Entrepreneurs Seeking Equity Financing… the Cal-Israel Innovation Expo can help.

Equity Review

When equity financing is identified as a source of funds in the business planning process, we can help explain and prepare the client to accept equity financing.

This Process Typically Involves :

• coaching

• business plan scrubbing

• navigation of available equity financing options 

Coaching Can Include Information On:

• controlling ownership

• company structure

• securities issues

• equity money required  

This paid service typically includes 2-3 business plan reviews and corresponding meetings by multiple staff members to discuss the project and the results of each review.  Note: Cal-Israel Innovation Expo  does not offer legal or investment advice, but often makes clients aware of potential legal or investment issues and makes a referral to the appropriate counsel.

Equity Review & Presentation Preparation

This paid service includes all services in the Equity Review and also includes additional time for presentation preparation and introductions to appropriate funding sources. Once the business plan is complete, Cal-Israel Innovation Expo  staff will work with the client to prepare and deliver a presentation. This includes practice presentations to staff and partners. Cal-Israel Innovation Expo staff will also work with the client to provide appropriate referral introductions to investors, angel funds and venture capital groups. 

Inventors & Entrepreneurs Seeking Research...

Competitive Market Analysis

This Competitive Analysis is a focused market research report that is done primarily for an inventor or entrepreneur that has a product idea and wants to determine if it is unique. 

This Research Attempts To Answer Two Questions:

1 Is the exact product in the marketplace?

2 Are there other products that would be considered competition? 

The result of this analysis is a report that identifies and details up to 10 products that could be viewed by customers as competitive products.   

Preliminary Patent Search

The Patent Search is a focused market research exercise that is also done primarily for an inventor/entrepreneur that has a product idea and wants to determine if it has been patented. Unlike the Competitive Analysis which focuses on the marketplace, this search focuses on the U.S. patent database (issued patents and visible filed applications), to identify the 6-8 patents that closely match the client’s idea in functionality and/or design.  International patent could be acquired via patent attorney. 

This Patent Search Often Has Two Parts:

1 a report identifying and detailing similar patents

2 a patent-ability opinion – which includes having a patent attorney review the product disclosure, the search results, and then issue an opinion. The opinion is the interpretation of the search results.

The Cal-Israel Innovation Expo  works with several patent law firms in SD and surrounding states. Cal-Israel Innovation Expo will provide the client this referral and cost information will be provided according to client’s requirements by the patent attorney. Once the patent search is completed, the client will work directly with the patent attorney.

Those looking to launch a business venture often find themselves with a shortage of quality information on how to do that. For ambitious entrepreneurs that are ready to get started, this article will explain what needs to be done before opening a business.

Venture capital is divided between seed capital and general venture capital. Most businesses start with seed capital, which aims primarily to help innovative businesses prove their concept and develop early partnerships. Once the proposition for success has been further substantiated, the next step is to get venture capital. Typically, seed capital provides less than a hundred thousand dollars in financing while venture capital can offer more than one million.

1 Do quality market research. Before opening the company doors, entrepreneurs should aim to engage in substantial market research based on high-quality information. First, several days should be spent doing general industry research from reputable information sources. Next, do a total evaluation of competing firms to find their strengths and weaknesses. The general state of the overall economy should be carefully evaluated as well. Using this information, attempt to find under-served needs and any "gaps" where your venture can add value.

2 Find partners. After deciding where you want to go, the next step is to achieve buy-in from potential partners. No person has enough knowledge and manpower to completely start alone. Venture capitalists and banks will be unlikely to work with individuals that don't have the backing of others. Therefore, aspiring entrepreneurs should get in touch with former associates from school, past jobs, or social groups. You should aim to work with individuals that possess knowledge in a particular field, have a good education, are socially intelligent, and are driven to succeed.

3 Raise capital. Once partners have been found, the next step is to raise capital. This can come in several forms, either from a bank or venture capitalist. For businesses primarily based in management expertise, bank financing can be appropriate. Most banks will want to see a formal business plan, ask for collateral, and will require personal guarantees.

4 Prepare yourself. Before launch, those involved in new ventures should be prepared for stress, long hours, and even temporary financial hardship. Many entrepreneurs begin with a vacation, spending extra time with the family, or starting a workout routine. Staying motivated and grounded is critical to success.

Our independent legal and financial advisor will work directly with you, the Cal-Israel Innovation Expo and its affiliate companies bare no liability to any and all parts of the process and its outcome, it is strictly your sole responsibility.