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Assaf Ben-David Mentor, Entrepreneur, Lawyer, Public Speaker

Israel

Experienced Startup Mentor, Commercial lawyer, Lecturer & public speaker. I've helped thousands of entrepreneurs, and given hundreds of talks/lectures on entrepreneurship. I'm the founder of the Legal Clinic for Startups, https://business.mentor247.co/ and numerous other ventures.

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35

Calls

24

Reviews

Entrepreneurship

Startups

Startup Consulting

Public Speaking

Coaching

Business planning

Business Strategy

Early-stage Startups

Life Coaching

Legal Advice

Member since April 2019

Areas of Expertise

Reviews 24
Answers 246

Entrepreneurship

Startups

Startup Consulting

Public Speaking

Coaching

Business planning

Business Strategy

Early-stage Startups

Life Coaching

Legal Advice

Clarity

Assaf Ben-David

Israel

Experienced Startup Mentor, Commercial lawyer, Lecturer & public speaker. I've helped thousands of entrepreneurs, and given hundreds of talks/lectures on entrepreneurship. I'm the founder of the Legal Clinic for Startups, https://business.mentor247.co/ and numerous other ventures.

$2.92/min

35

35 Calls

24

24 Reviews

31 minutes
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Entrepreneurship Startups Startup Consulting Public Speaking Coaching Business planning Business Strategy Early-stage Startups Life Coaching Legal Advice

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Pitching, Elevator Pitch, Investors Deck, Public Speaking

startup mentor, university lecturer and public speaker.
I've successfully helped over 300 entrepreneurs and over 100 startups. I've taught tens of courses and given hundreds of talks. Being an excellent public speaker (whether for investors or a TedX talk) is a skill that you can acquire, not something that you're born with. I can help you improve this skill, help you with your presentation and focus your message.
I spend time before each call preparing and only schedule the call if I feel that I can be of value. If you feel that I didn't provide value during our call, I will give you a full refund!

Entrepreneurship, Start-Ups

startup mentor and experienced commercial lawyer - with expertise in a wide variety of startups and international negotiations.
I've successfully helped over 300 entrepreneurs. I've taught tens of courses and given hundreds of talks. I established and directed the Legal Clinic for Startups in the 'Startup Nation'. I prepare (on my own expense) before each call and only schedule the call if I feel that I can be of value. If you feel that I didn't provide value during our call, I will give you a full refund! Take a look at my reviews.

Validating Your Idea - Quickly and Effectively

Validating your idea can save you thousands of dollars and months of work. It can increase your chances of raising money from investors, and it can ultimately help make your startup a success. I’ve successfully helped hundreds of startups validate their idea and I’d be happy to help you too. I’ll explain how in a clear and easy way to understand way.

Legal Counsel for Early Stage Startups

I've successfully helped over 300 entrepreneurs & over 100 startups. Avoid the common legal / business mistakes in advance(!) - mistakes that will cost you a lot of money or will cause you to lose potential investors. For example, most common mistake: not owning your Intellectual Property (the code, your website or mobile app). You may think that you own it (because you paid for it) but in most cases it is still lawfully owned by the person who created it (the programmer, service provider or other founder, or perhaps your current employer).
I prepare before each call and only take the call if I believe that I can add value. If you feel that I didn't provide value during our call, I will give you a full refund!

How to Make Your Business a Success

I've successfully helped over 300 entrepreneurs and businesses, and would be happy to try and help you. I have vast experience with startups and business and legal aspects.

Answers 246
Reviews 24

Answers

Assaf Ben-David answered

Experts: should you place your Clarity.fm Widget prominently on your Blog/Website rather than your direct phone number?

My answer might seem a bit too simple, but anyway: why not put both - your direct number for people who prefer to first 'get to know you' before scheduling a consult, and the Clarity widget for people who already know what they want, and just need some quick advice.
Just take into account that if you add the clarity widget, and you don't have any reviews yet (or have reviews but they're negative), then maybe it would be less wise to add the widget.
If you are new to clarity and want to get some reviews, you could use your VIP code to offer free calls - this way you get happy clients, and you build your reputation on clarity by getting more reviews.
I hope this helped.
Good luck

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Clarity

Marketing Strategy

Startup Consulting

Assaf Ben-David answered

How do I validate demand for this idea? I don't know where to start.

Hi
First of all, the fact that you are talking about market validation is great. I've seen so many startups invest time and money, only to find that no one wants/needs their product, or that they only want a certain aspect of it (whilst the startup spent money developing a whole bunch of other features), or that the clients aren't willing to pay the requested price - making the business not profitable. So you're already one step ahead.

Also, the sooner you validate your product, the better! That said, the version you are validating needs to be representative of the end product, or else the validation isn't reliable.
So, how should you validate it? The best way, is to see whether people are willing to pay for your product/service.
This is how you find that out:
1. Create a business model canvas (which is what all startups should start with before creating a business plan),
2. Setup a Wix or Wordpress website (this can be done for free / very low costs) or if your venture is a mobile app, then create what’s called a Clickable Prototype (“CP”) (a visual of the app in which the images change when you click – you can do so using the Apple Keynote tool or Microsoft PowerPoint). On the website, or the download page for the ‘app’, don't forget to include the price of the product/service, and enable people to order it (YES, even if it doesn't really exist yet!). I am happy to explain how this can be done whilst still being fair to your potential customers (the people who click the "buy/download” button).
3. Determine your target market/customers.
4. Spend a small amount marketing what you created.
This way, after only spending a very small amount, you will be able to know (assuming that you did it correctly):
a. Do people like your product.
b. Do people want/need your product (not the same as 'a').
c. Are people willing to pay for your product? (this being the most important stage)
d. How much are they willing to pay? (you can check this by having 2-3 landing pages with different prices on each).

2 last important points:
a) In order to rule out external factors like an unattractive landing page or advertising campaign, and assuming you have the time, create multiple landing pages / advertising campaigns, with different designs.
b) During the above process, don't forget to check how much it costs you to get each user/customer to click the "buy" button. If for example each click on your promotion/advertisement costs you $2, and only every 10 people who click go on to the "buy" page - that means each sale is costing you $20. Then check what your average profit per sale is, and then you'll know if your service/product is worth pursuing (obviously there are additional factors like return customers, referrals etc, but you will get a good estimated/validation of the idea/business).

Does something like this exist? Many people would use LinkedIn for some of the features you mentioned. For example, when flying to city X, I would ask: "Does anyone know any people in Y industry in city X" - and in most cases people get connections.

Good luck

I've successfully helped over 350 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david

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Business Development

Identifying New Business Opportunities

Setting up new businesses

Assaf Ben-David answered

Fighting trademark opposition at TTAB. How much can it cost?

Although this isn't my area of expertise, I've asked a colleague of mine who is one of the top lawyers in this field, and I'll get back to you once he does. Just private message you so that I can respond (these questions are posted anonymously).

I've successfully helped over 300 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david

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Trademarks

Assaf Ben-David answered

I am screening few startups for funding. For a tech startup, what % stake should the the CEO or main guy hold, so he / she has skin in the game?

Hi,
This is a huge question and one that I often get asked - from various aspects (investors, founders, service providers...).
General answer: there is no 'magic percentage' that a founder should hold - it all "depends" on the founders, on the investors, on the size of the investment, the industry and 10 other things. For example, the larger the share value, the lower amount of shares founder's are usually willing to have. Or if there are more founder's then each founder understands that they'll hold less shares. Or if it's an investor's market (wasn't until a few ago, now it is again - Corona virus...) then founder's know they will be expected to give up more. and more and more situations...so it depends.

As with any business deal, an investment is a negotiation, and you need to (1) know the market, (2) know the other side's interests/needs and (3) know what you want and what your BATNA/red line is.
If you read the other side well, you will know how many shares are enough for him to 'have skin in the game;
Also, in your example you need to remember 2 important things:
a. If there are 4 founders and you give one more %, then there will always be a feeling of inequality which will lead to problems.
b. On the other hand, If there is an equal division (25% each), this will lead to a deadlock in decision making.

If you really need a rule of thumb (even though there is NO one solution fits all), then it would be this: whatever the founder's ask for in their pitch, add 20%-30% to the shares that the investor gets or deduct 20%-30% from the amount requested. But again: I don't like this solution and it may create a win-lose feeling (win for investor-lose for founder's) which will eventually cause tensions. So if you're going to invest, but as well trust the team, and give them close to what they're asking unless the financial numbers don't justify it (a lot of first time entrepreneurs don't know how to do the numbers properly).

I teach negotiations, and do tens of them each week. Happy to help you with them, and happy to refer startups to you (if you tell me what stage you invests, amounts, fields etc).

I've successfully helped over 350 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david

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Fundraising

Stakeholder Management

Venture Capital

Assaf Ben-David answered

What are different approaches to do a product launch for SaaS products?

Hi,
Although I've helped many SaaS startups, your question is a bit too general to give an educated answer, because it really depends on the type of service you are providing, the niche' you're targeting, the clientele, country, etc. For example, launching a SaaS product for B2B isn't the same as launching for a B2C product. A product for younger consumers wouldn't b launched the same as a product for older ones.
I've successfully helped over 350 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david

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Lead Generation

Product Strategy

Product Marketing

Assaf Ben-David answered

How secure is Clarify.fm with content and recordings?

If you feel that Clarity isn’t secure enough for your needs, you’re welcome to use another platform. Also, if you have something that’s extremely private, your welcome to use another platform.
Clarity is a great platform with great customer support. I’ve needed them numerous times and they’ve always been super responsive and helpful. I only wish they promoted the platform even more.
Good luck

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Security

Information Security

Clarity

Assaf Ben-David answered

Is anyone know interesting blog where I can read many articles on different topics?

I'd be happy to help but let me know which topics interest you and I'll direct you.
Good luck
I've successfully helped over 300 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david

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Blogging

Assaf Ben-David answered

Is anyone know where I can find a perfect writing service? I need to do my essay and have a lack of time!

I can connect you with someone who could help you with this. Send me a private message with the topic, due date and your location.
Good luck
I've successfully helped over 300 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david

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Writing

Assaf Ben-David answered

Does your platform provide a Wallet feature?

you have a similar feature if you sign up and use the mentoring services on Startups.com.
I am also a mentor there and I have regular clients that pay a monthly fee for a bank of consulting hours.
Good luck
I've successfully helped over 350 entrepreneurs, startups and businesses, and I would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call, please send me some background information so that I can prepare in advance - thus giving you maximum value for your money. Take a look at the great reviews I’ve received: https://clarity.fm/assafben-david

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Payments

Payment Systems

Assaf Ben-David answered

Will live stream shopping work for furniture & interior decor?

Yes, people will be interested - I say this because there are numerous websites that already offer this service. Take a look at Houzz for example.
As for models, almost all the known online models would work: advertising, affiliates, commission, fermium etc...
I’ve successfully helped over 320 startups and entrepreneurs and would be happy to help you. After scheduling a call please send additional details and I’ll be happy to provide you with more value during the call.

Good luck

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Shopper Marketing

eCommerce

New Product Validation

Assaf Ben-David answered

How can I decide if I should seek a patent for a userbase or a difficult-to-build product?

Hi
First, I must give some credit to your expert as I agree with most of what he said.
What you are describing is a common dilemma, and indeed your chances are much higher if you have one of the three elements the expert mentioned. Companies are reluctant to pay / purchase / invest only in an idea. Additionally, even if they do show interest, you will have to expose the idea to them, at which stage they may decide to make use of it without your involvement (an NDA/confidentiality agreement can only protect you so much, and most companies won't agree to sign one).
Bottom line:
1. if you only want to sell the idea, your pitch email needs to be really good, and your NDA needs to be airtight.
2. I would consider offering that they develop it, and you get a commission in return.
3. You have a better chance if you validate the idea and collect some data. You don't have to develop the actual product in order to do this.
I've successfully helped over 300 entrepreneurs, and I'd be happy to help you with the email or in validating the product/service.
Good luck

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Business Strategy

Reviews

The information he gave me will allow me to progress in getting my ideas on the market.

Dominique Murchison Source: Clarity

He is always a good investment. Had a insighful conversation and will work around to improve things. Would 100% recommend to anyone looking to better idea & themselves in business.

jamshaid bhatti Source: Clarity

Assaf has clearly done this before. Very professional, knowledgeable and worth every minute. Thank you Assaf!

Dustin Hagadone Source: Clarity

Excellent consultation with Assaf. Went straight to the core of what I needed. Being a start-up, needed guidance on international law. I got a lot of value from the call with a set of action points, highly recommended for start-ups.

Andres Gutierrez Source: Clarity

Assaf understood our circumstances really quickly and well, was quite knowledgeable on the topic on which we were seeking guidance and gave us very helpful information and tips. We will seek his advice again in the near future.

Ece Filiz Source: Clarity

I wish i could have called earlier. He gave me great insights and advice. This call worth all and helped me to work on right direction. Thanks Assaf

jamshaid bhatti Source: Clarity

Assaf is calm, good listener and giving precise advice just what I need.
I definitely recommend him to you.
Thank you

Zoe Nguyen Source: Clarity

Assaf is super helpful and thorough! I gained so much value from our conversation and he does extra research to make sure he provides value. He gave good startup and legal advice! THANK YOU Assaf!

Kylie chim Source: Clarity

Amazing value thx a lot for your time!

moran pober Source: Clarity

Answered my questions and gave great additional tips. And he followed up with even more tips after the call, in an email, which was very generous.

Sonia Preta Source: Clarity

I wish I could give Assaf more than 5 - He was succinct and show me creative & pragmatic ways to achieve results. Today because of him- I regain my trust with clarity platform.

Saquib Khan,PMP,CSM,CSPO,SP Source: Clarity

Member since April 2019