How to Value Your Startup Stock Options
Startup equity can be confusing — but it doesn’t have to be. This post breaks down how to calculate what your options are really worth across multiple exit scenarios, with a free interactive tool to help you go from paper grant to potential payday.
The Ideal Pitch Deck Flow: A Guide to Structuring Your Story for Investors
Crafting a pitch deck that resonates with investors is more art than science. In this guide, we break down the ideal narrative flow — from problem to traction — so you can tell a compelling story that earns attention (and funding).
The Various VC Funding Instruments
Not all venture funding tools are created equal. This guide breaks down the key instruments founders encounter — from SAFEs to Convertible Notes to Preferred Equity — and helps you understand which one might suit your company’s stage, goals, and risk tolerance.
VC Waterfalls: How Venture Funds Distribute their Returns
Venture capital returns don’t flow evenly — they cascade through a defined structure called a waterfall. This guide demystifies how funds are distributed to LPs and GPs, breaking down concepts like preferred return, carry, and catch-up with clarity (and a Viking twist).
Understanding COGS & Gross Margin for SaaS Startups
Understanding COGS and gross margin is essential for SaaS founders who want to build scalable, fundable businesses. This guide breaks down what counts as cost of goods sold, how to calculate gross margin, and why these metrics matter when raising capital or measuring traction.
Understanding Conversion Caps
Valuation caps can significantly affect how much equity early investors receive when their convertible instruments convert. This post explains how caps work, why they exist, and how they can tilt the balance between founder and investor upside during future fundraising.