@equidam/mcp-server

Bridge between AI assistants and Equidam's company valuation API using the Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Overview

The Equidam MCP Server enables AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT to access Equidam's company valuation tools directly within conversations. Users can get professional-grade company valuations, industry classifications, and market insights through natural language interactions.

Features

• Industry Classification: Classify companies from natural language descriptions
• Company Valuation: Get professional valuations based on financial projections
• MCP Protocol: Standard interface compatible with multiple AI assistants
• Retry Logic: Robust error handling with exponential backoff
• Rate Limiting: Built-in respect for API rate limits
• Security: No token persistence or logging

Valuation Methodology

Equidam provides comprehensive valuations using a five-method synthesis approach that adapts to your company's development stage:

The Five Methods

1. Qualitative Methods (weighted heavily for early-stage):

   • Scorecard Method: Compares your startup to average peers across 6 criteria
   • Checklist Method: Values company as sum of core achievements

2. Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) (intrinsic value approach):

   • DCF with Long-Term Growth: Assumes perpetual growth (0.1-2.5% annually)
   • DCF with Multiple: Assumes exit at industry-specific EBITDA multiple

3. Venture Capital Method (investor perspective):

   • Works backward from exit value using stage-specific required returns (35-94% ROI)

Stage-Based Weighting

The methods are weighted dynamically based on company stage:

• Idea Stage: 76% qualitative, 8% DCF, 16% VC
• Development: 60% qualitative, 24% DCF, 16% VC
• Growth: 0% qualitative, 80% DCF, 20% VC
• Maturity: 0% qualitative, 100% DCF, 0% VC

Key Adjustments

• Survival Rates: Country-specific startup survival probabilities
• Illiquidity Discount: Adjustment for private company shares
• Risk Factors: 4-factor beta based on industry, size, profitability, and age

Important Notes

• This 10-question estimate provides quick indicative valuations
• For serious negotiations or financial planning, obtain a detailed valuation report from Equidam
• Full reports include 50+ data points and comprehensive documentation
• Valuations should not be considered financial advice

Resources

• Methodology Details: https://www.equidam.com/resources/Equidam-Valuation-Methodology.pdf
• How the 10 Question Valuate Estimate works https://support.equidam.com/en/articles/9149899-how-the-10-question-valuation-estimate-works
• Sample Report: https://www.equidam.com/resources/Equidam-Benchmarked-Valuation-Report-Sample.pdf
• Pitch Deck Review: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-sz9iMqwSL-pitchdeck-review-by-equidam

Quick Start

1. Get Your API Token

Visit https://www.equidam.com/contacts/ to request your API token.

2. Configure Your AI Assistant

Claude Desktop

Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "equidam": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@equidam/mcp-server", "--api-key", "YOUR_API_TOKEN_HERE"]
    }
  }
}

ChatGPT (when MCP support is available)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "equidam": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@equidam/mcp-server", "--api-key", "YOUR_API_TOKEN_HERE"]
    }
  }
}

3. Restart Your AI Assistant

Restart Claude Desktop or your AI assistant to load the new MCP server.

4. Start Using

Ask your AI assistant questions like:

• "What's the valuation for a SaaS company with $500k current revenue?"
• "Classify this company: 'We build AI-powered medical diagnostic software'"
• "Value my e-commerce startup with $200k revenue growing to $1M in 4 years"

Configuration Options

npx @equidam/mcp-server [options]

Required:
  --api-key <key>     Your Equidam API token

Optional:
  --base-url <url>    API base URL (default: https://app.equidam.com/api/v3)
  --debug             Enable debug logging to stderr
  -V, --version       Show version number
  -h, --help          Show help

Configuration File Locations

Claude Desktop

• macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
• Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
• Linux: ~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Available Tools

1. classify_company_industry

Classifies a company's industry from natural language description.

Parameters:

• description (required): Company description (3-1000 characters)
• context (optional): Array of additional context strings

Example:

{
  "description": "A software company that builds project management tools for remote teams",
  "context": ["B2B", "SaaS", "productivity software"]
}

Response:

{
  "success": true,
  "industry_code": "5720102010",
  "industry_name": "Software Development",
  "confidence": 0.85,
  "confidence_level": "High",
  "alternatives": [...],
  "usage_note": "Use the 'industry_code' from this result as input for the get_company_valuation tool."
}

2. get_company_valuation

Gets company valuation based on financial and business information.

Parameters:

• industry_code (required): 10-digit code from classification tool
• revenue_y1 (required): Current year revenue
• revenue_y4 (required): Year 4 projected revenue
• country (required): 2-letter country code (e.g., "US", "GB")
• currency (optional): 3-letter currency code (e.g., "USD", "EUR")
• employees (optional): Number of employees
• founders (optional): Number of founders
• started_year (optional): Year company was founded

Example:

{
  "industry_code": "5720102010",
  "revenue_y1": 500000,
  "revenue_y4": 2000000,
  "country": "US",
  "currency": "USD",
  "employees": 15,
  "founders": 2,
  "started_year": 2020
}

Response:

{
  "success": true,
  "valuation": {
    "lower": 1200000,
    "higher": 2100000,
    "avg": 1650000,
    "currency": "USD"
  },
  "summary": {
    "valuation_range": "1.20M USD - 2.10M USD",
    "average_valuation": "1.65M USD",
    "revenue_multiple_y1": 3.30
  },
  "methodology": {
    "primary_method": "Revenue Multiple",
    "benchmark_companies": 42,
    "confidence_level": "High"
  },
  "market_data": {
    "industry_growth_rate": 25.5,
    "market_size": "Large",
    "competitive_landscape": "Moderate"
  }
}

Typical Workflow

1. Classify Industry: Use natural language to identify the company's industry
2. Get Valuation: Use the industry code with financial data for valuation
3. Interpret Results: Review valuation range, methodology, and market context

User: "What's the valuation for a food delivery app with $1M revenue?"

AI: Let me help you with that valuation. First, I'll classify the industry, then calculate the valuation.

[Calls classify_company_industry with "food delivery app"]
→ Returns industry code "6220101010"

[Calls get_company_valuation with the industry code and financial data]
→ Returns valuation range $2.5M - $4.2M

Based on the analysis, your food delivery app has an estimated valuation of $2.5M - $4.2M, with an average of $3.35M USD.

Error Handling

The server includes comprehensive error handling:

• Authentication Errors: Invalid API key messages
• Rate Limits: Automatic retry with exponential backoff
• Network Issues: Connection retry logic
• Validation Errors: Clear parameter validation messages
• Server Errors: Graceful degradation

Rate Limits

• 20 requests per hour per API token
• Automatic retry for rate limit errors
• Exponential backoff prevents overwhelming the API

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

"Authentication failed"

• Check your API token is correct
• Ensure token has proper permissions
• Token might be expired - generate a new one

"Rate limit exceeded"

• Wait a few minutes before retrying
• You've exceeded 20 requests per hour
• Consider upgrading your Equidam plan

"Connection failed"

• Check internet connection
• Firewall might be blocking requests
• API service might be temporarily down

"Unknown tool" error

• Restart your AI assistant
• Check MCP server configuration
• Ensure latest version is installed

Debug Mode

Enable debug logging to troubleshoot issues:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "equidam": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@equidam/mcp-server", "--api-key", "YOUR_TOKEN", "--debug"]
    }
  }
}

Debug information appears in your AI assistant's console/logs.

Version Check

npx @equidam/mcp-server --version

Security

• No Token Storage: API tokens are not persisted or logged
• HTTPS Only: All API communication uses secure HTTPS
• No Telemetry: No usage data collection or tracking
• Process Isolation: Runs in isolated Node.js process

Requirements

• Node.js: Version 18.0.0 or higher
• Network: Internet connection for API access
• AI Assistant: MCP-compatible assistant (Claude Desktop, etc.)

Support

• Documentation: Equidam API Docs
• Issues: GitHub Issues
• API Support: [email protected]

Examples

SaaS Company Valuation

"Value a B2B SaaS company with $250k ARR, projecting $1.5M in year 4, based in Germany"

E-commerce Startup

"What's the valuation for an e-commerce platform selling handmade goods, $100k current revenue, expecting $800k in 4 years?"

Tech Startup Classification

"Classify this company: 'We use AI and machine learning to optimize supply chain logistics for retail companies'"

License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.

Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Add tests if applicable
5. Submit a pull request

Changelog

v1.0.0

• Initial release
• Industry classification tool
• Company valuation tool
• MCP protocol implementation
• Comprehensive error handling
• Retry logic with exponential backoff