Valuing the Intangible – Understanding Startup Valuation Beyond the Balance Sheet 

Early-stage startups often find themselves rich in intangible assets, which can make valuation a puzzle! Our discussion of valuation continues with Scott DeMarco, founder of Equitable Value LLC. Scott will help us unpack the critical elements that may not show up on a balance sheet but can impact a startup’s valuation.

We'll explore:

How intangible assets like IP, research, and industry affiliations are factored into valuation

The metrics and frameworks used to value patents and proprietary technologies

How founder contributions—beyond capital—play into equity and company value

What due diligence really looks like in early-stage company assessments

What signals (e.g. NDAs, customer agreements, university partnerships) contribute to perceived future potential

Whether you're preparing for a funding round, exploring strategic partnerships, or just trying to understand your company’s worth, you’ll leave this presentation with practical insights into how investors and valuation professionals approach the unique nature of innovation-driven startups.

About Scott:

Scott DeMarco, founder of Equitable Value, LLC, brings proven startup experience, having grown two software companies, AutoQuant Imaging, Inc. and Agora Games, Inc., both of which were successfully acquired. As CFO of Agora Games, he helped lead the company to a profitable exit to Major League Gaming. In addition to his entrepreneurial track record, Scott is a Certified Business Appraiser and Certified Valuation Analyst with extensive experience in valuing technology-driven startups. He has been appointed as an expert witness in court and has conducted hundreds of business appraisals involving IP, economic damages, and closely held enterprises. Scott also holds an MBA in Information Technology and frequently lectures on topics related to valuation, technology, and entrepreneurship.