Value drivers of startup projects relevant for venture capital investors in the Czech Republic and valuation methods

The main objective was to create a normative model of determining the value of early stage for companies in the seed and start up stage. The model should be applicable to entrepreneurs and investors, taking into account the assessment of the value of qualitative factors. Another aim was to identify the significant factors affecting the value of early stage companies in the seed and start up stage, i.e. at a time when there are no or very little revenues. Based on a research among investors and other experts on the valuation of early stage companies and venture capital, the most significant factors were not only identified, but also determined by their weight. The quality of evaluating investment opportunities has a major impact on the profitability of the investor´s capital. Current knowledge of the key value drivers and the mechanisms of valuation can help businesses to set realistic expectations when trying to raise capital to finance the startup of the project. It is therefore necessary to provide a clear methodological framework applicable to both parties of investing. The actual research was divided into two phases - individual interviews with investors and questionnaires. It was confirmed that the most crucial factors are those associated with quality management and company founders.