We pioneered the "cashless" pledge for the startup community.
1Pledge Equity
The pledge takes the form of a simple one page letter that asks for the pledge now, even though the shares are not transferred to UCLA Ventures until liquidity occurs. The amount of the pledge is determined by the level of membership and valued based on the last financing of the company.
2Align Interests
While we wait for a liquidity event, our members join a vibrant community of Bruin entrepreneurs and ventures capitalists. Membership benefits, such as recognition, event invitations, and access to the network, are based on the size of the original pledge.
3Donate the Assets
When liquidity occurs, the cash or shares are transferred to UCLA Ventures. (By deferring the actual donation until the time of liquidity, the donor may be able to claim a more attractive charitable tax deduction based on the value at the time of the donation rather than the time of the pledge.)