View behind the Valuation Veil

"I want to retain more than 50% of my company so that I and not the investor has control." - This is a common sentiment that I hear from many entrepreneurs. The classic mistake being made here is that the entrepreneur equates share ownership to control. At the time of negotiation, this sentiment boils down to a single number - Valuation! Entrepreneurs end up fighting for this magic number like a lioness protecting her cub and as a result I have seen deals die early on at the negotiating table.