August 7, 2024 - Shark Tanker Consumer Entrepreneur Adam Callinan and Founder Attorney Andrew Bauer

School for Startups Radio

Adam Callinan – Founder at Pentane

60% of the deals on Shark Tank that you see don’t get done in real life.
The 40% that do get done in real life, the deal is dramatically different
from what you see on the show.

Adam Callinan is the Founder of Pentane, the profitability system and efficiency software he wanted while operating BottleKeeper, but couldn’t find or build. Previously, Adam was Co-founder/CEO at BottleKeeper, a consumer brand that grew in its first three years from $0 to $8 million in sales with no employees, investors, or debt. BottleKeeper was acquired by Wind Point Partners/RTIC Outdoors in 2021 as an 8-figure revenue company with just 4 employees, representing Adam’s second exit. With deep expertise at the intersection of operational finance and customer acquisition, Adam is passionate about helping early-stage founders create and operate healthier companies.
Andrew Bauer – Fractional General Counsel and Attorney at Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP

At the outset, founders need to figure out as best as possible who is
putting in what capital, roles and responsibilities and valuing those
roles and responsibilities. Drill down on what you think the next 12
or 24 months are going to look like and figure the contribution of
each founder and structure the arrangement accordingly.

Andrew Bauer is a seasoned counselor to companies, executives, boards of directors, investors, and individuals with experience as a federal prosecutor, defense attorney, and, most recently, general counsel to multiple technology startup companies. Andrew is with the NYC-based law firm, Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP. He serves as outside general counsel to several businesses, with a particular focus on startup and technology companies, helping his clients navigate complex and sensitive corporate and regulatory issues. Along with general corporate advice, Andrew also regularly handles internal and government investigations, white-collar criminal defense, litigation, executive compensation and disputes and employment matters. Waterfall agreements streamline profit distribution, guaranteeing each partner their negotiated share, regardless of ownership stake. This collaboration replaces investor dependence while ensuring fair profit sharing, as well as fosters trust and transparency with the partners. Mark discusses the rise of co-founding startups and the advantages and considerations of waterfall agreements.