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A fresh perspective on two dynamic worlds

The book “Startup Success Beyond Handshakes” is about successfully investing in startups, and offers a unique approach because it is written for both entrepreneurs and investors. It offers a fresh perspective on the connection between these two dynamic worlds.

By building mutual trust and addressing potential conflicts of interest up front, you can avoid problems and lay the groundwork for a valuable, lasting partnership.

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Written in a clear and accessible style, this handbook efficiently guides you through the investment process. It emphasizes crucial insights for a successful start, a fruitful investment, and a seamless collaboration. Time is of the essence, which is why every page is packed with value-added, actionable insights.

While risk can never be entirely eliminated, armed with the right knowledge and the ability to identify potential pitfalls, your chances of success multiply. Ultimately, investors and entrepreneurs become shareholders in the same venture. By establishing mutual trust and preemptively addressing potential conflicts, you can sidestep problems and lay the groundwork for a valuable, enduring partnership.

Throughout my decade-long journey in this field, I've had the privilege of witnessing a lot of experiences. It's a truly unique perspective.

A distinct approach in two ways

The majority of my investments have yielded fruitful outcomes, although, not without experiencing a few setbacks and bankruptcies, as is customary in this domain.

It is impossible however to use these cases to give a clear illustration of the important concepts involved. Your next project will undoubtedly be fundamentally different from all the cases I could have presented. Therefore, I have chosen a unique universal approach that is simultaneously practical, concise and accurate. Quite a challenge actually.

In addition, the book is also distinctly inclusive, as it targets both entrepreneurs and investors. This allows both parties to have the same information.

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The reason is simple - each case is a unique story. The multitude of variables at play makes it impossible for cases to provide clear-cut illustrations of the important concepts that are at play.  Most certainly your next project will be fundamentally different from any of the cases I could have presented. Hence I've opted for a distinct universal approach that is at the same time practical, concise and precise. Quite a challenge in fact.

Additionally this book is distinctly inclusive, because it is catering to both entrepreneurs and investors. This makes it possible that both parties are equipped with the same information. I'm a strong believer in open communication and transparency. It lays the cornerstone for the development of mutual trust,  which I consider fundamental for success in startup investments.

A overview road map of two journeys

The overview is both simple and comprehensive at the same time. It describes the details of two different cycles. The Business Angel's cycle runs from left to right. That of the entrepreneurs runs from right to left. In the middle, the two cycles meet: the collaboration starts. At the bottom, after a successful investment phase and exit, the paths separate again.

The investor's journey

The investor's journey commences with a fundamental question: How do they envision managing their assets, especially concerning investments in startup companies?

It is little known fact, but at the heart of an investor's success lies their investment strategy. Within this blueprint, they define the industries and growth stages they prefer to invest in. It clarifies critical aspects like the quantity of investments, investment amounts, time horizons. 

Constructing a thoughtful investment portfolio that aligns with their knowledge and preferences is one of the most effective risk-mitigation strategies.

A well-defined strategy equips the investor with the guidance that helps answer fundamental questions such as the type of entrepreneurs and pitches they want to focus on.

The entrepreneur's journey

The entrepreneur's journey, illustrated on the right side of the chart, typically begins with an idea. Inventors, creative analysts, or designers, while possessing valuable skills, are not yet classified as entrepreneurs. They must take their ambition and transform it into concrete business plans, effectively bridging the gap between inspiration and sustainable business development.

A robust business plan inevitably requires a financial blueprint. This financial plan need not be overly complex, especially in the early stages. However, the financial plans must identify the financing gaps, that most startups usually encountereither during their inception or as they expand. Financing a startup or scaleup business can take various forms.

How much capital is truly needed and when? What are the implications of different financing methods on the company's shareholders? How can financing be optimally structured to support the entire startup and growth phases? The decisions made by the entrepreneur in this realm define the financing strategy, which, in turn, influences the role Business Angels might play in the process.

Coming together

Typically Entreprenneurs meet Investors during organized pitching sessions or in one-on-one meetings.

If after the first meetings, mutual interest endures, both parties will eventually proceed to delineate the terms of their potential collaboration. Does everyone arrive at a consensus on all aspects? If so, the deal is formalized, and the investment can be officially notarized.

Now, it's time for everyone to roll up their sleeves and get to work. However, plans seldom unfold exactly as initially envisioned. Evolving insights, unforeseen developments within and outside the organization, new possibilities, and better opportunities all contribute to the necessity of adapting and refining plans. This is the essence of entrepreneurship.

During this phase, the book zeroes in on the crucial facets of the partnership and relationship between entrepreneurs and investors. While much should already be addressed in the shareholders' agreement, there may be valid reasons to deviate from the established agreements.