Start-up
Resources | Life Cycle Assessment | Start-up

At this point, you are typically seed/VC-backed and increasingly monitored by institutional outsiders but may still be considered “pre-commercial.” You’re still working hard to get your business off the ground, but also envisioning and planning for the road ahead.

Funding

Companies at this stage have a need for additional funding to either continue R&D activities or to prepare for future expansion. Additional fundraising at this stage is essential and usually the top priority.

Key questions to ask:

  • When does the next round of funding come in?
  • Where should we seek out additional funding?
  • How will we maximize our next round of funding?
  • Can we monetize R&D credits or other tax incentives?
  • How should we value our stock option grants?

BPM services that can help

Compliance

As additional capital is secured, the accounting burden also rises. It’s likely too soon to discuss bringing on a full accounting staff or an outsourced accounting business model—but it’s never too early to start thinking through the structure of your accounting function. The focus now should be on staying compliant with tax filings and reporting requirements. Now is also the time to build the processes and operations that will enable future cross-border compliance and audit readiness.

Key questions to ask:

  • What is the best tax plan for us now?
  • Have we established Nexus in other states or countries?
  • How should we value our stock awards?
  • Will our investors or other stakeholders require an audit?
  • What systems should be in place to help prepare us for the future?

BPM services that can help

Organizational design

Developing your products is the priority right now. However, it’s important to think about the future structure of your organization as early as possible so you are not caught off guard later. Now is the time to lay the groundwork for the future.

Key questions to ask:

  • What should our leadership team look like?
  • What about HR? Finance? Systems? IT? ERP?
  • What other functions and skillsets will we need in the future?

BPM services that can help

Set your goals

Your pitch to investors is not about today, it’s about your vision two to three years out, and beyond. With that in mind, it’s critical to have clear sight of your future plans and goals. From there, you can work backwards to achieve the required milestones to help achieve them.

Key questions to ask:

  • What is our endgame?
  • How will we create the most value for our company and investors?
  • What structure do we need to achieve that output?
  • Where will we need to attract talent?

BPM services that can help

Build your scaffolding
Preparing for the next level of growth:

  • Think about how you will attract higher-level candidates.
  • Begin exploring data systems with predictive functionality.
  • Lay the groundwork for your formal ERP system.
  • Start thinking about product diversification and next gen products.
  • Begin considering possible geographic expansion opportunities.
Life Cycle Assessment

Unlocking value across the business lifecycle – BPM’s blueprint for growth for innovative companies

BPM Blueprint
Growth & Expansion Stage

Your business is rapidly expanding in terms of revenues, products, funding and hiring.

Grow with BPM
Liquidity Stage

Preparing for the exit you’ve envisioned from the beginning—or gearing up for a whole new phase of growth.

Be Prepared

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