Prepared by Acephalt · Independent Valuation
Valuation Report of VIBEUP
Reconnecting Humanity with Source, Self, Community, and Nature.
Company Overview
VIBEUP is a reimagined social platform designed specifically for the wellness movement. It brings together individuals, entrepreneurs, and professionals who are interested in well-being, mindfulness, and intentional living. Unlike mainstream social media platforms, VIBEUP focuses on communities that users can connect to based on shared values and an interest in wellness. The platform offers unique features, such as the VIBES social feed, which allows users to discover, create and share insightful content. Additionally, VIBEUP integrates the professional networking aspect, enabling fitness professionals and businesses to connect, collaborate and grow in a supportive environment. With projections showing consistent user engagement and revenue growth, VIBEUP aims to be the platform for those who put wellness first in their personal and professional lives.
Goals
The founders of VIBEUP, led by Luke Jensen and Nicholas Courchense, aim to establish VIBEUP as a global platform that focuses on wellness, mindfulness, and community building. They seek to create a digital space that connects like-minded individuals, professionals, and businesses in the wellness industry, facilitating growth, collaboration, and personal development.
Their goal is to expand VIBEUP's user base significantly, leveraging strategic partnerships and targeted marketing to ensure consistent user engagement and revenue growth. They are focused on positioning VIBEUP as the go-to platform for those prioritizing wellness in both personal and professional realms.
In the long term, the founders intend to scale VIBEUP globally, with an emphasis on building a community-centered platform that stands out from mainstream social media by offering a peaceful and supportive environment for wellness enthusiasts. Their mission is to bridge the gap between technology and mindfulness, making VIBEUP a central hub for the wellness movement across the world.
Forecasts Summary
Future Profitability
Our forecast is based on Predictive Analysis through Machine Learning.
- Revenues
- Cost
- EBITDA
Cash Forecast
Our forecast is based on Predictive Analysis through Machine Learning.
- Free Cash Flow
- Free Cash Flow to Equity
Valuation
The valuation presented below is derived from the weighted average of multiple methods. Utilizing various methods is considered the best practice in a company valuation, as it allows for a more comprehensive and reliable assessment by examining the business from multiple perspectives. These methods adhere to the International Private Equity Valuation (IPEV) Guidelines, and each is detailed further in the subsequent sections of this report.
Method weights
Current Funding Round
Below is the required capital amount and the corresponding equity percentage based on the valuation provided on the previous page, intended as a starting point for negotiations. The equity percentage linked to the investment is determined by the ratio of the investment to the post-money valuation. With a fixed investment amount, a lower pre-money valuation results in a higher equity stake, and conversely, a higher pre-money valuation results in a lower equity stake.
Use of Funds
Here is a breakdown of projected cumulated spending over the next 5 years.
- Office
- Marketing
- Salary
Predictive Analysis
Predictive analysis involves using historical data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning techniques to forecast future outcomes. It identifies patterns and relationships within data to predict trends, behaviors, or events. This method is widely used in various fields to make informed decisions.
Competition Analysis
VIBEUP, much like Instagram, emphasizes information sharing with a visual and lifestyle focus, but it strategically targets a niche market centered on wellness and mood, contrasting Instagram's broader user base of 2 billion monthly active users. While LinkedIn connects over 900 million members for professional networking and business development, VIBEUP reflects this by connecting professionals and businesses within the fitness industry, forecasting substantial financial growth through targeted revenues from listings and partnerships. Drawing inspiration from TikTok's viral success with 1.2 billion users, VIBEUP plans to leverage trend-focused content around wellness challenges and psychological practices, aiming for significant user growth through both organic content and strategic app launches. Similar to Reddit, VIBEUP emphasizes community-driven content, fostering a close-knit, supportive community centered on wellness, unlike Reddit's broader, more chaotic landscape. Finally, VIBEUP, like X (formerly Twitter), focuses on community engagement and real-time interaction but distinguishes itself by creating a peaceful, wellness-oriented environment, offering a sanctuary from X's fast-paced discussions, thereby building a dedicated niche audience.
Predicting Competition Forecast
We started using the exponential growth formula, which began with projections from Q4 2024 onwards. The reason for using this framework is that it provides a simple and effective way to model continuous, hybrid development, which is common in digital platforms as they expand their user base and premium subscriptions.
Example — for X's members in Q1 2025:
Present Value (Q4 2024): 426 million
Growth Rate: 0.005 (0.5% per quarter)
n: 1 (1 quarter ahead)
Future Value (Q1 2025) = 426 × (1 + 0.005)1 = 426 × 1.005 = 426.13 million
Revenue Analysis
When running the revenue regression, we combined each company's expenses and forecasted revenue into the analysis to ensure our variables were as accurate as possible. In our regression we saw T-stats over 2 and -2 for all companies and p-values under 0.05, reassuring that these companies are close competitors and share similar numbers to VIBEUP's predictions. X and Reddit were left out of this final report due to low t-stats and high p-values.
- Actual VIBEUP Combined Revenue
- Predicted VIBEUP Combined Revenue
Correlation Matrix
We also ran a correlation matrix to ensure the similarities in the movement of each company. These results showed a strong correlation and reassured that VIBEUP's predictions are similar to their competitors' forecasts. The overall high correlation values (close to 1) across all platforms suggest that the combined revenue and marketing data for these platforms move together in a similar direction. LinkedIn's slightly lower correlation indicates some differences in its trend compared to VIBEUP, Instagram, and TikTok.
| VIBEUP Revenue | Instagram Revenue | TikTok Revenue | LinkedIn Revenue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIBEUP Revenue | 1.00 | 0.98 | 0.96 | 0.95 |
| Instagram Revenue | 0.98 | 1.00 | 0.98 | 0.97 |
| TikTok Revenue | 0.96 | 0.98 | 1.00 | 0.95 |
| LinkedIn Revenue | 0.95 | 0.97 | 0.95 | 1.00 |
Machine Learning Approach
In this study, we aimed to refine VIBEUP's projected membership growth using historical growth patterns from four established social media platforms: LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Reddit. This involved developing a machine learning tool that captured the connection between time (in years and quarters) and membership growth on these platforms. The model was then used to adjust the initial forecasts provided for VIBEUP to make more reliable predictions about future growth.
A linear regression model with features such as year and quarter for each observation point was selected for its simplicity and interpretability. Scaled data were used to train this model and normalize differences between platforms. Adjustments were capped to ensure growth predictions did not exceed 125% of the original estimates, thus preventing overly optimistic projections that might not be sustainable.
The chart below shows the refined projections for VIBEUP membership growth over the next five years. The overall pattern suggests VIBEUP could experience a steady increase in membership, particularly after the initial launch phase, as it gains traction in the market.
- Refined VIBEUP Members
Qualitative Methods
Scorecard Method
The Payne/Kauffman Scorecard Method is a strategic approach for evaluating early-stage startups by benchmarking them against the average valuation of similar companies in the same region and sector. It evaluates a startup across six key factors — strength of the team, size of the opportunity, competitive environment, strength & protection of product, strategic relationships, and funding required — each weighted according to importance, with the average regional pre-seed wellness SaaS valuation set at $3,500,000 as the baseline.
- Industry Average
- VIBEUP Weight
CheckList Method
The Checklist Method, developed by angel investor Dave Berkus, values startups by assessing intangible building blocks against a maximum possible valuation. Given VIBEUP's health-tech-adjacent wellness category, we used Pitchbook data to benchmark the $10,000,000 maximum. The valuation is divided across five criteria — quality of the core team, quality of the idea, product roll-out & IP protection, strategic relationships, and operational stage — each weighted by importance and scored against ideal characteristics.
- Criteria valuations
- Max valuations
Cost Approach
The Cost Approach estimates value based on the cost of reproducing or replacing the company's assets — technology, intellectual property, and equipment — adjusted for depreciation, obsolescence and market conditions. It is well-suited for startups with a clear set of assets, including an existing community and historical revenue, but may not fully capture future growth potential.
Reasoning & Limitation: this method reflects the company's past investments and achievements rather than future earnings or market positioning.
VC Method
The Venture Capital (VC) method values private companies by discounting a projected exit value back to present value using a required rate of return, ensuring investors can achieve a predetermined return upon exit. It aligns the exit value with the risk profile and return expectations typical of venture capital investors.
Simple VC Method
Tiered Revenue VC Method
The Tiered Revenue VC Method applies different valuation multiples to distinct revenue streams based on their predictability, growth potential, and risk — recurring revenue at 10x and additional revenue at 5x — producing a more precise estimate of exit value, discounted using a 30% required rate of return.
- Recurring Revenue
- Additional Revenue
DCF Method
DCF with Growth
The Discounted Cash Flow method with growth calculates a company's valuation as the present value of all future free cash flows to equity, accounting for the risks associated with the startup's industry, size, development stage, and profitability.
Reasoning & Assumptions: cash flows are projected from current performance and growth potential, then discounted using a rate reflecting the startup's risk profile, with an illiquidity discount applied to reflect the challenges of selling private shares.
- EBITDA
- Free Cash Flow to Equity
DCF with Multiples (RV)
This approach combines the traditional DCF model with an industry-based EBITDA multiple to calculate the Terminal Value — a realistic, market-aligned valuation that considers both future cash flows and potential exit value.
- Free Cash Flow to Equity
- EBITDA
Financial Projection
Profitability Projection
The profit & loss projections are displayed below. Data about revenue and operating costs are provided by the company. Depreciation and amortization, interest, and taxes are either provided by the company or estimated by Acephalt.
| 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $552,000 | $4,884,629 | $7,855,830 | $9,105,891 | $10,435,879 |
| Cost of Goods Sold | -$162,000 | -$916,821 | -$1,831,623 | -$1,958,686 | -$2,070,698 |
| SG&A Expenses (Operation Expenses) | -$699,000 | -$2,050,000 | -$2,740,000 | -$3,508,000 | -$3,388,000 |
| EBITDA | -$309,000 | $1,917,808 | $3,284,207 | $3,639,205 | $4,977,181 |
| Software Expenses (D&A) | -$13,900 | -$32,916 | -$38,198 | -$42,832 | -$49,372 |
| EBIT | -$295,100 | $1,950,724 | $3,322,405 | $3,682,037 | $5,026,553 |
| Interest Expense | -$30,000 | -$30,000 | -$30,000 | -$30,000 | -$30,000 |
| EBT | -$265,100 | $1,980,724 | $3,352,405 | $3,712,037 | $5,056,553 |
| Tax Expense | $0 | -$161,376 | -$279,793 | -$310,274 | -$426,109 |
| Net Income | -$352,900 | $1,693,517 | $2,936,217 | $3,256,099 | $4,471,700 |
Cash Flow Projection
The cash flow projections are displayed below. Net income, D&A, debt, and equity fundraising are provided by the company or estimated by Acephalt based on research and modeling in the company's industry.
| 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Income | -$352,900 | $1,693,517 | $2,936,217 | $3,256,099 | $4,471,700 |
| D&A | -$13,900 | -$32,916 | -$38,198 | -$42,832 | -$49,372 |
| Change in Outstanding Debt | $250,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | -$250,000 |
| Free Cash Flow to Equity | -$589,000 | $1,726,433 | $2,974,415 | $3,298,931 | $4,771,072 |
| Equity Fundraising | $250,000 | $2,000,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Free Cash Flow | -$339,000 | $3,726,433 | $2,974,415 | $3,298,931 | $4,771,072 |
Conclusion
Based on a detailed analysis of VIBEUP's market position, growth potential, and financial forecasts, it is evident that the company is well-positioned to leverage the growing demand for wellness and mindfulness platforms. VIBEUP's unique focus on community building and professional networking within the wellness industry differentiates it from mainstream social media, providing a clear value proposition.
Valuation for Fundraising
VIBEUP is currently aiming to raise $250,000 in this funding round. This amount is strategically chosen to support the company's immediate goals, including user acquisition, platform enhancement, and the development of strategic partnerships, while minimizing dilution. The raise is based on a post-money valuation of $10.32 million, reflecting the company's current market position and growth potential — resulting in an equity dilution of approximately 2.42%.
This funding round is crucial for VIBEUP's growth strategy, enabling the company to solidify its position in the wellness and mindfulness market. The capital will help VIBEUP expand its user base, enhance its platform capabilities, and strengthen its market presence, laying the groundwork for future growth and potential subsequent rounds of funding.
Growth Rate
VIBEUP's growth trajectory is projected to be steady and robust at 9% per quarter in 2029, moderating to 2.4% in 2030 and 1.4% in 2031, driven by its focused approach to the wellness and mindfulness market. The company anticipates consistent user base expansion through targeted marketing efforts, strategic partnerships, and a unique value proposition that resonates with its audience. As the platform continues to evolve and attract new users, VIBEUP is expected to see a significant increase in both engagement and revenue, ultimately solidifying its position as a leader in the wellness-focused social networking space.
Appendix
Supporting financial detail referenced throughout this report. Full granular spreadsheets are available in the downloadable PDF.
Financial Projection — Revenue Growth
Projected revenue split between recurring and additional streams across the forecast horizon.
- Recurring Revenue
- Additional Revenue
Financial Projection — % in Total Revenue
Share of total revenue attributable to each stream, illustrating the weighting between recurring and additional revenue over time.
| Year | Recurring % | Additional % |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 93% | 7% |
| 2028 | 93% | 7% |
| 2029 | 93% | 7% |
| 2030 | 93% | 7% |
| 2031 | 93% | 7% |
Financial Projection — Expenses
Projected operating expenses broken down by category — cost of goods sold, SG&A, depreciation & amortization, interest, and taxes — across the forecast horizon.
- SG&A
- COGS
- Tax
- D&A
- Interest
KOL (Key Opinion Leader) Cost
Instagram influencers can post about VIBEUP to attract new followers. There's a generally accepted rate of $100 per 10,000 followers; pricing changes based on posts requested, audience value, and exclusivity.
| Tier | Followers | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Nano-influencers | 500–10,000 | $10 to $100 per post |
| Micro-influencers | 10,000–50,000 | $100 to $500 per post |
| Mid-tier influencers | 50,000–100,000 | $500 to $5,000 per post |
| Macro-influencers | 100,000–500,000 | $5,000 to $10,000 per post |
| Mega-influencers | 500,000+ | $10,000+ per post |
ARR Multiple Range
Typical revenue multiples used to value SaaS startups based on annual recurring revenue (ARR).
| ARR Range | ARR Multiple Range |
|---|---|
| Less than $1 million | 1x to 3x |
| $1 million to $10 million | 2x to 4x |
| More than $10 million | 6x to 10x |
Sensitivity Analysis: Revenue to COGS
Illustrative net contribution (Revenue − COGS) across a representative range.
| Revenue \ COGS | $100,000 | $300,000 | $500,000 | $700,000 | $900,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $300,000 | $200,000 | $0 | -$200,000 | -$400,000 | -$600,000 |
| $500,000 | $400,000 | $200,000 | $0 | -$200,000 | -$400,000 |
| $700,000 | $600,000 | $400,000 | $200,000 | $0 | -$200,000 |
| $900,000 | $800,000 | $600,000 | $400,000 | $200,000 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $900,000 | $700,000 | $500,000 | $300,000 | $100,000 |
Sensitivity Analysis: Revenue to Operational Cost
Illustrative net contribution (Revenue − Marketing Cost, assuming static 16.2% COGS) across a representative range.
| Revenue \ Marketing | $10,000 | $30,000 | $50,000 | $70,000 | $90,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $157,600 | $137,600 | $117,600 | $97,600 | $77,600 |
| $400,000 | $325,200 | $305,200 | $285,200 | $265,200 | $245,200 |
| $600,000 | $492,800 | $472,800 | $452,800 | $432,800 | $412,800 |
| $800,000 | $660,400 | $640,400 | $620,400 | $600,400 | $580,400 |
| $1,000,000 | $828,000 | $808,000 | $788,000 | $768,000 | $748,000 |
Ideal WACC Based on Interest Coverage Ratio
As leverage (debt %) increases, the weighted average cost of capital declines toward an ideal capital structure, balanced against interest coverage risk.
| Debt % | Equity % | WACC | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 100% | 5.74% | Current WACC |
| 25% | 75% | 5.43% | — |
| 50% | 50% | 5.02% | — |
| 75% | 25% | 4.69% | Ideal WACC |
| 90% | 10% | 4.68% | — |
Predictive Analysis: Revenue
Quarterly revenue projections derived from the predictive model, comparing actual figures against the model's predicted values across the forecast horizon.
- Actual Revenue
- Predicted Revenue
Predictive Analysis: Members
Refined membership projections across the forecast horizon, reflecting the machine-learning-adjusted growth trajectory after the initial launch phase.
- Projected Members
Acephalt · 100 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1H1 · www.acephalt.com
This independent valuation report was prepared by Acephalt for VIBEUP. All figures are derived from the original report dated Q3 2026.