[author: Jared Brenner]
Some interesting links we found across the web this week:
Founders Have to Choose Between Growth—and Keeping Control
We get it—the company’s your baby and it’s tough to let go—but new research from the University of Southern California suggests that ceding some decision-making power to your investors could be great for future valuations. Be sure to click through to the study itself, linked in the article.
The Secrets of Great CEO Selection
And if you’re the one to whom power is ceded, as a member of the board you may be in the market for a new CEO. Great thoughts from the Harvard Business Review on executive search.
Valuation Experts Will Be Held to a New Standard
Section 409A of the US tax code requires companies to regularly set a “fair market value” of their shares before issuing stock options. One way to determine that number is to hire a valuation firm to help. But how do these specialists put a price on your company? The analysis can be unclear and lead to audit concerns later, but the industry is starting to course-correct. Check out the latest from The Wall Street Journal.
Understanding Acquihires
If it turns out your company’s no unicorn, you might look to get acqui-hired and make your product work within a larger corporate structure. Here’s a quick primer, and elsewhere on this site, our very own Glenn Luinenburg explains as well.
Blockchain Technologies Could Transform Government Services
All eyes are on changes in the US federal government this season and the implications for tech could be massive. We wouldn’t expect anything as radical as government use of the blockchain, but this piece from TechCrunch breaks down the possibilities.
China’s Firms Strive to Gain a Foothold in US Venture Capital
Despite developments here at home, never forget that startups are a global market and China is growing a venture capital sector every day. So far such Chinese firms have struggled to navigate the American market, but watch this space for new opportunities in the years ahead.
