Do the Numbers Work? With Guest Alan Kraus. At DLA Piper.

“Do the Numbers Work?” takes a deep dive into the economics and money issues unique to the venture startup.

The session is led by our Guest investor for 4/16, Alan Kraus, who for 18 years was the Director for Information Technology Investments at Ben Franklin Technology Partners.

WHY DO YOU NEED THIS?

Before they ever write a check for your startup, investors must be convinced “the numbers work.”

I’ve seen many entrepreneurs with great presentations talk convincingly about their impressive products, excited customers, and competitive advantages. But they fall apart when challenged on the economics of the business. Even worse, the investors' questions sometimes expose an unworkable business model and founders that don’t comprehend the hard realities of startup economics.

“Do the Numbers Works?” is a workshop that goes directly to these issues. You will learn:

1. How to prepare for investor questions about the economics of your business.

2. What numbers you should pay most attention to as you build a sustainable, scalable business.

FORMAT

Similar to Open Coaching, Do the Numbers Work? begins with a “scrub” two companies that are actively seeking investment. Each company’s CEO pitches, and then our guest probes with money questions and gives recommendations, followed by audience questions and discussion.

Topics that might come up:
• unit economics
• pricing strategies
• cash flow timing
• LTV vs CAC
• capital needs—valuation and feasibility
• funding timing and strategy
• exit economics
• cap tables
• the true cost of venture capital

This is not presentation coaching--come to Open Coaching for that.

IF YOU WANT TO BE A FEATURED COMPANY

I need to approve you first! Email: steve@bizclarity.com and send me your slides. Tell me why you need this. I’m screening for companies that are far enough along to be facing a range of financial dilemmas.

Important: The CEO (or co-founder leader) needs to be the one pitching, not the CFO or a financial advisor.

I do require that all featured companies commit to attending the whole three hours. It multiplies the benefits for all.

Note to life science companies: this particular "Do the Numbers Work?" does not address issues peculiar to drug discovery and medical device companies. Of course you're welcome to come and learn. Watch for an announcement soon for a "Do the Life-sciences Numbers Work?" session in June with an expert life sciences investor.

IF YOU WANT TO OBSERVE AND LEARN

Do the Numbers Work? is open to all members of the venture community: entrepreneurs, mentors and teachers to entrepreneurs, and investors. Just register and come.

If you’re service provider, ask me first. Not appropriate for real estate investors.

WHO IS ALAN KRAUS

Alan Kraus is a funding strategy consultant for early stage companies. For 18 years, he served as the Director for Information Technology Investments at the Ben Franklin Technology Partners in Philadelphia where he was directly responsible for funding more than 130 companies.

His investment portfolio at Ben Franklin included what later became some of the best known and most successful tech companies to emerge from the Philadelphia region, including Boomi, Clutch, Coldlight Solutions, InstaMed, Monetate, OneTwoSee, Sidecar, TicketLeap. In aggregate, companies have raised $375+MM in follow-on capital and have been acquired for $750+MM, with both expected to rise significantly given the prospects of companies yet to exit.

Alan is an Advisory Board Member to Mid-Atlantic Diamond Ventures and on the Angel Venture Fair Selection Committee.

FREE

This Open Scrub is free because it’s sponsored by global law firm DLA Piper, “the best law firm you’ve never heard of.”

It’s a classy event. Great food: fresh fruit, bagels, muffins, juice, coffee. And did I tell you about the view? From the 50th floor we’re looking down on Penn and Drexel. On a clear day you can see Wilmington!