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The Silver State isn’t just an oasis of entertainment; savvy entrepreneurs know that Nevada offers a winning hand for business ventures. From cutting-edge innovations in blockchain and artificial intelligence to traditional industries like mining and agriculture, Nevada is where tech meets tradition in the most unexpected ways. It’s like being on the frontier of discovery—only with air conditioning!

Discover the top 8 reasons why Nevada is the ultimate destination for startups looking to thrive.

 

Something (or Somewhere) for Everyone

Nevada’s varied landscapes make it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and a thriving scene for city dwellers alike. The state offers everything from hiking and skiing in Great Basin National Park and Tahoe to world-class entertainment and dining in Reno and Las Vegas. This blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication caters to all lifestyles and can be a great bonus for businesses looking to entertain or team-build.

Choose Your Climate:

If you love four seasons or winter sports, Northern Nevada has you covered. Need a break from the startup grind? Take the afternoon to ski at one of the many world-class ski resorts, paddle board on Lake Tahoe, or hike up to Angora Lakes for a refreshing jump off the cliffs.

Do you prefer never to touch a snow shovel, and podcast poolside all year long? Southern Nevada boasts over 300 days of sunshine per year. When you need a break from the startup grind, you can take a hike in Red Rock Canyon, catch a show on the Strip, or try your luck at the blackjack table (but not with your investors’ money!).

It’s not just the landscape in Nevada that is diverse, the breadth of industries that thrive in Nevada is almost as wide as the desert stretches.

 

Growing Economies

Nevada is home to rapidly growing industries, providing ample opportunities for startups to scale. The state’s economy is diversified with key industries including technology, tourism, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. The presence of major companies and industry leaders in these sectors creates a favorable ecosystem for startups to tap into existing networks and leverage partnerships, plus help to attract more investors and venture capitalists, increasing the availability of funding for startups.

Here are some emerging sectors in Nevada and why they’re attracting startup innovation:

1. Renewable Energy:

Nevada’s abundant sunshine and open spaces make it an ideal location for renewable energy innovation, particularly solar power. With ample opportunities for solar farms and rooftop solar installations, startups in the renewable energy sector are capitalizing on the state’s favorable climate conditions and supportive policies to drive innovation in clean energy technologies. Additionally, initiatives like the Renewable Energy Tax Abatement Program incentivize investment in renewable energy projects, further fueling growth in this sector. 

One of the most significant contributions of Elon Musk to Nevada is the construction and operation of the Tesla Gigafactory located near Reno. The Gigafactory is a massive lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle (EV) production facility that plays a crucial role in Tesla’s mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy.

Portfolio Company Feature: Terbine collects data from Internet of Things devices and packages the data into usable information for planning, including creating digital twins of cities.

2. Aerospace and Defense:

Nevada’s vast airspace and proximity to military installations like Nellis Air Force Base and the Nevada Test and Training Range make it a prime location for aerospace and defense startups. With opportunities for research, development, and testing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), space exploration technologies, and defense systems, startups in this sector benefit from access to specialized facilities and expertise. 

Portfolio Company Feature: SEEID

SEE ID is a real-time asset tracking, edge data source and secure access controller company. They leverage the latest technologies including their own patented passive RFID tracking solutions, low-power BLE, GPS, AR/VR, Edge Camera Platforms utilizing AI, and more to build the future of real-time tracking.

3. Advanced Manufacturing:

Nevada’s strategic location, transportation infrastructure, and skilled workforce position it as a hub for advanced manufacturing startups. With opportunities in industries such as electronics, aerospace, and biotechnology, startups are leveraging technologies like 3D printing, automation, and robotics to drive innovation and efficiency in manufacturing processes. Moreover, initiatives like the Workforce Innovation for the New Nevada (WINN) Program provide funding and support for advanced manufacturing projects, fostering growth and competitiveness in this sector. 

4. Healthcare and Biotechnology:

Nevada’s growing population and demand for healthcare services create opportunities for startups in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. With access to research institutions like the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, startups are developing innovative solutions in areas such as telemedicine, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, initiatives like the University of Nevada Reno’s Nevada Center for Applied Research (NCAR) provide resources and support for healthcare and biotech startups to accelerate their growth and commercialization. 

Portfolio Company Features: 

Adaract: Adaract introduces a stronger and lighter solution with their artificial muscle actuators. 

SurgiStream: Surgistream offers a digitized platform for healthcare professionals to manage patient communication, scheduling, and medical clearance tracking. 

5. Artificial Intelligence:

Nevada’s AI industry has been gradually expanding, driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of AI technologies across various sectors, including gaming, entertainment, hospitality, healthcare, and autonomous systems. Nevada has been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, thanks to its supportive regulatory environment and infrastructure. AI startups focusing on autonomous systems, robotics, and drone technology may find Nevada an especially attractive location for development and testing.

These industries represent just a glimpse of the diverse opportunities for startup innovation in Nevada. With its supportive business climate, skilled workforce, and strategic advantages, Nevada continues to attract entrepreneurs and startups looking to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

Portfolio Company Features: 

AI.xyz: AI.XYZ is a life management tool providing customized suggestions, ideas and support through a personalized AI.

Lucihub: Lucihub lets brands create affordable, professionally edited videos at speed and scale without a production team

TensorWave: The next wave of AI compute for all your AI workloads powered by AMD’s Instinct™ MI300X accelerators.

 

Tax Advantages

One of the major advantages of starting a business in Nevada is the favorable tax environment. The state has no personal income tax, no corporate income tax, and no franchise tax. This means that startups can retain more of their hard-earned cash and allocate it toward business growth and development. Additionally, Nevada offers various tax incentives and exemptions for businesses, such as sales tax abatements and property tax abatements, further reducing the tax burden on startups.

It’s like hitting the jackpot without even stepping foot in a casino!

Thriving Business Ecosystem

Nevada offers a business-friendly environment with low taxes and minimal regulatory hurdles, facilitating swift startup launches and expansions.

Extremely Business-Friendly Environment

Nevada’s business-friendly policies, including low taxes and minimal regulatory hurdles, create an attractive environment for startups. With a streamlined process for business registration and licensing, startups can quickly establish a presence in Nevada and focus on driving sales growth without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.

Infrastructure and Connectivity

Nevada’s metro cities boast modern infrastructure and connectivity, including transportation networks, telecommunications infrastructure, and access to high-speed internet. These assets facilitate commerce, logistics, and communication, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and compete on a global scale.

The Boring Company and Hyperloop have the potential to impact transportation infrastructure in Nevada and beyond. While these projects are still in the development and testing phases, they represent Elon Musk’s vision for futuristic transportation systems throughout the state, including underground tunnels and high-speed hyperloop networks.

Economic Diversity and Innovation

The state’s efforts to diversify its economy beyond gaming and hospitality have garnered attention, leading to rankings among the top states for economic diversification and innovation, contributing to stability and resilience even in times of economic uncertainty. 

Organizations such as the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development monitor and highlight Nevada’s progress in various fields. 

Supportive Government Programs & Legislation

Nevada’s government offers a range of programs and incentives designed to support businesses at every stage of development. From grants and tax credits to workforce training and infrastructure investments, these initiatives provide startups with the resources they need to succeed and thrive.

In 2023, Nevada became the first state to pass two important pieces of legislation for entrepreneurial growth; AB77 & AB75. 

AB77, also known as the Right to Start Act, established a dedicated Office of Entrepreneurship within the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (source: https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/new-initiatives-propel-entrepreneurship-in-nevada)

AB75, or the Nevada Certified Investor Act, makes startup investing more accessible to Nevadans by reducing the income levels required to invest in Nevada-based startups. More on this later!

Startup Community

With a strong and growing network of industry professionals, mentors, and resources, startups in Nevada have access to the guidance and support they need to succeed. The availability of co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators further enhance the opportunities for startups to thrive in Nevada, and many programs for startups, like all of StartupNV’s, are no-cost to founders. In addition to a robust presence in Nevada’s more populated cities, Nevada has increased funding and resources for entrepreneurial organizations, including StartupNV, to provide resources to rural communities. 

Curious about Nevada’s startup ecosystem? 

• Check out the scene for free at https://nevada.dealroom.co/intro
• See some of the innovation happening in the state by watching StartupNV’s fortnightly pitch days, where Nevada-based companies pitch their startups for acceptance into AccelerateNV and a $100k investment from FundNV. In addition to these past YouTube videos, you can join us live in person or virtually for upcoming pitch days!
• Attend a Startup Week this fall in Reno or Las Vegas and immerse yourself in Nevada’s startup scene
  • Reno Startup Week
  • Las Vegas Startup Week

Plus, Nevada’s public sector is notoriously collaborative with in-state innovators. Take the city of Las Vegas, for example, which has two International Innovation Centers, and check out two ongoing partnerships with Nevada-based startups to make the city safer and more innovative.

Databuoy’s SHOTPOINT shot detection technology has been installed in Las Vegas to notify emergency services the minute a gunshot is detected instead of relying on civilians to report it.

Halo Car has partnered with the city of Las Vegas, rolling out its remote-piloted electric car sharing service in 2023.

The presence of research institutions, universities, and industry associations further enhances the supportive infrastructure in Nevada and encourages partnerships and collaborations. Startups can leverage these resources to access cutting-edge research, talent, and industry expertise, driving innovation and growth.

University of Nevada’s Innevation Center in downtown Reno offers a centralized collaboration space with co-working, events, resources, and a makerspace for University and community members to come together. 

Originally a collaboration with Caesars Entertainment, University of Nevada Las Vegas’s Black Fire Innovation center located in the Harry Reid Tech Park welcomes University students, alumni, researchers, and entrepreneurial community members for co-working, events, and bootcamps with an emphasis on gaming, hospitality, and entertainment.

 

Quality of Life

Nevada offers an exceptional quality of life, making it an attractive destination for startups and their employees. The state boasts a diverse range of recreational activities, from outdoor adventures in stunning natural landscapes to world-class entertainment in Las Vegas. 

 A Lifestyle That’s Anything But Deserted

Who says startups have to sacrifice work-life balance? With stunning natural landscapes just a stone’s throw away, weekend getaways to majestic mountains or tranquil lakes are always on the table. And let’s not forget about the world-class entertainment, dining, and nightlife options that make living in Nevada a constant adventure.

Low Cost of Living That’ll Leave You Feeling Like a High Roller

Compared to coastal counterparts like California and New York, Nevada boasts a significantly lower cost of living, allowing startups to stretch their runway further without sacrificing quality of life. From affordable housing and office space to budget-friendly amenities, entrepreneurs in Nevada can enjoy all the perks of big-city living without the hefty price tag.

Outdoor Recreation

Nevada offers residents and visitors a high quality of life and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including national parks, scenic landscapes, and recreational activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating. The state’s natural beauty, mild climate, and access to outdoor amenities consistently earn Nevada top rankings for quality of life and outdoor recreation. 

Access to Funding

Startups in Nevada have access to an increasing range of funding options, an often necessary step to grow their businesses. The state offers various grants, loans, microloans, and tax incentives specifically designed to support startups. Additionally, Nevada has a growing network of angel investors and venture capitalists that provide funding opportunities for companies to scale. The presence of investment funds and accelerators is on the rise, further enhancing the access to funding for startups in Nevada.

As of April, 2024, StartUpNV has invested $8.6m into 25 Nevada-based companies, which has a current portfolio of more than $24m.

Created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is the result of a collaborative effort between the Nevada Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. In 2021, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, Biden reauthorized the State Small Business Credit Initiative to create job opportunities and fund entrepreneurship. 

Nevada invests this money directly into Nevada-based scalable startups. The state’s SSBCI Battle Born Venture fund, championed and overseen by GOED, is an initiative that invests alongside established venture and accelerator firms, including StartupNV, with a dollar-for-dollar match on approved investments. Learn more about Nevada’s small business capital programs here.

In addition to increasing access to funding, Nevada is also addressing access to investing and reducing barriers, and offering education for individuals to become savvy startup investors.

Access to Investing

As mentioned briefly earlier, legislation AB75 has become the first-in-the-nation state to create access-oriented investor laws beyond the SEC’s definition of an accredited investor. StartUpNV is proud to have been involved in championing this historic bill. As defined by the SEC, an accredited investor must have a net worth of $1m, not including their primary residence, or have made >$200,000 for the past two years and expect to do the same for the upcoming year. About 4% of Nevadans meet the federal standard – compared to 13% nationally and over 16% in California. As a result, it is significantly more difficult for Nevada startups to raise local capital. It’s also significantly less likely for Nevadans to grow personal wealth from startup investments – being “forbidden” to invest in this risky but lucrative investment cohort.

AB75 introduced a new standard for intrastate investing: The Nevada Certified Investor (NCI). NCI allows investment in Nevada startups by Nevadans who earn more than $100K per year in wages. If you own a business or do gig work, the standard is $200K in gross sales. The NCI standard enables about 30% of Nevadans to be eligible as startup investors. At the same time, it greatly expands the group of possible investors for Nevada startups.

Access to Investor Education & Dealflow

StartupNV’s AngelNV program is an annual conference fund that invites new and experienced investors to invest at a low minimum of $5k. Not only is the minimum significantly lower than the majority of angel or venture funds, but the investments strictly go to Nevada-based companies. For many, one of the great values as an investor is (optionally) participating in weekly sessions as an investor group evaluating, doing diligence, and interacting with applicant companies alongside seasoned startup investors and analysts to narrow down the potential investments. 

This is a great way to dip your toes into startup investing and learn how to make educated investments, find a new community of like-minded friends, and start building that portfolio! I also recommend (if/when they can afford to) this program as a great low-risk opportunity for startup founders to spend some time on the other side of the table.

StartUpNV facilitates a number of opportunities to engage in startup investing, either as an angel or as part of a venture fund. Investors in any of our initiatives are then added to our InvestorNV syndicate, receiving ongoing deal flow of investment opportunities. 

Strategic Location & Access to Talent

Location, Location, Location

Nevada’s strategic location in the western United States offers several benefits for startups. The state provides easy access to major markets and transportation hubs, making it convenient for startups to distribute their products and reach customers across the country. The proximity to major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Salt Lake City allows startups to tap into the talent pools and resources available in these areas. 

Expansion

Additionally, Nevada’s central location in the western region makes it an ideal base for expanding into other states. Nevada’s close proximity to international markets, such as Canada and Mexico, provides additional opportunities for startups to expand their customer base. The state’s robust infrastructure, including transportation networks and logistics facilities, enables startups to distribute their products and reach customers worldwide efficiently. 

With a growing population and a steady influx of newcomers attracted by job opportunities and quality of life, Nevada also offers businesses access to a diverse pool of talent. 

An Easy Sell

The low cost of living and absence of state income tax makes it easier for startups to attract and retain top talent. Whether in technology, hospitality, healthcare, or other industries, startups can recruit skilled professionals from around the world to fuel their growth and innovation. Feel free to send potential candidates to this blog to aid in your recruiting efforts ;). 

Melting Pot of Cultures

Nevada’s rich cultural tapestry is as diverse as it is vibrant. From the Native American tribes who have called the state home for centuries to the influx of immigrants who came seeking their fortunes during the Silver Rush, Nevada is a melting pot of cultures and traditions. 

Remote or In-Person Teams

Nevada offers flexibility for startups in terms of team setup. Whether startups prefer remote teams or in-person collaboration, Nevada provides options to accommodate different work styles. The availability of advanced communication technologies and high-speed internet further facilitates remote work and virtual collaboration. Nevada’s airports are easy to fly in and out of, and there is no shortage of accommodations, meeting space, and options for in-person summits, bringing in all your employees from around the world. 

 

Global Sales Funnel

Nevada’s business-friendly environment and strategic location make it an ideal gateway for startups to access global markets. The state’s strong trade relationships and favorable business climate make it easier for startups in Nevada to engage in international trade and establish a global sales funnel.

Las Vegas offers several compelling advantages for startups looking to establish sales and business development teams in the city:

Networking Opportunities

Las Vegas hosts numerous industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events throughout the year, providing valuable opportunities for sales and business development professionals to connect with potential clients, partners, and investors. Events like CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and various industry-specific conventions attract a diverse range of attendees from around the world, making it easier to expand professional networks and generate leads.

Entertainment and Lifestyle Amenities

Las Vegas’s renowned entertainment and lifestyle amenities make it an attractive destination for sales and business development employees. With world-class dining, entertainment, and recreational options available year-round, employees can enjoy a high quality of life outside of work, enhancing retention and job satisfaction.

 

This Blog, Wrapped

Overall, Las Vegas offers startups a strategic location, affordability, a business-friendly environment, networking opportunities, lifestyle amenities, and access to a talented workforce, making it an excellent choice for establishing sales and business development operations.

My personal ask is that if you do settle in the Battle Born state, that you join our startup community! There are several organizations and opportunities to find community throughout the state. If you’ve had success as a startup founder, senior exec, or subject matter expert, please pay it forward by investing your time, knowledge, and/or capital into future generations of innovation. If you’re taking the leap on your first venture, please surround yourself with people who “get it”. Community is important, and while entrepreneurs are known in many ways for their knack for bold independence, I promise we’re all better when we come together.

Let’s face it—Nevada is just plain cool. From its iconic landmarks like the Hoover Dam and Area 51 to its quirky roadside attractions and colorful characters, Nevada is a place where anything is possible. So why choose Nevada for your startup? Because when it comes to chasing your dreams, there’s no better place to roll the dice.

 

Written by Madeline Feldman, VP of Southern Nevada for StartupNV

As an entrepreneur navigating the complex landscape of startup funding, encountering a term sheet is a significant milestone on the journey to securing venture capital investment. Term sheets serve as the blueprint for the terms and conditions of investment deals, outlining crucial details that shape the future relationship between investors and founders.

Understanding these documents is important for entrepreneurs, as they signify the height of rigorous negotiations and mark the beginning of a partnership that can profoundly influence the trajectory of a startup. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of venture capital term sheets, decoding common themes and key terms that every entrepreneur should understand. By familiarizing yourself with these essential components, you can approach investment discussions with confidence and strategy, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to seize opportunities and navigate the complexities of startup financing.

What is a term sheet?

A term sheet is a foundational document that outlines the key terms and conditions of a proposed investment deal between entrepreneurs and investors. Think of it as a preliminary agreement that serves as the basis for further negotiation and due diligence. While not legally binding in itself, a term sheet outlines the framework upon which the final investment agreement will be built. It covers a wide range of aspects, including valuation, investment amount, ownership stakes, governance rights, and potential exit strategies.

Essentially, the term sheet acts as a roadmap for both parties, guiding them through the complexities of structuring a mutually beneficial investment arrangement. Understanding the nuances of a term sheet is crucial for entrepreneurs, as it lays the groundwork for the partnership and sets the tone for future interactions with investors.

 

Key Ideas Found in Term Sheets

 

There are many ideas usually outlined in term sheets. Each term sheet is different and personalized for each individual investment. We’ve outlined the most common and need-to-know terms that will have your company flying through term sheets in no time. 

Pre- and Post-money Valuation:

Before diving into the specifics of a term sheet, it’s essential to understand the concepts of pre-money and post-money valuation. Pre-money valuation refers to the value of a company before any investment is made, while post-money valuation includes the investment amount added to the pre-money valuation. Investors typically use these figures to determine their ownership stake in the company. As a startup founder, you should consider pre and post-money valuation because they directly impact the dilution of your ownership stake and the overall attractiveness of the investment deal.

Warrants & Dividends:

Warrants and dividends are additional components that investors may include in a term sheet to sweeten the deal or provide additional incentives. Warrants grant investors the option to purchase additional shares at a predetermined price within a specified timeframe, allowing them to capitalize on future growth. Dividends, on the other hand, entitle investors to a portion of the company’s profits. While warrants and dividends can enhance the attractiveness of an investment for investors, founders should carefully consider their implications on ownership dilution and future financial obligations.

Liquidation Preferences:

Liquidation preferences outline the order in which proceeds from a company’s sale or liquidation are distributed among shareholders. Investors often negotiate for preferences that prioritize the return of their investment capital before other shareholders receive payouts. While liquidation preferences provide downside protection for investors, founders should be mindful of their potential impact on the distribution of exit proceeds and the alignment of incentives between shareholders.

Option Pool:

An option pool is a reserve of shares set aside for future employee stock options and equity incentives. Investors may insist on the creation of an option pool as part of the investment terms to ensure that the company has adequate resources to attract and retain top talent. While option pools are essential for employee incentivization and talent acquisition, founders should carefully consider the size and allocation of the pool to avoid excessive dilution of existing shareholders.

Dilution & Anti-Dilution:

Dilution occurs when the issuance of new shares reduces the ownership percentage of existing shareholders. Investors may seek anti-dilution provisions in the term sheet to protect their ownership stake in the event of future equity financing rounds at lower valuations. While anti-dilution clauses safeguard investor interests, founders should be aware of their potential impact on the company’s flexibility in raising additional capital and the dilution of founder equity.

Addition of Board Members:

Investors often negotiate for the right to appoint board members or observers as a means of exerting influence and oversight on company operations. While having investor representation on the board can provide valuable expertise and strategic guidance, founders should carefully consider the implications for decision-making autonomy and corporate governance.

Investors include these key terms in term sheets to safeguard their investment, maximize returns, and align incentives with founders. As a startup founder, understanding these terms is crucial for negotiating favorable terms, preserving equity ownership, and ensuring the long-term success of your venture. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you can approach investment discussions with confidence and strategic insight, effectively positioning your startup for growth and success.

 

Benefits To Having a Term Sheet 

 

Securing a term sheet marks a significant milestone in the journey of raising venture capital for your startup. While negotiating and finalizing the terms of a term sheet can be an intense process, the benefits it offers to both entrepreneurs and investors are substantial. Here are several advantages of having a term sheet:

Clarity and Structure: A term sheet provides a clear framework for the terms and conditions of the investment deal, helping both parties understand their rights, obligations, and expectations. By outlining key provisions upfront, a term sheet establishes a structured approach to negotiations and facilitates smoother transactional processes.

Investor Commitment: Receiving a term sheet signals a strong commitment from investors to fund your startup. It demonstrates their confidence in your business model, team, and growth potential, paving the way for further due diligence and closing the investment round.

Time Efficiency: Negotiating and finalizing a term sheet streamlines the investment process by focusing discussions on critical terms and avoiding protracted negotiations on minor details. This efficiency saves time for both entrepreneurs and investors, enabling them to allocate resources more effectively to other aspects of their business operations.

Basis for Due Diligence: A term sheet serves as a foundation for conducting due diligence, allowing investors to assess the legal, financial, and operational aspects of your startup in greater detail. By providing a roadmap of the proposed transaction, a term sheet guides due diligence efforts and accelerates the overall investment timeline.

Investor Alignment: The negotiation of a term sheet provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to align their interests and expectations regarding the future direction of the company. By discussing key terms and strategic objectives upfront, both parties can ensure that their visions are aligned, fostering a stronger and more collaborative partnership.

Legal Protection: While not legally binding in itself, a term sheet can offer legal protection by documenting the preliminary agreement reached between the parties. It serves as evidence of the intent to enter into a formal investment agreement, mitigating the risk of misunderstandings or disputes during the later stages of the transaction.

Competitive Advantage: Securing a term sheet from reputable investors can enhance your startup’s credibility and appeal to other potential investors. It signals validation of your business model and differentiation in a competitive market, increasing your ability to attract additional funding and strategic partnerships.

 

Venture capital term sheets are indispensable tools that shape the dynamics of investment deals, offering clarity, structure, and alignment for both entrepreneurs and investors. Understanding the key terms and implications outlined in these documents is essential for startup founders to navigate the complexities of fundraising and secure favorable investment terms.

 As entrepreneurs embark on their journey to raise capital and grow their ventures, resources like StartUpNV provide invaluable support and guidance tailored to Nevada-based entrepreneurs and investors. By leveraging the expertise and resources available through startupnv.org, entrepreneurs can access a wealth of opportunities, mentorship, and networking connections to fuel their success in the vibrant startup ecosystem of Nevada. Other tools, like Investopedia or Y Combinator are great resources as well. 

LAS VEGAS (March 26, 2024) – StartUpNV, Nevada’s business accelerator and incubator for scalable startups, announced that three distinguished community and business leaders will join the nonprofit’s board of directors effective April 1. The new board members are Kacy Drury, Parker Werline, and Michael Sherwood.

Kacy Drury, currently senior vice president for customer experience and operations for Everi Holdings, brings to the board a 20-year career in gaming as well as experience on various community organizations, including serving as a commissioner on the Nevada Veterans’ Services Commission, a council advisor on Veteran’s Voices: Were Listening oral history program at the University of Nevada – Las Vegas (UNLV), a board member on the Women’s Research Institute of Nevada, and a board director on the Community Roots Foundation. She has a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from California State University, San Bernardino.

Parker Werline has nearly a decade of experience in the finance industry. Currently, he is the private equity assistance vice president at Fiume Capital, where he is responsible for critical components of the investment process including conducting due diligence, financial modeling, preparing investment memorandums and evaluating market and industry dynamics. Prior to moving to Las Vegas, Werline served as an investment banking associate for mergers and acquisitions at Morgan Stanley in New York City. He has a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Vassar College.

 

Rounding out the trio of new board members is Michael Sherwood, the chief innovation and technology officer for the city of Las Vegas. Sherwood has more than 20 years of experience in the fields of process improvement, technology, and innovation. Prior to his tenure with the city of Las Vegas, he served as the deputy director of public safety, business services, and city technology for the city of Irvine, California. He received his Bachelor of Science in management from Pepperdine University and a Master of Science degree in executive management from the University of Southern California (USC). 

 

“The diverse background and experience that Kacy, Parker and Michael will bring to the board of directors is unparalleled,” said Jeff Saling, executive director of StartUpNV. “Additionally, they have demonstrated a staunch commitment to fostering Nevada’s startup ecosystem serving as mentors to entrepreneurs and angel investors involved with StartUpNV’s programs.”

About StartUpNV

StartUpNV is a 501(c)3 non-profit statewide accelerator and business incubator for scalable Nevada-based startups that provides expert mentorship and access to a network of capital partners. StartUpNV’s founders, mentors, university connections, investors, and business partners work together to grow and support a robust, inclusive startup ecosystem in Nevada. StartUpNV’s related venture funds, FundNV, AngelNV, and the new 1864 seed fund, provide startups access to local venture capital along with education for entrepreneurs and angel investors. Since inception in 2017, StartUpNV has heard pitches from more than 1,000 startups, held more than 250 education events, and seen nearly $80 million in venture capital raised for more than 55 companies. For information visit: https://startupnv.org/.

By AMY E. S. MAIER

Senior PR Account Executive

amy@twgpr.com

thewarrengrouplv.com

TAM SAM SOM are the numbers that represent market sizes, and a slide that many investors want to see in a pitch deck. Lately, I’ve heard that some investors don’t even want to see the slide because it is so often wrong. Let’s fix that. It’s not hard, it’s just a bit tedious. We’ll deal with TAM and SAM in this blog and SOM in the next. 

Why should you do this just for investors? You shouldn’t. You should do it as a founder, to understand how big the opportunity is for your business. These are some of the most important early metrics you should consider when starting a company or product, and you need to know these throughout your company’s journey. Is the market big enough to have me spend the next 10 years of my life building a business around it? Will this be a business that can support hundreds or thousands of jobs? How do I know if my company is scalable and what potential revenues might look like? You should want to know what you’re getting into. This is a case where thoughtful and diligent research will benefit you. If the market is large, the research and time you put into this will enable you to make a very strong case when you’re in front of those first investors. This is particularly compelling if your company offers a competitive advantage not adequately represented in the market.

TAM is Total Addressable Market; SAM is Service Available Market and SOM is Service Obtainable Market.     

• The TAM is just that, the total of your market. This is the spend in the market segment that your product or service is included in and represents 100% of the market share, as if there were no competitors. It gives the investor a notion of the size of the total market segment. 
• The Serviceable Available Market limits risk for the investor and founder by narrowing the market to realistic geographic or customer parameters and acknowledging that you likely cannot actually serve 100% of the TAM. The size of this market should be such that even with competitors your business can grow large enough to return their desired multiple on investment of money and your investment of time.      
• SOM is your obtainable market. This is the one that is most often done wrong. Stay tuned for the next blog, which will address this important process.

What is the right way to do it? 

Finding your TAM

Total addressable market (TAM) must be researched. Investors      should want to know what the current spend is in your category, as should you. Notice it says spend. It does not say the number of users. Number of users *may* be anecdotally interesting, but it has little bearing on the facts about current spend. 

First, find the industry your product or service is in and do research on the total market. If you don’t know what industry you’re in, think about competitors and large companies that have similar products or services. You started this business to solve a pain point you have. What caused this pain point? What are the current solutions? Think about the companies that offer these solutions that were so inadequate that you had to start a company that solves it. What industry are they in? 

Then, do research on that industry to get the spend for the whole world and then the US, assuming you’re starting with customers in the US. If you’re creating a double- sided marketplace, you may have to combine two different sides of the same market, but it is not likely you’ll have two completely different industries for the Total Addressable Market. With a two-sided marketplace, you are generally dealing in the same industry, just two different aspects of it. The difference there will be handled in SAM. To do this research, start with Google. It’s free. Stanford GSB also published this helpful list of resources. Wording your questions correctly will be key. Let’s say you have an idea for a more efficient universal electric vehicle charging station. You might ask “What is the current spend on electric vehicle charging stations in the US?” Note that the question was not about the entire electric vehicle industry. That would include vehicle manufacturing. Some of the facts around the number of vehicles will be anecdotally interesting for the demand side of things, but it doesn’t deal with the charging stations and that specific spend. Rather, it would inflate the market size. This is where you have to be thoughtful about it, and try not to fool yourself. Back to research…

Ask the search engine your question a couple of different ways and take note of the results and the sources as you go. Often the results will include articles from databases that have a fee associated with them. To get the full article, you’ll have to either pay or find someone who has access to the database. In Nevada, our universities are land-grant universities which means there are rules around public access, and that means that the libraries are open to the public. It also means that if you visit one and ask for a research librarian, they should be willing to help you do research, including using their databases and finding those cited articles from your Google search. The different institutions have different databases, so the article you cite may not be available, but they will have some information on your industry. The librarian may also know which of the other institutions has the databases that they don’t have but was shown in the search. You may have to pay for printed materials, but that is much less expensive than paying for access to the database itself.  If you find wildly different data for US markets and the world, and you plan to start selling in the US or stay growing only in the US for a long time, you may need to use the US market as TAM, even though you did the research on the world. It’s always good to have that information.

Finding your SAM

Let’s move on to SAM, the Serviceable Available Market (sometimes called Serviceable Addressable Market). This is the segment of the market that is available with your product in the foreseeable future. You’ll sit squarely in this segment of the market and know who your direct competitors are. If the US alone has many billions of dollars of spend in the chosen field, and it will take longer than 5-7 years to move beyond the first 3-4 markets, use the US total market spend for TAM. For SAM in this case, select which states you’ll go into first, and that will bring in good revenue for 10 years or more, and use their current spend for SAM. If your customer is better defined, and you know what percentage of the population and spend they represent, it may be best to stick with the world as TAM and the US as SAM. SOM we will deal with in the next blog. We now have the beginnings of TAM SAM SOM and can justify these numbers to potential investors. For more information with examples of good and bad market slides, see this video. For more from StartupNV, click here!