10 Things Every Startup Should Know About Business Valuation

10 Things Every Startup Should Know About Business Valuation

Hey there! Ever wondered about the secret code to figuring out how much your business is worth? Well, you’re in the right place. Welcome to our easy-to-understand guide, “Navigating Business Valuation: 10 Crucial Insights for Smart Decisions.” Whether you’re thinking of selling your business, buying out a partner, or just curious about its value, we’ve got your back.

Think of this blog as your friendly map through the business valuation jungle. We’ll talk about costs, different reasons you might need a valuation, and how experts figure out the price tag using approaches like the Income, Market, and Asset methods. We’ll also chat about important standards and how to pick the right expert.

So, if you’ve ever felt lost in the world of business numbers, join us as we break it down into plain language. Let’s unlock the mysteries of business valuation and make your business journey a whole lot clearer!

10 Thing You Need To Know About Business Valuation

Lets see the top 10 important things about business valuation that every business owner should know:

1. What is Business Valuation?

Business valuation is like figuring out how much your business is worth. Experts, called appraisers, look at things like how much money the business makes, what it owns, and what it owes. They use this info to estimate its value. People do this for different reasons, like  planning for the future, sorting out taxes, or selling the business.

There are a few ways to do it. One way is by looking at how much money the business could make (Income Approach). Another way is by checking what similar businesses are worth (Market Approach). And there’s also a way to look at what the business owns and owes (Asset Approach).

The result is a report that tells you how much your business might be worth. This helps when making big decisions about the business. Whether you’re selling it, planning for the future, or dealing with legal stuff, knowing the value is key.

2. What is Cost Consideration of Business Valuation?

Typically, business valuation costs fall within the range of $6,000 to $20,000, influenced by the project’s complexity. Before starting, a thorough discussion outlines the project’s scope, determining the project fee. However, discovering your business’s value is now more accessible, with valuations available for as little as none. Thanks to advanced valuation software, you can obtain a quick and affordable assessment within just 10 minutes, streamlining the process and making it cost-effective. This alternative ensures that even businesses with budget constraints can access essential valuation insights promptly.

3. Needs Of Business Valuation

Understanding the needs of business valuation is essential for informed decision-making. Whether planning a sale, estate, or tax strategies, valuations are crucial. They aid in transactions, tax reporting, financial reporting, and litigation. Accurate valuation ensures fair market value, vital for strategic planning, risk assessment, and financial performance comparisons. Comprehensive business appraisals by accredited professionals adhere to standards like USPAP, reinforcing credibility. Business owners benefit from valuable insights, enhancing operational efficiency and long-term planning.

4. What are Business Valuation Approaches?

Business valuation approaches are methodologies to assess a company’s worth. Three main approaches include the Income Approach, evaluating expected earnings against associated risks; the Market Approach, comparing the business to similar ones in the market; and the Asset Approach, determining the value of a company’s net assets. These approaches guide experts in determining the fair market value of a business, crucial for strategic decision-making, mergers, acquisitions, and legal matters. Accredited professionals follow these approaches using recognized standards like USPAP, ensuring accurate and credible business valuations that empower informed decision-making.

5. Significance of Valuation Date

The significance of the valuation date lies in capturing a precise snapshot of a business’s value at a specific point in time. As with any equity investment, a company’s worth evolves over time due to internal and external factors. An up-to-date business valuation is crucial for supporting future decisions, providing an accurate reflection of the business’s current market value. This ensures that stakeholders have the most relevant information, facilitating strategic decision-making, and addressing the dynamic nature of business value over time.

6. Multiplicity of Business Values

The multiplicity of business values acknowledges that a company can have different values at the same time. These values depend on buyer-seller dynamics and perceived synergistic benefits. A business might have a lower value to one buyer but a higher value to another who sees additional benefits. Majority ownership often holds more value than a minority position. Recognizing these varied perspectives is crucial in negotiations, mergers, and acquisitions. Understanding the multiplicity of business values enables strategic decision-making that considers diverse stakeholder perceptions, optimizing outcomes in transactions and enhancing the overall market positioning of the business.

7. Understanding USPAP and Valuation Standards

Understanding USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) and valuation standards is crucial for credible business appraisals. These standards, set by organizations like the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA) and the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), ensure adherence to recognized appraisal practices. Following USPAP reinforces an appraiser’s expertise and the credibility of their work. Appraisers with designations like ASA, CBA, CVA, or ABV signal accredited expertise. Adherence to these standards is essential to uphold the integrity of valuation reports, providing stakeholders with reliable insights for strategic decision-making and legal purposes.

8. Evaluating Appraiser Qualifications

Evaluating appraiser qualifications is crucial to ensure reliable business valuations. Professionals in various fields may claim to be appraisers, but only accredited individuals possess the necessary training. Accredited business appraisers hold designations like Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA), Certified Business Appraiser (CBA), Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), or Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV). These designations signal expertise and adherence to recognized standards. Engaging services from an accredited entity guarantees a level of proficiency necessary for providing defensible valuation reports. By evaluating appraiser qualifications, businesses secure credible insights, essential for strategic decision-making, legal matters, and overall business transparency.

9. Documentation Requirements

Documentation requirements for business valuation involve essential records like financial statements, forecasts, and operational details. Accredited appraisers rely on comprehensive documentation, including the company’s services, products, operations, customers, suppliers, and competitors. Financial statements from the past five years, interim financial statements, and any business planning materials contribute to a credible valuation. These documents aid in understanding the business’s financial health and future potential, providing stakeholders with valuable insights for strategic decision-making. Meeting these documentation requirements ensures a thorough and accurate assessment, reinforcing the integrity of the valuation process.

10. Beyond Transactions: The Holistic Use of Valuations

Beyond transactions, valuations serve as versatile tools for holistic business understanding. Business owners leverage valuations to measure risks, compare financial performance, and identify key value drivers. These insights empower long-term planning, enhancing both operational efficiency and financial performance. Valuations go beyond a one-time assessment, aiding in strategic decision-making, risk assessment, and benchmarking against industry peers. The holistic use of valuations is instrumental in guiding businesses toward sustained growth and resilience. Recognizing valuations as ongoing tools allows businesses to adapt, strategize, and capitalize on opportunities, ensuring a dynamic approach to value optimization.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide unveils the intricacies of business valuation, offering 10 crucial insights for intelligent decision-making. From understanding valuation costs, the significance of valuation dates, and the multiplicity of business values to evaluating appraiser qualifications and documentation requirements, we’ve navigated the realm of business numbers in plain language. Business owners can now grasp the holistic use of valuations beyond transactions, leveraging them as indispensable tools for strategic decision-making and long-term planning. With accessible valuation tools, affordable assessments, and expert insights, this guide ensures businesses unlock the mysteries of valuation, paving the way for a clearer and more informed business journey.

Also Read – Top Investment Banking Companies

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FundTQ proudly serves as the exclusive advisor for Alo Frut, offering strategic guidance and expertise to propel the company’s growth. Together, we navigate opportunities, ensuring Alo Frut’s success in the competitive landscape of the business world.

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Initiatives led by Indian Unicorns against Covid-19

Paytm, the fintech decacorn, announced that it is preparing to airlift 21,000 oxygen concentrators (OCs) to India as part of the #OxygenForIndia project, which is scheduled to arrive in the first week of May. Government hospitals, Covid treatment centers, private hospitals, nursing homes, and Resident Welfare Associations will all receive these machines right away. People have already contributed INR 5 crore to the project, which the corporation has matched rupee for a rupee, bringing the total to INR 10 crore. Paytm is now targeting to collect over INR 14 Cr to source over 3,000 OCs over the next few days, buoyed by the immense support and contribution from people across the country.

In collaboration with logistics startup Delhivery, Zomato Feeding India has launched the “Help Save My India ” project to procure oxygen and related supplies for hospitals and families in need. Unacademy, the edtech unicorn, has donated INR 7 crore to Zomato ‘ s Feeding India project to purchase medical supplies.

Dream11, the fantasy gaming unicorn, has donated INR 15 Cr to GiveIndia and ACT Grants (a million each) to aid in emergency Covid response efforts in India. “Half of this will be spent on addressing the current issue of supplying medical equipment and hospital beds, while the other half will be used to support large-scale vaccination drives.

CRED, headquartered in Bengaluru, has also initiated a fundraising campaign to help healthcare organizations purchase oxygen concentrators. Milaap has invited its members to donate their CRED coins toward the purchase of oxygen-related equipment, which will be facilitated by the startup. The initiative ‘ s goal is to raise funds to purchase equipment capable of producing one billion litres of oxygen. 

Fintech unicorn Zerodha has announced plans to include ambulances and a step-down hospital to tackle the deadly second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the cities of Mumbai and Bengaluru, fully equipped ambulances will be available. Each ambulance is fitted with a ventilator, critical care equipment, medicine, a nurse, and a paramedic, according to Zerodha. Half of them will have a doctor on board, while the other half will use remote doctors, according to the study. Five ambulances are also fitted with freezing capabilities.

FundTQ Advises AloFrut on Strategic Investment from Emami Ltd

Emami Limited, a prominent player in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector and a leading personal care and healthcare company in India, has taken a significant step in expanding its business horizons. The company has recently acquired a 26 percent equity stake in Axiom Ayurveda Pvt Ltd and announced its entry into the healthy juice category with the acquisition of ‘AloFrut.’ Axiom Ayurveda is the renowned manufacturer of beverage products under the brand AloFrut. 

This strategic move is expected to bolster Emami Limited’s market presence in FMCG space even further. AloFrut has already established a robust foothold in various market segments, including general trade, government institutions, modern trade, and e-commerce platforms.

The acquisition of 26 percent equity stake in Axiom Ayurveda will be carried out through a combination of primary infusion and secondary buyouts, representing a portion of the paid-up share capital. Alofrut is in the space competing with Dabur’s Real, Coca Cola Minute Maid, PepsiCo’s Tropicana and ITC’s B Natural.

The founders of Axiom Ayurveda, Rishabh Gupta and Alisha Gupta, have been instrumental in shaping the company’s journey to success.

FundTQ acted as an exclusive advisor to this Strategic Transaction.

Commenting on this strategic move, Aanchal Malhotra, Growth Partner at FundTQ said Emami’s move to acquire a stake in Axiom Ayurveda is not just a transaction; it’s a strategic investment that positions the company for a bright and sustainable future. By capitalizing on the synergies generated through this acquisition, Emami is poised to make a significant impact in the health and wellness space, while simultaneously strengthening its foothold in the FMCG sector. 

This bold move reflects Emami’s vision and commitment to innovation, growth, and catering to the evolving preferences of consumers. The FMCG industry, along with consumers, will be closely watching the evolution of this partnership, as it has the potential to reshape the landscape of health-conscious products in India and beyond.”

About FundTQ

FundTQ, established in 2016, operates as an Investment Banking firm, offering a comprehensive range of services encompassing M&A, VC/PE syndication, Tax Advisory, and Due Diligence Support. The company is driven by a success-oriented approach and places a strong emphasis on the successful conclusion of each transaction in its portfolio.

FundTQ is positioned amongst the Top 10 Investment Banks, due to its profound expertise in various diversified industries and an exceptional track record in both domestic and cross-border transactions. The diverse client base that FundTQ serves stands as a testimony to its capability to support startups and MSMEs at every stage of their journey, from securing growth stage funding to facilitating substantial transactions and providing expert M&A advisory services.

Garuda Funding: FundTQ Secures $25M, Drives Drone Innovation

In what were the two major fundraising rounds for Garuda Aerospace funding, it was FundTQ that exclusively advised the drone solutions provider. To this effect, the company raised $22 million in its Series A round from SphitiCap in February 2023. This was then followed by another $3 million raised in October 2023, with leading support coming from Venture Catalysts, WFC, HEM Angels, Peaceful Progress, and SAN.

Launched in 2020, FundTQ is considered to be a disruptive financial product and service platform that is better aligned with the dynamic needs of clients and markets. The firm succeeds at undertaking intensive research and market analysis on behalf of its clients, assisting them in anticipating trends and reaping the benefits of new investing opportunities. This particular expertise came in handy for the investors at Garuda Aerospace to make informed decisions and optimize returns.

The drone industry in India has gradually taken off with advancements in technologies, vast terrains, and the rising economy in the nation. The growing applications of drones in surveillance, logistics, agriculture, and delivery services are increasingly motivating drone startups in India. This trend is driving their pursuit of opportunities in these sectors.

Despite its potential, the drone venture has encountered challenges securing available funding opportunities. FundTQ’s extensive global network facilitates a broad spectrum of investment options and enables seamless cross-border transactions. Its well-equipped finance team provides support in diverse fields. These include valuations, market trends, risk management, investment opportunities, and M&A taxation advisory.

Since its inception in 2020, FundTQ has been instrumental in closing deals for various companies. These include Garuda Aerospace, Nauti Nati, Arata, Yuva Pay, Natilene, EasyERP, and Recibo. FundTQ, as an emerging investment advisory firm, became a critical advisor to Garuda Aerospace. They helped raise funds for projects, expansions, mergers, acquisitions, and other business initiatives.

FundTQ is looking to democratize deal-making in India with its vast network of investors and deep investment landscape. It specializes in seed, pre-Series A to Series A deals and aims to be one of the largest platforms in this niche. Aanchal Mahani, Founder and CEO of FundTQ, pointed out that their approach is unique. It is quite different from entities like Avendus, EY, Deloitte, and other boutique investment banks. FundTQ, an investment tech-enabled platform, digitizes all critical aspects of deal-making. This includes business valuation, pitch deck creation, and investment modeling—all within a swift 10-minute process, even allowing investor selection. Closing complex deals successfully is due to FundTQ’s comprehensive industry knowledge and connections made through key investor relationships. The focused mentorship provided by FundTQ also plays a crucial role.

Aanchal Mahani further noted that the future of Garuda Aerospace is bright with this funding. It will help boost its growth strategy to increase the portfolio of products and services. Garuda Aerospace can seize significant market opportunities by focusing on developing drone-based solutions for defense, agriculture, and infrastructure.

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Aditya Birla invested in kid’s wear brand NautiNati

NautiNati, a leading kid’s apparel brand and Natilene, a Teen’s occasion wear brand raised funds from Aditya Birla in consultation with FundTQ.

FundTQ acted as an exclusive advisor for Nauti Nati in this investment deal.

NautiNati is a leading kid’s wear brand that offers quality apparels for age groups ranging from newly born up to ten years for both boys and girls. Natilene offers a diverse range of Teen’s Occasion Wear. 

In June 2022, Indian Conglomerate Aditya Birla Group introduced TMRW. It was introduced with an aim to invest in 30+ innovative consumer brands. Aditya Birla appointed Prashanth Aluru as TMRW’s CEO and co-founder of this new venture. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited had raised Rs. 2195 crore from Singapore Sovereign wealth fund, GIC.

“Nauti Nati is a leading brand in Kids apparel and this investment deal will help the brand tap into new markets and increase its customer base. This strategic investment will prove fruitful to Nauti Nati and Natilene’s future.” said Aanchal Mahani, Growth Partner of FundTQ.

FundTQ follows a hybrid approach for fundraising and M&A through their distinctive technology driven products, holistic advisory services and elaborative network of firms. It’s Proprietary Valuation Software, also available on subscription basis, is Asia’s 1st SaaS Valuation Tool that allows a company to value their venture in under 10 minutes using just 15 data points, effectively simplifying an otherwise complex and highly data-driven process. FundTQ’s Choose Right Investors platform further allows start-ups to select a combination of institutional and strategic investors from a pool of 3000+ investors, with just a few clicks! 

While successfully running more than hundred deals for a variety of start-ups and mid-corporates, FundTQ has established itself as the go-to-platform that allows you to get the right valuation, systematically raise funds and grow your venture without getting into the hassle of tedious processes.

Automovill raises fund led by Inflection Point Ventures

Automovill raised an undisclosed amount in Pre Series A Round from IPV. FundTQ acted as an exclusive advisor for Automovill to raise the funds from IPV. 

Mridu Mahendra Das, Chinmay Baruah and Ramana Sambhu founded Automovill in 2015. Automovill has the 3rd largest presence across India and caters to 15 lakh customers throughout the market. 

Automovill provides automotive solutions, after sales services and second hand cars for sale catering to a large market competing with GoMechanic and Pitstop. It provides cashless Insurance claims in 20 cities with 18 insurance companies currently. Automovill currently holds 500+ Multi Brand Workshop in India in 20+ cities.

“Automovill is catering a huge market with a large customer base and , This funding raised by them from IPV will help them to increase their operations efficiency and to broaden their market scope.” said Aanchal Mahani, growth partner of FundTQ.

FundTQ is a one-of-a-kind digital funding assistance platform for institutional investors and mergers and acquisitions, including features like, ‘Valuation Software’ and ‘Choose Right Investors Platform’. Through their unique technological tools, comprehensive advising services, and network of businesses, FundTQ takes a hybrid approach to start-up fundraising and M&A. A proprietary valuation software available on a subscription basis that allows companies to value their venture in 10 minutes using 15 data points in the most complex and data-driven manner; and a Choose Right Investors platform that helps start-ups pick and choose the right institutional and strategic investors from a pool of 3000+ investors anytime, anywhere with a click of a button. 

FundTQ’s solutions are now being used to raise funding by over a hundred start-ups and mid-sized businesses. Founders must take a methodical approach to fundraise. You start with a huge pool of possible investors and narrow it down to those with whom you have a personal connection. FundTQ assists you in identifying and connecting with potential investors. Their main goal is to find you the appropriate investors at the right time and at the right price.

FundTQ Elevates Garuda Aerospace with Funding

FundTQ served as the exclusive advisor for Garuda Aerospace, a leading drone solutions company, facilitating two significant funding rounds. In February 2023, Garuda Aerospace successfully raised $22 million in Series A funding led by SphitiCap, followed by another $3 million funding round in October 2023, led by Venture Catalysts, WFC, HEM Angels, Peaceful Progress, and SAN.

Established in 2020, FundTQ is known for its continuous innovation in financial products and services, tailored to meet the evolving needs of clients and the market. The firm specializes in comprehensive research and analysis of companies and markets, empowering clients to stay ahead of trends and capitalize on new investment opportunities. This expertise proved invaluable for Garuda Aerospace’s investors, enabling them to make well-informed decisions and maximize their returns.

India’s drone industry has witnessed remarkable growth, driven by the country’s expansive landscape and the rising demand for technological advancements. The increasing applications of drone technology in sectors such as surveillance, logistics, agriculture, and delivery services have led to a surge in drone startups and solutions in India.

Despite the industry’s potential, funding opportunities in the drone sector have been relatively limited. FundTQ, with its global presence, not only provides access to international markets but also offers a wide array of investment opportunities. The firm boasts a team of financial experts who provide guidance on various financial matters, including valuation, market trends, risk management, investment opportunities, and M&A taxation advisory.

FundTQ’s impressive track record includes successful deals for companies like Garuda Aerospace, Nauti Nati, Arata, Yuva Pay, Natilene, EasyERP, and Recibo, among others, since its inception in 2020. As a renowned investment advisory firm, FundTQ played a pivotal role as Garuda Aerospace’s exclusive advisor, assisting in fundraising efforts for projects, expansions, mergers and acquisitions, and other business ventures.

With its profound understanding of the investment landscape and extensive network of investors, FundTQ aims to democratize deal-making in India. The firm focuses on Seed, Pre Series A to Series A deals, striving to become the leading platform in this sector. Aanchal Mahani, Founder and CEO of FundTQ, emphasized the firm’s unique approach compared to established entities like Avendus, EY, Deloitte, and other boutique investment banks. She emphasized FundTQ’s distinction as a tech-enabled investment platform, automating critical aspects like business valuation, pitch deck creation, and investor selection. These processes are streamlined to take just 10 minutes with a simple click, enhancing efficiency and accessibility in deal-making. FundTQ closes complex transactions successfully due to its deep understanding of intricate industries, strong investor relationships, and focused mentorship.

Regarding Garuda Aerospace’s funding, Aanchal Mahani expressed optimism about the company’s future prospects. The investment infusion will enable Garuda Aerospace to accelerate its growth plans and diversify its range of products and services. Garuda Aerospace strategically focuses on developing drone-based solutions for defense, agriculture, and infrastructure industries. This positions them well to capitalize on significant market opportunities.