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The Cult of Done: A Guide for Investors
In an era of rapid technological advancement and ever-evolving markets, being nimble and fast is often prized over perfection. This is...

Aki Kakko
Sep 19, 20233 min read


The Hardest Thing About Investing
Investing, for many, is not just about numbers, financial models, or picking the right stocks. One of the most challenging aspects of...

Aki Kakko
Sep 19, 20232 min read


Understanding "Zero to One": A Guide for Investors
"Zero to One" is a concept popularized by Peter Thiel , co-founder of PayPal and Palantir, and an influential venture capitalist . In his book, "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future" , Thiel lays out a philosophy on innovation , startups , and value creation that has become a must-read for entrepreneurs and investors alike. At its core, the idea of "Zero to One" is about creating something entirely new (going from zero to one) rather than iterating on a

Aki Kakko
Sep 18, 20233 min read


Burn Multiple: An Investor's Guide
When diving into the world of startups and young companies , investors often come across various metrics and terms to evaluate the financial health, growth prospects, and valuation of a business . One such metric that's been gaining attention is the " burn multiple". In this article, we'll take a look into the burn multiple, understand its significance, and see how it can be used effectively by investors . What is the Burn Multiple? The burn multiple is a financial m

Aki Kakko
Sep 18, 20233 min read


Cram Down Round in Venture Capital: An Overview for Investors
Venture Capital investments can be a roller-coaster ride, both for startups and for investors . One of the situations that investors should be aware of, especially in challenging market conditions, is the "cram down round." In this article, we'll look into what a cram down round is, why it happens, and what it means for early investors . What is a Cram Down Round? A cram down round is a financing event in which new shares are issued at a valuation that is lower than the v

Aki Kakko
Sep 18, 20233 min read


Loan Sharks: What Every Investor Needs to Know
Loan sharks have been part of financial systems for centuries, offering quick access to funds at exorbitant interest rates. While these...

Aki Kakko
Sep 18, 20233 min read


The Platform Business Model: An Investor's Guide
The Platform Business Model has rapidly emerged as a dominant model in the digital age, reshaping industries and creating new market...

Aki Kakko
Sep 18, 20232 min read


Corporate Turnarounds: A Deep Dive for Investors
In the intricate dance of the stock market, some of the most compelling stories come from companies that have faced adversity and...

Aki Kakko
Sep 18, 20232 min read


The Lean Startup: A Guide for Investors
In the world of startups and entrepreneurship, the term 'lean startup ' has become something of a buzzword. But what does it mean, and why should investors care? In this article, we'll look into the lean startup methodology, its benefits, and its implications for investors . What is the Lean Startup ? The Lean Startup is a methodology for developing businesses and products first proposed by Eric Ries in 2011. It emphasizes the importance of adapting and adjusting before

Aki Kakko
Sep 18, 20233 min read


Network Effects for Investors
Network effects are a powerful phenomenon in which a product or service becomes more valuable as more people use it. This concept has...

Aki Kakko
Sep 18, 20233 min read


Crossing the Chasm: A Guide for Investors
In the world of startups and new product introductions, 'Crossing the Chasm' is a term that resonates deeply. It refers to the phase in...

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20233 min read


Regulatory Capture: A Primer for Investors
Regulatory capture is a term widely used in economics and political science to describe a scenario where a regulatory agency, set up to...

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20235 min read


The Tipping Point: A Guide for Investors
In the realm of investment, understanding trends and market dynamics can be the difference between profits and losses. One concept that...

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20234 min read


Understanding Counter-Positioning for Investors
Counter-positioning is a strategic framework in which a new entrant in the market establishes a business model that incumbents find...

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20232 min read


Milestone-Based Funding for Startups
In the traditional startup ecosystem, securing funds usually involves pitching to a venture capitalist or an angel investor , impressing them with your idea, team, and traction, and then receiving a lump sum in exchange for equity. However, there’s an alternative funding structure gaining traction – milestone-based funding . Drawing parallels from the private equity world’s " capital calls ", this approach involves releasing funds in tranches based on the achievement of

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20232 min read


Capital Calls: An Essential Guide for Investors
Capital calls , also known as "drawdowns," are an integral part of private equity and other alternative investment structure s. For an investor , understanding the intricacies of capital calls is vital to managing their investment and liquidity needs. This article looks into the concept, its importance, and offers practical examples to clarify the mechanism. What are Capital Calls ? When an investor commits to a private equity fund or any other closed-end fund, they'

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20232 min read


Delisting: An Overview for Investors
Delisting refers to the removal of a company's stock from a stock exchange, making its shares no longer publicly tradable on that...

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20233 min read


The Innovator's Dilemma: Understanding the Challenges of Disruption for Investors
When it comes to corporate success and innovation, companies often find themselves in a paradoxical situation: the very practices that...

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20234 min read


Funds of Funds: An In-Depth Look for Investors
Funds of funds (FoFs) can seem complex at first glance, but for many investors, they offer an accessible route to diversified,...

Aki Kakko
Sep 17, 20233 min read


Permanent Capital: A Guide for Investors
The concept of permanent capital has gained traction among investors who are looking for sustainable, long-term investment structures. This article delves into the concept of permanent capital , its advantages, and how it differentiates from traditional investment structures , with relevant examples to illustrate the points. What is Permanent Capital? Permanent capital refers to a pool of funds that are invested with no specific date for liquidation or return to investors.

Aki Kakko
Sep 16, 20234 min read
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