Chemical Angel Network

Sunday 4pm will certainly be the highlight of this event when I present about “Chemical Angels - forming bonds between chemistry entrepreneurs and investors,” to be followed up with a poster session during the Sci-Mix Monday evening.

Sunday 4pm will certainly be the highlight of this event when I present about “Chemical Angels - forming bonds between chemistry entrepreneurs and investors,” to be followed up with a poster session during the Sci-Mix Monday evening.

When looking at financial projections of early-stage startups, it’s not unusual to see expected profit margins reach 50% or more. Last week I was pitched on a startup promising 95% profits. The attraction of software startups is that revenues can grow exponentially while costs grow linearly. With no cost of goods other than cloud hosting, profits seem limitless. Except they aren’t. The operating margin for S&P 500 software companies is 25%. - Google: 34%. - Microsoft: 45%. - Oracle and SAP are the best model for B2B software companies. Oracle’s profit margin is 31%. SAP is 26%. All have products that haven't changed much in decades, have little competition, and need little advertising, and yet profit margins max out at 45%. If you think you can have higher profit ratios than these industry giants, be prepared to tell me how. Otherwise, I’ll assume you’re missing most of your costs. Coming from an early-stage startup with a small group of dedicated enthusiasts working mostly for equity, it can be hard to imagine all the costs that go into operating a $100M company. -- sales and marketing (the biggest expense) -- more developers at market salaries -- quality testing -- customer support -- support staff: IT, HR, Legal, finance, IR -- international operations -- offices -- employee perks and taxes In your pitch, ditch the 60% profit margins, do a proper financial model that includes all the costs, and show how you expect the business to grow realistically and reach profitability. Wow us with your financial acumen rather than ridiculous numbers and you’ll have investors on your side instead of running for the exit.

🚨 Big News! 🚨 We’re thrilled to announce that #BosleyMD is now officially in #Target stores 🎯! Expanding our distribution with Target marks a major milestone in our mission to bring doctor-backed, science-driven hair solutions to even more people experiencing thinning hair. Whether you're looking for clinically proven regrowth treatments or daily thickening solutions, BosleyMD is now more accessible than ever. A huge thank you to our team, partners, and Target for making this happen! Let’s keep growing—literally. 💪🏼 📍 Check us out in-store and online at Target! #BosleyMD #TargetLaunch WWD Announcement: https://lnkd.in/g-CXRY6P

Looking forward to collaborating with Valvoline Global Operations and OneUK for our Spring 2025 Industry Transformation Accelerator! “Valvoline Global’s dedication to solving global issues through innovation makes them an invaluable contributor for the Industry Transformation Accelerator. Having seasoned corporate innovation leaders willing to be hands-on with founders through our program gives startups a competitive edge to make real change.” - Launch Blue Executive Director Laura Russell-Halligan Read more in UKNow: https://loom.ly/ioxMLGk UK Innovate at the University of Kentucky University of Kentucky Economic Development Collaborative Landon Borders University of Kentucky Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) Keyhorse Capital Invest Blue Angel Network Kentucky Science & Engineering Foundation Kentucky Commercialization Ventures Kentucky Small Business Development Center Ian D. McClure the Wond'ry NSF I-Corps Hub: Mid-South