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Valuing Big Potentials and Small Assets Through the VC Valuation Method
When valuing startups, venture capitalists (VCs) use various VC valuation methods to determine a fair value for the company. One of the most popular VC valuation methods is the VC valuation method, which is particularly useful for valuing startups with big potentials and small tangible assets.
Unique to other VC valuation methods, it involves estimating the future cash flows of the startup and discounting them back to the present day to account for the time value of money. This method is based on the idea that the value of a startup is ultimately determined by its ability to generate profits in the future.
Here are the basic steps involved in using the VC valuation method:
- Estimate the future cash flows: The first step is to estimate the future cash flows the startup is expected to generate. It involves projecting the revenue and expenses of the startup for a certain period (usually 5 to 10 years) and estimating the net cash flows that will result.
- Determine the discount rate: The next step is to determine the discount rate that will be used to discount the future cash flows back to their present value. The discount rate reflects the time value of money and the risk associated with investing in the startup. The higher the risk, the higher the discount rate.
- Calculate the present value: Once you have estimated the future cash flows and determined the discount rate, you can calculate the present value of the cash flows by discounting them back to the present day.
- Factor in other valuation metrics: Finally, you can factor in other valuation metrics, such as the multiples of comparable companies, recent investments in the startup, and the potential for future investments.
It’s important to note that the VC valuation method is not a precise science and is subject to many assumptions and uncertainties. However, it can provide a valuable framework for valuing startups.
What is a VC Valuation Template?
A VC valuation template is a business valuation calculator venture which capitalists use to estimate the value of their investments in early-stage startups. This business valuation calculator takes inputs such as the startup’s valuation assumptions, the investor’s equity stakes, and other relevant financial data. Using this information, the business valuation calculator template calculates various metrics that help investors assess the potential returns on their investment, including equity stake, investor cash flows, internal rate of return (IRR), and cash-on-cash multiple.
Equity stake refers to the percentage of ownership the investor has in the startup based on the amount of money invested. Investor cash flows are the expected cash inflows and outflows the investment generates, including potential returns or losses. IRR is a metric used to measure the profitability of an investment, taking into account the timing and size of the cash flows generated by the investment. Cash on cash multiple is a metric that measures the return on investment by comparing the total cash distributions received by the investor to the initial investment amount.
The VC valuation template is a powerful business valuation calculator for investors to evaluate their startup investments’ potential returns and risks. By analyzing the various metrics calculated by the model, investors can make informed decisions about which startups to invest in and better understand the potential returns they can expect from their investments.
Our Simple VC Valuation Template Structure
This fully editable Simple VC template business valuation calculator in Excel is a great way to assess the potential value of a startup. It has an easy-to-follow formula and structure that one can use to run scenarios using varied assumptions.

The Template Sheet contains a sample VC Valuation scenario with a USD $10M Revenue by Year 7 under the following assumptions:

Please note that other VC valuation methods may use different types of multiples. We keep it simple by focusing on the EV/Revenue Multiple. After putting all the assumptions, our Simple VC Valuation Template will auto-calculate the following output:

By using this Simple VC Valuation Template in Excel, one can view the Equity Value Today, Investor Cash Flows, IRR, and Cash on Cash Multiple. Using this venture capital (VC) valuation Template in Excel, one can view the Equity Value Today, Investor Cash Flows, IRR, and Cash on Cash Multiple. These are critical financial metrics in venture capital (VC) valuation.
- Equity Value Today represents the current value of the startup’s equity. It provides a snapshot of the startup’s worth at a particular point in time and can be used as a benchmark for future valuations.
- Investor Cash Flows represent the cash inflows and outflows that investors will receive from their investment in the startup. It helps investors understand the return on their investment and the cash flow implications of their investment decision.
- Internal Rate of Return (IRR) represents the annualized rate of return investors will receive from their investment in the startup. It is essential because it provides a standardized way to compare the returns of different investment opportunities. A higher IRR indicates a more attractive investment opportunity.
- Cash on Cash Multiple is the total cash distributions that investors will receive relative to the amount of cash they have invested. It is an indication of the overall return on investment. A higher multiple indicates a more attractive investment opportunity.
Estimate the Value of a Startup or Early-Stage Company with this VC Valuation Template!
A VC valuation template is a business valuation calculator in Excel used by venture capitalists to evaluate the potential value of a startup investment. The template typically includes inputs such as revenue projections, growth rates, market size, and exit scenarios and outputs a valuation estimate for the company. Overall, a venture capital (VC) valuation template can be a valuable tool for investors and entrepreneurs to make informed investment decisions.
The current model version of this free VC Valuation template in Excel is 1.0. Download it free here!
File Format:
.xlsx (MS Excel)
Other Resources:
- 10 Tips to Develop a First-Class Business Valuation Report
- 12 BUSINESS VALUATION METHODS
- The Valuation of a Business
- Finding a Valuation Model for Your Business
- Revenue Model Templates and Their Characteristics
- Startup Model Templates in Excel that can help your Business Grow
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Reviews
Great template to asses Investor Valuation, have two questions though:
Why the empty rows?
Why isn’t there a chance to end the cash requirement in cero?
460 of 940 people found this review helpful.
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Hi there, the rows are not empty. You can use the assumptions on the left side to populate debt and cash and change the exit year. This way it is more understandable how the valuation approach works. However, this is just one way of showing this analys. There are for sure other ways to do this. Hope this helps.
Thank you for your feedback.
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