3 ms·
Note investor who's blowing up a deal over a board seat
We just signed a term sheet with a top-tier VC for our first priced round, and their only board requirement is a three-person board. So far, we’ve raised money via convertible notes from several investors—one of whom is ultra-wealthy, and has a rather large ego. He isn’t investing in this round, but now he’s demanding a board seat. He’s threatened to call his note or sue us (and the new VC) if we don’t give it to him. As a result, our lead investor is threatening to walk away—they absolutely don’t want him on the board or even a board observer.I spoke with other founders whom this guy has invested in, and he's done this to several of his portfolio companies, so I know he's not bluffing.
Any advice on how to handle this?
- bix6 2y agoBrutal, sorry you have to deal with this. Perhaps a phone call with him to understand what he wants exactly? Could the new VC or other investors buy the note out?
- 3dpodium 2y agoI spoke with him several times and also arranged for several calls between him and the new VC, but this wasn't resolved. For some reason, he really wants the board seat! And his note is quite significant in size, so it's tough to buy out the note.