Showing posts with label Corporate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Corporate. Show all posts

Thursday, 24 August 2017

Things Investors would like to see before Investing In Startups

It is no surprise that in the current business climate of low or even sub-zero interest rates and arguably overpriced equity markets, investors are on the hunt for alternative avenues of investment. Injecting seed funding into promising young startups is one such investment that has recently grown to be very popular. This form of investment is extremely rewarding but naturally comes with significant risks.

With that in mind, it is necessary to analyze startups when considering whether or not to invest. The importance of standard analysis using financial ratios and metrics (which are reviewed here and here) is widely acknowledged. However, since these businesses are either unlikely to have much historical financial data available or might possess highly skewed financial s (due to them still being in the early stage), this article will instead explore five essential non-financial aspects of a young startup that are equally as, if not more, important to your investment decision.


If you are a potential angel investor, there are many opportunities worth exploring in order to fulfill some of this capital demand, as long as you take some considerations and precautions before embarking on your journey. Before you invest in a startup, make sure you prepare to cope with these perks – and quirks of an entrepreneurial ecosystem:

Do Your Market Research

It seems obvious, but founders come to me with ideas that seem so farfetched it’s hard to believe that they thought the product or service would work in the first place. You must know the issues, the problems being addressed, the players and the customer base. Going into a sector and niche that is over saturated just makes it harder for your company to stand out. Finding a niche that no one cares about is equally fraught with uncertainty of success.

 Is Your Company a Game Changer?

If your business doesn’t change the way people do things or see the world, you are not going to make waves and get noticed by customers or the media. You want media attention! Sure, you can make widgets until the cows come home, but having a real impact on the world is what dreams are made of.

Understanding How to Run Your Business

If you think running a startup with you, a cofounder and a couple of staff is easy, see what happens after your first seed round. If you are not comfortable managing the business, things will begin to fall apart. It won’t hurt to take on a couple of online courses to tune-up your general management skills. As you get more capital, consider replacing parts of your jack-of-all-trades CEO role with professionals. Investors want to know you can take care of their investment and have general business skills.


Quality of Character

In some respects, this should be the first consideration when we are looking to invest in a company - the quality of the person behind the company. Reputations are built on trust and easily taken away. Investors want to know that as the company grows the sincerity, commonsense, trustfulness of the founder will come across to both future investors and customers. I worked with a company whose founder had a bit of a ‘shady’ past. There is nothing serious, but enough to have people whisper at investor events. Needless to say, his company didn’t remain a client for long.

It’s Not Just About the Product!

If you haven’t figured it out yet, the product is just a piece of the puzzle, Of course, it has to be great, but the three most important reasons to invest in your startup and not the other guy is the differentiation of your business through the quality of its people, the global market reach or distribution you can attain and the product. Without all three, finding investment is difficult.

What Skill Gives You, the Founder, the Edge?

I’ve been in presentations where the founder was so sincere and passionate that she came across like Mother Teresa. The reverse, of course, has been true as well. Investors want to know you have some special skill that they can be reassured that your startup can make it past the first year.

Stay Focused

Seems like an easy request, but when you’re trying to do press releases, managing programmers and finding capital, it’s not that easy to focus on building a company. How you deal with the distractions and keep yourself focused on getting to the top will be a clear message to any investor. This also goes back to management. If you are working above your skill grade, find someone to help, be it a new employee or a mentor. I ‘shadowed’ a CEO for months because he constantly lost his focus and needed not to show it in front of his cofounders and investors. To keep him on track, two heads were a lot better than one, and he managed to get to the liquidity event successfully.

Bootstrapping

Investors love to see founders pull resources out of thin air and manage what they have with lean determination. This puts the control of the company firmly in the hands of the founder. Having all the control and running the company smoothly as well as lean shows the investor you have sound judgment and worthy of investment.

Be an Adept Communicator

There’s nothing worse to have two behind the scene nerds try to convince an investor to put money into your venture. You can’t afford to have poor communication cause a stumble on the story to an investor. 


Alcor M&A is a leading advisory firm providing financial services with an emphasis on customized solutions in the areas of M&A advisory, Private Equity,  Debt Financing and International Business Development. These services leverages insights, relationships and a culture that emphasizes a strong orientation towards excellence.

For additional information on how ALCOR MNA can help you Grow your Company, Complete the Enquiry form One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.                   

Tuesday, 25 July 2017

Challenging Myths about the Funding Of Small Businesses

If owner of a small business is constantly searching for new methods for growing his company then working capital loan is something after which he won’t look further. A highly efficient way for growing his business and generating capital is by securing working capital with a line of credit or a loan. Growing your working capital will secure your small business during the sluggish months, making sure that you can cover up your everyday operational costs such as payables, payroll, and receivables. Also, it will help in mitigating your cash reserves for unavoidable circumstances you might face while doing expenditure on your business.


The available financing needed for covering short-term or immediate business requirement is referred as working capital. In order to determine how much working capital is available sum up your bank cash along with the money that customers owe you and your inventory value, after that subtract what you owe to employees and suppliers. Small business owners always make sure that they have sufficient cash for not just starting a business but also keep it going. Lastly, you can also cover your business requirement with the help of personal funds by potentially harming your wallet. Often, working capital is quite difficult to find so it’s better to know the options that are easily available.

It’s essential to understand certain characteristics because management of working capital might be a difficult thing so you can take benefit of in order to ensure that your business venture is fully efficient in improving working capital. A lot of myths are there related to funding and working of small business. But the prime need of any business is working capital and if involve into myths, your venture will surely suffer. Following are few myths about safe as well as unsafe business loans:


Banks Are My Only Option

Banks loans are the traditional assumption as they don’t offer loan for small businesses. But the fact is that there are plenty of funding options and even if one has well-developed business as well as strong credit, still applying for bank loan is very hard as you require collateral and a personal guarantee. The bank loan process is worse as it is so slow, if one is seeing a long- term financing because you need money quickly.

Not Getting a Business Loan Because the business is Too Small

It has been observed that the amount matters a lot while applying of loan whether too small or too big. Because size matters a lot in small business loans but on the other hand alternative lenders don’t see the size of business rather they look at your repaying ability. You must borrow the required amount for  the right purpose what you have.


Doomed Because Of Bad Credit

This is true for bank loans, but automatically not for those small business loan types. The right thing about the right business loans might help in rebuilding bad credit.

No Having a Fancy Business Plan

Unless you are not taking a bank loan, you don’t require a fancy business plan but yeah you need goals along with a plan in order to achieve them. The fact is that smart borrowing may turn either into boom-or-bust for steady and smooth growth of a business.



Moreover, now you are aware of common myths about small business loans and it solutions which can help in getting the working capital you require at time of your business need. In this way you can opt for right funding option to make your business successful and profitable in the future. ALCORMNA is there as an alternative for funding your business to traditional financing methods. Our flexible, fast as well as easy capital options proffer the fund you need. And we make it sure that our short-term repayment means that you will grow sooner and faster. The funds can be used for any kind of business you want to do and it doesn’t require any proposal or business plan. Moreover, if you require extra cash in order to help in growing your small business, ALCORMNA is here to help.

So is your business suffering from Funding problems? ALCOR MNA is experienced in finding the best Investors for companies and small businesses. We provide a broad spectrum of comprehensive fundraising solutions to cater the capital requirements of different companies across industries.

Are you looking for a Financing Options?

For additional information on how we can help you finance your Company, Complete the Enquiry form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.


Monday, 24 July 2017

Equipment Financing for Small Business Owners


If your startup business is service or product based, with the required equipment is essential to keep your business operate smoothly. For the first time, upgrading, replacing or purchasing may put a severe pinch on the owner’s  cash flow but with the precise equipment financing, you can obtain those things which your venture needs without building a considerable dent in the bottom line. This type of financing might take various different types.  



Specifically, equipment financing is created for the purchasing business equipment. Your venture makes payments on the borrowed money and as soon as the debt is paid again then you own that equipment clear and free. With certain ways of financing like equipment financing, it itself provides a collateral to the lender presumes ownership in case you don’t repay. The lender might need a personal guarantee based on the structure of financing agreement. This permits the lender to place a claim to assets of your business like the equipment itself in case you default. The personal guarantee also does this thing for your personal assets and that it essential to know exactly you are agreeing before you give cash to other.



Essentially, one doesn’t have to buy the equipment at the time of need rather one could lease it. This means that you are paying the rent to the owner for the equipment every month same like leasing the office for your venture. When the tenure of your lease term ends then you can wish to renew the agreement or might buy the equipment right away. Leasing provides benefit over financing and in that case you are required to provide any kind of down payment for obtaining the equipment which you expected along with the loan. Usually, one is not bordered by any requirements of personal guarantee, collateral or lien. It’s quite easy to meet the leasing arrangement criteria other than personal or business credits for financing your business. However, the cost difference is the potential drawback behind this. Leasing equipment for longer period means that you have not given ownership but one might finally pay the rent other than buying the equipment.



There are multiple financing avenues for owners of small business and they get that equipment at the time of need. But deciding which way is the best to fit your business depends on various factors described below:
• Your business and personal credit scores
• From how long you are doing business
• Your yearly revenues of business
• The required amount of loan
• Your desired repayment terms

Moreover, not entirely but if you have seen the application process of bank or lender then you won’t agree with the buyout options and will change it accordingly and this way you have choices. Always make sure that you are found the right lender who not only meets your business and financial requirements but also proffers top rated customer service. On the whole, an opting lending process is also not easy way still you have to take the risk.


So is your business suffering from Funding problems? ALCOR MNA is experienced in finding the best Investors for companies and small businesses. We provide a broad spectrum of comprehensive fundraising solutions to cater the capital requirements of different companies across industries.

Are you looking for a Financing Options?

For additional information on how we can help you finance your Company, Complete the Enquiry form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.




Thursday, 20 July 2017

How to Finance a Management Buyout

Today, thousands of employees despite long working hours, stress and pressures constantly dream of becoming a boss of their own and day by day most of them are converting it into reality also. The management buy-out attraction is that business owners have an option of buying a business they know inside out rather than setting up from scratch.  


An MBO (Management Buyout) is also preferred way out to the problem of management succession in private or publicly owned business. Although trade sale is one the options but a profitable business is run by excellent management. This may create a better opportunity for the management team that exists to raise funds for purchasing the business. Stability of good management decreases the risk of the buyer and the chance within that business compels the management team to fight with trade buyers. In fact, an MBO is considered to be the best way for managers to be the owner of their business but the process is quite complex in the transaction. Often it has been observed that the process is severely demanding and simultaneously managers also need to run their business.


If for the first time, any management team is considering a buyout then they should follow these initial steps:

·         Organize main transaction objectives on a precise briefing paper.
·         Get hold of preliminary, self-determining advice on the project feasibility.
·         Be practical in the business valuation.
·         Think about for how long and how much finance is needed.
·         Consider monetary priorities and explore all available financing options.
·         Always keep in mind that the business plan can stand up to the scrutiny of a potential funder.
·         Take on due diligence to measure areas of financial and commercial risk.
·         While negotiating, be conscious with the vendor’s objectives.
·         Keep calm and have the patient as at some stages, the transaction may encounter problems.
·         Don’t spend time on the business deal at the cost of existing commitments.


      Funding Alternatives

Most of the conventional financing options used by smaller organizations for covering operational expenditure are not appropriate for financing an MBO. Overdrafts are inappropriate; generally they are temporary funding arrangements and long term loans are only an option. If a business owner is unable to repay the money which he wants to raise for the shorter duration, then long-term funding source may be the answer. Also, it has been observed that few individuals use personal equity for financing an MBO. The key benefit is that a person is not indebted to other business. However, this might be risky and in the case of business, failure can leave the person critically out of pocket and in the worst-case situation the person will be bankrupt.


Most commonly, the funding source related with management buy-outs is venture capital. Traditionally, as company owners have sought financing sources for their business all the way through bank loans or overdrafts while considering an MBO, management teams may normally look for the venture capitalist. However, venture capitalists will generally request for a seat on the board and a considerable stake in the business and most entrepreneurs dislike the plan of handing a part of their company to an angel investor. Moreover, debtor finance permits management buyout teams to borrow against the sum owed by customers. Also, it can fill the gap among what the bank will lend and what management can afford and help persons to avoid investing larger amounts of private equity. With the accurate financial support and skilled advice, an MBO can be very satisfying and proffer a lifetime opportunity for taking ownership of known business and seeing it thriving and succeeding.

So is your business suffering from Funding problems? ALCOR MNA is experienced in finding the best Investors for companies and small businesses. We provide a broad spectrum of comprehensive fundraising solutions to cater the capital requirements of different companies across industries.

Are you looking for a Financing Options?

For additional information on how we can help you finance your Company, Complete the Enquiry form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.


Tuesday, 11 July 2017

What Investors Look for in a Business before Investing

If you’re thinking of bringing in new investors, they’ll want to know how much your business could increase in value if they buy shares. To work this out, they’ll need to know how much their investment will increase your sales and profitability. Just provide potential investors and lenders with a financial model presenting how the business will use the more money to boost profitability and sales. Also, how initial prices and augmented ongoing prices will affect the cash flow. Usually, sales increase only after taking on additional expenditure like employing more staff, putting in huge orders for raw materials or moving to bigger premises. So, there is a need to take all these spendings in control while doing financial planning.

Often, growing your business means it needs more investment, whether through improved profitability or increased sales. It can be done by taking out a loan, putting previous profits back into the business, put up shares for sale to outside investors as well as searching for other financing sources including government-backed schemes.


Nowadays, a landscape of business financing is changing drastically as more options are available to business owners which were very limited few years back. Almost half of businesses are seeking to finance from several no. of places like owner investments, non-bank sources etc.  Most of the businesses face challenges while taking advantage of growth opportunities and also at the time of gaining access to capital. So it’s really important that they seek the right way of financing according to their needs. Recently, it has been seen that businesses are focusing on “alternative” lending option, but the question is how do they know that is this the right option to pursue?

Answer to this question is that businesses should seek to finance when they face an unexpected challenge or opportunity because at that time there is a need for quick capital. It has been seen that most of the time; businesses don’t have enough cash on reserve or any other source of credit that will help them in withdrawing required funds during these types of opportunities. These alternative fund lending sources help in filling that void by giving access, speed availability to business owners.  


To verify what kind of financing makes sense for business as well as situation, one must consider the exact need of the funds and the timing. Alternative fund lending sources help in providing repayment flexibility and offering creative options that fluctuate along with sales volume. It's also in need to understand the rates that are associated with while choosing another source of fund lender. This type of funding is often costly than old-fashioned bank loan as these companies act as borrow capital, liaisons from several other financial institutions which guarantee the payment. Basically, when the client defaults, they absorb the risk as well as the losses.

Angel investors find interest in the next generation ideas and willingly fund startup ideas they find worth. They usually focus on technology startups. Although the process of receiving funds from an angel investor might be straightforward, they always expect to see complete business plan along with financial projections. This funding option is perfect for technology-focused businesses, but still, need guidance in product creation and marketing. Apart from providing money, angel investors also give guidance to that business owner looking for more experienced partners. They might also anticipate a certain degree of influence on how the company is running.




Moreover, leaders can invest more money per deal, reaching certain startups that might have higher minimum commitments. They also get paid a carry in return for their leadership, following and help provided to the startup. Backers have access to deal flow and startups they wouldn’t have otherwise. Plus, they also get to learn from the very best investors in the industry. Startups get more capital than usual and don’t have to deal with numerous and different investors. The leader takes care of the fundraising process and they’re responsible for managing its relationship with his or her backers.

So is your business suffering from Funding problems? ALCOR MNA is experienced in finding the best Investors for companies and small businesses. We provide a broad spectrum of comprehensive fundraising solutions to cater the capital requirements of different companies across industries.

Are you looking for a Financing Options?

For additional information on how we can help you finance your Company, Complete the Enquiry form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.

http://www.alcormna.com

Wednesday, 5 July 2017

How To Get Business Financing :: 9 Easy and Fast Options

A business will flounder without a funding source under its own debt the weight. A business runs on funding fuel. To attain funding, a business can take unusual avenues and more than one option can be used. The selected funding option will depend on business' need to be in debt. At the time when business was founded, how solvent the business owners were and how much money a business will require launching and maintaining itself through the range of events. Eventually, it totally depends on the type and nature of the business when you need funding. Below are several ways to raise funds that might work for growing your business globally:

1      Bootstrapping

Investors like to see founders drag resources and manage that with lean determination. This helps in putting control over company firmly in the hands of the founder. Running the company smoothly Having all the control and as well as lean shows the investor you have sound judgment and worthy of investment.

2      Angel Investors

Angel investors find interest in the next generation ideas and willingly fund startup ideas they find worth. They usually focus on technology startups. Although the process of receiving funds from angel investors might be straightforward,  but they always expect to see complete business plan along with financial projections. This funding option is perfect for technology-focused businesses, but still, need guidance in product creation and marketing. Apart from providing money, angel investors also give guidance to that business owner looking for more experienced partners. They might also anticipate a certain degree of influence on how the company is running.

3       Private Equity

To minimize the jolt that is engulfing the private-equity industry, ALCOR M&A offer counseling to increase earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation. We support fund managers with a percolating approach on industry operations and vigor. We work with experienced experts and turnaround specialists to offer support for our Private Equity client.

4       Seed Capital

Just as an entrepreneur as an individual when investing in an instrument will seek balance on the equation risk—tolerance, reward-demands, size limitations and time- horizon preference, the entrepreneur should be ready to build this equation for the sources of capital with empathy. Those entrepreneurs who show this empathy land funding faster than others. Raising capital at concept stage is difficult because the entrepreneur seeking it and source providing it must fit together like a lock and a key. If they do not then while a lot of talks will happen, funds will not flow. 

5       Venture Capital

At this place, you make the big bets.  Professionally, venture capitals are managed funds invest in companies having huge potential. These companies usually invest in business against equity and exit when there is an acquisition. Venture capital provides mentorship, expertise and operates as a litmus test of where the company is going, evaluating the business from and scalability and sustainability point of view.


The management buyout is a transaction where the executive team obtains the assets of the corporation from the owners. Similar to a leveraged buyout, it is not necessary for financing to buy the company from the holder without third party financing. The rewards are greater as owners so management buyout is more appealing to a team. Mezzanine debt is an effective way to finance a management buyout.



ALCOR M&A provides a broad spectrum of comprehensive fundraising solutions to cater the debt capital requirements of different companies across industries. We have over a decade of experience structuring and delivering customized financial solutions to hyper-growth and distressed small and middle market companies nationwide. We differentiate ourselves with our unique combination of credit skills and high-level relationships with hard to find capital sources.

8       Working Capital

ALCOR M&A leverages its relationships with more than 100-major banks and financial institutions to arrange working capital facilities both fund based as well as non-fund based, for its clients. The facilities are created either through multiple banking routes or the consortium (syndicate) route, depending on the size of the facility.

9        Mezzanine Financing

The benefits of funding through mezzanine financing include higher amounts of money with no personal guarantees to the owner or the management teams. Mezzanine debt is a long term loan that allows a company to go through a transitional period – be it an ownership change, an acquisition, a growth spurt, without having to worry about paying off the loan too soon. It is a patient form of capital that allows a company to confidently take a powerful growth step.

Moreover, the most essential characteristic of any successful business is implementing a global way of thinking. If this is the main thought process behind a company’s decisions, the rest of their international marketing strategies can be implemented with ease. If companies support and welcome globalization, it becomes intertwined with their culture. Going global is the key to ensuring your company’s growth and future is indomitable.

So is your business suffering from cash flow problems? ALCOR MNA is experienced in finding the best cash flow solutions for companies and small businesses. We provide a broad spectrum of comprehensive fundraising solutions to cater the debt capital requirements of different companies across industries.



For additional information on how we can help you finance your Company, Complete the Enquiry form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.


                                            http://www.alcormna.com


Thursday, 29 June 2017

Financing Options for Startups and Entrepreneurs

Nowadays, a landscape of business financing is changing drastically as more options are available to business owners which were very limited few years back. Almost half of businesses are seeking to finance from several no. of places like owner investments, non-bank sources etc.  Most of the businesses face challenges while taking advantage of growth opportunities and also at the time of gaining access to capital. So it’s really important that they seek the right way of financing according to their needs. Recently, it has been seen that businesses are focusing on “alternative” lending option, but the question is how do they know that is this the right option to pursue?

One of the best answers is that businesses should seek to finance when they face an unexpected challenge or opportunity because at that time there is a need for quick capital. It has been seen that most of the time; businesses don’t have enough cash on reserve or any other source of credit that will help them in withdrawing required funds during these types of opportunities. These alternative fund lending sources help in filling that void by giving access, speed availability to business owners.  

To verify what kind of financing makes sense for business as well as situation, one must consider the exact need of the funds and the timing. Alternative fund lending sources help in providing repayment flexibility and offering creative options that fluctuate along with sales volume. It's also in need to understand the rates that are associated with while choosing another source of fund lender. This type of funding is often costly than old-fashioned bank loan as these companies act as borrow capital, liaisons from several other financial institutions which guarantee the payment. Basically, when the client defaults, they absorb the risk as well as the losses.


Angel investors find interest in the next generation ideas and willingly fund startup ideas they find worth. They usually focus on technology startups. Although the process of receiving funds from angel investors might be straightforward, they always expect to see complete business plan along with financial projections. This funding option is perfect for technology-focused businesses, but still, need guidance in product creation and marketing. Apart from providing money, angel investors also give guidance to that business owner looking for more experienced partners. They might also anticipate a certain degree of influence on how the company is running.













Are you looking for Financing Options?


For additional information on how we can help you, Complete the Enquiry information form. One of our representatives will contact you within one business day.

Friday, 23 June 2017

Mergers and Acquisitions :: Door to Global Opportunities


Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) can accelerate a company's growth probably more than most other means within its arsenal. This is particularly true of larger deals. Mergers and Acquisitions have one common goal that they are all meant to create a synergy that makes the value of the combined companies greater than the sum of the two parts. The success of a merger or acquisition depends on whether this synergy is achieved. To effectively identify, value and integrate smaller strategic targets, companies need to:

1) Develop an M&A vision that aligns with the dynamics of their industry in the face of disruption and convergence.

2) Adapt the criteria and decision frameworks for evaluating their portfolio and acquisition targets to fully understand a deal’s impact on their portfolio - and how it will enable them to redefine their business model.

3) Accelerate their overall M&A decision making to move at the speed of the market and avoid missing out on key opportunities to acquire vital capabilities.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are a great way to grow your business without having to wait years for your marketing and sales strategy to pay off. When you need immediate growth for your business, this can be the best option for you that provides the instant result. The primary goal of a company interested in a merger or acquisition is to secure an opportunity that will either achieve the objective of growth or provide an area of expansion that will add to the product/service line in a market that is currently not served by the company. The motivation behind this pursuit is that the resulting combination of products, key people, and existing pipeline will allow the business to operate in new markets and offer new options to their existing market.

Pursuing mergers and acquisitions does not come without challenges. Combining two business results in many new issues that did not actually exist before, this includes: operating a company with a presence in multiple markets, a larger and more diverse customer base, a more complex product and services portfolio, and a high level of people and operational complexity. Another issue is the cost reduction goals can conflict with revenue growth opportunities.

The challenges of making a merger and acquisition work illustrate why deals intended specifically to enable growth fail to yield the desired growth objective. Although mergers and acquisitions can be a real path to growth, the decision to make the deal is only the first of many decisions that will affect its ability to be successful. This makes you wonder if a merger and acquisition will work for your business. Therefore, you want to understand your odds of succeeding and if the challenges are worth the effort.

The goal driving many business acquisitions involve synergies. When companies are choosing to merge together, the desire is for the whole to be greater than its individual parts.  The synergies involving marketing and economies of scale are clear benefits for why a merger and acquisition should be an option for growth. Also, there are typically opportunities involving production, volume discounts in purchasing, and reduced overhead expenses.

If you are in the position to acquire a business, you may want to pursue this growth strategy. You know that the business environment presents challenging factors, such as competition and acquiring market share. Therefore, acquiring your competition and gaining their markets and customers will put your business in the position to reap significant rewards. You will find that they will start investing more when you are able to show how this acquisition will immediately pay off, instead of taking a time to produce results. This is why you should seriously consider acquiring a business if you want your business to experience growth.