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Startup 101: What's an ideal customer profile (ICP)?

Startup 101: What's an ideal customer profile (ICP)?

Defining your ideal customer profile (ICP) is a crucial yet often overlooked step for any business, especially for those in highly competitive industries like business banking and startups. An ICP outlines the key traits and characteristics of your best-fit potential customers, serving as a guide for your sales, marketing, and product development efforts.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Startup 101: What's a vision statement for startup founders?
Article

Startup 101: What's a vision statement for startup founders?

A vision statement is a critical piece of defining a startup's identity and aspirations. It captures the company's dreams and goals for the future in an inspirational way that rallies employees, customers, and stakeholders. Although often confused with mission statements, a vision statement serves a distinct purpose in articulating the big, hairy, audacious goals that seem just out of reach. It stretches the imagination to what could be possible for the company with hard work, creativity, and persistence.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Startup 101: What's runway for startup founders?
Article

Startup 101: What's runway for startup founders?

Startup runway refers to the number of months a startup can continue operating before running out of cash, assuming expenses remain constant and no new funding comes in. Tracking this metric is vital for startups to understand their financial health and make strategic decisions about funding, spending, and operations.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Startup 101: What's a cap table?
Article

Startup 101: What's a cap table?

A capitalization (cap) table is a spreadsheet showing a company's equity ownership breakdown, listing shareholders, number of shares owned, and percentage of ownership. Cap tables provide clarity into who owns what and are critical for startups making investment and financial decisions involving equity.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Startup 101: What is a SAFE Note?
Article

Startup 101: What is a SAFE Note?

A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) note is an increasingly popular form of startup financing, allowing founders to raise funds quickly without some of the complexities of traditional financing methods. Created by Y Combinator in 2013, SAFE notes provide a streamlined way for startups to get access to capital in their early stages.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Customer Case Study with Andrew Rea
Article

Customer Case Study with Andrew Rea

The Meow team is one of the most responsive I’ve ever worked with. They respond fast. I never worry about having my cash parked with them because I know they’ve got my back and will act in our interests.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

AngelList x Meow
Company Announcements

AngelList x Meow

AngelList and Meow have partnered to build the future of banking for startups.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Puzzle x Meow
Company Announcements

Puzzle x Meow

🚨 ANNOUNCEMENT: Puzzle x Meow is live! What Google Maps did for travel, we're trying to do for your finances.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is a 409A Valuation?
Article

What Is a 409A Valuation?

A 409A valuation is an independent third-party valuation of a private company’s common stock. These valuations are needed to grant employees tax-free equity compensation and establish a reasonable stock price for employee stock options.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Guide to Financial Planning and Analysis
Article

Guide to Financial Planning and Analysis

Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) plays a crucial role in helping businesses assess their overall financial health, make informed decisions, and plan for the future. This guide will provide an in-depth look at what FP&A entails, its key components, processes and best practices, benefits, roles and responsibilities, technologies and tools, emerging trends, challenges, and why it creates significant value for organizations.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

What Are Redemption Rights?
Article

What Are Redemption Rights?

Redemption rights give investors the option to sell their shares back to the company under certain conditions. They matter greatly to both investors and startups seeking funding. For investors, these rights provide security and control. For startups, they bring capital but also potential burdens down the line. Understanding how redemption rights work and aligning interests are key to productive partnerships.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Line of Credit for Franchises
Article

Line of Credit for Franchises

Opening a franchise can be an exciting way to own your own business, but it also requires a significant upfront investment. Franchise financing allows entrepreneurs to fund the startup costs of a new franchise location through loans tailored to this type of business.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Line of Credit for Funds
Article

Line of Credit for Funds

A fund line of credit is a type of revolving credit facility that provides flexible access to capital for funds such as private equity funds or venture capital funds. It works similarly to a credit card in that the lender provides a credit limit, and the borrower can withdraw up to that limit, repay it, and withdraw again as needed.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Understanding Revenue-Based Financing
Article

Understanding Revenue-Based Financing

Revenue-based financing has become an increasingly popular funding option for startups and growth-stage companies over the past few years. But what exactly is revenue-based financing, and how does it work? Essentially, investors provide upfront capital to a business in exchange for a percentage of its future revenue until the investor has recouped their investment plus a return. Repayment amounts flex up and down based on the performance of the business each month.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

What Are Senior Notes?
Article

What Are Senior Notes?

Senior notes, also referred to as senior debt, are a form of debt financing that gives the lenders priority claim to assets and cash flows in the event of default or bankruptcy. Unlike other debt instruments like subordinated notes or junior debt, senior notes are deemed less risky for lenders due to their senior status.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

What Are Pro Rata Rights?
Article

What Are Pro Rata Rights?

Pro rata rights are an important concept for both investors and startup founders to understand. They give investors the option to participate in future fundraising rounds in order to maintain their proportional ownership percentage. For founders, granting pro rata rights can help attract investors but also limits future flexibility. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly how pro rata rights work and why they matter.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

What Is Warrant Coverage?
Article

What Is Warrant Coverage?

Warrant coverage is an important concept for companies seeking investment, especially high-growth startups looking for venture capital. In essence, warrant coverage gives investors the right to purchase additional shares in a company at a fixed price in the future. This helps protect their investment, while providing additional upside if the company performs well.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

What Is the Coupon Rate of a Bond?
Article

What Is the Coupon Rate of a Bond?

A bond's coupon rate is one of the most basic yet critical numbers for investors to understand. It represents the annual interest payment that a bondholder will receive based on the face value of the bond. Coupon rates drive how attractive or expensive a bond is relative to other income generating investments. As such, assessing a bond's coupon is essential for making informed investment decisions in the fixed income market.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Understanding Reinvestment Risk
Article

Understanding Reinvestment Risk

Reinvestment risk refers to the chance that an investor will be unable to reinvest proceeds from investments at the same rate of return as the original investment. It most commonly applies to fixed income securities like bonds or CDs, when market interest rates fall over time.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

How Do Interest Rates Affect Treasury Bills?
Article

How Do Interest Rates Affect Treasury Bills?

As interest rates climb, T-bill prices fall to offer competitive yields. There is generally an inverse relationship between bond prices and yields.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

What are T-Bills?
Article

What are T-Bills?

T-bills are short-term bonds that mature in less than a year. When an investor purchases a T-bill, they are effectively loaning money to the government. In exchange, the government agrees to repay the face value of the bond upon maturity. T-bills are sold at a discount from face value and do not pay interest before maturity. The difference between the purchase price and the maturity value is the investor's return.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

What Are Gilts?
Article

What Are Gilts?

A gilt is a bond issued by the United Kingdom government and listed on the London Stock Exchange. The term "gilt" or "gilt-edged security" refers to the fact that gilts are considered very secure investments, as the UK government has never defaulted on payments for gilts.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Understanding Treasuries: The Difference Between Bills, Notes and Bonds
Article

Understanding Treasuries: The Difference Between Bills, Notes and Bonds

Treasury bills, notes, and bonds have key differences that are important to understand when building a portfolio. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the distinguishing features of these unique securities in terms of maturity length, interest payments, taxation, liquidity, and typical yields.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Important Liquidity Ratios to Monitor
Article

Important Liquidity Ratios to Monitor

Liquidity ratios are one of the most important metrics used to assess a company's financial health and ability to meet its short-term obligations. For companies seeking financing and credit from banks and investors, strong liquidity ratios are key to securing funding approvals. This article will provide an in-depth overview of liquidity ratios - what they are, the key types, how to calculate them, and best practices businesses should follow to maintain adequate liquidity.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Understanding Net Working Capital
Article

Understanding Net Working Capital

Net working capital (NWC) is a financial metric that measures a company's liquidity and ability to meet its short-term financial obligations. In simple terms, net working capital shows the difference between a company's current assets and current liabilities. It gives a snapshot of the financial health of a business at any given point in time.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is Cash Float?
Article

What Is Cash Float?

Cash float refers to the discrepancy between the cash balances reported in a business's accounting records and the amount of cash the business actually has available in its bank accounts. Properly managing cash float is crucial for companies to ensure smooth operations, maintain proper cash flow, and have access to readily available funds when needed.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Liquid vs. Non-Liquid Assets
Article

Liquid vs. Non-Liquid Assets

Liquid assets refer to assets that can be quickly and easily converted into cash without losing much of their value. Examples include cash, stocks, bonds, and money market funds. Non-liquid assets, on the other hand, are assets that are difficult to convert to cash quickly. Real estate, equipment, vehicles, and artwork are considered non-liquid assets.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

S Corp vs. Sole Proprietorship: Key Differences
Article

S Corp vs. Sole Proprietorship: Key Differences

Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur makes when starting a business. The business structure impacts everything from day-to-day operations, to taxes, to personal liability. When it comes to one-owner businesses, two of the most common structures are sole proprietorships and S corporations. Both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on the business's goals.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Articles of Incorporation vs. Bylaws
Article

Articles of Incorporation vs. Bylaws

Articles of incorporation and bylaws are two key documents that establish the legal and governance structure for a business. While they serve complementary purposes, there are important distinctions between the two. This article will define and compare articles of incorporation and bylaws, outline the required components and creation processes for each, summarize key differences, and provide best practices around establishing and maintaining these founding business documents.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is Inventory Financing?
Article

What Is Inventory Financing?

Inventory financing allows businesses to obtain funds to purchase inventory and stock up on products to sell. It is an important funding option that gives companies the working capital needed to meet customer demand and avoid costly out of stock issues. For product-based businesses with growing or fluctuating sales, inventory financing provides flexibility to scale inventory as needed.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Understanding Net Payment Terms
Article

Understanding Net Payment Terms

Net payment terms refer to the timeline and conditions that dictate when a customer must pay for a purchase. Setting clear net payment terms is an important part of financial management for any business that offers credit sales. Common net payment terms include Net 30, Net 60, and Net 90, which give the customer 30, 60, or 90 days respectively to pay an invoice in full.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is a Trace Number?
Article

What Is a Trace Number?

A trace number is a unique identifier assigned to financial transactions like ACH transfers and wire transfers. It serves an important purpose - trace numbers allow banks, payment processors, and account holders to track payments and investigate any issues that arise. When key details about transfers go missing or payments disappear into the abyss of the financial system, trace numbers can help uncover what happened behind the scenes.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is a Credit Memo?
Article

What Is a Credit Memo?

Credit memos, though a simple accounting concept, are a critical tool for businesses to understand. These documents allow companies to properly account for returns, disputes, and changes in transactions with customers. Getting credit memos right keeps financial reporting accurate and cash flow smooth. However, many small business owners have limited familiarity with what credit memos are, why they are used, and best practices in leveraging them. This article will provide an in-depth explainer on credit memos - from formal definitions to real-world examples and tips on managing them effectively.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Top-Line vs. Bottom-Line: Understanding the Difference
Article

Top-Line vs. Bottom-Line: Understanding the Difference

A company's top line refers to its total revenues, while the bottom line refers to net income after expenses. Tracking both metrics is critical for assessing the overall health and growth trajectory of a business.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Why Is It Important to Reconcile Your Bank Statements?
Article

Why Is It Important to Reconcile Your Bank Statements?

Bank reconciliation is the process of matching your internal financial records to the bank's records of your account transactions and balance. You compare deposits, checks, and other transactions between your records and the bank's records to uncover any discrepancies or unauthorized payments.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is Prorating?
Article

What Is Prorating?

The term “prorated” refers to proportionally dividing or allocating a payment or cost based on the actual period of time, use, or service. Prorating is an important concept in many business situations when compensation, fees, or other costs need to be fairly divided based on irregular time periods, usage metrics, or service durations.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Does TTM Mean?
Article

What Does TTM Mean?

TTM stands for "trailing twelve months," a term used in finance and accounting to refer to a company's performance over the past year. Specifically, TTM calculates figures from the previous four quarters to provide a more current view of the business compared to only looking at the last full fiscal year.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Can ACH Payments Be Reversed?
Article

Can ACH Payments Be Reversed?

This article provides a comprehensive overview of ACH payment reversals, covering the circumstances when banks reverse payments, reasons senders issue stop payments, consequences of reversals, and tips to avoid the situation altogether.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is a Payment Remittance?
Article

What Is a Payment Remittance?

Payment remittance refers to money transfers sent across international borders, often from an employee working abroad to their family back home. Remittance payments have become an increasingly common way to move money globally. Understanding what payment remittance entails and how it works is key for businesses making international payments as well as individuals sending money overseas.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is a Bank ABA Number?
Article

What Is a Bank ABA Number?

Many people have likely seen routing numbers printed on the bottom of checks or heard banking terms like “ABA routing number” thrown around before. However, there remains confusion regarding what an ABA number specifically refers to, how it differs from a routine routing number, and when you actually need to provide it. This article clarifies precisely what an ABA number is, when it’s required, and how to easily look it up.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is an EFT Payment? A Guide to Electronic Funds Transfers
Article

What Is an EFT Payment? A Guide to Electronic Funds Transfers

Electronic funds transfers (EFTs) have become an essential way that money moves in today's digital economy. Whether you’re an individual making online purchases or a business paying employees and vendors, there’s a good chance EFTs are facilitating your financial transactions. But what exactly is an EFT payment and how does it work? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

ACH Debit vs. ACH Credit Transactions
Article

ACH Debit vs. ACH Credit Transactions

An ACH transfer can either be a credit or debit transaction. The key difference lies in the direction of the money flow. With an ACH credit, funds are "pushed" into the receiving bank account. In contrast, an ACH debit "pulls" funds out of the originating bank account. Understanding this core difference is key for businesses to leverage ACH payments properly.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Comparing Procurement vs. Purchasing
Article

Comparing Procurement vs. Purchasing

Procurement and purchasing - while often used interchangeably - are actually two distinct business functions. Procurement is the overarching strategic process for acquiring goods and services, while purchasing refers more specifically to the tactical transactional function of buying and paying for goods.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Understanding Purchase Orders vs. Invoices
Article

Understanding Purchase Orders vs. Invoices

For companies making business-to-business (B2B) transactions, purchase orders and invoices are vital documents that formalize agreements between buyers and sellers. However, many entrepreneurs just starting out fail to understand the exact differences between the two. Though they share some basic similarities and contain overlapping information, purchase orders and invoices serve distinct purposes at different points in the procurement process. This article will clarify the key differences between purchase orders and invoices, explain when each document is used, and discuss why understanding both is critical for smooth business operations and relationships.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is the Difference Between a Purchase Requisition and a Purchase Order?
Article

What Is the Difference Between a Purchase Requisition and a Purchase Order?

A purchase requisition and a purchase order are two important documents used in the procurement process. Though they sound similar and are often confused with one another, there are some key differences between the two. Understanding these differences and how requisitions and orders fit into the bigger picture of purchasing is critical for businesses looking to optimize their procurement strategy and spending.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is a Payment Processor?
Article

What Is a Payment Processor?

Accepting payments is an essential part of running any business. But the process behind these transactions is complex, involving multiple parties to securely facilitate the transfer of funds. Understanding payment processors is key to navigating this process smoothly. This guide will explain what payment processors are, how they work, top provider options, and tips for choosing the right one.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is a Wire Transfer?
Article

What Is a Wire Transfer?

A wire transfer refers to the electronic transfer of money from one bank account to another. Wire transfers provide a fast and secure method for transferring funds domestically or internationally. They allow money to move directly between bank accounts without requiring physical movement of cash.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is an ACH Withdrawal?
Article

What Is an ACH Withdrawal?

In simple terms, ACH stands for Automated Clearing House, which is an electronic network in the United States that coordinates electronic payments and money transfers. An ACH withdrawal, also called an ACH debit transaction, allows a business or entity that you have authorized to pull funds directly from your bank account.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

IBAN vs. SWIFT Code: What's the Difference?
Article

IBAN vs. SWIFT Code: What's the Difference?

When sending or receiving money internationally, two key details you'll often come across are IBAN and SWIFT codes. But what exactly are these identifiers and numbers? How are they different or used together when transferring funds overseas? This guide will explain everything you need to know about IBANs and SWIFT codes to smoothly navigate international bank payments.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is an ACH Direct Deposit?
Article

What Is an ACH Direct Deposit?

At its core, an ACH direct deposit refers to the process of an employer utilizing the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to send funds directly into an employee's bank account for payroll. This expedited form of payment has become extremely commonplace, with over 90% of employees nationwide now paid via ACH direct deposit.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?
Article

What Is an Employer Identification Number (EIN)?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain what an EIN is, outline scenarios where you need to get one, detail the various application options, and provide additional resources for business owners and tax professionals.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Making the Switch: Changing Business Bank Accounts
Article

Making the Switch: Changing Business Bank Accounts

This guide will walk you through when to consider switching banks, how to choose the right new bank, key steps in the transition process, and tips for ensuring it is as smooth as possible.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Key Benefits of a Business Checking Account
Article

Key Benefits of a Business Checking Account

Opening a business checking account is one of the most important early steps an entrepreneur can take. In this comprehensive guide, we outline everything you need to know about business checking accounts.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

A Guide to Non-Dilutive Financing for Startups and Small Businesses
Article

A Guide to Non-Dilutive Financing for Startups and Small Businesses

Raising capital is a crucial but challenging task for many startups and small businesses. While options like venture capital or selling equity can provide funding, they also mean giving up ownership and control of your company. This dilution of equity and potential loss of decision-making power may not align with the vision entrepreneurs have for their business.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Building a T-Bill Ladder for Regular Income and Higher Yields
Article

Building a T-Bill Ladder for Regular Income and Higher Yields

With interest rates on the rise, many fixed income investors are looking for ways to generate extra yield without taking on too much additional risk. One strategy that can help is utilizing a Treasury bill ladder.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

How to Ladder Treasury Bills for Regular Income and Managing Risk
Article

How to Ladder Treasury Bills for Regular Income and Managing Risk

In times of rising interest rates and market volatility, Treasury bills offer a safe haven for fixed income investors. Often called T-bills, these short-term government debt obligations provide income while protecting your principal. One smart strategy is laddering T-bills - buying a series with staggered maturity dates.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

T-Bill Ladders Explained
Article

T-Bill Ladders Explained

You're a business owner. You've got money to invest. You're seeking a low-risk investment strategy that can offer you steady returns. Does such a strategy even exist?

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Customer Case Study with INSHUR’s  Head of Finance
Article

Customer Case Study with INSHUR’s Head of Finance

INSHUR is an embedded insurance provider for the on-demand economy in the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Founded in 2016, INSHUR is an established Series B startup that’s raised over $60 million with investors that include Viola Fintech, Jerusalem Venture Partners and Munich Re Ventures.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

United Kingdom Treasury Bills are Live!
Company Announcements

United Kingdom Treasury Bills are Live!

🇬🇧 ANNOUNCEMENT: 5.25%* United Kingdom Treasury Bills are live on Meow! Rates rocketed upwards. But global startups are stuck with yield-less Sterling accounts.

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow Advisory, LLC

Meow x Upper90
Company Announcements

Meow x Upper90

Debt markets for startups is as clear as mud. • Why do startups use debt? • What are common terms? • How is the market different post-SVB?

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

What is Venture Debt?
Article

What is Venture Debt?

What is Venture Debt? Here's everything you need to know about a market that makes no sense: In the early days, startup funding is simple. • beg your friends for money • beg VCs for money • beg VCs for more money you give up equity. you get cash.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Customer Case Study with Philip Picariello (VP of Finance & Ops at Stocktwits)
Article

Customer Case Study with Philip Picariello (VP of Finance & Ops at Stocktwits)

Stocktwits is a platform for over 6 million users to share ideas and insights about stocks and the financial markets. Founded in 2009, Stocktwits has raised almost $50 million in venture funding including a recent Series B financing. Their investors include Foundry, True Ventures, ffVC and Social Leverage.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Treasury Bills 101
Article

Treasury Bills 101

Startup treasury management has never been more top of mind for founders and finance teams. With the heightened focus, everyone’s been asking…

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

How to Start an LLC
Article

How to Start an LLC

Step-by-step guides for starting an LLC in each state.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

How to Incorporate
Article

How to Incorporate

Step-by-step guides for starting a corporation in each state.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

Meow Technologies, Inc.

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