How Do You Value a Startup?
Startup valuation uses specialised methodologies for companies with limited history but high growth potential. We apply VC-standard approaches like Berkus Method, Scorecard, and Venture Capital Method—focusing on market opportunity, team, product stage, and traction rather than historical earnings.
Why Is Startup Valuation Different?
Startup valuation requires specialised approaches for companies with limited financial history but significant growth potential. Traditional income and asset methods often undervalue these businesses because they focus on historical performance rather than future opportunity.
We apply venture capital industry-standard methodologies that focus on market opportunity, team capability, product stage, traction metrics, and comparable funding rounds to arrive at defensible valuations.
Whether you are preparing for a funding round, distributing equity among co-founders, or need a valuation for tax purposes (like R&D tax incentives), our startup-focused approach provides the credibility you need.
From $4,000
Starting price
2-3 Weeks
Typical timeline
25-40 Pages
Report length
What Are the Key Benefits?
- Tailored for pre-revenue companies
- VC-standard methodologies
- Focus on growth potential
- Market opportunity analysis
- Defensible for fundraising
- Team and traction assessment
- Comparable funding analysis
Who Should Use This Method?
- Seed and Series A fundraising
- Co-founder equity distribution
- Employee option pool valuation
- R&D tax incentive applications
- Angel investor negotiations
- Accelerator and incubator programs
What Methodologies Do We Use?
Venture Capital Method
Works backwards from expected exit value using target investor returns. Estimates future exit value based on revenue projections and industry multiples, then discounts for time and risk to determine current pre-money valuation.
Scorecard Method
Compares your startup against average valuations in your region and stage, then adjusts based on team strength, market size, product stage, competition, and other qualitative factors using weighted scoring.
Berkus Method
Assigns value to key risk-reducing milestones: sound idea, prototype, quality team, strategic relationships, and product rollout/sales. Each element adds up to $500K in value for pre-revenue startups.
Risk Factor Summation
Starts with average pre-money valuation and adjusts for 12 risk categories including management, stage, legislation, manufacturing, sales, funding, competition, technology, litigation, international, reputation, and exit potential.
What's Included in Your Report?
Market Analysis
- Total addressable market (TAM)
- Serviceable market sizing
- Competitive landscape
- Growth trajectory analysis
Valuation Model
- Multiple methodology application
- Comparable funding analysis
- Risk-adjusted projections
- Scenario modelling
Documentation
- Executive summary
- Methodology explanation
- Assumption documentation
- Investor-ready format
Common Questions About Startup Valuation
People Also Ask About Startup Valuation
Pre-money valuation is a startup's worth immediately before receiving new investment. It determines investor ownership percentage when combined with the investment amount. For example, a $4M pre-money with $1M investment gives investors 20% ownership.
VCs use methodologies like Berkus Method (milestone-based), Scorecard Method (comparative analysis), and Venture Capital Method (working backwards from expected exit). They focus on team quality, market size, traction, and competitive positioning rather than historical financials.
Australian startup valuations vary by stage: Pre-seed $500K-$2M, Seed $1M-$5M, Series A $5M-$15M. SaaS startups typically command 5-15x ARR multiples depending on growth rate, retention metrics, and market opportunity.
Yes. Pre-revenue startups derive value from intellectual property, team expertise, market opportunity, product development stage, and early traction indicators. The Berkus Method assigns up to $2.5M value across five risk-reducing milestones before any revenue.
Investors require a cap table, financial projections, pitch deck, incorporation documents, IP assignments, and an independent valuation report. A professional valuation provides credibility and defensible methodology documentation for negotiations.
Related Industry Valuations
Related Valuation Methods
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your startup valuation needs and receive a custom quote.