Blog Articles

Explore our insights on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance.

The Growing Importance of the Middle Market

The middle market has become an increasingly important player in the business world, and for good reason. With a range of companies falling within this category, from established small businesses to rapidly growing startups, the middle market is an essential part of the economy. As an expert with over 15 years of experience in this […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon
The Importance of Building Strong Relationships in Business
Startup Accelerator and Venture Capital
Apr 12, 2023

The Importance of Building Strong Relationships in Business

As a business professional, I have learned over the years that building strong relationships is one of the most critical aspects of achieving lasting success in any industry. While having a solid business plan and a great product or service is certainly important, it is the connections that you make and maintain over time that […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon
Understanding The Stock Option Valuation (Section 409A Valuation)
Business and Technology Valuation
Startup Accelerator and Venture Capital
Apr 12, 2023

Understanding The Stock Option Valuation (Section 409A Valuation)

When it comes to stock option valuation, many companies are required to adhere to Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. This section mandates that companies must value stock options at fair market value to avoid violating tax laws. But what does this mean for companies and their employees? Firstly, it’s important to understand what […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon
Option pool impact on valuation
Business and Technology Valuation
Startup Accelerator and Venture Capital
Apr 12, 2023

Option pool impact on valuation

When it comes to startup valuations, the option pool is a factor that can significantly affect the final number. An option pool is a portion of a company’s equity that is set aside for future employee compensation in the form of stock options. This means that if a company has a larger option pool, there […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon
Early stage valuation methods
Business and Technology Valuation
Startup Accelerator and Venture Capital
Apr 12, 2023

Early stage valuation methods

Early stage valuation methods are critical for founders and investors alike. They determine how much a company is worth at its earliest stages, which is essential for fundraising, equity allocation, and determining exit strategies. There are several valuation methods that can be employed in the early stages of a company, each with its own strengths […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon
What is a down round?
Business and Technology Valuation
Startup Accelerator and Venture Capital
Apr 12, 2023

What is a down round?

A down round is a term used in the world of venture capital to describe a situation where a company raises funds at a lower valuation than its previous funding round. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but typically occurs when the company is struggling to meet its targets, faces increased competition, or […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon
Early-stage valuation pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Business and Technology Valuation
Startup Accelerator and Venture Capital
Apr 12, 2023

Early-stage valuation pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Early-stage valuation is one of the most critical aspects of a startup’s journey, and it’s a stage that can lead to significant pitfalls. If you’re an entrepreneur, it’s essential that you understand the pitfalls to avoid making costly mistakes. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common early-stage valuation pitfalls and how […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon
Investment Round, Investment Type, Investment Amount, and Value by Startup Stages
Business and Technology Valuation
Startup Accelerator and Venture Capital
Apr 12, 2023

Investment Round, Investment Type, Investment Amount, and Value by Startup Stages

When it comes to funding a startup, there are four common stages that investors should be aware of: seed stage, early stage, growth stage, and late stage. Each stage has its own unique characteristics and investment types. Understanding the stages and investment types can help investors make informed decisions and mitigate risk. Seed Stage The […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon
My Credentials
About Yong
Apr 12, 2023

My Credentials

Credentials are important in every profession, especially in the field of accounting, finance, and business valuation. These credentials demonstrate one’s knowledge, skills, and expertise in a particular area. In this blog post, I will describe the credentials of CPA, ABV, CVA, CM&AA, CEPA, and PFP which I have earned. CPA (Certified Public Accountant) by AICPA […]

Yong KwonYong Kwon