, and investors.
M&A
Valuation
Backwards Exit Timing and Unrealistic Valuation
Selling after three years of rising profits maximizes business value, while exiting at peak or during decline destroys it. Learn how exit timing and realistic
June 7, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
7 Common Mistakes made by Entrepreneurs During an Exit Strategy
Avoid the seven most common mistakes entrepreneurs make during a business sale or exit, from providing misleading financials to misjudging deal timing and
June 3, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Presentation Matters: Prepare to Make a Capital Request
Learn how to prepare and deliver a compelling capital request presentation to investors, from business plan formatting to anticipating tough questions from
May 30, 2013M&A
Case Studies
Google�s Acquisition Strategy: Lessons from the Giant
Google's rapid growth from 1998 relied heavily on strategic acquisitions targeting strong product-market fit and talent. Discover three key lessons from its
May 30, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
14 Business Model Types: Understanding and Choosing Where Your Business Fits
Explains 14 distinct business model types using the Weill framework, integrating activity and asset typologies to help business owners understand where their
May 28, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Mergers and Acquisitions vs. Initial Public Offering
Compare M&A exits and IPOs as liquidity strategies, weighing feasibility, timing, regulatory burden, and which path makes more sense for smaller companies.
May 26, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Your Executive Summary Should Make Good First Impression
Your executive summary is the first thing investors and lenders read. Follow these practical tips to write an executive summary that makes a strong first
May 24, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Term Sheets and Letters of Intent
Clarifies the differences between term sheets and letters of intent in venture and M&A deals, explaining when each document is used and what obligations they
May 18, 2013M&A
Financial Services
The Fundamentals of Raising Capital
Covers the foundational concepts of raising business acquisition capital, explaining how pooled funding, investor relationships, and deal structuring work for
May 14, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
When is the Best Time to Pursue an Exit Strategy?
IPO timing depends on market windows, while M&A exits depend on business positioning. Learn how to choose and prepare for the right exit strategy based on your
May 11, 2013M&A
Personal Growth Career
The Five Crucial Steps before Jumping down the Rabbit Hole of Entrepreneurship
Walks aspiring entrepreneurs through five sequential steps—self-evaluation, idea generation, opportunity analysis, business planning, and capital
May 10, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Some basic rules for deal-making
Learn the essential rules for deal-making that help business executives assess risk, anticipate problems, and structure transactions before they close.
May 6, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Objectives of Buy-Sell Agreements
Understand the core objectives of business buy-sell agreements, including ownership control, succession planning, and protection against unwanted third-party
May 2, 2013M&A
Private Equity
Problems with Angel Investing
Understand the legal, securities, and sophistication risks founders face when raising capital from angel investors and angel networks before offering company
April 28, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Making the decision to sell a business
Selling a business requires full commitment from all stakeholders before entering the market. Learn how to align your board, shareholders, and management team
April 24, 2013M&A
Financial Services
Steps for Finding Private Investors for Your New Business
Outlines a four-step framework for identifying and approaching private investors, helping new business owners understand equity types and build a compelling
April 23, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Selling A Website Business
Covers the unique advantages of selling a website-based business through a business broker, including mobility, scalability, and how online businesses are
April 20, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
The Due Diligence Phase of an Acquisition
Walks through the buyer's due diligence process after a letter of intent is signed, detailing what acquirers examine and what sellers should prepare to keep a
April 12, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
The Freedom of Selling Your Own Business
Explores the motivations behind entrepreneurship and what business owners gain—and give up—when they sell, framing the exit as a path to a new kind of
April 8, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Real Businesses Solve Problems
Businesses that solve real problems are more resilient and command stronger valuations. Explore why problem-solving is the common thread among companies that
March 30, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Questions to Help Determine Outside Financing Needs
Before seeking outside financing, answer key questions about cash flow, capital needs, and growth projections to determine how much funding your business
March 28, 2013M&A
Marketing
Lead Generation: Push vs. Pull
Push and pull lead generation strategies each offer distinct advantages for deal sourcing. Learn how combining outbound outreach with inbound methods drives
March 27, 2013M&A
Business and Operations
Building A Business With The End In Mind
Building a business with the end goal in mind — whether a sale, IPO, or succession — shapes better strategic decisions from day one. Discover how to align your
March 26, 2013