Term Sheets in Venture Valuation
Whenever investors are examining a venture for potential infusion of capital, the value of the venture comes into play. This always involves what is called the term sheet. This docu-ment outlines the material terms and conditions of a venture agreement. ( See Appendix 14- A at the end of this chapter for a complete sample term sheet) After a term sheet has been executed, it guides legal counsel in the preparation of a proposed final agreement. It then guides, but is not necessarily binding, the final terms of the agreement. Term sheets are very similar to letters of intent ( LOIs) in that they are both preliminary, mostly nonbinding documents meant to record two or more parties’ intentions to enter into a future agreement based on specified ( but incomplete or preliminary) terms. Many LOIs, however, contain provisions that are binding, such as nondisclosure agreements, a covenant to negotiate in good faith, or a “ stand- still” provision that promises exclusive rights to negotiate. The purposes of an LOI may be: . To clarify the key points of a complex transaction for the convenience of the parties . To declare officially that the parties are currently negotiating . To provide safeguards in case a deal collapses during negotiation The difference between a term sheet and an LOI is slight and mostly a matter of style: An LOI is typically written in letter form and focuses on the intentions; a term sheet skips most of the formalities and lists deal terms in bullet- point format. To help clarify the con-cepts of term sheets in the valuation process, we present the following terminology that is common in these documents. Price/ Valuation The value of a company is what drives the price investors will pay for a piece of the action. The information used to determine valuation comes out of the due diligence process and has to do with the strength of the management team, market potential, the sustainable advantage of the product/ service, and potential financial returns. Another way to look at valuation is how much money it will take to make the company a success. In the end, the value of a company is the price at which a willing buyer and seller can complete a transaction. Fully Diluted Ownership and valuation is typically calculated on a fully diluted basis. This means that all securities ( including preferred stock, options, and warrants) that can result in additional common shares are counted in determining the total amount of shares outstanding for the purposes of determining ownership or valuation. Type of Security Investors typically receive convertible preferred stock in exchange for making the investment in a new venture. This type of stock has priority over common stock if the company is acquired or liquidated and assets are distributed. The higher priority of the preferred stock justifies a higher price, compared to the price paid by founders for common stock. Convertible means that the shares may be exchanged for a fixed number of common shares. Liquidation Preference When the company is sold or liquidated, the preferred stock-holders will receive a certain fixed amount before any assets are distributed to the common stockholders; this is known as liquidation preference. A participating preferred stockholder not only will receive the fixed amount but will also share in any additional amounts distributed to common stock. Dividend Preference Dividends are paid first to preferred stock and then to common stock. This dividend may be cumulative, so that it accrues from year to year until paid in full— or noncumulative and discretionary. Redemption Preferred stock may be redeemed or retired, either at the option of the company or the investors, or on a mandatory basis— frequently at some premium over the initial purchase price of the stock. One reason why venture firms want this right is due to the finite life of each investment partnership managed by the firm.
Conversion Rights Preferred stock may be converted into common stock at a certain conversion price, generally whenever the stockholder chooses. Conversion may also hap-pen automatically in response to certain events, such as when the company goes public. Antidilution Protection The conversion price of the preferred stock is subject to adjust-ment for certain diluting events, such as stock splits or stock dividends; this is known as antidilution protection. The conversion price is typically subject to price protection, which is an adjustment based on future sales of stock at prices below the conversion price. Price protection can take many forms. One form is called ratchet protection, which lowers the conversion price to the price at which any new stock is sold no mat-ter the number of shares. Another form is broad- based weighted average protection, which adjusts the conversion price according to a formula that incorporates the num-ber of new shares being issued and their price. In many cases, a certain number of shares are exempted from this protection to cover anticipated assurances to key employees, consultants, and directors. Voting Rights Preferred stock has a number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which it is convertible. Preferred stock usually has special voting rights, such as the right to elect one or more of the company’s directors, or to approve certain types of corporate actions, such as amending the articles of incorporation or creating a new series of preferred stock. Right of First Refusal Holders of preferred stock typically have the right to purchase additional shares when issued by the company, up to their current aggregate ownership percentage. Co- Sale Right Founders will often enter into a co- sale agreement with investors. A co-sale right gives investors some protection against founders selling their interest to a third party by giving investors the right to sell some of their stock as part of such a sale. Registration Rights Registration rights are generally given to preferred investors as part of their investment. These rights provide investors liquidity by allowing them to require the company to register their shares for sale to the public— either as part of an offering already planned by the company ( called piggyback rights), or in a separate offering ini-tiated at the investors’ request ( called demand rights). Vesting on Founders’ Stock A percentage of founders’ stock, which decreases over time, can be purchased by the company at cost if a founder leaves the company. This pro-tects investors against founders leaving the company after it gets funded. 8 Additional Factors in the Valuation Process After reviewing these valuation methods, the entrepreneur needs to remember that addi-tional factors intervene in the valuation process and should be given consideration. Pre-sented next are three factors that may influence the final valuation of the venture. Avoiding Start- Up Costs Some buyers are willing to pay more for a business than what the valuation methods illus-trate its worth to be. This is because buyers often are trying to avoid the costs associated with start- up and are willing to pay a little more for an existing firm. The higher price they pay will be still less than actual start- up costs and also avoids the problems associated with working to establish a clientele. Thus, for some buyers, a known commodity may command a higher price. Accuracy of Projections The sales and earnings of a venture are always projected on the basis of historical financial and economic data. Short histories, fluctuating markets, and uncertain environments are all reasons for buyers to keep projections in perspective. It is critical that they examine the
trends, fluctuations, or patterns involved in projections for sales revenues ( higher prices or more customers?), market potential ( optimistic or realistic assumptions?), and earnings potential ( accurate cost/ revenue/ market data?), because each area has specific factors that need to be either understood or measured for the accuracy of the projection. Control Factor The degree of control, or control factor, an owner legally has over the firm can affect its val-uation. If the owner’s interest is 100 percent or such that the complete operation of the firm is under his or her influence, then that value is equal to the enterprise’s value. If the owner does not possess such control, then the value is less. For example, buying out a 49 percent shareholder will not be effective in controlling a 51 percent shareholder. Also, two 49 per-cent shareholders are equal until a 2 percent “ swing vote” shareholder makes a move. Obviously, minority interests also must be discounted due to lack of liquidity— a minority interest in a privately held corporation is difficult to sell. Overall, it is important to look at the control factor as another facet in the purchase of any interest in a firm.
global the perspective
A Rising Valuation for Africa and Brazil T wo regions that were formally considered third world are now emerging so fast that their val-uation is on the rise. Africa and Brazil have made huge strides into the economic mainstream with the potential of becoming world forces to be respected. McKinsey’s Global Institute reported in 2010 that Africa’s economic pulse had quickened, infusing the continent with a new commercial vibrancy. Telecommu-nications, banking, retailing, and construction are all flourishing with private investment surging. A World Bank report in 2012 showed that over a third of the countries on the continent attained growth rates of at least 6 percent, with another 40 percent growing between 4– 6 percent. Among fast- growing African were resource- rich countries such as Ghana, Mozambique, and Nigeria, as well as other economies such as Rwanda and Ethiopia, all posting growth rates of at least 7 percent in 2011. Many of Africa’s 50- plus individual economies still face serious challenges, inclu
Term Sheets in Venture Valuation
Whenever investors are examining a venture for potential infusion of capital, the value of the venture comes into play. This always involves what is called the term sheet. This docu-ment outlines the material terms and conditions of a venture agreement. ( See Appendix 14- A at the end of this chapter for a complete sample term sheet) After a term sheet has been executed, it guides legal counsel in the preparation of a proposed final agreement. It then guides, but is not necessarily binding, the final terms of the agreement. Term sheets are very similar to letters of intent ( LOIs) in that they are both preliminary, mostly nonbinding documents meant to record two or more parties’ intentions to enter into a future agreement based on specified ( but incomplete or preliminary) terms. Many LOIs, however, contain provisions that are binding, such as nondisclosure agreements, a covenant to negotiate in good faith, or a “ stand- still” provision that promises exclusive rights to negotiate. The purposes of an LOI may be: . To clarify the key points of a complex transaction for the convenience of the parties . To declare officially that the parties are currently negotiating . To provide safeguards in case a deal collapses during negotiation The difference between a term sheet and an LOI is slight and mostly a matter of style: An LOI is typically written in letter form and focuses on the intentions; a term sheet skips most of the formalities and lists deal terms in bullet- point format. To help clarify the con-cepts of term sheets in the valuation process, we present the following terminology that is common in these documents. Price/ Valuation The value of a company is what drives the price investors will pay for a piece of the action. The information used to determine valuation comes out of the due diligence process and has to do with the strength of the management team, market potential, the sustainable advantage of the product/ service, and potential financial returns. Another way to look at valuation is how much money it will take to make the company a success. In the end, the value of a company is the price at which a willing buyer and seller can complete a transaction. Fully Diluted Ownership and valuation is typically calculated on a fully diluted basis. This means that all securities ( including preferred stock, options, and warrants) that can result in additional common shares are counted in determining the total amount of shares outstanding for the purposes of determining ownership or valuation. Type of Security Investors typically receive convertible preferred stock in exchange for making the investment in a new venture. This type of stock has priority over common stock if the company is acquired or liquidated and assets are distributed. The higher priority of the preferred stock justifies a higher price, compared to the price paid by founders for common stock. Convertible means that the shares may be exchanged for a fixed number of common shares. Liquidation Preference When the company is sold or liquidated, the preferred stock-holders will receive a certain fixed amount before any assets are distributed to the common stockholders; this is known as liquidation preference. A participating preferred stockholder not only will receive the fixed amount but will also share in any additional amounts distributed to common stock. Dividend Preference Dividends are paid first to preferred stock and then to common stock. This dividend may be cumulative, so that it accrues from year to year until paid in full— or noncumulative and discretionary. Redemption Preferred stock may be redeemed or retired, either at the option of the company or the investors, or on a mandatory basis— frequently at some premium over the initial purchase price of the stock. One reason why venture firms want this right is due to the finite life of each investment partnership managed by the firm.
Conversion Rights Preferred stock may be converted into common stock at a certain conversion price, generally whenever the stockholder chooses. Conversion may also hap-pen automatically in response to certain events, such as when the company goes public. Antidilution Protection The conversion price of the preferred stock is subject to adjust-ment for certain diluting events, such as stock splits or stock dividends; this is known as antidilution protection. The conversion price is typically subject to price protection, which is an adjustment based on future sales of stock at prices below the conversion price. Price protection can take many forms. One form is called ratchet protection, which lowers the conversion price to the price at which any new stock is sold no mat-ter the number of shares. Another form is broad- based weighted average protection, which adjusts the conversion price according to a formula that incorporates the num-ber of new shares being issued and their price. In many cases, a certain number of shares are exempted from this protection to cover anticipated assurances to key employees, consultants, and directors. Voting Rights Preferred stock has a number of votes equal to the number of shares of common stock into which it is convertible. Preferred stock usually has special voting rights, such as the right to elect one or more of the company’s directors, or to approve certain types of corporate actions, such as amending the articles of incorporation or creating a new series of preferred stock. Right of First Refusal Holders of preferred stock typically have the right to purchase additional shares when issued by the company, up to their current aggregate ownership percentage. Co- Sale Right Founders will often enter into a co- sale agreement with investors. A co-sale right gives investors some protection against founders selling their interest to a third party by giving investors the right to sell some of their stock as part of such a sale. Registration Rights Registration rights are generally given to preferred investors as part of their investment. These rights provide investors liquidity by allowing them to require the company to register their shares for sale to the public— either as part of an offering already planned by the company ( called piggyback rights), or in a separate offering ini-tiated at the investors’ request ( called demand rights). Vesting on Founders’ Stock A percentage of founders’ stock, which decreases over time, can be purchased by the company at cost if a founder leaves the company. This pro-tects investors against founders leaving the company after it gets funded. 8 Additional Factors in the Valuation Process After reviewing these valuation methods, the entrepreneur needs to remember that addi-tional factors intervene in the valuation process and should be given consideration. Pre-sented next are three factors that may influence the final valuation of the venture. Avoiding Start- Up Costs Some buyers are willing to pay more for a business than what the valuation methods illus-trate its worth to be. This is because buyers often are trying to avoid the costs associated with start- up and are willing to pay a little more for an existing firm. The higher price they pay will be still less than actual start- up costs and also avoids the problems associated with working to establish a clientele. Thus, for some buyers, a known commodity may command a higher price. Accuracy of Projections The sales and earnings of a venture are always projected on the basis of historical financial and economic data. Short histories, fluctuating markets, and uncertain environments are all reasons for buyers to keep projections in perspective. It is critical that they examine the
trends, fluctuations, or patterns involved in projections for sales revenues ( higher prices or more customers?), market potential ( optimistic or realistic assumptions?), and earnings potential ( accurate cost/ revenue/ market data?), because each area has specific factors that need to be either understood or measured for the accuracy of the projection. Control Factor The degree of control, or control factor, an owner legally has over the firm can affect its val-uation. If the owner’s interest is 100 percent or such that the complete operation of the firm is under his or her influence, then that value is equal to the enterprise’s value. If the owner does not possess such control, then the value is less. For example, buying out a 49 percent shareholder will not be effective in controlling a 51 percent shareholder. Also, two 49 per-cent shareholders are equal until a 2 percent “ swing vote” shareholder makes a move. Obviously, minority interests also must be discounted due to lack of liquidity— a minority interest in a privately held corporation is difficult to sell. Overall, it is important to look at the control factor as another facet in the purchase of any interest in a firm.
global the perspective
A Rising Valuation for Africa and Brazil T wo regions that were formally considered third world are now emerging so fast that their val-uation is on the rise. Africa and Brazil have made huge strides into the economic mainstream with the potential of becoming world forces to be respected. McKinsey’s Global Institute reported in 2010 that Africa’s economic pulse had quickened, infusing the continent with a new commercial vibrancy. Telecommu-nications, banking, retailing, and construction are all flourishing with private investment surging. A World Bank report in 2012 showed that over a third of the countries on the continent attained growth rates of at least 6 percent, with another 40 percent growing between 4– 6 percent. Among fast- growing African were resource- rich countries such as Ghana, Mozambique, and Nigeria, as well as other economies such as Rwanda and Ethiopia, all posting growth rates of at least 7 percent in 2011. Many of Africa’s 50- plus individual economies still face serious challenges, inclu
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