Posted on 22 June, 2020
“Valuation is a function of the business’ growth
prospects, quality of management and quality of business. And in the current
times, growth prospects across the industry have diminished. This has led to a
correction in pricing for start-ups wanting to raise capital. Valued on annual
recurring revenue (ARR) basis, the average multiples have declined by 30-40 per
cent,” said Pankaj Raina, Managing Director, Research and Investments, Zephyr
Peacock India
Raina noted that in addition to valuation, founders are
being relatively more flexible on other parameters, such as exit rights, board
seats, investor affirmative/veto matters and liquidation preferences.
Click here to read the full article on ‘Business Line’
Below is an excerpt from the post which first appeared on
Business Line on 22 June 2020:
In a matter of three months, Covid-19 has turned upside down
even the best laid out business plan across various sectors. The start-up
ecosystem is no exception. Founders are trying to combat the crisis by
conserving cash through various means ranging from pay-cuts to furloughs and
re-evaluating expenses in a bid to extend their cash runway. They are now ready
to accept funding at reduced valuations, said investors.
“Valuation is a function of the business’ growth prospects,
quality of management and quality of business. And in the current times, growth
prospects across the industry have diminished. This has led to a correction in
pricing for start-ups wanting to raise capital. Valued on annual recurring
revenue (ARR) basis, the average multiples have declined by 30-40 per cent,”
said Pankaj Raina, Managing Director, Research and Investments, Zephyr Peacock
India, a private equity firm.
With the road to recovery seeming long, even profitable
firms are witnessing a similar diminution in value, investors said. According
to a recent Nasscom report, approximately 90 per cent start-ups in India are
facing a decline in revenues due to the pandemic. Furthermore, nearly 30-40 per
cent of them have temporarily halted their operations or are in the process of
closing down and 70 per cent firms have a cash runway of less than three
months.
Raising bridge rounds
To stay afloat, many of these start-ups have started
pivoting to new business models, diversifying their offerings, reaching out to
their existing investors for immediate access to working capital. Many
start-ups have also been raising bridge funding to keep their businesses up and
running.
Zephyr Management is a global emerging markets investment manager, specializing in the creation and management of highly focused private equity funds
Since its inception in 1994, Zephyr has sponsored and/or managed 26 investment funds in both public and private securities markets representing approximately $1.2 billion in combined commitments and assets under management
Emerging Markets Focus
The firm has initiated several private equity funds investing in several African countries, South Korea, Mexico, India, and Sri Lanka since its founding. Zephyr's funds serve medium size enterprises that are often ignored by larger private equity players. Zephyr funds provide growth capital to established companies with proven business models and sustainable competitive advantages.
Investment activities are currently focused on India, Sri Lanka and Africa.
Zephyr Peacock India
Zephyr Peacock India provides equity financing for fast growing, small to medium sized companies led by strong entrepreneurs and management teams.
Read MoreEmerald Sri Lanka Fund
Emerald Fund provides equity financing for fast growing, small to medium sized (SME) Sri Lankan companies led by strong entrepreneurs & management teams.
Read MoreZephyr Acorn provides equity
Zephyr Acorn provides equity financing and business support to innovative early-stage companies in East Africa.
Read MoreActive Portfolio Support
The firm's special expertise lies in bringing global best practices to medium-sized growing companies by assisting them in conceptualizing sustainable business strategy, management development, compensation, ESG, expansion outside of their home country, capital structure and positioning for stock exchange listing or trade sale.