Toptal Finance Expert
Tough Times Don’t Have to Mean Tough Terms: Leveraging Financial and Cap Table Modeling in VC Negotiations
When capital is scarce, VCs may tighten their terms to reduce their risk. Here’s how to think through three of the most common preferred terms to ensure you don’t give away too much of your company.
Erik Stettler
Erik is co-founder of a global venture capital fund that has invested in 50 startups—which have raised more than $500 million—and has realized six exits. He serves as Toptal’s Chief Economist.
The Metrics Investors Want: Quantitative Forecasting for Early-stage Startups
It’s a catch-22 for young startups: How do you attract investors with compelling financial projections if you don’t have historical data? Here’s a three-part strategy for making the most of what you’ve got to seal the deal.
Sean Heberling
Sean is a General Partner at Addvia Ventures, which invests in early-stage high-growth companies addressing large end markets. He’s also founder and CEO at Marion Street Capital, a firm that helps companies refine forecasts and grow revenue. Previously, he worked at Morgan Stanley and BNY Mellon, and during his career he has facilitated investment transactions exceeding $1 billion.
3 Trends Shaping the Future of Tech Venture Capital in Asia
Asia is one of the hottest venture markets in the world right now. Find out what savvy investors must understand about this culturally and economically diverse region in order to succeed.
Alec Tseung
Alec is a financial analyst who has executed more than $5 billion in corporate, private equity, and venture capital transactions for Swiss Re and Tencent, China’s leading internet company. He’s also a co-founder of a Hong Kong financial advisory firm with client companies across Asia.
The Power of 3-statement Modeling: Best Practices for Valuations and Projections
To value or build projections for a company accurately, you have to factor in working capital—and you can’t do that without investing in a three-statement financial model.
Abdullah Karayumak, CFA
Abdullah is a financial modeling, valuations, and capital raising expert and Chartered Financial Analyst. He’s advised clients ranging from early-stage startups to multibillion-dollar enterprises, most recently for KPMG.
Raising Venture Capital in Down Markets: A Guide to Early-stage Funding
In tough financial times, VCs often focus on shoring up portfolio companies rather than investing in new opportunities. But it’s still possible to raise capital—if you refine your approach.
Erik Stettler
Erik is co-founder of a global venture capital fund that has invested in 50 startups—which together have raised more than $500 million—and has realized six exits. He previously led restructurings of $3 billion in global subsidiaries and M&A deals worth more than $10 billion. He also serves as Toptal’s Chief Economist.
World-class articles, delivered weekly.
Subscription implies consent to our privacy policy
Real Estate Financial Modeling: 3 Costly Mistakes to Avoid
Rising construction costs mean real estate developers are relying on complex—and potentially costly—finance structures more often. Smarter modeling will help keep borrowing costs low.
Robert Finch
Robert is the founder and director of UK-based property finance broker Sativa Finance and an expert in financial modeling. He has worked in real estate finance since 2006, securing ~$1.8 billion in financing for commercial acquisitions and construction projects.
Forensic Accounting: Due Diligence’s Secret Weapon
More than just a way to investigate financial crimes, forensic accounting is the most in-depth form of due diligence and compliance. But smaller firms often overlook its value. Here’s why that’s risky.
Ryan Zanoni
Ryan is a Senior Editor at Toptal. He has more than 11 years of experience as a writer and editor covering business and technology.
World-class articles, delivered weekly.
Toptal Finance Experts
- Blockchain Consultants
- Business Management Consultants
- Business Plan Consultants
- Business Process Optimization Consultants
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
- Cost Transformation Consultants
- Economic Development Consultants
- Equity Research Analysts
- Excel Experts
- Financial Benchmarking Consultants
- Financial Forecasting Experts
- Financial Modeling Consultants
- Financial Writers
- Fintech Consultants
- FP&A Managers
- Fractional CFOs
- Fundraising Consultants
- FX Consultants
- Growth Strategy Consultants
- Integrated Business Planning Consultants
- Interim CFOs
- Investment Managers
- Investment Thesis Consultants
- Investor Relations Consultants
- M&A Consultants
- Market Sizing Experts
- Pitch Deck Consultants
- Private Equity Consultants
- Procurement Consultants
- Profitability Analysis Experts
- Real Estate Experts
- Restructuring Consultants
- Risk Management Consultants
- Small Business Consultants Experts
- Supply Chain Management Consultants
- Valuation Specialists
- Venture Capital Consultants
- Virtual CFOs
- Xero Experts
- View More Freelance Finance Experts
Join the Toptal® community.