The Falsehood of Distributions of Founders at Distress Exits: A Lesson for BluSmart Worth ₹850Cr Let's dispel one myth: "Founders make money in acquisitions. Reality Check of BluSmart Raised: ~₹1,300Cr | Last Val: ₹2,700Cr | Exit Val: ~₹850Cr Outstanding Debt: ₹100Cr+ (bonds due soon) Liquidation Stack: 1x pref for investors + venture debt Why Founders Won't See ₹255Cr ⤷ Investors Get Paid First Eg: 1x liquidation preference = Investors reclaim their ₹1,300Cr before anyone else ₹850Cr exit? Not even enough to cover investor capital (let alone debt) ⤷ Debt Eats the Rest Bonds, working capital loans, leases = another ₹100Cr+ Net Result? ZERO for common shareholders (founders/ESOPs) The Hard Truth of Distress Exits They are not mostly "exits" but clean-up operations: ⤷ Investors salvage what they can ⤷ Debtors scrap it out for what little is left ⤷ Founders? Bitter, with often only diluted stakes and lessons Key Takeway: Next time you hear "X startup sold for $Y," ask: What’s the cap table stack? (Prefs, debt, etc.) Is this a win or a wipeout? Because in venture, valuation ≠ payout. #StartupTruths #VentureCapital #FounderMyths
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