Should we invest? Technology and financial assessment of a nuclear-tech startup

Context 

Our client was the M&A department of a leading nuclear company.

Until now, the department had always taken majority stakes in established companies. However, an interesting opportunity for a minority investment in an innovative start-up was presented to them by a Business Unit of the group.

Aster Fab’s mission was to assist the department in evaluating the opportunity and then in structuring the investment proposal.

Mission

• Valuation of the startup using five different methods (comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, DCF analysis, R&D headcount, replacement cost value)
• Creation of a business plan in coordination with the Head of Business Unit to identify the business potential of such a partnership
• Structuring the investment proposal by drafting the letter of intent setting out the terms, governance, management package, performance criteria, etc
• Assistance, coordination and negotiation with all stakeholders throughout the process
• Support in the preparation of separate documents for the governance bodies

Key figures

3.4 M€
contribution

was the conclusion of the business plan exercise

50%
of the financing needs

the challenge of the business plan enabled to halve the financing needs announced by the founders