Startups

How to negotiate a non-dilutive grant while keeping your startup roadmap intact

Securing non-dilutive grant funding can feel like finding a golden ticket for your startup: it doesn't take equity, it can validate your technology, and it gives you runway to hit meaningful milestones. I've negotiated a handful of these grants myself, and I’ve seen teams both thrive and stumble...

When to use revenue-based financing instead of VC and how to structure the deal

I remember the first time a VC pitch felt like the only way forward. We had rapid top-line growth, aspirations to scale internationally, and a roadmap that looked great on a slide. But as we dug deeper into the options, revenue-based financing (RBF) began to look like a smarter, more flexible path...

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I often get asked how entrepreneurs and busy professionals — people who travel, juggle meetings, and prize efficiency — can still enjoy sports that give them both a physical outlet and networking opportunities. For me, padel has become that perfect blend, and one question comes up more than any...

What to include in a founder-friendly vesting schedule to avoid future legal fights

I remember the early days of my first startup — long coffee-fueled conversations about product-market fit, an endless to-do list, and the equally important conversation about equity. We all assumed we'd be together forever, but experience taught me that relationships, priorities and timelines...

How to turn a single pilot customer into a scalable case study that attracts VCs

Running a pilot with a single customer can feel like a high-stakes interview: one chance to prove your product's value, attract attention, and convince investors that your idea scales. I've led and advised multiple early-stage teams through this exact process, and I’ve learned that the difference...

When I first had an idea that felt like it could change the world—or at least my corner of it—I wanted to jump straight into building. I sketched features, drafted wireframes and even paid for a domain. Very quickly I learned that enthusiasm without validation is expensive enthusiasm. Over the...

how to negotiate a performance-based term sheet with angel investors without losing control

I’ve negotiated my fair share of term sheets with angel investors, and one lesson keeps surfacing: performance-based terms can be powerful tools for aligning incentives, but they can also be Trojan horses for losing control if you’re not careful. Below I share practical, hands-on guidance on...

what 5 SaaS unit economics tell founders when to choose growth over profitability

I often get asked by founders whether they should push for aggressive growth or tighten the belt to protect profitability. The short answer is: it depends. What truly changes the decision are a handful of unit economics that reveal the health and scalability of a SaaS business. Below I walk through...

how to use Stripe Treasury to automate startup cash flow and cut banking fees

I remember the first time I realized banking overhead was quietly eating our runway. As a founder, every pound saved on fees and every hour reclaimed from manual reconciliation felt like oxygen for growth. That’s why when I started experimenting with Stripe Treasury for our startup’s cash...

The overlooked legal pitfalls every startup founder needs to avoid

Launching a startup can feel like embarking on a thrilling adventure. There’s the excitement of bringing new ideas to life, the rush of assembling a talented team, and the joy of watching your vision take shape. However, amidst all the innovation and energy, one critical aspect often gets...