A Founder's Guide to Fundraising
A practical guide to help you secure investment and grow your business. Download for free.
Last updated in 2024.
Raising funds for your startup can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide walks you through every step of the process.
Secure funding, hassle-free
This guide is your roadmap to securing investment for your business. Whether you're new to fundraising or preparing for your next round, we break down the entire process into actionable steps.
Amazing shift from Excel to Vestd. The support team were amazing and did a great job of completing our setup and we have been very pleased at being able to better manage our governance over time.
The platform itself allows you to manage all aspects of share and option management concisely in one place. The automations and integrations save you time. But while the platform is great, it is the team that makes Vestd stand out. From pre-sales to onboarding and the ever-helpful support team - not only do they support on the platform but provide excellent knowledge in this area.
Great platform. The team always provide brilliant support. I would definitely recommend using Vestd to anyone who needs to set up and administer an EMI scheme.
Straight forward and structured approach - so good for founders and also FD/CFO/advisor who is looking to get share capital and share option schemes in place.
A fantastic platform. The price is fixed. The customer support is fantastic and readily available. They have held our hand right through the whole process.
I love Vestd and I wish I had found it sooner. It makes the whole process of issuing shares whether they're growth shares or ordinary shares incredibly simple.
Amazing shift from Excel to Vestd. The support team were amazing and did a great job of completing our setup and we have been very pleased at being able to better manage our governance over time.
The platform itself allows you to manage all aspects of share and option management concisely in one place. The automations and integrations save you time. But while the platform is great, it is the team that makes Vestd stand out. From pre-sales to onboarding and the ever-helpful support team - not only do they support on the platform but provide excellent knowledge in this area.
Great platform. The team always provide brilliant support. I would definitely recommend using Vestd to anyone who needs to set up and administer an EMI scheme.
Straight forward and structured approach - so good for founders and also FD/CFO/advisor who is looking to get share capital and share option schemes in place.
A fantastic platform. The price is fixed. The customer support is fantastic and readily available. They have held our hand right through the whole process.
I love Vestd and I wish I had found it sooner. It makes the whole process of issuing shares whether they're growth shares or ordinary shares incredibly simple.
Amazing shift from Excel to Vestd. The support team were amazing and did a great job of completing our setup and we have been very pleased at being able to better manage our governance over time.
Ready to raise?
Ready to take the next step in your fundraising journey? Check out InVestd Raise to streamline your investment process. With a fully integrated platform and end-to-end support, you can secure funding, without the fuss.
Frequently asked questions
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What's in this guide?
From understanding your funding needs, to equipping you with the knowledge to prepare for and execute a funding round, this guide has all the information you need to raise investment with confidence. No confusing jargon, just actionable insights to streamline your fundraising journey.
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How long does the fundraising process take?
There are loads of factors that will influence the length of the fundraising process, such as any pre-existing connections with investors, your readiness to pitch, and the status of your business and product development. The average funding round will take between 3-6 months, depending on where you stand. What we aim to do is make you as prepared as possible, so you can sail through and secure the funding you need, without any nasty surprises.
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Why should I use a data room?
Think of it as your own secure digital vault. Share all of the essential documents investors need, keep organised, and protect your sensitive information. Not only will it impress investors, but it also saves you hassle.
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What is SEIS/EIS advance assurance, and why do I need it?
It’s a government-backed scheme that offers significant tax benefits to investors, making your business more attractive, and increasing your chances of securing investment.
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How can I make my pitch stand out?
Tell a compelling story, show passion, and back up your claims with data and traction. Investors want to see your long-term plan, and understand how they can fit into that trajectory.
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What is due diligence, and how can I prepare for it?
It’s a deep dive into your business by investors. Organise your documents, be transparent, and address any weaknesses proactively.
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Why should I use InVestd Raise for my SEIS/EIS application?
We will take you through every step of the S/EIS process. From completing your Advance Assurance application, authorising and issuing your S/EIS shares, and the all-important Compliance Statement, your S/EIS journey is streamlined in-app. Oh - and we handle all HMRC correspondence, so you can focus on the important things. Easy, smooth, simple.
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How can investment modelling help me?
Our investment modelling tool lets you explore future scenarios so you can see how different rounds impact valuation and ownership. Make data-driven decisions and stay in control.
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What are the main methods of equity financing?
Equity financing can include friends and family rounds, angel investments, venture capital firms, and crowdfunding, depending on the fundraising structure.
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How can I trial the platform?
Simply book a free consultation to discuss your needs, explore our features, and see firsthand exactly how InVestd Raise can streamline your fundraising process. Plus, try it out yourself with our free plan—no commitment needed!
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How does InVestd make life easier for early-stage founders?
InVestd Raise takes the hassle out of the admin and compliance work so you can focus on pitching, growing, and building relationships instead of drowning in paperwork.
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What's an ASA?
An ASA, or Advanced Subscription Agreement, is the UK’s answer to the US SAFE note. It is a quick and flexible way for investors to put money into your business without needing to set a valuation. Essentially, they’re buying future shares at a discount, which they’ll get once your next funding round or other trigger event happens.
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What documents do I need in my data room?
Your data room should contain all the essential documents investors need to refer to throughout the investment process. This should include your pitch deck, financial forecasts, cap table, key legal documentation, any S/EIS documents you may have, and shareholder agreements. These are dynamic and may change from business to business, but the key thing is that you are transparent, and showing investors that your business is organised and ready-to-go.
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What's an SPV?
An SPV, or Special Purpose Vehicle, is like a group investment pot. It pools multiple investors into one entity, keeping your cap table tidy and fundraising simple.
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What makes InVestd Raise different from other fundraising packages?
With InVestd Raise, you get all the tools and expert support you need to complete a funding round for a flat fee of £1,250 - with no surprise cuts from your raise. It’s everything you need, with nothing you don’t.