Musings on Markets

FEBRUARY 8, 2025

In the first five posts, I have looked at the macro numbers that drive global markets, from interest rates to risk premiums, but it is not my preferred habitat. The second set of inputs are prices of risk, in both the equity and debt markets, with the former measured by equity risk premiums , and the latter by default spreads.

Risk Premium 74

Risk Premium Beta Start-ups Equity 74

Musings on Markets

FEBRUARY 10, 2021

In this post, I will start by looking at the role that hurdle rates play in running a business, with the consequences of setting them too high or too low, and then look at the fundamentals that should cause hurdle rates to vary across companies.

Risk-free Rate 52

Risk-free Rate Risk Premium Start-ups Equity 52

Equidam

APRIL 26, 2025

Instead of comparing to an average, it typically starts with a maximum potential pre-money valuation deemed achievable for a startup of that type in its region. Unlike the Scorecard, it doesn’t explicitly benchmark against competitors but focuses on the startup’s internal milestones and risk mitigation.

Discounted Cash Flow 59

Discounted Cash Flow Terminal Value Book Value Beta 59

Musings on Markets

JANUARY 28, 2024

Third, by making investing a choice between good (higher returns) and bad (higher risk), a message is sent, perhaps unwittingly, that risk is something to be avoided or hedged. micro uncertainties, into discount rates, and in the process, they end up incorporating risk that investors can eliminate, often at no cost.

Risk Premium 121

Risk Premium Beta Start-ups Equity 121

Equidam

APRIL 22, 2025

2] Startups typically lack significant historical financial data, often operate with negative profits initially, rely heavily on private equity or venture capital rather than traditional bank loans, and face a much higher risk of failure. [1] This premium rises when perceived market risk increases. [27] 2] [15] [17].

Discounted Cash Flow 52

Discounted Cash Flow Marketability Risk Premium Start-ups 52

Equidam

APRIL 22, 2025

23] , [24] , [25] This average serves as a starting point, which is then adjusted upwards or downwards based on the specific startup’s relative strengths and weaknesses across several key criteria. [21] 23] Equidam uses country-specific risk-free rates (10-year government bonds) and market risk premiums (sourced from Damodaran). [23]

Discounted Cash Flow 64

Discounted Cash Flow Terminal Value Marketability EBITDA 64