Private and Microcap Company Services

MatchStar is a less expensive, high value added alternative to working exclusively with a retained search firm. We are providing a complete research based search process, typically associated with large national retained firms while employing a non-exclusive service and contingency pricing model.

FEE STRUCTURE

Most “retained” search firms require: 1) exclusivity for the position, 2) high fees (typically 30-33%) of the projected first year total compensation, 3) one-third down deposit; one-third payment at 30 days; the remaining one-third balance at 60 days or time of hire, 4) reimbursement for all out of pocket expenses. At Matchstar, we recognize that managing the burn rate is critical for fast growth tech companies. Our “pay for performance” model aligns our interests with yours – we only get paid when the job is done. We require a small deposit (a fraction of the “retained” down payment) to launch the search, while the balance is due only at the time of hire. Should you cancel the search for any reason, the deposit remains on your account as a credit against a future search. We do not charge for current and ongoing “out-of-pocket” expenses. Our fee calculation for the non-base portion of the full year’s projected earnings (non-draw based commissions or a management incentive bonus) are conservatively negotiated to help manage performance risk on behalf of the candidate. Most important, our placement fees are significantly less than those of a retained search firm, and we offer a variety of discount programs based on criteria that include early invoice payment, multiple searches, funding rebates and others. In most cases, our fees are competitive with the typical contingency firm. However, given Matchstar’s high level of service, speed to deliver, overall fee structure, and domain expertise, our value is unequaled in the industry.

SPEED - TIME TO CLOSE

We have up to a dozen Matchstar-trained researchers on contract, allowing us to “flex-up” during peak cycles and manage complicated engagements. In addition to our headhunting process, we directly source from our proprietary network of 10,000+ tech executives, venture capital and private equity firms, and financial intermediaries, who actively communicate and refer candidates to us. We also utilize over 30 recruiters on a contract basis to supplement our efforts for particular domain specifications. Our entire process is geared around an understanding of how fast growth tech company executives think, their required milestones, and long-term strategic and financial exits. This “domain focus” had enabled us to begin presenting candidates that meet your absolute requirements within 7-10 days. A search with a retained firm could take between 90-180 days. And unlike the traditional contingency firm, which often tries to place a short list of “available bodies,” we are targeting best-of-breed executives that meet your “absolute requirements” and have a history of success.

SERVICE MODEL

Our level of service frequently exceeds that of a high priced retained search firm and is significantly greater than a traditional contingency firm. Matchstar employs a unique, consultative process originally developed to solve three common venture backed management dilemmas:  a) lack of resources in managing the hiring process, b) the urgency of finding the right candidate in a short time frame, and c) the extreme setback of hiring the wrong person. Recognizing these issues, the Matchstar team personally develops a target candidate profile and set of interview questions customized specifically for each position.  Clients can read the interview answers, written by each candidate, along with the resume, before deciding to interview the candidate.  The interview questions are both achievement oriented and “behavioral” in nature. The answers provide a strong sense for how the candidate will fit into an emerging culture, build a team, communicate with board members, and manage stress as well as other inevitable problems facing most fast growth tech companies.  Additionally, information is provided by the candidate regarding their current salary compensation expectations and reason for leaving their current position. A simple resume cannot communicate this level of depth. Many companies feel, as a result of our process, that they already “know” the candidate prior to the first interview.

FUNDING

We believe that sticking to our knitting in our domain – high growth, VC-backed or Microcap tech companies – provides a great opportunity to help a venture community that acts as deal sources for us. We have over 80 VCs and private equity firms that have asked us to provide new investment opportunities when available. If you are looking for venture or private placement funding, we can provide access to those institutions subject to their specific investment criteria. Over the past few years, Matchstar has helped a number of companies raise tens of millions in early stage venture money.

Our referral process is simple. Step 1: We will provide you a list of those institutions who have asked us to provide opportunities that match their specific investment criteria. Step 2: You review the list and indicate those firms that you do not wish to contact. Step 3: Matchstar begins making introductions. Step 4: We will follow-up with the investors to gauge interest, obtain feedback, and help set up meetings. Step 5: You formally take over the process with the respective investor. Any transactional fees collected as a result of a successful funding can be used as a credit towards future searches. Over the years, we have found this to be a very effective process.

The following is a short selection of the venture capital firms and or their portfolio companies we have worked with: Apex Venture Partners, Austin Ventures, BA Venture Partners, BayStar, Blueprint Ventures, BV Capital (Bertelsmann Ventures), Canaan Partners, Columbia Capital, Core Capital Partners, Crimson Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Draper Richards, DynaFund Ventures, FastAngels Ventures, First Stage Capital, IDG Ventures, Ignition Corporation, Industry Ventures, Insight Capital Partners, Institutional Venture Partners (IVP), KB Partners, Leapfrog Ventures, LightSpeed Venture Partners, Mellon Ventures, Meritech Capital Partners, Mid-Atlantic Venture Funds, Mohr, Davidow Ventures, NeoCarta Ventures, New Venture Partners, Northwest Venture Associates, Opus Capital, Origin Ventures, Osprey Ventures, Palomar Ventures, Prism Opportunity fund, RBC Centura, Rocket Ventures, Ridgewood Capital, RRE Ventures, RWI Group, Shelter Capital Partners, Shelter `Ventures, SpaceVest, Startupfactory.com, The Sprout Group, TL Ventures, Vision Capital, Walden VC, Warburg Pincus, Weston Presidio Capital, WI Harper Group and Zone Ventures. And the list continues to grow every month!

Matchstar also provides, via its Southern California affiliate, PIPE [Private Investment in Public Equity] placement services for small and microcap publicly listed companies seeking capital through a private placement. We have long-term relationships with over 120 institutional financing sources (primarily private equity and hedge funds) seeking investments between $5-$20 million. We bring a highly experience professional team capable of raising capital very quickly, while providing a low fee structure, consultation, and coaching though the preparation, filing, road show, and investor relations steps in the process. Terrific references are available upon request.

The following chart shows a comparison between Matchstar and the typical contingent and retained search firm. Although firms may vary by geography and niche focus, the following comparative matrix provides an accurate depiction of the average firm in each category.

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