Feel the Boot

Founders and entrepreneurs need to understand the inner workings of stock options. Otherwise they can waste equity, disappoint key employees, and dilute their ownership. In this episode I cover: Why you should issue options How to create an option plan Setting up the initial option pool Negotiating changes to the option pool How many options to grant an employee How to vest optionsVideo: http://bit.ly/stock-options-explained-videoBlog: http://bit.ly/stock-options-bloghttps://tools.ltse.com/sizing-the-option-pool-whats-normal-95e0f2bc0b88https://gust.com/launch/blog/how-much-equity-should-you-offer-your-startup-team-membershttps://firstround.com/review/The-Right-Way-to-Grant-Equity-to-Your-Employees/

Many times, when giving out stock options, I found that the recipient did not understand them. Options are one of the most important employee motivators and a big part of their compensation, and confusion substantially reduces their effectiveness. This episode is devoted to educating employee about the options they receive and helping founders explain them to their teams.Video: http://bit.ly/options-explained-videoBlog: http://bit.ly/options-explained-blog

Founders are confused about all the different terms used for funding, and what they all mean. Are they ready for a seed round and what does it take to get an A round? Learn what each kind of investment round means, what to expect, and what investors will expect from the business. Making the right ask to the right people at the right time is one of the keys to startup fundraising.Video: https://bit.ly/investment-rounds-explained-videoBlog: https://bit.ly/investment-rounds-explained

Media and popular culture focuses excess attention on flashy “big ideas”, but it is excellent “execution” that separates the massive successes from the failures. Too many founders focus on finding that perfect idea, rather than making a great business out of a good idea. Investors need to know how you are going to grow. Focus on the things that you are going to do more than on the big picture.Video: http://bit.ly/execution-over-ideas-videoBlog: http://bit.ly/execution-over-ideas

Trying and failing to raise funds for your startup business? In this episode I answer a viewer question asking for suggestions. Learn what it takes to get funding from early stage investors.Video: http://bit.ly/finding-investors-vidBlog: http://bit.ly/finding-investorsLinks mentioned in the podcast:The Angel Capital Association https://www.angelcapitalassociation.orgBlog on Why Angel Investors need high returns https://www.feeltheboot.com/blog/greedy-angel-investorsTwo lists of Community Development Financial Institutions https://fitsmallbusiness.com/community-development-financial-institutions-cdfi-list/ https://about.bankofamerica.com/en-us/partnering-locally/cdfi-list.htmlMy previous video on how to build a presentation: https://www.feeltheboot.com/blog/2019/4/1/bad-presentations-can-scuttle-your-startup-make-yours-soar

Your investor pitch may be failing because you are using the wrong deck! I have seen many otherwise good investment pitches fall flat because the speaker used a deck that was not optimized for the environment. Sometimes you will pitch in person, and sometimes your deck will be read alone. In this episode I cover how to triumph in both scenarios.Blog: https://www.feeltheboot.com/blog/startups-need-two-pitchdecksVideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-QhA47gWmg

Asking for an NDA up-front can kill your chances for investment. Non-disclosure agreements have their place but they can stop a conversation with angels or VCs before it starts. Handle this situation correctly and you will have nothing to fear.Blog: https://www.feeltheboot.com/blog/no-nda-before-pitchVideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyI34GCDUj4

Angel investors demand massive potential returns. Understanding why is the key to a successful pitch. Entrepreneurs in startups need to know the economics that drive angel investors and the harsh reality of how many startups fail.Blog: https://www.feeltheboot.com/blog/greedy-angel-investorsVideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7tnKZW7TXg

Engineer entrepreneurs love their technology, but that can be their downfall. In an investor pitch, when and if you talk about your technology can make a huge difference. Leading with, and focusing on, technology is the biggest mistake I see many engineer entrepreneurs make. The technology is often what they are most passionate about and was the reason they created the company. Technology is also where they feel most comfortable and can speak most confidently. Unfortunately that comes at the expense of focus on customers and their pain points.Read the blog version of this episode here: https://www.feeltheboot.com/blog/angel-pitch-deck-not-technologyWatch the video version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLpHXWGQsrE

Are you having trouble getting your big project off the ground? I had a hard time finding the time to launch Feel The Boot. Eventually I realized that I would have to take some time away from my day job to just make it happen. I suspect that this is a very common experience. If you have a question, topic suggestion, or feedback, message me on Twitter @LanceCottrell or contact me through the https://FeelTheBoot.com websiteBlog: https://www.feeltheboot.com/blog/unsticking-your-passion-projectVideo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apK2eGBiiOY