This comprehensive event explores the full spectrum of exit strategies—acquisitions, IPOs, mergers, and beyond—and provides the critical insights needed to choose the best path for your startup. Attendees will learn how to research and evaluate potential acquirers, apply valuation methodologies, and negotiate deals that maximize value. With guidance on legal and regulatory considerations, plus real-world case studies, you’ll gain a strategic roadmap for navigating a successful exit with confidence and clarity.

Free and convenient parking is always available at Venture Mechanics. Doors open at 5pm, and the course begins at 5:30pm. A light dinner will be served around 6:30pm.

1. Understanding Exit Strategy Fundamentals:
- Overview of different exit options (acquisition, IPO, merger, etc.) and their implications.
- Strategic considerations in choosing the right exit strategy for your startup.

2. Researching Potential Acquirers:
- Techniques for identifying and evaluating potential acquirers.
- Building relationships and understanding buyer motivations.

3. Exit Valuation Methods:
- Key factors influencing startup valuation in exit scenarios.
- Valuation methodologies (DCF, market comparables, transaction multiples) and their application.

4. Negotiation Strategies and Deal Structuring:
- Effective negotiation tactics to maximize exit value.
- Structuring deals to optimize financial outcomes and mitigate risks.

5. Legal and Regulatory Considerations:
- Overview of legal aspects in M&A transactions (due diligence, contracts, regulatory compliance).
- Understanding the role of legal advisors and navigating complex legal landscapes.

6. Case Studies and Practical Insights:
- Real-world examples of successful exit strategies and their outcomes.
- Analysis of failed exits and lessons learned.

Learning Objectives:
- Develop a strategic roadmap for planning and executing a successful exit.
- Acquire skills to research potential acquirers and assess exit valuation.
- Understand negotiation techniques and deal structuring strategies.
- Gain insights into legal considerations and regulatory challenges in exit transactions.

Who Should Attend:
- Startup founders and entrepreneurs preparing for an exit event.
- CFOs, executives, and advisors involved in strategic decision-making and exit planning.
- Investors and stakeholders interested in maximizing returns through successful exits.

Don't miss this opportunity to master the intricacies of exit analysis and position your startup for a successful transition. Whether you're aiming to sell your company or explore other exit opportunities, this course equips you with the knowledge and tools to navigate the process with confidence and achieve optimal outcomes. Join us and unlock the pathway to a successful exit for your startup.

Free and convenient parking is always available at Venture Mechanics.  Doors open at 5pm, and the course begins at 5:30pm. A light dinner will be served around 6:30pm.

Workshop Description:

Navigating the complexities of equity distribution is crucial for any startup aiming for sustainable growth and investment success. This intensive workshop on Cap Table Modeling for Startups offers a deep dive into the principles and practical applications of managing your startup’s capitalization table. Understanding how to model and maintain a cap table is vital for founders to ensure fair equity distribution, attract investors, and make informed strategic decisions.

Join us to learn from seasoned venture capitalists and financial experts who will guide you through the intricacies of cap table dynamics, investor relations, and equity management. This workshop combines interactive lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on modeling exercises to ensure participants gain comprehensive and actionable insights.

Workshop Objectives:
‍
- Understand the fundamentals of cap tables and their importance in startup finance.
- Learn how to create and manage a cap table that reflects your startup’s equity structure accurately.
- Explore the impact of different funding rounds on your cap table.
- Gain insights into dilution, stock options, and convertible notes.
- Develop strategies to maintain a balanced cap table while negotiating with investors.
- Utilize cap table modeling tools and software effectively.

Key Topics:

Introduction to Cap Tables
‍- Definition and significance of a cap table.
- Key components: founder shares, investor shares, options, and convertible securities.

Creating a Cap Table
‍- Step-by-step guide to building an initial cap table.
- Common mistakes to avoid in early-stage cap table creation.

Funding Rounds and Equity Dilution
‍- Understanding pre-money and post-money valuations.
- Impact of seed, series A, and subsequent funding rounds on the cap table.
- Dilution management and strategies for founders.

Stock Options and Convertible Notes
‍- Structuring employee stock option plans (ESOPs).
- Convertible notes and SAFEs: how they convert and affect your cap table.

Cap Table Management Tools
‍- Overview of popular cap table management software.
- Hands-on exercises using real-world tools to manage and update cap tables.

Investor Relations and Negotiations
‍- Best practices for communicating with investors about equity.
- Strategies for negotiating favorable terms while protecting founder equity.

Free and convenient parking is always available at Venture Mechanics.  Doors open at 5pm, and the course begins at 5:30pm. A light dinner will be served around 6:30pm.

Learn to build pitch decks that keep investors engaged. With investors, first impressions are important. When you show investors your pitch, whether by email or live, you need to be clear, concise and compelling. This pitch workshop at Venture Mechanics Incubator/Accelerator will provide you with the necessary tools to create a winning pitch deck.

Learn how to:
- Think like an investor
- Prepare a pitch that is sharp, to the point and powerful
- Save time in developing the narrative and the deck
- Avoid ‘Powerpoint Poisoning’

Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your pitching skills! Discover how to craft a compelling story that captivates investors. Find out why having more than one deck is crucial and what elements to include in a teaser deck.

Join us for an evening workshop with Q&A, practice sessions, and dinner included. You don’t need a pitch deck ready to benefit - this workshop will kickstart your progress.

Bonus:
- Dana will provide feedback on each participant's deck after you've had time to create it.
- Bring up to two co-founders with a single ticket

About Dana Sather Robinson

Dana is an angel investor, pitch trainer and creator of the Pitch 4 Impact Framework. As a professional presentation skills trainer, she understands how to help clients communicate with impact, clarity and authenticity. Dana is an active member of E8 Angels, an innovative cleantech angel investing group. The Pitch4Impact program was created from two perspectives, as an investor and as a trainer of presentation skills. Dana emphasizes how to make the most of your own natural style to be memorable and authentic.

Free and convenient parking is always available at Venture Mechanics.  Doors open at 5pm, and the course begins at 5:30pm. A light dinner will be served around 6:30pm.