In the dynamic startup landscape, founders frequently overlook the necessity of realistic exit strategies, which can be detrimental to the long-term success of their company. As an investor and advisor, I see my role as more than just a financial guide. It’s about building trust and aligning with the founders’ goals from the very start.

Founders need to consider crucial questions, such as: What happens in the event of success or failure? What is the financial threshold that would compel them to either persevere or walk away? How much are they willing to continue to pour into a company that is struggling when things get tough? How big of a check will they accept to hand over their blood, sweat, and tears?

Throughout my career, my goal has been to keep founders grounded, ensuring that they’re prepared for the entire entrepreneurial journey, including its eventual conclusion. In order to do this, founders need to understand the intricate differences between working Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) firms.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PE AND VC

Working with a VC firm is often the daring first roll of the dice in a company’s financial journey. It usually happens in the startup phase, when venture capitalists invest in your idea with the hope of getting significant returns, often aiming for a 10- to 100x gain. This initial investment not only provides the necessary funding, but also serves as an introduction to further capital opportunities. It’s typically the essential gamble that can kickstart a company’s growth trajectory.

On the other hand, PE firms tend to focus on the later stages of a company’s development; typically companies that are a few years old (or generationally owned) and have made significant gains but are not yet operationally efficient or scaling to their best ability. PE firms often lead companies through transformative processes like acquisitions or mergers or even take them public. Their goals are ambitious yet more measured, typically seeking returns in the range of 5- to 20x. The role of PE firms is to navigate companies through the complex landscape of the business world and take them across the finish line of their growth journey.

WHAT IT’S LIKE WORKING WITH PE

PE represents a more mature phase of investment, typically involving businesses that have already demonstrated a track record of revenue generation and, in many cases, profitability. PE firms may invest as minority or majority stakeholders, with strategies ranging from scaling the business for a public or private sale to merging it with other companies or even dismantling it to bolster another investment. The flexibility and creativity within PE are significant, though much of this activity happens away from the public eye. PE investors are deeply involved in the operation and scaling of the business, guiding it toward significant milestones, like public offerings or acquisitions.

WHAT IT’S LIKE WORKING WITH VC

VC can be perceived as the “Wild West” of investing, characterized by high risk and the potential for high returns. VCs engage in extensive due diligence before making what is essentially a leap of faith. For founders, it’s crucial to understand that VCs invest in people as much as in ideas. They provide the capital and support needed in the early stages of a startup, helping to refine ideas and target the right audience. Often, VCs are the initial financial partners who pave the way for later-stage investors like PE firms to step in.

When seeking funding, founders have a critical responsibility to thoroughly research and perform due diligence to identify the right investment partner. This process involves understanding different investors’ strategies, whether in VC or PE. Here are three ways founders can make an informed financial decision:

Align with investors through mission and purpose

The synergy between investors and founders is vital. Founders should seek their first investment from individuals or groups who connect with their product or service on a deeper level. Not all early-stage capital is beneficial; misalignment can be harmful to the business. The ideal investor understands and believes in the founder’s vision, contributing their expertise, networks, and a shared commitment to the business’s success.

Choose the right investment partner

Whether opting to work with PE or VC, this principle remains consistent for founders: Find an investor who resonates with your vision and values. This relationship is long-term, requiring mutual respect and collaboration. The right financial partner plays a crucial role in transforming a vision into reality; offering more than just funds, but also contributing valuable knowledge and connections.

Understand investment stages

PE and VC cater to different stages of a business’s lifecycle. PE is more suitable for companies that have established a certain level of growth and are looking toward scaling, buyouts, or taking the company public. VC, on the other hand, is ideal for startups with a solid customer base that aim to grow without relinquishing too much control. It’s about finding the right balance between giving up equity and gaining the necessary capital and support.

In conclusion, while PE and VC have distinct approaches and investment stages, their core objective is similar: aligning with the founder’s vision and contributing to the business’s success. Founders must seek investors who are not just financiers but partners in their entrepreneurial journey. At the end of the day, the key to a successful long-term partnership is finding an investor who not only loves your product, but also deeply understands and connects with your business as a customer.