Several important questions that every entrepreneur should ask:
Q. Aside from raising capital, how will a business plan help me?
It is an excellent planning tool. A good business plan sets measurable milestones, and then delineates the supporting strategies, tactics and actions necessary to meet those milestones. It sets concrete goals, and assigns tasks to people or groups responsible for those goals. A well-written business plan does not sit on a shelf; rather, it is a living document that is revised as your company grows or the market changes. Consider it your compass, guiding you to success.
It is an excellent sales tool. While the majority of business plans are devveloped to raise investment
capital, they are equally useful in selling your vision to partners, key customers, and new hires. This is
particularly important for new companies without a track record. Further, along with your business plan, we will help you develop financial models, an executive summary, a PowerPoint slide deck, a mission
statement, and an 'elevator pitch', effectively arming you with the tools you need to grow your business.
Q. Why is a business plan so critical to my success?
It provides clarity, purpose, and efficiency. Writing a business plan is as much about the process as it is about the final, printed document. It is a logical and organized method of examining all critical components of your business. Through rigorous analytical techniques, we determine your company's positioning, differentiation, sales channel strategy, target market, and capital needs before spending your money (or your investor's capital). The process is designed to save costs and reduce risks; honing the model at the outset reduces time, money, and frustration down the road.
It gets to the core of what makes your company great. Significant energy is spent on determining exactly what sets your business apart-- your initial competitive advantage. Next, we formulate strategies designed to turn it into long-term, sustainable competitive advantage. By expressing your LTSCA in a clear and lucid manner, understood by all readers, we go a long way towards raising your company's valuation.
It leaves no stone unturned. Just as we determine your strengths, the process also uncovers your company's weaknesses. By shining a spotlight on problem areas, we can then form strategies to overcome such weaknesses — before they become a deal (or company) killer.
Q. So what makes your plans different?
They are thorough, realistic, and grounded in fact. Professional investors can smell bulls**t from miles
away, and there is nothing that will move your plan to the recycle bin faster than unsubstantiated claims.
Our plans are supported by realistic data, extensive research, and market validation. We are skilled at
modeling the variables inherent in your business, and formulating detailed, logical assumptions.
They answer questions before they are asked. A good plan anticipates what investors or partners will
want to see, and meets concerns with well thought out responses. We have screened hundreds of
business plans, pitched to dozens of professional investors, and possess screening tools used by top
venture and angel groups. We know what raises a red flag. Being able to alleviate concerns before they
arise goes a long way to securing a second meeting with an investor or corporate development officer.
They are compelling. A business plan isn't worth the paper it's printed on if it doesn't get read. A good
plan is well-written; it draws the reader in, lays out an attractive opportunity in a logical manner, and
ultimately, leads to action. We are published writers, with over 30 articles under the belt. Simply put, our
plans get read-- and they lead to results.
Q. What does this cost?
Less than you might think. We're not the cheapest-- but we are the best. Our focus is on helping you
achieve your fund-raising, marketing, partnering and growth goals, and we work collaboratively with you
toward this end. We sit down with you or hold a free initial consultation over the phone to assess your
needs and goals, and we carefully review any existing materials you might have. Based on this
consultation, we craft a detailed proposal that fits with your budget. In certain cases, we will accept a
portion of the total fee in equity or on a deferred basis.
We offer a variety of packages, including:
Platinum: Extensive strategic consulting and corporate development services; Business model
development and refinement; Full 20-30 page Business Plan, 2-page Executive Summary; Creation and
refinement of financial models and investor-ready PowerPoint presentation; Pitch coaching and analysis;
Capital sourcing advisory services.
Gold: Extensive strategic consulting, 10-20 page Business Plan, 2-page Executive Summary; Review and refinement of PowerPoint investor presentation and financial models; Pitch coaching and capital sourcing advisory services.
Silver: Strategic consulting, 5-7 page Interim Business Plan, Review of PowerPoint investor presentation, Pitch coaching and capital sourcing advisory services.
Existing materials review & refinement: We also offer our VentureAudit service, where we thoroughly
review your existing plan and business model, and create a summary analysis and recommendation
report designed to help you improve your odds of receiving funding.
A la carte financial models, presentations, research, strategic advisory and other services available on a
day-rate or retained basis. Please inquire. We are dedicated to continuing our tradition of exceeding
client expectations and delivering true value for the money. Extensive client testimonials and referrals
available.
Q. And finally, why should we partner with VentureArchetypes?
We have been advising startups and writing business plans professionally for over ten years. We have worked in venture capital, investment banking, and technology M&A, and have served numerous technology, Internet, software, consumer product and retail companies in a wide variety of capacities. We
have screened hundreds of plans, and pitched in front of audiences of four to 200 around the country.
Further, we write plans that get results-- our success rate is among the best in the industry.
We are trustworthy, reliable, and easy to work with. We maintain the strictest levels of privacy, and
clients always retain full ownership of the work product created. We truly enjoy working with entrepreneurs and helping them achieve their dreams. Please see our Testimonials and Values pages as well.
We bring more to the table than just a great plan. We have deep relationships with hundreds of venture
capitalists, angel investors, and investment bankers in Silicon Valley and in other startup-centric
communities such as Boston, New York, Austin, and LA, enabling the coveted "warm referral." In
addition, we maintain a proprietary database of over 2000 strategic, financial, and early-stage investors.
With a solid business plan and presentation in place, we help you gain introductions and will coach you
through the entire investment process.
Your success is our success. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
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