|
Last week we wrapped the Startup Refresh web series with a conversation on choosing the best entity type for your mission. This final episode featured three experts from the FS6 ecosystem - Renske Lynde, Lindsey Lusher Shute, and Mark White - each of whom joined to share their top tips and lessons learned from firsthand experience building, investing in, and advising for startups across the spectrum. Explore the highlights below, and listen to the full recording at the end of the post for a deep dive. "We’re all on a learning journey. A very important part of being a successful entrepreneur is taking every little opportunity you can get to learn." -Lindsey Lusher Shute Types of Entities: To kick us off, let's review the business entity options available for startups that came up in this conversation. For a more expansive glossary, take a look at the FS6 Glossary of Business & Investment Terms. For-Profit Entities:
Non-Profit Entities:
*B-Lab Certification: It is worth noting that B-Corp is not a legal entity type, but rather, a certification by the B-Lab organization. Mark White compared this certification to the “Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.” So how do you choose an entity type? Our speakers pointed out some of the benefits and limitations of each entity type and Lindsey Lusher Shute emphasized the importance of considering your impact goals and exit plan when weighing the best option. This topic spanned the breadth of our discussion so we recommend watching the recording below for specific details about which entity type is best for specific goals and considerations for transitioning your business structure. A note on transition: You can pivot or change your entity type if it is not working for you but note that transitioning to a new entity type can take time and money. When pivoting entities, it is important to keep in mind that you must transition everything associated with the entity, such as a bank account or an identification number. "You are not stuck in one category. You can change the definition of your business as you go along based on the requirements of the community." -Mark White Raising Capital for Various Entity Types: Raising capital will look different depending on your entity type. One of the opportunities that Renske Lynde espoused in this conversation is that of Blended Capital. This strategy of startup fundraising focuses on identifying the right kind of capital for your company at various stages and can bring in a diverse group of stakeholders - from investors, to foundations, to government - to support a business. Interested in learning more about blended capital? Read this 2-part series by Renske on the benefits of blended capital fundraising for impact-driven businesses: PART I: The Basics of Blended Capital PART II: Blended Capital for Investors "It is really important to find trusted advisors and people who are really aligned with what you are trying to achieve and the change that you are trying to make happen. If you have that fundamental alignment, the world is your oyster." - Renske Lynde Panelists:
|
FS6 is a nonprofit based in the San Francisco Bay Area whose mission is to support impact-driven entrepreneurs as they transform how we grow, produce, and distribute food. The organization runs a comprehensive accelerator program that mentors entrepreneurs by coaching them through a wide range of business and organizational needs. FS6 also works to educate stakeholders on the unique capital needs as it relates to redefining the food system. 
Categories
All
Archives
August 2021
|
RSS Feed
