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.
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
How To Write Great Board Minutes
How Employee Stock Options Actually Work
Understanding Option Strike Prices
Selecting Early Stage Directors Five Key Questions
How To Sell Anything To Anyone
Designing a Great Bonus Compensation System
Venture Capital Investment: Maybe or Maybe Not
Peter Thiel's Advice on Being an Entrepreneur
Corporate Venture Capital: It's Not for Everyone
How to Raise Early Stage Money
Four Types of Employee Equity
Equity for New Hires: How and How Much
The Power of Copyright
Finding a Great Independent Board Member
Early Stage Boards: Meddlers vs. Rubber Stampers
Perspectives on Employee Option Vesting
When Things are Bad, Read This
How To Work Productively With People You Disagree With
Reviewing the CEO's Performance
Building A Strategic Plan: Quick and Clean
Early Stage Boards: Roles and Remuneration
Recognizing Success: Ways to Say Good Work
The Downside of Golden Handcuffs
Trademark Help: Who You Gonna Call
Why Lateral Capital Does Not Promise Confidentiality
Definitions of Early Stage Equity Terms
Understanding Liquidation Overhangs
Direct Response Media: Promises and Pitfalls
Perspectives on the Risk of Convertible Notes
How To Be A Great Board Member
Early Stage Health Checkup: Do This Now
How Big Company Buyers Will Evaluate Your Company
A Primer on Intellectual Property
Selling by Subscription: Principles for Success
You Really Do Need an Investment Banker
VC Turndowns: What They Say vs. What They Mean
Why Patents Are So Important
Your Patent Should be Easy to Read
How To Price Your Next Fundraiser
Evaluating Your Employees
Taking Your Strategic Plan Public
Building a Great Pitch Deck
Protecting Trade Secrets
Joint Ventures: Nine Keys to Success
Early Stage Interview Guide for New Hires
What's A SPAC And Why Early Stage Might Care
Why Big Companies Might Not Buy Your Business
Investing Multiple Times In The Same Company
How Employee Equity Is Diluted Over Time
The Right Time to Form a Board
Managing Your Revenue Promises
Sales Metrics for Early Stage Companies
Early Stage Investing Terminology
What is Force Majeure? Should I care?
Thoughts on Selling to Big Box Retailers
How to Use Focus Groups
So You Want To Be An Early Stage Investor
