Riverwood Capital’s Post

Happy New Year from Phoenix Capital Advisory! 🌟 Greetings to all! I'm John Lim, the driving force behind Phoenix Capital Advisory. As we step into a new year, I'm excited to continue empowering businesses through our tailored capital advisory services. 🚀 🌟 Your Funding Partner: If you're seeking funding for your business, let's talk. Our track record includes assisting business owners in raising a remarkable 1.5M in just 15 minutes. Imagine what we could achieve together! 🚀 IPO Incubation Expertise: This year, we're dedicated to incubating companies poised for IPO success. Backed by our partners, including 5 independent directors of listed companies in Malaysia, and our profound experience with 35 successful NASDAQ market deals (excluding OTC), we're here to elevate your business to new heights. 🐉 Pitch-A-Venture: Dragons Edition: Following the success of last year's Pitch-A-Venture: Whisky Edition, we're thrilled to announce Pitch-A-Venture: Dragons Edition on January 18th. Entrepreneurs, seize this chance to pitch your ideas to our 'Dragons' - an elite panel of VCs, PEs, HNWI/UHNWI, listed company personnel, and industry experts. Slots for pitchers and Dragons are limited, so express your interest early! 🍽️ Demystifying IPOs Over Dinner: Think IPOs are complex? Join us at our exclusive dinner on January 22nd. Designed for companies with a revenue of USD 2M or a PAT of 150K USD, this complimentary event is an opportunity to simplify the IPO process. Discover how attainable it can be for your business. Stay tuned for more details and exciting updates. 2024 is your year to shine with Phoenix Capital Advisory by your side! #PhoenixCapitalAdvisory #FundingSuccess #IPOReady #PitchAVenture2024 #BusinessGrowth

The trade show industry has entered a phase of accelerated consolidation, marked by significant acquisitions of companies by the large corporations. Additionally, private equity firms are increasingly investing in the sector, driven by confidence in a return to pre-pandemic performance and a notable uptick in acquisition activity. In light of this, there is a growing concern that the focus may shift away from the core drivers of our industry—entrepreneurs who launch, innovate, and grow the shows of the future—and toward corporations primarily focused on growth by acquisition. So what does this mean for the future of the industry? In his latest thought leadership article for TSNN, "The Future of the Trade Show Industry – Are We In Danger of Losing Our Soul?," Douglas Emslie, former Tarsus Group CEO and chairman of Cuil Bay Capital, stresses the need for our industry to better support entrepreneurship in order to continue driving innovation in the trade show sector and ensure its future. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ezfdGrUj #tradeshow #tradeshows #eventprofs

For business people, entrepreneurs, and founders maintaining an open mindset for deals at any business phase! Series 1: Broadly, there are two types of M&As. Enterprise combinations are predominantly financial transactions where an incumbent company acquires another mature business. On the other hand, entrepreneurial M&A is a transaction enabling an established company to collaborate with a startup by taking a controlling position. These M&A styles have distinct trajectories for business development. From a perspective, five main considerations can help both acquirers and targets navigate these different transaction types: Value Delivery: Immediate Impact vs. Future Impact Big companies may acquire another organization for various reasons, including market share consolidation, adding products/services, technical capabilities, personnel, recognizing financial synergies, and strategic positioning against competitors. The motivations behind enterprise combinations and entrepreneurial acquisitions can diverge, considering the scale at which incumbent companies operate. If a target acquisition provides an immediate contribution, with a 10% or more improvement to key financial metrics like revenue or profit in the current fiscal year, it indicates an enterprise combination. #Dealadvisory #BusinessConsulting #MnA

🚀 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻! 🌍 I'm thrilled to invite you to our upcoming Globinar, where we'll dive into the complexities of 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻. The image below is a sneak peek into the flowchart we'll explore during the session, highlighting the 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 you must answer when deciding your strategy. Can you guess how this question flows into the seven key options we'll be discussing? 🤔 When: 𝗧𝗵𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝟴𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗧 / 𝟵𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗧 / 𝟭𝟬𝗮𝗺 𝗖𝗧 / 𝟭𝟭𝗮𝗺 𝗘𝗧 Where: Online - Register for free here https://lnkd.in/eUbJJ9EZ We'll discuss real-world insights on Joint Ventures, Acquisitions, Franchising, and more. It's going to be an engaging session filled with practical advice, lively discussions, and actionable strategies. 💡 Whether you're considering a Joint Venture, an Acquisition, or another path, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Come prepared to share your thoughts and learn from others. 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝘂𝘀: Guess the third question and see how it ties into our seven alternatives! Don't miss out on this opportunity to network, learn, and refine your approach to global expansion! 🔗 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘄 and let's chart your course for international success: Register Here https://lnkd.in/eUbJJ9EZ #𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 #𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 #𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 #𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 #𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 #𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 #𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 #𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 #𝗕𝗶𝘇𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗹𝗼 #𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿

The Board of Directors in startups often reminds me of Schrödinger's cat. If we paraphrase – we cannot be sure if it’s dead or alive. If it exists or not. However, the founder usually ensures there is a Board and they even conduct Board meetings and pass resolutions! How is that possible? The main reason for such ambiguity is that the first step to forming and properly appointing the Board is often forgotten. Simply giving titles of Board members to the main company executives – CTO, CFO etc, and gathering for monthly strategy meetings, does not impose the Director’s responsibilities on those executives. As long as they are not appointed as Directors and the Board is not created in the company's statutory documents. The only person who will be suffering in the future of such approach is the only real Director who is usually the CEO.  Because who else will be accountable for any short-sighted decisions from the past if decisions-makers were not Board Members? So, for you to have a Board: 🔸 Create separate section in Company’s Articles of Association where Board functions and number of director are described; 🔸 Pass Shareholders’ resolution to create a Board and appoint Directors; 🔸 Submit documents to the Company register in your jurisdiction. Note: Do not mention Directors’ names in the AoA as you will need to submit changes to the Register each time the Directors change (and believe, it will happen quite often). This will cause unnecessary fees for Company information updates. The situation with a Board is different when an investor joins the Company. Every investor would want to appoint their own Director to the Board to supervise the funds use and advise for the Company growth. This will be a great opportunity for the founder to put the existing Board business in order and appoint the Board Members properly. How to sign documents and contracts when you have 3, 4, 5 Directors on the Board — by all of them or only Managing Director — you will find more insights in my article below: https://lnkd.in/dTh2-Jqq Feel free to comment in case you have questions.  #corporategovernance #corporatelaw #boardofdirectors #boardmembers #startup #investors

Glad to see the outcomes of this project with Peter McNamara and Niall Connolly being published in the LSE Business Review. Media tends to talk a lot about the founders in young start-ups or about the challenges of multi-generational family businesses (which make great material for shows like Succession), but founder-CEOs in businesses that are maybe 10-15 years old tend to get overlooked. Yet, there are many of them, and they are facing some unique challenges. Our piece focuses on the differences between these CEOs and professional CEOs, in particularly in their ability to accept and drive forward radical innovation. #research #innovation #smallbusinessowner

🚀 Exploring Dormant Companies: Unlocking Potential for Growth 🚀 Are you aware of the untapped potential that dormant companies hold? In today's fast-paced business landscape, it's crucial to identify opportunities for growth and innovation wherever they may lie. Join us as we delve into dormant companies - those entities that are still registered but not actively trading or generating revenue. Despite their inactive status, these companies often possess valuable assets, intellectual property, or dormant business models that can be revitalized with the right strategy and vision. In our upcoming webinar, we'll explore: 🔍 The potential benefits of acquiring dormant companies 💡 Strategies for identifying dormant companies with high growth potential 📈 Case studies of successful dormant company acquisitions 🔒 Legal and regulatory considerations when acquiring dormant companies Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, or curious mind eager to explore new avenues of opportunity, this webinar promises to provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for unlocking the hidden potential of dormant companies. Date: [Insert Date] Time: [Insert Time] Location: [Insert Virtual/Webinar Link] Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on business growth and innovation. #BusinessGrowth #Innovation #Acquisitions #Entrepreneurship #DormantCompanies #Webinar #OpportunityUnlocking

🔍 Why Early-Stage Companies Seek Expertise from M&A Advisors 🔍 In the early stages of business growth, companies often face a huge decision on how to scale the business effectively while navigating complex challenges. Here’s why many turn to qualifed Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) advisors: Strategic Guidance 🧠 M&A advisors bring valuable insights into the market landscape, helping young companies identify growth opportunities and avoid common pitfalls. Access to Networks 🌐 Advisors have established networks of potential partners, investors, and buyers, opening doors that early-stage companies might struggle to access on their own. Valuation Expertise 💼 Determining the true value of your company or a potential acquisition target is crucial. M&A advisors ensure you’re getting the best deal and maximizing value. Negotiation Skills 🤝 Negotiating terms can be tricky, especially for startups. Advisors bring experience to the table, ensuring favorable outcomes that align with your long-term strategic goals. Risk Reduction 🛡️ Early-stage companies may lack the resources to fully assess and manage risks. M&A advisors help identify and reduce potential threats to ensure a smooth process of sustainable growth. Focus on Core Business 🎯 By handling the difficulties associated with the M&A process, advisors allow founders and management teams to stay focused on what they do best—managing and growing their core business. Seeking expertise from an M&A advisor isn’t just about sealing a deal—it’s about laying a strong foundation for long-term success. Whether you’re looking to merge, acquire, or prepare for future growth, an experienced advisor can be the key to unlocking your company’s full potential. 🚀 #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #MergersAndAcquisitions #Startups #StrategicPlanning #Leadership

Hot off the press - new blog. We still write blogs right? A New Era of Entrepreneurship – Building Exit-Ready Businesses The next big innovation in Entrepreneurship that is about to happen is a Reimagining of the Exit Process. Anecdotally most entrepreneurs seem unhappy with their exit, many fail to exit and the research from AES Nation indicates around 53% are unhappy with the outcome. Pressure has been building to change this 100 year old exit process which is in summary, build a business for 10 to 40 years that makes money, appoint an investment bank and sell it! Well out of 6.2 million US companies that run a payroll (US Census Data) only around 8000 exit each year for $10m or more. Obviously not all owners are trying to sell, but those that do face stiff odds to get what they deserve. Exiting at a premium price is rare. #Exits #M&A #acquisitions #operationalexcellence https://lnkd.in/eB8hJphm

90% of Entrepreneurs fail within the first 5 Years of inception, and the rest don’t fully tap into their full potential. While most businesses understand innovation is essential for future growth, as many as 54% of Corporates have difficulty aligning their innovation strategy with current practices. Quite often, corporations simply don't have the time to dedicate to researching and experimenting with innovation. Today’s consumers want connected, end-to-end experiences that meet their needs when and where they want. They are obsessed with flexibility, optionality, and variety - They are also commitment-phobic and want to try before buying. In a time of uncertainty, distress and isolation, there was a silver lining: An Opportunity. To the Founding Team of 2x1.Digital, the Covid-19 pandemic lent the missing piece – whether it be time, inspiration or market volatility – to jump into their dream initiative head first and address few of the pressing challenges expressed at the start of this post. Since our start, we have supported some of the world’s most promising Ventures, working successfully in the trenches with leading global companies and executives — including programmatic deal makers who are reshaping their industries. From strategy and capital planning all the way through the final steps of integration execution, we have helped our Friends identify the best path to shareholder value. Few companies align their strategy and M&A program sufficiently, thanks to our collaboration with leading global companies and executives, we have helped companies translate strategy into clear blueprints for making deals (acquisitions and separations). M&A has truly become a business muscle, one that becomes stronger the more rightly it is used. Whether it be separation and execution strategy, transforming technology operating models, outsourcing back-office functions to accelerate exit, or innovating a unique corporate brand to enhance market presence, 2x1.Digital has the capability to set up your business for long-term growth. #business #innovation #technology #growth #inspiration #strategy #entrepreneurs #planning #opportunity #corporations #mergersandacquisitions #investing #investmentportfolio #fundraising #funding #technology #smebusiness #smefinancing #venturecapital #venturebuilding