Should You Go It Alone With a Single-person Startup?
Conventional wisdom says you need a team to found a startup. But what if you prefer to do it alone or can’t find the right co-founders? Contrary to popular belief, there are many successful solo ventures. This guide shows you how to get started.
Toptal Talent Network Experts
LTV and CAC: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?
LTV:CAC analysis is one of the most important exercises startup founders must go through to evaluate their business’ prospects and raise external funding. It is, however, frequently misunderstood and misinterpreted.
In this article, Toptal Finance Expert Ryan Downie runs through a practical tutorial of how to perform LTV:CAC analysis correctly, and how it should be adapted and interpreted depending on the business model or sector in question.
Ryan Downie
For Founders Raising Capital: Thinking Through the Implications of Convertible Notes
Convertible notes have become an increasingly popular and common method for raising capital by startups, but how well do founders truly understand the implications of going down this route?
In this article, Toptal Finance Expert Jeffrey Briggs outlines the basics of convertible note structures, and runs through the pros and cons of using them to raise money for new entrepreneurial ventures.
Jeffrey Briggs
The Most Exciting Asset Class in Private Equity? Search Funds From the Investor’s Perspective
In the current low interest rate environment, investors have been increasingly moving towards alternative asset classes, particularly private equity which continues to attract the lion’s share of investor capital. But could a relatively unknown, niche new asset class hold the key for outsized market performance?
In this article, Toptal Finance Expert Toby Clarence-Smith uncovers the world of search fund investing, reviewing some of the key aspects of the asset class from the investor standpoint as well as running through the main benefits of putting money to work in this space.
Toby Clarence-Smith
Exploring Evergreen Funds with a VC Investor Who Raised One
VC and PE fund structures are traditionally raised in the closed-ended manner, through limited partnerships with end dates. A less common alternative to this is an open-ended/evergreen fund, an ongoing structure that continues indefinitely. In this article we discuss the nuances of open-ended funds with a GP from B37 Ventures, who raised and operates one.
Toptal Talent Network Experts
ICOs, Exotics, and Platforms: An Insider’s Perspective on the Future of Venture Capital
2017 saw a number of issues arise in the VC industry and it may be approaching a watershed regarding its relevance.
This article looks into the root causes of the industry’s problems and why they have come to light. VCs can go through a pivot of their own to retain a seat at the table, with big data, exotic funds and platforms offering a path forward.
Toptal Talent Network Experts
Amazon vs. Walmart: Bezos Goes for the Jugular With Whole Foods Acquisition
Through its acquisition of Whole Foods, Amazon is not only likely to disrupt the grocery shopping experience but is perhaps embarking on a grander push that could change the entire retail landscape, leaving Walmart on the back foot.
Toby Clarence-Smith
3 Core Principles of Venture Capital Portfolio Strategy
Many newcomers to venture capital fail to appreciate some of the nuances that distinguishes venture investing from traditional forms of financial investing. This article delves into three areas in particular that new venture investors should look to understand.
Toptal Talent Network Experts
Has the US Equity Crowdfunding Market Lived up to Expectations?
Four years on from the signing of the JOBS act, equity crowdfunding remains a small, niche market. In this article, we take a look at the current state of equity crowdfunding in the US and assess some of the challenges the market faces if it wants to grow into its potential.
Toby Clarence-Smith
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