Our largest client base consists of investors (venture capital groups and entrepreneurs), CEO’s and sometimes Founders. All three entities have an ownership position and a strong desire to accelerate product development and commercialization. They understand that conflict in start-up companies is inevitable and would like to minimize the associated negative impact. Stakeholders engage the services of GHG because we have an in-depth understanding of the pattern of conflict in start-up companies, when it is most likely to emerge and techniques to manage or resolve it before collateral damage occurs.
Our firm is most effective when brought in at the early stage of formation to initiate a program of proactive consultation. Often, however, GHG is retained to resolve disputes that have already surfaced between the CEO and founder. These disputes often occur because the disparate operating styles and philosophies of these two primary stakeholders. While the CEO often is the primary client, our engagement is typically initiated by investors who understand the debilitating impact conflict can have on a start-up company and want to minimize its negative impact in an effort to protect their investment. At the request of the client, GHG maintains a close working relationship throughout various stages of the company’s growth, working with employees at all organization levels.
The following represents our primary contacts and the most common areas in which we are engaged.