Tech Days 2014

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Argus Labs has built technology that is capable to sense, understand and predict context, human behaviour and mood, based on sensors and linked data. Adver;sing – Finance – Mobile

description

Talking a bit about founder financing options. Straight from the horse's mouth.

Transcript of Tech Days 2014

Page 1: Tech Days 2014

Argus  Labs  has  built  technology  that  is  capable  to  sense,  understand  and  predict  context,  human  behaviour  and  mood,  based  on  sensors  and  linked  data.    

 Adver;sing  –  Finance  –  Mobile    

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ƒ(time) = cash!

Understand why you need extra cash first ! The reasons why you need cash will direct you how/where you will find it

You need cash in order to accelerate time or bridge a time gap

Find Product-Market Fit – Accelerate Sales – Grow an A Team – Accelerate Marketing

“we need some cash fast, because next month we’re toast” ✗

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Founder bootstrapped

Angel investor funded

Government grants

250k EUR! 1,2M EUR! 375k EUR!

… kick-starting sales, generating revenue and raising Series A

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other ways to stay cash positive!I’ve done bootstrapping and hustling

If you didn’t bootstrap, you’re not a founder – beware of over-bootstrapping – Be a pirate, not a cowboy I’ve done sweat equity

Ideal situation for co/founders – set ground rules – carry your own weight – beware of founder conflicts

I’ve begged Friends, Fools & Family Win-Win Loans, convertible notes and equity – Free Form – manage the relationship

I’ve looked at crowd-funding Rather consumer product centric – If you can’t PR you can’t raise

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other ways to stay cash positive!I’ve had clients finance my startup phase

Still find it a perfect scenario – Hustle – Remain owner of your roadmap or IP

I was about to cash-in my pension fund. But didn’t. Very uncommon scenario in Belgium – Doable, but talk to your accountant first

I’ve done startup competitions Get some money – Get beaucoup PR – Don’t get overinvested in competitions

I’ve never done accelerator / incubator funding You don’t get money, you get branded – might be worthwhile, but vet carefully

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other ways to stay cash positive!I once walked into a bank

seriously, I did straight loans to finance inventory – I had bad dreams – costly operation I’ve sold receivables and contracts

you can sell contracts and invoices – very uncommon – even costlier and riskier

I’ve raised money with investors Know your stuff – Start in time – Investors talk – 24hr turnaround – Vet your angel – Stay realistic – Be yourself

I’ve collected convertible notes Fast – Cheap – Be certain you will be able to convert at the optimal conditions

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but most importantly!

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http://www.arguslabs.be