Most startups are not destined to become billion dollar unicorns. Most, in fact, will fail and most of those that survive will never be more than small businesses. Whether and to what extent a startup will be successful depends on many factors. One set of factors is the foundational pillars on which the company is built, and includes things such as the company’s capital structure, financial controls, human capital, market niche, and marketing functions.

This series explores each of these topics, giving startups and their advisors useful tools and insight into how they can build a foundation for success.