Insights
Straight answers for founders.
Plain-English guides on raising capital, valuation, term sheets, selling, and the decisions that define a company.
David Sugarman: From Morgan Stanley to Building SugarTime
David Sugarman went from a GED to a 30-year Wall Street career at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch. Now he builds SugarTime for founders in Miami.
capital raising firm MiamiWhat SugarTime Does: Capital Raising and M&A in Miami
SugarTime is a capital raising and M&A firm in Miami. We help founders raise capital, merge, or acquire, with Wall Street rigor and direct answers.
David Sugarman Merrill LynchDavid Sugarman's Wall Street Years: Merrill Lynch and Beyond
David Sugarman spent 30 years on Wall Street, at firms including Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley. Here is what those years taught him about capital and deals.
what is a term sheetWhat Is a Term Sheet? Every Key Term Explained
A plain-English guide to term sheets. Learn valuation, liquidation preference, option pools, board seats, and the key terms every founder should understand.
what is a cap tableWhat Is a Cap Table? A Founder's Plain-English Guide
A plain-English guide to cap tables. Learn what a capitalization table is, what it tracks, how dilution works, and why founders should keep it clean.
how business valuation worksHow Startup Valuation Actually Works
A plain-English guide to how business valuation works. Learn the common methods, what really drives a number, and why founders should understand it.
debt vs equity financingDebt vs Equity: Which Is Right for Your Raise?
A plain-English guide to debt vs equity financing. Learn the trade-offs, when each makes sense, and how founders should think about the choice.
how much money should I raiseHow Much Capital Should You Actually Raise?
A plain-English guide to how much money you should raise. Learn how to size a round around runway, milestones, and dilution without over or under raising.
am I ready to raise capitalAre You Ready to Raise? Signs Your Company Is Fundable
Wondering if you are ready to raise capital? Here are the honest signs that your company is fundable, and the gaps to close before you start.
how does capital raising workHow a Capital Raise Works, Step by Step
A plain-English walkthrough of how a capital raise actually works, from getting ready to the wire, so founders know what to expect at each stage.
documents needed to raise capitalThe Documents You Need Before You Raise
A plain checklist of the documents you need before raising capital, from the pitch deck to the cap table, so you walk in ready instead of scrambling.
mistakes founders make raising capitalThe Biggest Mistake Founders Make When Raising Capital
The biggest mistake founders make when raising capital is not the one you expect. Here is the real trap, plus the common errors that cost founders.
how to evaluate a companyHow to Size Up a Company in Five Minutes
A plain-English guide to how to evaluate a company fast. Learn the five things to check first before you spend real time on a deal.
why capital raises failRed Flags That Kill a Capital Raise
Why capital raises fail, in plain English. The common red flags that stop a raise before it starts, and what founders can do about them early.
working with a capital advisorHow SugarTime Finds and Backs the Right Deals
What working with a capital advisor actually looks like. A plain-English walk through how SugarTime reads a deal, gets involved, and backs founders.