Crowdfunding
A great, cheap way to test if people really want to see your idea happen. Great for consumer products and raising awareness. Consider whether you want to give away equity or rewards.
Rewards:
Equity:
Accelerators
Usually offer a combination of cash, mentoring, office space and useful contacts so are a good way of getting your business off the ground.
Early Stage Funds
Typically have more formal deal structuring, deeper pockets and due diligence processes than Angels. Usually willing to take a higher level of risk than later stage VCs, but will seek a larger proportion of equity to account for this. Includes superangels and family offices, many of whom can follow on in growth rounds.
Later Stage Funds
There are many later stage VCs in Europe, many of whom can first get involved at an early growth round and can continue to support you until your exit.
Investor decks
Investors need to read your deck and believe your business will be profitable and that someone will want to buy it one day. It should be as clear and concise as possible. Try to get the essence of your brand across - don't resort to business jargon but write it as if you were telling the story to one of your friends. There are no hard and fast rules but here are the things we think you should cover:
- Proposition: What is it? (you wouldn't believe how often people miss this out) Who's it for? Problem it solves? USP?
- People: Who are you? Experience? Best at? Role?
- Opportunity: Size of opportunity? Main competition? Why will you win?
- Numbers: Cost to make? Making money today? Material assets/liabilities so far? How big do you think you can get it?
- Plans: How will you: Develop it? Make it? Market it? Sell it?
- Investment: How much investment do you want? What will you do with it? How will we realise value?