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Clarity

Stephan Little

Washington D.C. Metro and Los Angeles CA

Founding partner at Zero Limits Ventures - an advisory, consulting, and venture investment firm specializing in:

- Valuation Growth Strategies
- High-Return Mergers, Acquisitions & IPO

Zero Limits Ventures applies a unique proprietary value growth methodolgy proven by in over 470 companies to accelerate larger more sustainable valuation growth and produce unprecedented multiple on invested capital of 8x to 10x or more.

Founding Partner of Zero Limits Capital

- Seed, Early Stage & Growth Capital and Funding

Zero Limits Capital leverages the unique proprietary value growth methodolgies proven by Zero Limits Ventures with 470 companies to accelerate larger more sustainable valuation growth and produce unprecedented multiple on invested capital.

$10.00/min

8 Calls

8 Reviews

37 minutes
Avg. call

Entrepreneurship Raising capital Online Marketing Executive Coaching Business Strategy Funding Leadership Development Mergers & Acquisitions Growth Strategies

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Entrepreneurship

I've been building businesses for 40+ years. In that time built dozens of multimillion dollar fast-growth successes and piloted 6 $100M+ acquisitions.

Throughout the past 10 years I have personally taught, coached and mentored hundreds of business owners and corporate leadership teams to capitalize on explosive growth opportunities, accelerate results and achieve astonishing levels of success in highly competitive markets.

I specialize in developing accelerated growth strategies, funding and funding strategies and high return exit strategies.

I will do the same for you.

http://www.zerolimitsventures.com

CEO & Managing Principal, Zero Limits Capital

At Zero Limits Capital, Steve leverages the unique proprietary value growth methodologies proven to accelerate the realization of larger, more sustainable valuation acceleration to support the capital funding strategies in high performing seed and early stage companies to produce unprecedented multiples on invested capital (MOICs) for limited partner investors.

CEO & Managing Principal, Zero Limits Ventures

At Zero Limits Ventures, Steve and his team spot unique opportunities for valuation growth & acceleration – whether triple bottom line social impact models, customer engagement strategies, or other strategies beyond revenue and earnings growth. The unique proprietary valuation growth assessment, planning and implementation mthodology has been proven repeatedly in over 470 companies producing an average value gain of 6x to 8x.

Funding, Value Growth and M&A Strategies

Throughout the past 35 years, I've raised over $3B in both growth and start-up venture funding for companies I've been instrumental in building, several of which I piloted to $100M+ acquisitions.

In 2010 I launched Zero Limits Ventures; an advisory, consulting, and venture investment firm specializing in:

- Growth reinvigoration strategies to increase valuation
- Growth funding and funding strategies
- High-return M&A strategies

With over 40 years direct multi-industry business-building experience, access to over $3B in debt & equity capital resources, I help top-shelf companies dramatically reinvigorate growth and profitability and aggressively increase company valuation.

http://www.zerolimitsventures.com

Answers 6
Reviews 8

Answers

Stephan Little answered

Any suggestions for a calendar app that will let you schedule multiple work teams with 4-3 tasks per day, and one that store the clients info as well?

check out Asana.com

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Scheduling

Stephan Little answered

I'm looking for a great full service app design firm to build my app and help with all design, branding, development, etc. Anyone know any good ones?

http:www.seguetech.com

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Application Development

Mobile applications

Product Development

Stephan Little answered

How to sell a service based company?

YES! You certainly can sell a services business; and, if it is positioned and prepared properly, for pretty great returns too. There are a number of different exit strategies available to you, not ALL of them acquisition. For instance; we have helped service business owners transition (exit) from their business without selling the business, but instead by retaining a minority interest and receiving large (7 figure) royalty checks for years after their departure.

That said, IF acquisition is what you want each of the dozens of strategies available to you really begin with identifying prospective buyers, understanding their motivation for acquisition and pivoting your company into alignment with those motivations.

I explain the process in more detail here: http://www.zerolimitsventures.com/cadredc

Hope this helps! Good luck.

Steve

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Exit Strategies

Exits

Stephan Little answered

Is it unwise for an entrepreneur to sign a non-disclosure agreement?

Lots of good input here already. I concur with most of it. Make sure the NDA offers mutual protection and provides for a remedy that is reasonable. I would also suggest adding 'non-circumvention' language.

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Entrepreneurship

Legal Advice

Legal Assistance

Stephan Little answered

Launching a startup with no job and no savings. Should I get a job or find investors?

Wow, lots of questions here. Let me try to hit them in order:

"Should I get a job or find investors?"

IF you have access to enough investor capital (not debt and not your savings) and you can get to MVP and still maintain ownership of a sizable majority of the business then do it.

IF that means debt financing then only use the debt lines the cost of which can be carried by returns generated by the use of funds.

I would prefer to offer a convertible note to prospective investors that can be easily extended throughout both friends and family and seed rounds (up to $2M to $3M) to get to proof in the market.

If you can get to revenue and earnings fast enough then you can avoid equity dilution all together.

IF you cannot secure that find of funding AND you cannot produce enough revenue from your business to deliver sufficient earnings for you to live on, then by all means, you should find a way to make the money you need and not burn all your savings or mortgage your home

If that means short term contract work that's great. Particularly if you can find log term work that is relevant to the business you're building.

If that means taking a job then do that. IF you do that, then yes, be transparent with your employer and let them know you're working on your own business also.

Hope this helps....

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Funding

Angel Investor

Lean Startups

Stephan Little answered

What exit strategies do angel investors want/prefer for a service business?

Keep in mind that investors invest for returns. Telling a prospective investor that you want his or her money to grow your business but don't plan on ever generating a liquidation event that pays him or her a dividend is not likely going to work; angel or not.

You may be better served with debt financing where returns are generated in the form of interest payments not equity value growth.

BUT, if equity financing is the plan, you're going to want to develop a strategic exit plan right from the start.

That means identifying prospective buyers, strategic channels etc and characterizing the value drivers for each right up front.

You'll find prospective buyers come in a number of forms; competitors, bigger versions of you, strategic partners, private equity, etc. Each will value your business in different amounts for for different reasons. Understanding this is vitally important for you to navigate to securing the right money, from the right sources, with the most favorable terms.

Once you've qualified and quantified each of them, then determine what (specifically) you're going to need to do to align your business with those prospective buyers generating the highest returns.

This will drive your business model and go to market strategy and define your 'use of funds' decisions. This in turn result in a better, more valuable business whether you exit or not.

Do it this way and you'll have no trouble raising money from multiple sources.

You can learn more about the advantage of starting with a Strategic Exit plan here: http://www.zerolimitsventures.com/cadredc

Good luck.

Steve

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angel investing

Funding

Exit Strategies

Reviews

Our call with Stephan was just great - he provided great insights and was very helpful. Definitely a great asset

Bill Clark Source: Clarity

Steve is amazing to talk with. He is not only full of incredible insight and experience but explains everything in a manner that is easy to understand and put to use. The value of the information that Steve shares is priceless. I look forward to continuing my discussions with him.

Ted Myerson Source: Clarity

In the 45 minute call with Steve, he helped me zero in on what the real problem is and the exact next steps I needed to take to recreate the business that serves my vision and supports my lifestyle goals.

Michelle Salater Source: Clarity

Steve Little has created an amazing program that has changed my life and put me on the fast track toward success and fulfillment. I would recommend Steve to anyone that has finally decided to take control of their lives and their future and to steer away from the status quo and toward their passion and purpose.

Michael J. Stone Source: LinkedIn

Steve is one of those guys you need on your side as an entrepreneur. If you have a business challenge that you can't solve and need guidance, call Steve and he'll not only guide you in the right direction, but you'll learn a new approach to your business. I highly recommend any entrepreneur to contact Steve and see what he can do to help you in your business.

David Gass Source: LinkedIn

I have spoken and consulted with Stephan many times and interviewed him for my radio show. I am amazed at the depth and breadth of his experience, his knowledge and business savvy. He is the PERFECT person to help you find your perfect business. Can't think of anyone more qualified. He is supportive, follows Natural Law and always comes from a place of service. Highly recommended!

Camille Kocsis Source: LinkedIn

Stephen's work is transformational. He truly is a man of his word and a believer in the potential in everyone. He is a hands on, real and authentic coach and advocate and I highly recommend his trainings and programs.

Tara Kennedy-Kline
Author of Stop Raising Einstein
Owner of Tara's Toy Box

Tara Kennedy-Kline Source: LinkedIn

There's no one I know that combines business and spirit with more passion. Steve is totally driven to demonstrate how business can make the world a better place and he walks the talk. He's a tremendous coach and leader. I've experienced directly the power he brings into a room and his ability to be an asset for his clients. If you get a chance to learn from this guy - take advantage of his wisdom and talent!

Chris Cucchiara Source: LinkedIn

Member since April 2013