Philosophy: Z Capital believes that entrepreneurs need a financial partner that has been through the struggles and pressures they face on a daily basis. We look for individuals who are willing to confront the pressures of a start-up business head-on and address issues as they arise. The territory is not easy, but entrepreneurs accept that worthwhile endeavors require 100% effort.
It takes courage, honesty, creativity, confidence, self-awareness and good fortune to succeed. Z Capital provides the financial catalyst for individuals who have demonstrated that they are prepared to take timely, calculated risks to embark on building a new business.
Experience: The principals of Z Capital have seen or made the mistakes common to most start-ups, and have gained wisdom from hard-won lessons through those experiences. We look for individuals who are willing to learn from others’ errors and who are committed to avoiding the most frequent pitfalls.
Network: One of the most valuable resources an entrepreneur can develop is a network of seasoned professionals and advisors who can assist with key strategic and operational decisions that often arise in unfamiliar territory. The ‘lone wolf’ is practicing a model that is sure to fail in today’s world economy. Entrepreneurship requires a strong support network.
Honesty: Excelling in business requires confronting and solving problems. That happens best with open and frank communications. Respectful, truthful communications opens doors to success.
Work: Entrepreneurship is mainly about work. It requires long hours, few breaks and commitment to the business, often at the sacrifice of personal time and short-term rewards. Rewards are often hard-earned over a period of years. In our experience, it takes years to become an ‘overnight success.’
Understanding Sales: We believe in translating ideas into recurring revenues. Company founders are sometimes enamored with their product or the creative process, and fearful or slow to take the necessary chain of steps to effectively sell it. No business survives long without selling something of value. The founder must understand this reality and know exactly how their products fit in the competitive landscape and know how customers will progress through the stages of the sales process, including awareness, preference, purchase, and repetition.