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Steps to Growth Capital Self-Study GuideStep 8

Self-Study Guide

Step 8:
Negotiate the Deal

Introduction
Be Prepared to Negotiate
What's on the Table
Arriving at a Price
A Sample Term Sheet
How to Handle a Negotiation Session
Understanding the Shareholder Agreement
Action Items
New Tech Case Story

Investor Readiness Test

Fast Track to Growth Capital
Steps to Growth Capital: The Canadian entrepreneurs' guide to securing risk capital
Resources   Glossary   Index/Search   Comments   Steps Home
Step 1

8.8 Action Items

In this Step you learned the importance of preparing for negotiations rather than winging it. You looked at the key issues under negotiation and examined how they are presented in a term sheet. You considered some of the factors that influence price and how to handle the presentation of price during the negotiation. You covered the role of the shareholder agreement and explored how a typical negotiation unfolds.

The following checklist will help you to:

  • assess your understanding of the ideas covered in this Step;
  • gauge your progress; and
  • plan your company's approach.

Checklist

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Activities Status? Target Date? Responsibility?

Put in the time to prepare.

  • Investigate the other party.
  • Know your own position thoroughly.
     

Use an advisor to increase objectivity, facilitate communication and bring you negotiating expertise.

     

Determine your bottom line on all key elements of an agreement:

  • price;
  • amount of capital invested;
  • control (including management responsibilities and board of directors);
  • performance measures;
  • exit strategy; and
  • other.
     

Consider what the investor will likely accept on these key elements. Look ahead for common ground.

     

Develop a strategy for handling negotiation over price (consider the investor's background and how you present your price).

     

Prepare yourself and your team for negotiation sessions by reviewing guidelines on what to do and what to avoid during negotiations.

     

With legal assistance, pay careful attention to the shareholder agreement that will define many of the key elements you've negotiated.

     


Updated:  2005/07/12
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