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1. Learn about the legal forms for self-employment and decide which one best suits your needs.
2. Create a business plan to define your goals and your path to success.
3. Learn about the legal and financial requirements that must be met to start a business.
4. Open a bank account and apply for a tax number.
5. Set up an office or workspace and take care of the necessary equipment and software.
6. Research your market and think about how you can stand out from your competitors.
7. Create a marketing and advertising strategy to market your brand.
8. Take out all necessary insurance.
9. Conclude necessary contracts with customers, suppliers and other partners.
10. Don't forget to celebrate your success when you achieve your goals!
If you are looking for investors for your start-up, the contract negotiation phase and the creation of a term sheet is a crucial step on the road to funding. In this article, we will look at the importance of term sheets and the key steps in negotiating contracts with investors.
What is a term sheet?
A term sheet is a document that sets out the key terms and conditions of the proposed investment. It is a preliminary document that provides the framework for future negotiations and the final investment agreement. A term sheet is usually not legally binding, but contains key agreements that will later be included in the final contract.
Key clauses in a term sheet:
Investment amount: The term sheet should specify the amount of the investment and the type of financing (equity, debt, convertible bonds, etc.)
Valuation: The valuation of the company before and after the investment is an important point. It determines how much of a share in your company the investors receive.
Participation rights: The term sheet can also define investors' participation rights, such as preference shares or voting rights.
Dilution protection: Investors can request protective clauses to ensure that their participation is not diluted by subsequent financing rounds or capital increases.
Exit terms: The term sheet may include exit conditions such as an exit strategy, a sale clause or an IPO clause.
Dividends: It may also specify dividend policy and payments.
Rights and obligations: The term sheet should clearly set out the rights and obligations of investors and the company, including information on governance and the role of investors in the company.
Steps in contract negotiations with investors:
Offer and counteroffer: Start the negotiations with an offer that contains the most important conditions. Expect counter-offers from the investors and be prepared to work out the terms.
Professional advice: It is advisable to consult legal and financial experts to ensure that your interests are protected and that you understand the implications of the agreements.
Due diligence: Investors will usually carry out extensive due diligence to review your business and finances. Be prepared for this process and make sure all documentation is in order.
Signing of the term sheet: Once negotiations are complete, the term sheet is signed by both parties. Note that this is not the final investment agreement.
Drafting the investment agreement: After the term sheet is signed, the lawyers on both sides work to draft the final investment agreement. This should include all the terms and conditions from the term sheet.
Closing the transaction: Once the investment agreement has been signed, the actual investment transaction takes place, where the investment sum is transferred and the agreed shares are issued.
Term sheets and contract negotiations with investors are complex processes that require careful planning, negotiation skills and professional support. It is important to carefully review the terms and ensure that they support your company's long-term goals. A successful contract negotiation can not only secure the necessary funding, but also lay the foundation for a successful partnership with your investors.
A specification is a document that defines the requirements and specifications for the development of a product, system or service. It is usually created by a client or customer and serves as the basis for the development process.
The requirements specification describes in detail which functions, services and properties the product to be developed should have. It specifies which requirements must be met so that the final product meets the needs and expectations of the client. The document often includes technical specifications, interface requirements, performance characteristics, safety requirements, quality standards, and other relevant information.
A specification document is an important communication tool between the client and the development team. It provides a clear and consistent understanding of what is expected and serves as the basis for further planning, development, and implementation of the project. It ensures that both the client and the contractor have a common understanding of the requirements and facilitates the evaluation of the finished product in terms of meeting the defined criteria.
It is important to note that a requirements specification is often created in collaboration between the client and the development team to ensure that the requirements are realistic, actionable, and understandable.
There is a lot to consider when starting a business. Here are some important points:
Business idea and market research:
A good business idea and a thorough market analysis are the first steps to starting a successful business. It is important to ensure that there is a demand for your product or service and that you have a meaningful strategy to differentiate yourself from the competition.Business Plan: A well-thought-out business plan is essential to attracting investors, obtaining loans, and keeping your business strategy on track. A business plan should include a summary of your business idea, market analysis, finances, marketing and sales strategies, and your goals and plans for the future.
Business Plan.
Legal Form: The choice of legal form in which you start your business will affect your liability, tax obligations and other legal matters. There are several options, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, or corporations.
Finances.
Finance: Solid financing is critical to the success of your business. You need to carefully calculate how much start-up capital you will need, what your ongoing costs will be, and how you can make your business profitable. You should also develop an accounting and tax strategy.
Permits and licenses: Depending on your business and legal form, you may need permits and licenses to operate legally. These can vary widely by location and industry, so it's important to do your research in advance.
Permits and Licenses.
Personnel: If you are looking to hire employees, you will need to learn about labor laws, social security, insurance, and other legal issues. You should also develop an application process and create clear job descriptions and employment contracts.
Personnel.
Marketing and sales: to attract customers and make your company known, you need a strong marketing and sales strategy. Here you should consider which target group you want to address, which channels are best suited for this and how you can stand out from the competition.
Marketing and Sales: To attract customers and make your company known, you need a strong marketing and sales strategy.
There are many more aspects to consider when starting a business, but these seven points should give you a good overview. It's important to do your research thoroughly and, if necessary, seek professional help from tax advisors, lawyers or business consultants to maximize your chances of success.