Valuing a seed-stage startup can feel more like art than science, especially in highly complex sectors like automotive, aviation, and electric mobility. Yet, from my experience as a Stanford MBA graduate and subsequent work with private equity firms across the United States, I’ve seen that a methodical, five-step approach helps founders and investors converge on a number that aligns with market realities. Below, I outline a simple framework that captures both traditional valuation principles and nuances specific to these industries.

Raising a seed round is one of the most pivotal steps a tech startup founder will take. From validating your idea to closing the deal, the process can feel exciting yet overwhelming. This guide distills the essentials to help you navigate each stage more confidently. You’ll find real-world examples, common pitfalls, and resources for further exploration.

Recent threats of tariffs from President Trump have once again rattled the automotive industry’s established order, leaving multinational automakers and their supply chains in limbo. While the latest round of negotiations has hit pause on the immediate imposition of duties, the mere possibility of a 25% surcharge on vehicle and component imports from Mexico and Canada has sent shockwaves through boardrooms—and for good reason. The potential financial fallout could be “dramatic and immediate,” according to industry experts, and underscores a crucial imperative: the need for a robust, localized American OEM ecosystem.

The emergence of DeepSeek has triggered an industry-wide reckoning. For European AI startups struggling against well-funded American rivals, this Chinese model seems like a long-awaited opportunity. But is it truly an inflection point—or just another overhyped, over-politicized AI narrative?

Meta’s recent decision to abandon independent fact-checkers on Facebook and Instagram in favor of “community notes” is a polarizing shift that speaks volumes about the state of corporate governance in the age of politically charged digital platforms. In theory, this move is aimed at fostering free expression. In practice, it appears to prioritize political appeasement over corporate responsibility, with implications that extend far beyond Meta’s balance sheet.

As we look ahead to 2025, the marketing landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, driven by two seemingly opposing forces: the rise of advanced technology to streamline business operations and the increasing reliance on influencers to serve as the human face of brands. This juxtaposition presents both opportunities and challenges for marketers navigating a more complex digital world.

In a stunning turn of events, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, signaling the end of an era defined by both admiration and controversy. For nearly a decade, Trudeau’s policies and leadership style shaped Canada’s business landscape, leaving entrepreneurs and corporate leaders divided on his legacy. His departure raises one pressing question: what does this mean for the future of business in Canada?

Intel, once synonymous with cutting-edge innovation, faces a paradox that should serve as a case study for any leader in capital formation, business development, or digital transformation. Despite the growing global demand for semiconductors—a backbone of the digital economy—the tech giant has repeatedly stumbled, squandering opportunities to dominate a market it once led. How can a company with an $100-billion-plus market cap falter when demand for its products has never been higher? The answer lies in mismanagement, complacency, and a failure to adapt—a cautionary tale for all businesses.

Digital transformation has been the corporate mantra of the past decade. Yet, a sobering truth undercuts the optimism: three-quarters of these efforts fail to deliver their intended return on investment, according to Deloitte. Why? Businesses are often swept up in the allure of new technologies, failing to address the structural, operational, and cultural shifts required to sustain value over time.

When Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the news carried a stark warning for companies operating in hyper-competitive, cost-sensitive industries: capital formation without sustainable growth is a recipe for disaster. The collapse of Spirit’s business model wasn’t just a case of bad timing or regulatory misfortune. It highlighted the dangers of over-reliance on debt and the failure to align strategic funding with long-term operational resilience.

In the midst of global market volatility and persistent economic headwinds, one asset class is garnering serious attention: U.S. farmland. For investors looking to hedge against inflation and secure long-term, stable returns, agricultural real estate has become an increasingly attractive proposition. Among the various states experiencing a boom in farmland sales, Florida stands out as a uniquely lucrative market, marrying strong demand with strategic advantages that few regions can match.

In an era where technological breakthroughs drive economic growth and define our future, the sectors that need capital the most are facing a dire shortage. Early-stage technology startups, especially those in deep tech, clean energy, and biotech, find themselves at a precipice as private funding pulls back. Without significant capital flows, these industries—and by extension, society—could experience setbacks that resonate for years to come.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House, signaled by his 2024 election win, heralds sweeping implications for the investment world. Venture capitalists and private equity leaders, accustomed to reading the winds of change in Washington, now face a political climate reminiscent of Trump’s first term but adapted to new economic realities. While some predict clear skies for capitalists, storm clouds could complicate the horizon.

In a significant milestone for urban mobility, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently granted approval for the use of "power lift" aircraft, a category that includes innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. This development paves the way for companies like Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation to bring their electric-powered air taxis closer to reality. The approval marks a crucial step forward in redefining short-distance transit and urban travel, setting the stage for a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient mode of transportation.

In a bold step forward for academia and industry, the University of California, Berkeley, has announced a pioneering innovation hub designed to transform cutting-edge research into commercially viable businesses. As the hub of a national effort to advance academic discoveries, Berkeley aims to build a bridge between fundamental research and business, leveraging faculty, student, and industry talent to create solutions with real-world impact.

In times of uncertainty, companies must often make bold and controversial moves to secure their future. Boeing, once the crown jewel of American aerospace, is now facing unprecedented financial pressure. Its recent announcement to raise at least $10 billion through stock sales underscores a critical juncture in the company’s financial health. This move, though bold, raises questions about its long-term viability and the broader implications for capital markets. Can Boeing’s capital formation strategy during these turbulent times offer lessons for other industries, or is it a desperate move that signals deeper structural issues?

In the face of escalating climate-related disasters, businesses worldwide are grappling with a critical decision: should they relocate operations to safer regions, or adapt their infrastructure to withstand increasingly frequent and severe events? Hurricanes such as Milton, predicted to cost the insurance industry up to $100 billion, raise urgent questions about the long-term viability of operating in high-risk areas. This analysis explores the financial, operational, and strategic considerations involved in this decision, weighing the benefits of relocation against the challenges and opportunities of adaptation.

Taking a company public is a significant milestone in the life of any business. The process, known as an Initial Public Offering (IPO), allows a private company to raise capital by selling shares of stock to the public for the first time. A successful IPO can fuel growth, increase brand visibility, and provide liquidity to investors. However, the road to going public is complex and requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a guide on how to take a company public and tips for making its debut on the stock exchange a success.

Starting a business is an exhilarating but complex journey. As a founder, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the endless tasks, from product development to securing funding, and everything in between. One strategy that can help founders stay focused and effective is organizing efforts into 90-day sprints. These short, focused periods allow founders to set clear, achievable goals, track progress, and adjust as needed. Here’s a breakdown of what each 90-day sprint should look like when you’re getting a business off the ground.

As the November election approaches, with Kamala Harris representing the Democratic Party and Donald Trump making another bid as the Republican candidate, the stakes are high for many sectors, including venture funding and capital formation. With each candidate offering distinct economic policies, the impact on startups, entrepreneurs, and investors could be significant. Let’s explore how these potential outcomes could shape the venture ecosystem and influence capital markets.