Intangible assets for startups: measure the value investors can't see
Up to 90% of your startup's value is intangible — your technology, brand, IP, team, and customer relationships. But your balance sheet shows almost none of it. Opagio makes the invisible visible.
The startup valuation gap
You've built proprietary technology, assembled a talented team, developed a loyal customer base, and created a brand that resonates. But under IAS 38 and FRS 102, internally generated intangible assets cannot appear on your balance sheet. That means the very assets driving your growth are invisible to investors, lenders, and potential acquirers.
This isn't just an accounting technicality. It means you can't articulate your true value, you struggle to justify your valuation in fundraising, and you have no framework for measuring whether your intangible investments are actually paying off.
Why intangible assets matter for startups
of S&P 500 market value is now in intangible assets — up from 17% in 1975
of startup value typically comes from intangible assets at Series A and beyond
invested annually in intangible assets across the UK economy
Opagio helps at every stage
Whether you're bootstrapped or preparing for Series B, understanding your intangible assets changes the conversation with investors, partners, and acquirers.
Pre-Seed & Bootstrapped
Discover what you already have. Most founders underestimate the intangible value they've created. Use the free Quick Assessment to identify your hidden assets across six categories — technology, brand, IP, human capital, data, and organisational knowledge — and build a baseline before your first conversations with investors.
Seed & Series A
Build the evidence for your valuation. Investors at this stage want to see that your intangible investments are translating into measurable productivity and growth. Opagio's Productivity Calculator and Valuator give you the data to show exactly where your value comes from — and where it's heading.
Series B & Beyond
Scale with confidence. As your company grows, so does the complexity of your intangible asset portfolio. Use the full Growth Platform to track investments over time, generate board-ready reports, and model how R&D, brand, and talent investments affect enterprise value over a 5-year horizon.
Exit Preparation
Maximise your exit valuation. Acquirers need to allocate the purchase price across identifiable intangible assets under IFRS 3 or ASC 805. Opagio provides dual-framework coverage — CHS categories for the strategic value story, plus IFRS 3 mapping for the transaction — so you're prepared from both angles.
Start with a free assessment — no sign-up required
Quick Assessment
A guided assessment that scores your intangible asset maturity across all twelve value drivers and reveals where your hidden value sits. Takes under 10 minutes.
Start AssessmentIntangible Asset Valuator
Track your intangible investments with dual-framework coverage: CHS categories for strategy, plus IFRS 3 / ASC 805 mapping for formal valuations and investor due diligence.
Try ValuatorProductivity Calculator
Model your GVA, EBITDA, and Total Factor Productivity from basic financial inputs. Show investors the productivity growth behind your numbers.
Try CalculatorBuild your intangible asset knowledge
The Opagio Academy covers the twelve value drivers that make up your startup's intangible asset portfolio. Understand what drives value, how to measure it, and where to invest for maximum impact.
The Opagio 12 Value Drivers
A structured framework covering Brand, Customer Relationships, Human Capital, Innovation, Technology, IP, Data Assets, Organisational Knowledge, Process Excellence, Market Position, Strategic Partnerships, and Culture. Each driver is scored and benchmarked to show where you lead — and where you're leaving value on the table.
Startup-relevant content
Our guides and articles are written by practitioners who've built and sold companies — not academics writing in theory. Explore topics like fundraising with intangible assets, IP valuation for startups, and how to build an intangible asset register before due diligence.
What if investors could see 100% of your value?
Take the free Quick Assessment to discover your startup's intangible asset profile. In under 10 minutes, you'll have a baseline score across all twelve value drivers — and a clear picture of where your hidden value sits.
Common questions from founders
Why can't I show intangible assets on my balance sheet?
Under IAS 38 and FRS 102, internally generated intangible assets — including your brand, customer relationships, proprietary technology, and trained workforce — cannot be recognised on the balance sheet. They're only recognised when acquired in a business combination (under IFRS 3 or ASC 805). This creates a systematic gap between your company's true value and its book value.
How does Opagio help with fundraising?
Opagio gives you structured data to support your valuation narrative. Instead of hand-waving about "our amazing team" or "strong brand," you can show investors a quantified intangible asset profile with scores across twelve value drivers, productivity metrics, and dual-framework valuation data. It's the difference between a story and evidence.
Is Opagio free for startups?
The Quick Assessment, Productivity Calculator, and Intangible Asset Valuator are all free — no sign-up required. The Growth Platform subscription adds scenario modelling, historical tracking, professional valuation reports, and accounting integrations for companies ready to go deeper. See pricing for details.
Discover your startup's hidden value
Take the free Quick Assessment and see the intangible assets driving your startup — the ones investors, lenders, and acquirers can't see on your balance sheet.