frequently asked questions

(up)start

What makes your business plans different?
  • They are thorough, realistic, and grounded in fact. Our business plans are supported by realistic data, extensive research, and market validation. Our skills are based on modeling the inherent variables of your business, and documenting logical assumptions in detail. They anticipate the relevant questions. A good plan answers the questions investors or partners will have, and addresses concerns with well thought out responses. Our experience screening business plans, pitching to investors, and measuring up to screening tools used by top venture and angel groups are reflected in all our work. They are compelling. A business plan is worthless if it does not get read. A good plan is well-written; it engages the reader, lays out an attractive opportunity in a logical manner, and ultimately, leads to action.
Aside from raising capital, why do I need a business plan?
  • It is your best planning tool. A well thought out business plan sets measurable goals, and then outlines the supporting strategies and actions necessary to meet those goals. It is a logical and methodical way of examining all critical aspects of your business. Through rigorous analytical techniques, we determine your company's positioning, differentiation, sales channel strategy, target market, and capital needs before investing any money. The process is designed to save costs and reduce risks; rigorous planning at the outset reduces time, money, and frustration down the road. It leaves no stone unturned. Just as we determine strengths, the process also reveals weaknesses. By highlighting problem areas, we can then form strategies to overcome such weaknesses — before they become a reality.

    A well-written business plan is not static; rather, it is a living document that is revised as your company grows or the market changes. Consider it your roadmap, guiding you to success.

    It is your best sales tool. While the majority of business plans are developed to raise funds, they are equally useful in selling your vision to partners, potential customers, and new recruits. This is critical for new companies without a track record. Further, along with your business plan, we will help you develop financial models, an executive summary and an investor pitch presentation, effectively giving you the tools you need to grow your business.

What is tandem's role in raising capital? Does tandem invest in startups?
  • Through our range of services, tandem helps entrepreneurs raise capital for their businesses by supporting them in pitching and getting investment ready, sourcing and structuring the investment. We capitalize on our network of investors to identify the ones which can contribute the most value and expertise in addition to the funding required. tandem ventures only considers investments of up to USD 100,000 in circumstances where it can add significant value to a business. In addition, we research, incubate and develop our own ideas and form actual businesses by adding value through advisory and strategic partnerships.
Who will pay?
  • Generally speaking, the business owner pays for (up)start services related to the company. For work related to fundraising, these costs will often be covered by the capital raised.
I do not have the money to pay for your service, what are my options?
  • tandem recognizes that startups and some SME’s cannot always afford to pay for advisory services before commencing operations. In light of this, tandem will offer its clients flexible payment structures, including cash, equity stake, and percentage of future revenues or a combination of the above. Our confidence in the success and impact of our services is so high that we often enter into risk reward share arrangements with our clients, significantly discounting our fees in return for a share of the project benefits
We don't want funding but will you give us mentorship and advice?
  • In certain stages of a business' lifecycle, it is critical to have clear direction on strategy, operations and finance. Whether your business is in the startup, expansion or turnaround stage, tandem's suite of (up)start services can offer you the guidance, mentorship and expertise you require to develop your business. We take non-executive director positions in companies where we can add value and provide mentorship and guidance. We can also recruit specialist advisors for your business should you require.
Why would I use tandem on my board of directors or advisors?
  • tandem has the ability to provide both operational and strategic advice to entrepreneurs that will help them build their business efficiently and successfully. Our track record, reputation and relationships allow us to provide entrepreneurs with connections, knowledge and targeted expertise that will set them apart from the rest.
Will tandem sign an NDA with me?
  • Yes. We feel it is extremely important to achieve a level of trust and comfort with all our clients. There is an element of confidentiality to all new business ventures and tandem seeks to protect this by signing non-disclosure agreements with its clients upon request.
What do you look for in an investment?
  • Some of the most important aspects we look for in any investment opportunity are listed below:

    • The simplicity of the idea: A great plan is one that can be distilled to a very simple proposition without losing its attractiveness. If a company’s plan is not simple enough to be described in two sentences, it’s probably too complex to be communicated effectively to customers, employees and shareholders.

    • The significance of the problem being solved: We always find ourselves asking the entrepreneurs the following questions. What is the serious problem your company is trying to solve? If a company is addressing a problem that is not significant enough, it may be betting on a solution looking for a problem. If the problem is significant, why is it not being addressed by existing players?

    • The scale of the opportunity: We don't believe in creating customers or changing their behavior. We like companies focused on markets that are already large and profitable or that are expected to experience explosive growth. We seek to invest in companies that will be players in well-identified market segments.

    • The ability to define a very specific target market: We also want to know specifically who is feeling the pain caused by this problem and how many such people are out there. We like management teams that are able to talk about specific people in specific roles at specific companies that have decision-making power and would pay for the solution provided by the company.

    • The competitive advantage: How is your approach to solving a problem different from the other ones out there? Are these differences important? Do they bring you a sustainable competitive advantage?

    • The level of wisdom of the management: We look for entrepreneurs who are aware of the challenges they are facing and who do not conceal them. On the contrary, they know what they are good at and they are looking for partners who can make up for their shortcomings and help them address and overcome these challenges. This type of self-awareness and realism usually comes from years of experience and lessons learned.

    • The energy and drive of the founders: An essential ingredient to any start-up is drive. The founders must have sufficient energy and conviction to carry them through the ups and downs they will inevitably face. They must also be able to communicate this enthusiasm to their employees in such a way that it becomes contagious and part of the employee culture.

How does the investment process work?
  • Here is a typical cycle of an investment:

    1) The first step is to send us a brief of your business opportunity, preferably and executive summary or company profile
    2) tandem will then arrange a meeting with the entrepreneur to gather more information on the product/service, the management team and the overall investment opportunity.
    3) We will then review the information against our investment criteria to see whether this opportunity has significant growth potential and if there could be interest from our angel investor network
    4) If it meets the criteria, then the entrepreneur would work with tandem to fill in a short brief, develop a 5 year financial forecast and iron out the structure of the offering to investors. In the meantime, the entrepreneur would need to gather all agreements with third parties, incorporation and ownership material, CVs of the management team.
    5) The investors will be sent the short brief, and if they’re interested, we will arrange for a meeting with the management team and the investor.
    6) If the investor is happy with the meeting, then tandem would perform any required due diligence, including the review of all agreements, legal documents, financial accounts, customers and suppliers.
    7) Once the review is complete and satisfactory, the funding will be invested into the business on the agreed structure that was discussed between the investor and entrepreneur.
    8) In some instances, tandem takes a seat on the Board and manages the investment on behalf of the investor.

How long does the investment process take?
  • We can never guarantee that an investment will be secured. The timeline of an investment process depends on the size of the company in question and the required due diligence that needs to be performed. With startups and small businesses, it can take up to 3 months to secure capital.
Are there sectors you don't invest in?
  • At tandem, we take pride in the diversity of sectors we have been involved in. We have completed projects for clients in diverse industries ranging from technology, fitness services, big box retail, jewelry retail, event management, food & beverage outlets and e-commerce platforms. However, tandem typically does not enter into investment opportunities in the real-estate and trading sectors.

(in)telligence

How does the (in)telligence subscription package work?
  • Think of us as your personal, on-demand research resource: for a one-time annual fee, we will deliver the intelligence you need to help you make better business decisions and supply you with innovative strategies that have a meaningful and lasting impact on the success of your company. It’s as simple as you ask, and we deliver.
I am a business owner, why should I use the (in)telligence subscription service?
  • Most business owners in the Middle East rely on instinct and informal discussions with people to make decisions in their business. Some companies may even have hired a full-time employee responsible for strategic research and development, or third part consultants on a one-off basis. In each instance, tandem (in)telligence provides you with significant benefits. First of all, it provides you with relevant and reliable information that will help make more calculated and accurate business decisions rather than relying on limited information. Secondly, it provides much more value than hiring a full-time employee in terms of the ability to conduct more reports in less time, and in terms of price per year. Finally, third party consultants typically charge hefty fees per report, while tandem (in)telligence reports are affordable and also provides you with access to various services at discounted rates.
What are the limitations to the (in)telligence subscription?
  • The product is aimed at the strategic research needs of our clients such as competitive analysis, best practices, benchmarking, strategy recommendations, industry research and evaluation. Other services such as business plans, feasibility studies, financial modeling and primary research are not included in the annual fee but the subscriber will avail significant discounts for these additional services. Clients will be able to request one research paper at a time.
What are the benefits of the (in)telligence services?
  • Get better business results:
    • The information you need to make more effective decisions
    • Real-world case studies to identify strategies that improve your company’s performance


    Save money:
    • Avoid costly consulting engagements
    • Identify opportunities for improving efficiency and generating cost savings
    • Get peace of mind: all the research and strategy support you need in one year for a one-time fee


    Save time:
    • Avoid reinventing the wheel by using strategies already implemented by other companies
    • Enjoy true convenience: the information you need is always one phone call or email away
I have a very specific need that I cannot find under your services, what can tandem do for me?
  • If you are unsure of what tandem can do for you, contact us and we can help identify appropriate services that suit your needs. Through our extensive network we are confident that we can help you find what you’re looking for.
What sets tandem apart from other consulting firms?
  • tandem's management team is able to leverage years of relevant experience, a extensive professional network and its knowledgeable board of advisors to your benefit. Our approach consists of adding value to your company through our financial and strategic services. We take pride in our tailored advice and do not use templates or copy/paste recommendations.
Is tandem restricted to UAE businesses only?
  • No. tandem’s reach extends to the whole Middle East region. With robust knowledge of the markets and access to industry experts and investors across the MENA region, we have successfully worked with clients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan and Syria.

(in)vestment

What is Angel Investing?
  • A business angel is a private individual investing their own wealth in early stage businesses and supporting them using their own expertise and network of contacts. Investing in young companies can be exciting and can be a great outlet for sharing expertise. It also provides you with the opportunity to mentor up-and-coming entrepreneurs who aim to grow businesses and create jobs to help spur the economic growth.

    High net worth individuals and often successful entrepreneurs who have a high tolerance for calculated risky investments, apportion their assets and capital in new businesses with high growth potential. Aside from the financial aspect, angel investing can be rewarding in many respects, particularly through internal satisfaction and fulfillment when knowing that you have contributed to the success of a young company.

    Some investors prefer to build a portfolio of investments rather than trying to beat some yard stick; a superior strategy has the highest possible probability of meeting their long-term goals, and will subject them to the least risk along the way. It will attempt to maximize their returns for the risks that they are willing to take, and systematically whittle down the risks and costs of making the wrong investments.

    Capital investment typically ranges between $ 50,000 to $ 500,000 per deal in seed or early stage companies. As an individual, or as a group (syndication or co-subscription approach), active angels take a more hands-on loom to decision making on deal sourcing and management vs. passive angels who may put capital into a fund or more.

Why invest in startups?
    • Create jobs and boost the economy
    • Have the potential to generate superior investment returns
    • Diversify your investment portfolio and get access to high potential deals
    • Give something back to the community by mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs
    • Keep up with rapidly evolving products, services, technologies and trends
What is tandem angels?
  • tandem angels was developed to be an informal network of angel investors across the region. After witnessing the failure of the Arab Business Angel Network, it was clear that angel investing with bureaucracy is a failing model. Instead, tandem believes in bringing people together through 3 degrees of separation. Joining the network is free for anyone, as long as they wish to be active investors and facilitate introductions to others when required. The premise of the network is for collaboration – if an investor decides to invest in an entity, that person should be able to convince other investors (outside the network) to invest alongside them.
How does tandem angels work?
  • The network works through the following:
    • An investor joins the network and discloses what his or her criteria for investment is based on tandem’s criteria selection form.
    • tandem receives an investment opportunity and screens it based on tandem’s proprietary framework in order to assess the potential the business has to generate returns for investors.
    • After this point, we then filter the opportunity against the criteria of our investor network to identify the closest match
    • If a match or matches are found, tandem then develops a brief with the entrepreneur and circulates it to the selected investors
    • The investor then gets the opportunity to meet the management team of the investment and interrogate them with unanswered questions.
    • Upon satisfaction, the investor would invest the capital into the company through two main routes:
      1) The investor takes the lead and invests in the entity independently
      2) Through a syndicate managed by tandem, where tandem represents investors on the board of the investment company and communicates regularly between both parties.
How much does it cost for me to join tandem angels?
  • It's absolutely free! We actively encourage people to join. Whether you are senior executives in companies, successful entrepreneurs or local or regional institutions interested in investing, this network is for you. Contact us if you are interested in starting the enrollment process.
Who would use tandem (in)vestment services?
  • The (in)vestment services are targeted at the following clients:
    • Individual and institutional investors with many investments and little time to manage them, or little knowledge or expertise in understanding or developing the investments
    • Individual and institutional investors with a lot of capital to invest into companies that is looking for someone to actively manage the capital or source them interesting opportunities
    • Corporations that wish to sell off part of their business to strategic buyers or other investors
    • Corporations that are looking to acquire smaller companies to help grow their business
When would I need commercial due diligence?
  • Commercial due diligence is required when you are considering acquiring company or making an investment and:
    • There is market or competitive uncertainty, such as new technologies, customers, trends, legislation, powerful buyers, or a new geographic market, and you need to know how these issues might impact the current and future value of the company.
    • The revenue or EBIT projections appear to be very aggressive (relative to historic performance). Therefore, you would need to test or validate how achievable these projections are.
    • A significant proportion of the revenue or EBIT projections appear to be based upon the success of new products, customers and/or markets. Therefore, you need to test or validate how reasonable these assumptions are.
I have launched/am launching a fund. Can tandem manage it for me?
  • Through tandem's experience in managing venture and seed capital funds, as well as the knowledge accumulated by its advisory board, tandem is able to structure and manage anything from independent investments of USD 100,000 to funds of up to USD 10 million.
I am looking to sell or acquire a business, how can tandem help?
  • Whether you are looking to sell or acquire a business, the process is the same. We typically work with startups and early stage businesses wishing to exit or small to medium enterprises looking to grow through acquisition.

    We understand that when investors or entrepreneurs are looking to exit, identifying the right buyer is crucial to maximizing the value of their business or investment and generating the highest returns. Through our experience, resourceful advisory board and network of relationships in the region we are able to locate the appropriate target or acquirer, conduct accurate valuations, conduct and coordinate due diligence (legal and financial), negotiate and structure the deal, and execute the transaction.

How much does each service cost?
  • We can assure you that our fees are always reasonable, unlike other exuberantly priced firms. We are very flexible in how we charge for our services. We can take management fees, flat fees, retainers or on rare occasions, equity in the investment, in exchange for the services rendered. Please contact us directly to learn more about our services.
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