BUSINESS PLANNING AND
FUNDING
Here are some examples of assignments completed by Tom
Eckmann.
Residential Heating Systems (Internet
Distribution)
A
Seattle-based manufacturer of in-floor radiant heating systems
wanted to sell a portion of the business in order to finance growth
to the next level of sales. Tom Eckmann worked with the owner
to develop a marketing and operations strategy and then prepared a
comprehensive business plan with detailed financial
projections. He facilitated the search for capital and
assisted the owner in structuring a $1.5 million angel
investment.
Online Distribution of Construction Bid
Sets
A
Seattle-based software development company wanted to build on its
success with electronic distribution of large-scale construction
drawings by introducing an online plan room for construction
subcontractors. Tom Eckmann developed a comprehensive business
plan, which included website development specifications, marketing
and distribution strategies, and detailed financial
projections. He led the search for capital, which resulted in
term sheets for a $3.5 million venture capital
investment.
Wireless Broadband Services
Tom
Eckmann played a lead role in the startup of a Seattle-based company
that planned to deploy broadband wireless services in second and
third-tier markets using license exempt (WiFi) spectrum. He
developed a comprehensive business plan and financial projections
and personally made nearly 100 presentations to venture capital,
strategic and angel investors. The company raised
approximately $500,000 from strategic investors but, due to a
collapse of the telecom capital markets, was unable to raise the
$3.5 million in venture capital needed to launch full-scale
operations.
Tournament Card
Game
Tom helped the founders of a new tournament card
develop their business plan and funding strategy.
The plan described the business model for selling
card decks and "booster" packs and promoting sales by
sponsoring nationwide tournaments. The model was very similar
to that employed by Wizards of the Coast in their very
successful startup and eventual sale to Hasbro Toy
Company. The business plan, executive summary and
PowerPoint presentation were very effective the founders' campaign
to raise $2.5 million in Angel
financing.
Online Poker
Room
Tom developed a comprehensive business plan for a
leading online poker company. The plan described the
company's business model and how televised celebrity poker
tournaments are fueling rampant growth. The plan
also provided detailed competitive information for the
industries largest participants and described the legislative
environment that governs Internet gambling in general and online
poker in specific. The business plan has been a key tool used
by the company in its campaign to raise more than $20 million in
private equity.
© 2005 Absolute Business Services
Inc.
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