Ask HN: What do you guys think about this term sheet? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What do you guys think about this term sheet?

7 pointsstrap8 comments

My company got a term sheet today, and it contains pretty much every 'bad' VC practice I've read about - double dipping, full ratchet anti-dilution, milestones, about half of the valuation we were asking for, micro-control by preferred shareholders over many operational decisions- and I realize this is probably just the start of a negotiation process but I'm also thinking, heck, we've been bootstrapping for so long now, we might be able to get over the hump ourselves.

I don't have a lot of advisers to talk to who've gone through something like this, so I was kind of hoping for some comments on my situation.

Thanks!

You've got a term sheet, which means you've got something worth investing in (social proof).

But, the investor is trying to screw you.

I've been in a similar situation before. Trust me, what you need to do is speak to other investors before you make your decision.

If you don't know other investors then a good place to start is:

http://venturehacks.com/intro

Fill in the form at the bottom of the page and submit it.

Thanks for the idea

Get an advisor, ASAP, who has been through something like this.

Yep. Your problem is not the term sheet. Your problem is you have no one to get advice from about the term sheet.

Yes - we are talking to an experienced lawyer today.

Welcome to the poker table!

Take this social proof and run around to other VC's. Having other people interested is the only way you can improve terms and push anyone to close.

The best option is to say you dont need their money and would rather boot strap operations (even if that is a bluff).

As a rule of thumb, always turn down your first offer. Always.

i think you sort of answered the question yourself. If you truly believe you can get over the hump yourself, why give up equity for funding you may not need.

I hear you - it would be really nice to go for it full time on this though

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