What Founders Need to Know - with Dan Eyman of Meld Valuation

Today, I'm talking with Dan Eyman, the Managing Director at Meld Valuation, specializing in independent, audit ready valuations for VC backed startups and VC firms. He is an expert in the valuation of complex instruments such as convertible debt and SAFEs. Dan is going to illuminate the common mistakes of founders, how valuations differ, and what founders should understand about dilution and how fundraising affects their cap table.

Questions

• What are the most common mistakes you see founders make when it comes to valuations or equity structuring?
• Can you break down how SAFEs and convertible debt actually work—and how do they impact ownership over time?
• At what point should a startup bring in a valuation firm, and what are the risks of waiting too long?
• How do 409A and ASC 820 valuations differ, and why do they matter for venture-backed companies?
• What should founders understand about dilution and how fundraising rounds affect their cap table long-term?
• What are your general observations around venture capital investing, and the market for investment right now?
• You’ve worked with thousands of startups—what separates those who scale successfully from those who stall?

Links

• https://meldvaluation.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieleyman