M2 Ventures' advisory gives owners, CEOs, boards and founders experienced judgment on capital, transactions, growth, risk and the decisions that shape a company. You make the calls; we help you make them well, by the session, in a block of hours or on retainer.
Who is it for?
Advisory is for owners and CEOs of founder-led and family-owned companies who want a senior sounding board. It also suits leaders of investor-backed companies preparing for a board meeting, a raise or a sale. Startup founders use it to get senior input in a few high-value hours.
When does it fit?
- “We're preparing to raise capital, and we need to be investor-ready.”
- “We've had an offer for the business, and we don't know what it's worth to us.”
- “Every decision still runs through me, and the company has outgrown that.”
- “We're about to make a decision we can't easily undo.”
- “Our board needs better reporting, and better questions.”
What's included?
Every advisory engagement is built around the decisions in front of you. These are the areas we advise on.
Capital advisory
Capital advisory prepares a company to raise equity or debt and helps it choose the right capital for its stage.
- Investor-readiness materials and a plan investors can follow
- Capital structure options and their trade-offs
- Board and investor reporting packages
Matthew G. Martinez has raised $20M+ for his own ventures. In an advisory role, he placed $25M+ of growth-stage debt for companies and prepared founders for $15M+ in completed equity raises. See his experience.
Strategic advisory
Strategic advisory is a senior sounding board on priorities, major decisions and accountability.
- Regular working sessions on priorities, decisions and progress
- A 90-day or 12-month operating plan
- Preparation for board meetings and investor conversations
Transaction advisory
Transaction advisory helps owners and boards prepare for, evaluate and negotiate a transaction. For full buy-side or sell-side support, see M&A.
- Readiness for a sale, merger, acquisition or recapitalization
- Evaluation of offers and terms
- Diligence preparation
Growth advisory
Growth advisory helps a company choose where and how to grow, and what that growth will demand of the team and the systems.
- Growth options: new markets, channels, products and acquisitions
- The organization and systems the next stage requires
- A KPI scorecard and review cadence to track it
Risk advisory
Risk advisory helps leaders see and manage the risks that could derail the plan, including in highly regulated industries.
- A review of operational, financial, regulatory and key-person risk
- Priorities and controls for the biggest risks
- Preparation for audits, inspections and lender or investor diligence
Innovation advisory
Innovation advisory helps companies take new ideas to market without losing focus on the core business.
- Evaluating new products, services and business models
- Pilots designed to test demand before a large investment
- Turning a successful pilot into a line of business
Leadership advisory
Leadership advisory helps owners and executives lead the company they're becoming.
- Organizational structure, key hires and role definitions
- Developing the leadership team
- Moving a founder-led company to professional management
How long does it take, and how is it scoped?
- Executive Advisory: hourly, with a one-hour minimum, for a specific question.
- Strategy Session: a focused two-hour working session.
- Executive Strategy Intensive: a half-day or full-day working session on one major issue.
- Advisory Block: a defined block of ten hours, used as needed.
- Advisory retainers: month to month, with a three-month minimum, depending on how much access you need.
Every engagement is scoped and priced in writing after a first consultation. Prices aren't published.
Who does the work?
Advisory is led by Matthew G. Martinez, Founder & CEO, or by a senior member of the M2 Ventures team under his direction. Where the advice turns into hands-on work, such as an investor package or an operating plan, the team carries it out and Matthew reviews every deliverable. All engagements are contracted with M Squared Ventures LLC.
Which industries do we advise in?
We advise companies and investors in manufacturing, the trades, business and finance, transportation, marketing and sales, agriculture and emerging industries, including highly regulated industries. See Industries.
How does an engagement start?
- Book a consultation, or send a short note through the contact page.
- We reply within one business day.
- We meet for a free 30-minute consultation about the decision in front of you and the right format.
- If it's a fit, we send a written scope and proposal.
Frequently asked questions
What does an advisory firm do?
An advisory firm gives leaders experienced, independent judgment on decisions such as raising capital, selling the business, entering a market or restructuring the team. M2 Ventures advises; your leadership decides and acts.
What's the difference between advisory and consulting?
Advisory helps you make decisions, usually through regular working sessions or on retainer. Consulting delivers a defined project, such as a sales channel, an operating system or a compliance program, with written milestones and deliverables.
Do you help companies raise capital?
We help companies prepare to raise equity or debt: investor-readiness materials, capital structure options and reporting investors expect. How we're involved in a specific raise is agreed in writing.
Can I start with a single session?
Yes. An Executive Advisory hour or a two-hour Strategy Session is often the best first step. Clients often move to an Advisory Block or a retainer afterward.
How do advisory retainers work?
Retainers run month to month, with a three-month minimum. They give you regular working sessions and access between them, at the level agreed in writing.
Do you invest in the companies you advise?
Occasionally, and always by separate agreement. M2 Ventures invests at the angel, pre-seed and seed stages. See Ventures.