Seraf Investor Compass

The Seraf Method to Valuing Startups: Exit Practicalities

Having evaluated four common methods for valuing early stage companies in a previous article, it's time to take a closer look at the Seraf Method which builds on everything great that has come before it (with the debt of gratitude acknowledged!), but adds key...

Seraf Toolbox: Questionnaire for Checking Customer References

In addition to articles and eBooks, the Seraf Compass makes various tools and checklists available for anyone to use. An area of diligence we talk a lot about is assessing the market and verifying customer demand. To help guide our investors through that process we...

Seraf Toolbox: Recruiting Guide for Early Stage Company Boards

In our previous article on recruiting new board directors, we discuss the importance of adding key skills to your board. Most early stage companies have a 3 or 5 member board. It’s not unusual for one or two of these board seats to remain unfilled after a company...

Not My Cup of Tea – Some Business Types Are A Better Fit for Angels

Why do web and software businesses seem to get investment traction while real, down-to-earth business and manufacturing-intensive companies flounder to raise capital? It has to do with the type of investor model involved. The investor model has to match the type of...

Getting On The Same Page – Verifying Goal Alignment

Have you ever been disappointed by someone or by some product that you purchased? Nine times out of ten it’s due to not having the right expectations for one reason or another. Investments are no different from other purchases. If you are not clear on what you are...

Seraf Toolbox: How to Conduct an Effective CEO Performance Review

In a previous post, we discuss ways in which a board can help make a CEO successful. One of the best ways to facilitate the CEO’s future growth and success is by providing her with an annual review detailing how she is doing in the job. It is the responsibility of the...

Leaders Wanted: The Importance of Deal Leadership

The first time I served as a deal lead was unintentional. I happened upon a team I really liked, going after a market I thought was really attractive, with a solution I thought was really smart. So I started telling other investors about it. Many perked up and took an...

From Startup Founder to Investor: Lessons in Patience, Diversification, and Growth

The shift from building a company to becoming an investor is an experience I’ve realized can’t all be learned from a playbook. It’s a massive shift I didn’t fully appreciate until I experienced it firsthand. As a founder, I was used to a fast-paced, high-reward...

Wardens and Sages: What is the Difference Between a Corporate Board and an Advisory Board?

There is a lot of confusion amongst new entrepreneurs on the subject of advisory boards versus corporate boards of directors. Some of that confusion is justified because there is some conceptual overlap. But they are very different animals.

Like Moths to Light: Why Angel Investors Seek Certain Types of Companies

A group of angels turns up their nose at a company making a useful, well-targeted and well-validated computer peripheral product. The smart entrepreneur behind the company asks a pretty fundamental question in response: “Why do angel investors often turn up their...

VC Investing in BRICS Countries: Brazil

Sep 24, 2024 | Seraf Investor

Join Seraf for an engaging and informative webinar on VC investing in BRICS countries, with an emphasis on the exciting opportunities in Brazil. This event is tailored for venture capitalists, startup founders, and investors eager to delve into the high-growth...

Zain Jaffer: Family Office Investor Interview

Sep 19, 2024 | Seraf Investor

We had the opportunity to interview Zain Jaffer, with Zain Ventures. Here, he provides insights in investing as a family office.

Keys to Effective Angel Group Management: Webinar

Sep 18, 2024 | Seraf Investor

Join Seraf for an insightful session where we will explore strategies and techniques to optimize the management of angel groups. Whether you are a seasoned angel investor or new to the world of angel investing, this webinar will provide valuable insights to help you...

From Solo Investor to Collective Force: The Blueprint for Launching and Leading an Angel Group

Sep 6, 2024 | Seraf Investor

Seraf Investor Blog > From Solo Investor to Collective Force From Solo Investor to Collective Force: The Blueprint for Launching and Leading an Angel Group This is the first installment of a three-article series focused on launching an angel group. Angel...

Behind the Scenes of Angel Investing: Engaging Group Members

Sep 4, 2024 | Seraf Investor

Angel investing has long been a popular way for individuals to support and invest in early-stage startups. One effective way to amplify the impact of individual angel investors is by forming an angel group.

Blueprint for Launching and Leading an Angel Group

Aug 22, 2024 | Seraf Investor

Cutting Bait: When to Walk Away

Aug 7, 2024 | Seraf Investor

Seraf Toolbox: Venture Fund Economics Modeling Tool

Aug 1, 2024 | Seraf Investor

Who Owns What – Understanding Early Stage Capitalization Tables [Part I]

Jul 3, 2024 | Seraf Investor

Several years ago, I was speaking to a colleague of mine. He was trying to decide between two great job offers, and was having a difficult time making a final decision. I started asking about his compensation package. For salary and bonus, the two companies were...

Seraf Toolbox: Impact Investing Due Diligence Report Template

Jul 2, 2024 | Seraf Investor

We’ve published a fair amount about due diligence and being a deal lead. In those articles we talk a lot about the importance of having a good diligence report template to ensure the final report is useful to the reader. Here, for your reference, is our Impact...