Startup Professionals Musings
FEBRUARY 13, 2016
This is also the place to first mention patents and any other differentiators that put you ahead of competition. How big is the funding request, and how much equity will you give? Quantify founder investments, both cash and sweat-equity. Marty Zwilling First published on Entrepreneur.com on 02/03/2016.
Startup Professionals Musings
MAY 1, 2016
Most universities have a file of patents from project work that they are willing to license to any entrepreneur for business commercialization, with little or no cost up front. Every startup needs to start their funding search looking for grants, with no equity dilution, as well as contests and foundations.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Startup Professionals Musings
OCTOBER 14, 2016
Don’t be afraid to give up equity to get a small share of a very large pot. Patents and other intellectual property are a necessary initial “barrier to entry,” but these are just the beginning. Marty Zwilling First published on Inc.com on 09/29/2016. Opportunity and scalability are unlimited.
Startup Professionals Musings
FEBRUARY 1, 2016
Patents issued to you before you incorporate the business will not be considered part of the business valuation by investors. Co-founder and equity negotiations work best if you own all the equity. Negotiation and equity ownership needs to happen when they join you, and you need the leverage of being the business owner.
Startup Professionals Musings
MARCH 11, 2016
If your solution and brand are really new and innovative, you need to protect them with a patent, trademark or trade secret. Remember that angel investors are buying equity in your business, so they are not impressed with a customer presentation. Marty Zwilling First published on Entrepreneur.com on 03/02/2016.
Startup Professionals Musings
MAY 2, 2016
Filing a provisional patent costs very little if you do it yourself, and it holds your place in line for a year. Give away more equity than required to drive the business. Marty Zwilling First published on Entrepreneur.com on 04/22/2016. Reveal “secret sauce” before filing intellectual property. Late surprises lead to lawsuits.
Startup Professionals Musings
APRIL 25, 2016
If you expect an equity investment from reputable investors for your new startup, you need to know the boundaries that often limit their interest. It costs very little to file a provisional patent to begin your protection. Marty Zwilling First published on Entrepreneur.com on 04/15/2016. Minimize both.
Expert insights. Personalized for you.
108 
Let's personalize your content