Is equity the way to go?

Are equity investors suited to your business? Here are a few considerations…

During the week we conducted a survey of entrepreneurs running high growth businesses. At the top of the list was the question: “Is equity investment the way for us to go?”

A lot of entrepreneurs aren’t quite sure if they want to go down the equity investment road. What do you need to consider before knocking on investors’ doors?

Getting an equity investor is a big step. Do your research and ask lots of questions and you’ll have a much better chance of a successful result. It is far too important to rush. The key here is to start the process before you become desperate for cash.

Companies in very competitive markets or those that need a big investment in technology become very hungry for cash. A bit like a growing teenager – never stops eating to provide the fuel for fast growth.

What are the advantages of raising capital?

• Angel investors and venture capitalists will help you achieve high growth.
• Investors have great networks and can give you valuable introductions.
• You don’t have to pay the investment back at regular intervals. Great for your cash flow.
• Equity investors generally provide lots of advice, so it is “smart” money.
• Investors also bring a higher degree of discipline in running the business.
• Equity investment can attract additional investors and provide leverage.

What are the disadvantages?

• Investors will take a share of your business (and your profit).
• They will want to be involved in running the business. This can be both positive and negative depending on your own style and the style of the investor.
• Investors expect high returns so you’ll need to work hard post investment.

With equity investment you are able to achieve substantial growth and it happens quickly. You can add a competitive edge to your product through technology innovation, you can get into overseas markets, you can acquire a few competitors, you can put in place big marketing plans, etc. And the list goes on.

There are very good reasons to take on board an equity investor. However, life will change for you and your staff. It is a big decision and you’ll need to carefully assess if it will suit your business.

Some tips before you take on an equity investor…

• Research your prospective investor, get information on the company.
• Make a list of what you need from an investor and make sure that the investor can provide what you need – it’s not just the money.
• Interview the investors as much as they interview you.
• Make sure that you understand what they want so that your interests and future plans align with their interests.
• Talk to other CEOs who have taken on an investor.
• Contact companies that the investors have funded. Talk to the CEO. What are they like as investors? How much did they want to get involved? Were they particularly intrusive? What are they like to work with?

The more research and preparation you do the better will be the result. If you go in with your eyes open then you won’t have too many surprises waiting for you.

Keep your relationships positive. You’ll have ups and downs and rocky times. This is a small world, so build very positive relationships with investors and you will be more successful. There is no doubt about that.

Here is a link to my interviews with investors. Check it out, you’ll learn a lot. Click here.

I hope that you downloaded my Christmas presents in the last blog. If not go back there now and check them out. Lots of good stuff in there.

Till next time.

Gail Geronimos, is the founder of Achaeus, which helps entrepreneurs develop their businesses and she has just started a new site www.pitchingtoinvestors.com with tools and tips about how to develop killer presentations to raise capital.

To read more Gail Geronimos blogs, click here.