Foreword by Bill Gross ix

Preface: Why Every Entrepreneur Needs This Book, Now xi

Prologue: What Is the Singularity and Why Should I Care? xv

Introduction: Key Action Steps for Every Entrepreneur xxi

Part I Prepare to Launch 1

Chapter 1 Translate Your Idea into a Compelling Business Model 3

Chapter 2 Craft a Lean Business Plan to Serve as Your Venture's Road Map 13

Chapter 3 Find and Know Your Competitors 25

Chapter 4 Build Your Dream Team 37

Chapter 5 Allocate the Equity in Your Startup 47

Chapter 6 Build a Minimum Viable Product and Validate Your Plan with Customers 57

Chapter 7 Establish Your Brand with Online Public Profiles 67

Chapter 8 Network Effectively Within the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 75

Part II Launch and Build Your Company 83

Chapter 9 Incorporate Your Company for Protection and Investment 85

Chapter 10 "Lawyer Up" the Right Way 95

Chapter 11 Recruit Your Boards of Directors and Advisors 105

Chapter 12 Financial Forecasting and Accounting 115

Chapter 13 Establish and Manage Your Credit Profile 127

Chapter 14 Open Bank, Credit Card, and Payment Accounts 135

Chapter 15 Choosing Your Key Technologies, Platforms, and Vendors 145

Chapter 16 Measure Your Business with Data Analytics 155

Chapter 17 Round Out Your Team with Employees and Freelancers 165

Chapter 18 Establish a Stock Option Plan to Incentivize Your Team 179

Part III Raise Funds, Collaborate with Investors, Plan Your Exit 187

Chapter 19 Understand the Funding Process and What Investors Want to See 189

Chapter 20 Develop Your Investor Pipeline 203

Chapter 21 Crowdfunding and Online Platforms 217

Chapter 22 Survive the Term Sheet Negotiation and Investor Due Diligence 221

Chapter 23 Get the Most from Your Investors, Now and in the Future 233

Chapter 24 Understand Your Company's Valuation 241

Chapter 25 Keep Your Eye on the Exit and Reap the Benefits of Success 253

Epilogue: The Gust Online Platform for Startups 261

Acknowledgments 267

About the Author 271

Index 273

The Startup Checklist

25 Steps to a Scalable, High-Growth Business