This methodology begins with the standard CAPM, which calculates the cost of equity by adding a market risk premium to the risk-free rate, adjusted for the beta (volatility relative to the market) of the firm. For startups and less mature firms, additional layers are added to this basic calculation to accurately reflect their unique risk profile:
Base Cost of Capital for a Mature Firm: Start by estimating the cost of capital for a mature firm in the same industry. This serves as the base rate, reflecting the inherent industry risk.
Illiquidity Premium: To this base rate, add an illiquidity premium. This premium accounts for the additional risk associated with the startup's size and stage, acknowledging that smaller and less established firms face higher risks due to lower market liquidity.
Adjustment for Startup Survival Rate: Finally, the resultant figure is adjusted by multiplying it with the historical survival rate of startups. This adjustment reflects the high risk of startups not continuing as going concerns, a reality that significantly impacts their risk profile compared to more established companies.
This build-up approach to the Cost of Capital allows for a more nuanced understanding of the risks associated with startups and young companies, leading to a more realistic and tailored estimation of their cost of capital.