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The role of the notary in setting up a company

11/22/2023 | By: FDS

Founding a company is an exciting step, but one that involves a multitude of legal requirements and formalities. One important figure who plays a crucial role in this process is the notary. In this article, we take a closer look at the role of the notary when setting up a company and why their expertise is crucial.

Notaries: Guardians of legal certainty

Notaries are qualified lawyers who are authorised to draw up and certify public deeds. Their main task is to ensure legal certainty in various transactions, including the formation of companies. Here are some of the most important tasks that notaries perform in the context of company formation:

1. Notarisation of articles of association and statutes: The notary is responsible for notarising the company's memorandum or articles of association. This means ensuring that the document complies with legal requirements and is duly signed by all parties involved.

2. Verification of the identity of the founders: Notaries verify the identity of the founders and ensure that they are authorised to establish the company. This is important to prevent fraud and identity theft.

3. Documentation and storage: After the founding documents have been notarised, notaries keep them in their safekeeping. This ensures that the documents are safe and easily accessible when they are needed.

4. Advice and legal expertise: Notaries often provide legal advice and expertise in connection with company formation. They can inform founders about what legal steps are required and how they can fulfil the legal requirements.

5. Registration in the commercial register: In many countries, notaries are authorised to register the company formation in the commercial register. This is an important step in officially registering the company and making it authorised to do business.

Why is the role of the notary important?

The role of the notary is crucial to ensure legal certainty and the integrity of the incorporation process. Through their expertise and experience, notaries help to avoid mistakes and legal problems that could later cause expensive and time-consuming legal disputes. Their notarisation and safekeeping of documents also ensure that important documentation is available and protected at all times.

Working with a qualified notary is therefore an important step when setting up a business and an investment in the legal security and success of the new company. Founders should contact a notary at an early stage to ensure that all legal requirements are met and the path to successful entrepreneurship is paved.

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Pitching to investors: How do you convince potential investors?

11/21/2023 | By: FDS

Finding investors for your start-up or business project can be one of the most challenging and exciting phases of your business journey. A convincing pitch to potential backers can mean the difference between success and failure. In this article, you will learn how to effectively approach investors and convince them of your project.

1. Knowledge of the audience:

Before you prepare your pitch, it is crucial to understand your audience. Research your potential investors thoroughly to find out what kind of companies or projects they have invested in the past. This will help you tailor your pitch to their interests and needs.

2. Tell a compelling story:

Investors are not only interested in facts and figures, but also in the story behind your company. Tell a clear and compelling story that illustrates your problem, solution and market potential. Use storytelling to create an emotional connection.

3. Clarify the problem and solution:

Start by explaining what problem your product or service solves and why this problem is important. Then present your solution and emphasise how unique and effective it is. Investors need to understand why your company fills a gap in the market.

4. Demonstrate market potential:

Investors want to know that your company is operating in a growing market. Present market research and data to back up the market potential. Show how big the target market is and how you will tap into it.

5. Emphasise your competitive advantage:

Explain why your company will be successful against the competition. Emphasise your unique selling points, patents, technologies or your team. Show why investors should invest in your company and not in the competition.

6. Clear financial forecasts:

Investors want to see financial forecasts that are based on realistic assumptions. Present sales forecasts, cost structures, break-even points and expected ROI (return on investment). Be transparent and conservative in your estimates.

7. Emphasise team and experience:

Investors not only invest in ideas, but also in teams. Introduce your founding team and emphasise their relevant experience and qualifications. Show that your team is capable of leading the company to success.

8. Ask questions and get feedback:

At the end of your pitch, you should be ready to answer questions from investors. Show your interest in their perspective and feedback. Be prepared to respond to critical questions and be honest about risks and challenges.

9. Clear call to action:

End your pitch with a clear call to action. Ask investors to take the next step, whether it's another meeting, reviewing documents or signing a contract.

10. Practise, practise, practise:

A convincing pitch requires practice. Practise in front of friends, mentors or other founders to boost your confidence and presentation skills.

A successful pitch to investors requires preparation, persuasion and the ability to clearly communicate your story and value. By following these steps and presenting your business authentically and convincingly, you will increase your chances of securing the necessary investment and moving your business project forward.

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Founders beware - The pitfalls to avoid when taking the step into self-employment

11/21/2023 | By: FDS

1. Spending too much money: It is important to plan carefully and understand how much money you have available and how much you need to start up. You should not spend more than you can afford and make sure you have realistic financing.

2. Unclear goals: Before starting your own business, you should set clear goals so you know how to proceed and what you want to achieve.

3. Neglecting business planning: A business plan is a fundamental tool to start and run a business. Without such a plan, you have no direction and no clear idea of how to make your business successful.

4. Underestimating the competition: when trying to start your own business, you should not forget that there are already other companies trying to achieve the same thing. Therefore, it is important to learn about the competition and develop a plan on how to differentiate yourself from them and give yourself an advantage.

5. Not paying attention to the legal aspects: Before starting a business, it is important to learn about the legal framework and make sure you are doing everything right. This includes complying with all relevant laws and regulations.

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The importance of market research for the success of a start-up

11/15/2023 | By: FDS

Founding a start-up is an exciting journey characterised by innovation, ambition and belief in an idea. But before a company can be successfully launched, it is crucial to understand the market itself. This is when market research comes into play. In this article, we will shed light on the enormous importance of market research for the success of a start-up.

1. Identification of market opportunities:

Conducting market research allows founders to identify market gaps and opportunities. They can find out whether there is a demand for their product or service and whether there are already competitors in the market. This understanding is crucial to finding a unique positioning and standing out from the competition.

2. Target group analysis:

Knowing the target group is crucial. Market research helps start-ups to understand the needs, preferences, habits and demographic characteristics of their potential customers. This enables a targeted approach and the development of products or services that are tailored to the needs of the target group.

3. Competitor analysis:

Competition is an important factor in any market. Through market research, founders can identify their competitors, understand their strengths and weaknesses and derive how they can differentiate themselves. This is crucial to achieving a sustainable competitive advantage.

4. Product development and optimisation:

Market research provides valuable insights for product development and optimisation. Start-ups can gather feedback from potential customers to ensure that their product or service meets market requirements. This helps to avoid costly bad investments.

5. Risk minimisation:

Diligent market research helps to minimise risk. It makes it possible to recognise potential hurdles, challenges and uncertainties at an early stage. This helps founders to make informed decisions and minimise potential risks.

6. Marketing strategy:

Developing an effective marketing strategy requires a deep understanding of the market. Market research helps determine the best channels, messages and approaches to engage customers and build brand awareness.

7. Financial planning:

The financial planning of a start-up should be based on realistic assumptions and data. Market research provides insights into expected sales, customer acquisition costs and other financial parameters that are crucial to the business plan.

Conclusion:

The importance of market research for the success of a start-up cannot be overemphasised. It forms the foundation for a sound business strategy, helps to minimise risk, enables market opportunities to be identified and contributes to product development and optimisation. Start-ups that invest in early market research are better equipped to meet market challenges and achieve long-term success. Market research is not just a cost factor, but an investment in the future of the company.

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The role of entrepreneurship in starting a business

11/13/2023 | By: FDS

The entrepreneurial spirit is a key factor in the foundation and success of a company. It embodies the ability to recognise opportunities, take risks and find creative solutions to problems. In this article, we will shed light on the crucial role of entrepreneurship in starting a business and how it influences the path to entrepreneurial success.

What is entrepreneurial spirit?

The entrepreneurial spirit is a mindset that encompasses a willingness to be independent, to create innovation and to take risks. It is characterised by determination, creativity and a strong desire to create or improve something new. The entrepreneurial spirit is characterised by the ability to see challenges as opportunities and to take the initiative.

The role of entrepreneurship in starting a business:

Opportunity recognition: Entrepreneurs are able to identify market opportunities that may be overlooked by others. They see potential and trends that can serve as the basis for business ideas.

Creativity and innovation: The entrepreneurial spirit fosters creativity and the ability to develop innovative solutions to existing problems or needs. Start-ups that focus on innovation often have a competitive advantage.

Willingness to take risks: Starting a business involves risks, and the entrepreneurial spirit enables people to take these risks and overcome challenges. It requires the courage to venture into the unknown.

Determination and perseverance: the world of starting a business is not always easy. The entrepreneurial spirit helps to overcome obstacles and focus on long-term goals, even when there are setbacks.

Examples of entrepreneurial spirit in practice:

Steve Jobs (Apple): Steve Jobs was an outstanding example of entrepreneurial spirit. He recognised the potential of personal computers and developed innovative products such as the Macintosh and the iPhone.

Elon Musk (SpaceX, Tesla): Elon Musk is known for his entrepreneurial spirit in the field of space travel and electromobility. He set himself ambitious goals and pursued them with determination.

How can you develop an entrepreneurial spirit?

The entrepreneurial spirit can be developed by encouraging your own curiosity, creativity and willingness to take risks. This can be achieved through education, experience and collaboration with other entrepreneurs. Networking, studying successful entrepreneurs and participating in entrepreneurial activities are also helpful steps.

All in all, the entrepreneurial spirit is a decisive factor for the foundation and success of a company. It enables people to recognise opportunities, drive innovation and overcome obstacles. By fostering entrepreneurship, we can promote the growth of start-ups and economic development as a whole.

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