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Michael S.

Michael S.

Mooresville, IN
Job Success
Top Rated

Investor, Capital Markets, Operations Advisory

Startups & Early Stage companies can find investors if they have a compelling opportunity, are operationally ready, and have a strong team with ability to execute. The intersection of these are of tantamount importance to investors. Founders need to understand the equation to find, engage, and pitch investors. As well-known Venture Capitalist Marc Andreesen once said, "The difference between a vision and a hallucination is others will see your vision". If you're preparing to hit the street to find investors, you need to be ready, period. If your investor-facing materials aren't "spot on", there's almost never a 2nd chance. Ask the 99% that came before you, tried, and never got to due diligence stage, let alone a funding event. Ask the 1% that secured Seed or A Series rounds then couldn't execute. The ability to go back out and secure a next round of funding is all but lost and the doors are closed. Investors want to see a clear path to an exit with a high value ROI. If you can't demonstrate the end game, they have one of two choices; step in with the round and manage you in ways you never imagined (which may be what you need) to ensure success or just tell you nicely you're too early or there's not a fit in their investment portfolio. Investors invest based on outstanding opportunities, salient messaging, and above all else, seeing your vision. They invest to make money. They're not philanthropists. They're looking for a few high potential investments they can take back to the fund LP and say "We did OK, delivered great ROI, and now we're ready to draw up another fund. Understanding what investors will want to see is essential. I've channeled this knowledge over the years in equity/M&A/Venture Debt and other events totaling over $ 430 million. If what I've shared makes sense and you would like to connect, either direct message me or invite me to a job you post on platform. We can briefly discuss your goals and how I can be of material value if there's a fit. To your success, Mike
Nov 16, 2021 - Nov 26, 2022

No feedback given

Private earnings
Rating is 4.25 out of 5.
4.25 Nov 8, 2017 - Jan 14, 2018

"Mike is a great devil's advocate and was able to give me a number of pointers that really made a difference. He often has low-cost options to traditional expenses."

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Jul 27, 2017 - Aug 1, 2017

"Michael helped by reviewing our pitch deck and providing advice. Really great feedback and expert advice."

Private earnings
Rating is 4.85 out of 5.
4.85 Jul 20, 2017 - Aug 1, 2017

"Michael showed a depth of understanding and quality of work which sets him apart from his peers. I recommend him and will work with him again."

Private earnings
Jun 18, 2017 - Jul 4, 2017

No feedback given

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Jun 15, 2017 - Jun 19, 2017

"Mike was a pleasure to work with. He brings a lot of experience to the table and was not afraid to let me know where areas of my plan were lacking. He gave me sound advice to improve my plan. I would hire again for future strategy needs."

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Oct 22, 2016 - Apr 13, 2017

"Do not pass up the opportunity to work with Mike. During the short period of time Mike spent with us, he was able to shine new light on a number of issues, and lead us in a more prosperous direction. His vast experience and easy going demeanor was an instant fit with our group. Of all the people we have worked with on Upwork, Mike stands at the top of the list."

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Nov 10, 2016 - Jan 4, 2017

"Easy to work with and quality advice."

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Nov 24, 2016 - Nov 29, 2016

"Absolutely excellent experience well exceeding my expectations. Mike is very knowledgeable and most helpful. He really cared about my project and provided invaluable insight and strategic advice. Look forward to future joint projects."

Private earnings
Jan 30, 2016 - Sep 20, 2016

This feedback has been removed

Private earnings
Michael S. has more jobs. Create an account to review them

Portfolio

An early stage technology services company that has revolutionized the way business and corporate professionals order meals for corporate-sponsored events. There is a paradigm shift taking place in corporate America. The days of pushing back from the desk and driving to a local restaurant is being shifted to "in office" lunches tied to corporate activities on an increasing level. Employers and sales focused organizations are executing business "During the lunch hour" every day and in every city in America. The intrinsic benefits far outweigh the costs and include tax incentives from the IRS. Client has developed a proprietary process for packaging a multitude of menu items from local restaurants into fewer, more cost-effective options for group ordering. The process is automated and “in the cloud”. Execution can be accomplished from a browser, smart phone and/or tablet PC allowing a corporate client to plan, order and receive meals for internal and/or client/partner meeting events in seconds. Partnering with local and regional/national restaurants that have great reputations for quality and consistency, the platform delivers a no-nonsense, easy to use system. Restaurant partners benefit because they can capture corporate business that heretofore has been difficult to realize. The model results in substantial and measurable direct bottom line revenue increases for participating restaurants. Corporate clients benefit because LunchPro delivers large discounts on orders, & customize menus. Client’s growth has doubled annually during the last 2 years. 2014 and 2015 will take their footprint to that of national coverage. The strategic plan in place includes completion of the cloud-based technology platform by end of Q2, 2014. When complete, an ambitious growth strategy is in place and now being executed and high potential strategic acquirers are stepping up to discuss potential synergies in mutually beneficial M&A strategies.
Online B2B Restaurant Delivery Services
Build out of a Tier 3 Data Center, Voice/Data/Video, GigaMAN Redundant (BGP, dual power), Fully Fault Tolerant, EMC, VMWare, Cisco Systems, Data Domain, BMC, Microsoft. PB usable disk
Tier 3 Data Center Build out
Want to see more? Create Account

Skills

Michael S.

Michael S.

Mooresville, IN
Job Success
Top Rated
154
Total Jobs
5,180
Total Hours

Investor, Capital Markets, Operations Advisory

Specializes in
Startups & Early Stage companies can find investors if they have a compelling opportunity, are operationally ready, and have a strong team with ability to execute. The intersection of these are of tantamount importance to investors. Founders need to understand the equation to find, engage, and pitch investors. As well-known Venture Capitalist Marc Andreesen once said, "The difference between a vision and a hallucination is others will see your vision". If you're preparing to hit the street to find investors, you need to be ready, period. If your investor-facing materials aren't "spot on", there's almost never a 2nd chance. Ask the 99% that came before you, tried, and never got to due diligence stage, let alone a funding event. Ask the 1% that secured Seed or A Series rounds then couldn't execute. The ability to go back out and secure a next round of funding is all but lost and the doors are closed. Investors want to see a clear path to an exit with a high value ROI. If you can't demonstrate the end game, they have one of two choices; step in with the round and manage you in ways you never imagined (which may be what you need) to ensure success or just tell you nicely you're too early or there's not a fit in their investment portfolio. Investors invest based on outstanding opportunities, salient messaging, and above all else, seeing your vision. They invest to make money. They're not philanthropists. They're looking for a few high potential investments they can take back to the fund LP and say "We did OK, delivered great ROI, and now we're ready to draw up another fund. Understanding what investors will want to see is essential. I've channeled this knowledge over the years in equity/M&A/Venture Debt and other events totaling over $ 430 million. If what I've shared makes sense and you would like to connect, either direct message me or invite me to a job you post on platform. We can briefly discuss your goals and how I can be of material value if there's a fit. To your success, Mike
Nov 16, 2021 - Nov 26, 2022

No feedback given

Private earnings
Rating is 4.25 out of 5.
4.25 Nov 8, 2017 - Jan 14, 2018

"Mike is a great devil's advocate and was able to give me a number of pointers that really made a difference. He often has low-cost options to traditional expenses."

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Jul 27, 2017 - Aug 1, 2017

"Michael helped by reviewing our pitch deck and providing advice. Really great feedback and expert advice."

Private earnings
Rating is 4.85 out of 5.
4.85 Jul 20, 2017 - Aug 1, 2017

"Michael showed a depth of understanding and quality of work which sets him apart from his peers. I recommend him and will work with him again."

Private earnings
Jun 18, 2017 - Jul 4, 2017

No feedback given

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Jun 15, 2017 - Jun 19, 2017

"Mike was a pleasure to work with. He brings a lot of experience to the table and was not afraid to let me know where areas of my plan were lacking. He gave me sound advice to improve my plan. I would hire again for future strategy needs."

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Oct 22, 2016 - Apr 13, 2017

"Do not pass up the opportunity to work with Mike. During the short period of time Mike spent with us, he was able to shine new light on a number of issues, and lead us in a more prosperous direction. His vast experience and easy going demeanor was an instant fit with our group. Of all the people we have worked with on Upwork, Mike stands at the top of the list."

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Nov 10, 2016 - Jan 4, 2017

"Easy to work with and quality advice."

Private earnings
Rating is 5 out of 5.
5.00 Nov 24, 2016 - Nov 29, 2016

"Absolutely excellent experience well exceeding my expectations. Mike is very knowledgeable and most helpful. He really cared about my project and provided invaluable insight and strategic advice. Look forward to future joint projects."

Private earnings
Jan 30, 2016 - Sep 20, 2016

This feedback has been removed

Private earnings
Michael S. has more jobs. Create an account to review them

Portfolio

An early stage technology services company that has revolutionized the way business and corporate professionals order meals for corporate-sponsored events. There is a paradigm shift taking place in corporate America. The days of pushing back from the desk and driving to a local restaurant is being shifted to "in office" lunches tied to corporate activities on an increasing level. Employers and sales focused organizations are executing business "During the lunch hour" every day and in every city in America. The intrinsic benefits far outweigh the costs and include tax incentives from the IRS. Client has developed a proprietary process for packaging a multitude of menu items from local restaurants into fewer, more cost-effective options for group ordering. The process is automated and “in the cloud”. Execution can be accomplished from a browser, smart phone and/or tablet PC allowing a corporate client to plan, order and receive meals for internal and/or client/partner meeting events in seconds. Partnering with local and regional/national restaurants that have great reputations for quality and consistency, the platform delivers a no-nonsense, easy to use system. Restaurant partners benefit because they can capture corporate business that heretofore has been difficult to realize. The model results in substantial and measurable direct bottom line revenue increases for participating restaurants. Corporate clients benefit because LunchPro delivers large discounts on orders, & customize menus. Client’s growth has doubled annually during the last 2 years. 2014 and 2015 will take their footprint to that of national coverage. The strategic plan in place includes completion of the cloud-based technology platform by end of Q2, 2014. When complete, an ambitious growth strategy is in place and now being executed and high potential strategic acquirers are stepping up to discuss potential synergies in mutually beneficial M&A strategies.
Online B2B Restaurant Delivery Services
Build out of a Tier 3 Data Center, Voice/Data/Video, GigaMAN Redundant (BGP, dual power), Fully Fault Tolerant, EMC, VMWare, Cisco Systems, Data Domain, BMC, Microsoft. PB usable disk
Tier 3 Data Center Build out
Want to see more? Create Account

Skills

As Needed - Open to Offers

< 24 hrs response time

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