Getting Started
What qualifies as a Startup?
For BVM purposes, a startup is any venture — whether incorporated or internal to a larger organization — that satisfies the following:
- Has a clearly defined product or service with commercial potential
- Has received some form of early funding (grants, equity, internal R&D investment, etc.)
- Operates as a distinct business unit or initiative
- Has a known target amount and timeline for the next funding round — this is essential for BVM to identify suitable comparables with relevant funding trajectories
This includes corporate spinouts, research projects, and incubated ventures — as long as they have stand-alone business intent and planned fundraising activity.
What information is needed to start valuation?
Submit a completed BVM Questionnaire. Supporting docs (pitch decks, product briefs) are welcome but not mandatory for Level 1 reports.
Critical requirement: You must provide the target amount and expected timeline for your next funding round. Without this information, BVM cannot accurately match your company to comparables with similar funding trajectories.
How to submit documents
Email your Questionnaire and materials to info@srvaluation.com. Formats accepted: PDF, DOCX, PPTX, XLSX.
Can I preview a report before ordering?
Yes. A sample BVM Level 1 Report is available for review. Contact us at info@srvaluation.com if you have questions about the report format or content.
What if my company is pre-revenue or has limited data?
BVM is designed for such cases. As long as you have a defined product, funding intent, and a known target for your next round, BVM applies. The methodology focuses on comparable company benchmarks rather than requiring extensive financial history.
BVM Methodology
Glossary
Backward Valuation Method (BVM): A structured method for valuing early-stage companies based on normalized historical data. In Level 1, BVM infers the valuation of comparable companies at a development stage equivalent to the current maturity of the subject company (the NOW Time). It assigns a relevance score to each comparable and filters outliers to establish a valuation range (low–high). In Level 2, BVM uses a four-dimensional matrix to evaluate the company's divergence from the benchmark, resulting in a single-point valuation. BVM is proprietary to SRV.
Comparable Companies (Comparables): Startups most relevant to the company being valued, selected based on industry sector, business model, value proposition (3 layers), funding stage, historical data, and geography.
NOW Time: The current maturity stage of a company (e.g., Seed, Series A) used to align it with comparable transactions. BVM reconstructs what comparable companies were worth at this equivalent development stage.
Traceability Report: A structured appendix to the BVM Level 1 Report documenting all sources, assumptions, calculations, and logic used in the valuation.
BVM Questionnaire: The required intake form to begin the valuation process. Includes sector, product model, and funding history.
Is BVM a reliable valuation method?
BVM delivers consistent and traceable results. It uses structured funding data from comparable companies and applies benchmark logic reviewed by analysts. The methodology has been refined over 17 years (2008-2025) incorporating over 200,000 datapoints across 15 sectors, 5 funding stages, 4 regions, and 3 macro cycles. Updates are made regularly across sectors and geographies to maintain accuracy.
Is BVM an AI system?
No. BVM uses AI tools for supporting data work (research, normalization, filtering), but the valuation model, logic, and report preparation are entirely human-led and proprietary. Every report is reviewed by experienced analysts before delivery.
Is BVM suitable for all industries?
Yes, BVM applies to most sectors — software, AI, fintech, energy, health, cleantech, digital marketplaces, and more. For long-horizon sectors like biotech or aerospace with extended development timelines, we suggest pre-validation to ensure sufficient comparable data exists. Contact us to discuss sector-specific applicability.
How do you select comparables?
Based on 4 primary filters: sector alignment (industry and sub-category), funding stage (Seed, Series A, B, C), data quality (verified funding rounds and investor information), and geography (regional market dynamics). Only the most relevant comparables with high relevance scores are retained for analysis. Outliers are filtered to ensure benchmark accuracy.
Which sectors request BVM the most?
SaaS, AI/ML, Fintech, CleanTech, Digital Health, and Marketplaces represent the largest share of BVM reports. However, we successfully value companies across diverse sectors including hardware, consumer products, B2B services, and emerging technologies.
Services & Pricing
Standard turnaround times
BVM Level 1: 2–3 business days from questionnaire submission and payment.
BVM Level 2: 3–6 business days from Level 1 completion (both can be ordered together).
Traceability Report: 2 business days (can be ordered with Level 1 or separately after).
Timelines may vary with volume or if critical documentation is missing. Rush delivery options are available upon request.
Can I order a Level 2 without Level 1?
No. Level 1 must be completed first — either as a standalone order or as part of a bundle with Level 2. This is because Level 2 builds directly on the comparative analysis and benchmark range established in Level 1, using that foundation to deliver a precise, company-specific valuation.
What is the Traceability Report?
An optional appendix (priced at $450) that lists all assumptions, datasets, benchmarks, dilution formulas, and calculations used to produce your BVM valuation. This documentation is ideal for audit trails, investor due diligence, LP reporting, and regulatory compliance requirements. It provides complete transparency into the valuation methodology and data sources.
How long is my report valid?
Reports are generally valid for 6–12 months depending on market context and sector volatility. For stable sectors with slower fundraising cycles, 12 months is typical. For rapidly evolving sectors (AI, crypto, emerging tech), we recommend updating valuations every 6 months or when material changes occur in your business or market conditions.
Using Your Reports
How should I use BVM Level 1 Report?
The Level 1 Report provides a benchmark valuation range (low–high) that serves multiple purposes:
- Fundraising preparation: Enter investor discussions with credible, data-backed valuation expectations
- Equity allocation: Support SAFE conversions, option grants, and cap table planning with defensible values
- Investment decisions: VCs use Level 1 to triage deals and apply consistent valuation logic across portfolios
- Internal benchmarking: Founders track valuation evolution between funding rounds
- Board discussions: Provide objective third-party validation for strategic decisions
The report is designed to be shared with investors, advisors, and board members as supporting documentation.
Is BVM accepted by investors?
Yes. BVM reports have been used in fundraising rounds, VC negotiations, accelerator programs, and corporate venture discussions. The methodology's transparency and benchmark-driven approach resonates with institutional investors who value data-backed valuations over purely projection-based models.
What if I disagree with my valuation?
If material facts were missing or misrepresented in your questionnaire, contact us immediately at info@srvaluation.com. We can review your submission and update your report if necessary. Note that disagreement based on desired valuation versus market-based benchmarks is different from factual errors — BVM reflects what comparable companies achieved, not aspirational targets.
Can BVM be used for tax or legal filings?
No. BVM is not a legal or CRA-certified appraisal for tax compliance, audit requirements, or regulatory filings. However, it can serve as supporting documentation in fundraising, M&A discussions, and internal decision-making. Contact us separately for compliance-specific valuation tools if needed for formal filings.
Account & Support
Is client data confidential?
Yes. SRV observes strict confidentiality for all submitted materials. Your data is used exclusively for your valuation and is never shared with third parties or used in aggregate databases without explicit permission. We maintain professional standards equivalent to legal and accounting services.
Does SRV offer funding advisory services?
Yes. Beyond valuation reports, we offer capital strategy consulting, term sheet review, valuation positioning for fundraising, and investor negotiation support. These services are provided separately from BVM reports. Contact info@srvaluation.com to discuss advisory needs.
Is API access available?
Planned for 2025. We're developing client-side benchmarking API access for institutional investors, accelerators, and corporate venture teams who need to value multiple companies systematically. Join our waitlist by contacting info@srvaluation.com.
Not Sure Which Report You Need?
Schedule a 15-minute consultation to discuss your valuation needs and which report level is right for your situation.
Book a 15-Minute Call →
