What We Have Learned as Investors
Over the last forty years or so, we have seen a wide range of “best practice” thinking from both big and small companies. From this, we believe the perspectives below may be useful to Early Stage companies.
All this material is presented in written form and can be downloaded at will. All we ask is that credit be given to Lateral Capital Management, LLC if it is republished and that our copyright insignia be included.
We would call particular attention to our growing list of One Page Solutions™ materials. These are designed to address various managerial issues quickly and simply. These borrow liberally from our big company experience and have been refined for Early Stage companies. The concept of One Page management tools was developed by our partner-company, One Page Solutions, LLC in Cincinnati.
How To Price Your Next Fundraiser
Moore’s Law: It's Value Beyond Microchips
The Investor Perspective: Convertible Notes Vs. Preferred Stock
How Investors Can Help The Companies They Invest In
Fifty Rules for Being a Great Entrepreneur
Early Stage Boards: Meddlers vs. Rubber Stampers
Early Stage Investing Terminology
How To Be A Great Board Member
How To Work Productively With People You Disagree With
How To Write Great Board Minutes
Investing Multiple Times In The Same Company
Selling by Subscription: Principles for Success
Four Types of Employee Equity
How Employee Stock Options Actually Work
How Employee Equity Is Diluted Over Time
Understanding Option Strike Prices
Perspectives on the Risk of Convertible Notes
Perspectives on Employee Option Vesting
Selecting Early Stage Directors Five Key Questions
Sales Metrics for Early Stage Companies
The Downside of Golden Handcuffs
What is Force Majeure? Should I care?
Building a Great Pitch Deck
How To Sell Anything To Anyone
Evaluating Your Employees
Joint Ventures: Nine Keys to Success
Definitions of Early Stage Equity Terms
So You Want To Be An Early Stage Investor
Why Big Companies Might Not Buy Your Business
Early Stage Interview Guide for New Hires
Designing a Great Bonus Compensation System
Thoughts on Selling to Big Box Retailers
Direct Response Media: Promises and Pitfalls
The Power of Copyright
When Things are Bad, Read This
Taking Your Strategic Plan Public
Recognizing Success: Ways to Say Good Work
Your Patent Should be Easy to Read
How to Use Focus Groups
A Primer on Intellectual Property
Great Advice from the World's Best Salesperson
Managing Your Revenue Promises
Reviewing the CEO's Performance
How to Raise Early Stage Money
Protecting Trade Secrets
Early Stage Health Checkup: Do This Now
Venture Capital Investment: Maybe or Maybe Not
Peter Thiel's Advice on Being an Entrepreneur
How Big Company Buyers Will Evaluate Your Company
You Really Do Need an Investment Banker
VC Turndowns: What They Say vs. What They Mean
Building A Strategic Plan: Quick and Clean
Equity for New Hires: How and How Much
Understanding Liquidation Overhangs
Early Stage Boards: Roles and Remuneration
Trademark Help: Who You Gonna Call
What's A SPAC And Why Early Stage Might Care
The Right Time to Form a Board
Why Lateral Capital Does Not Promise Confidentiality
Why Patents Are So Important
Finding a Great Independent Board Member
