Not getting funded by VCs? Hire a startup funding consultant

Introduction

If you’re starting a business, you’ll need to raise money to get it off the ground. And unless you’re independently wealthy, that means finding investors.

But where do you start? How do you find the right investors for your business? And how do you convince them to invest in your company?

That’s where a startup funding consultant comes in.

A startup funding consultant is a professional who helps startups raise money from investors. The role of a startup funding consultant is to:

1. Work with startups to create a pitch deck and business plan that will attract investors

2. Research potential investors and connect startups with the right people

3. Help negotiate investment deals

If you’re serious about getting your business off the ground, a startup funding consultant can be an invaluable resource. But before you proceed, you need to figure out…

Are you ready to raise venture capital funding?

VC funds and angel investors are betting on scalable startups that can give them a good return on investment in the next 3-5 years. So, the big question is

Can you raise venture capital?

Take our free venture capital funding assessment to find out if you are in the right place to raise and if not, how can you improve your chances of a successful fundraise.

How can a startup funding consultant help your business?

A startup funding consultant can help you in a number of ways, from identifying potential investors to crafting a pitch that will convince them to invest in your company.

The first step is to assess your business and determine which type of funding would be most appropriate. There are many different types of investors, from venture capitalists to angel investors, and each has its own preferences and requirements.

Once you’ve identified the right type of investors, a startup consultant can help you create a pitch that will appeal to them. This pitch should include information on your business model, your target market, and your growth potential.

Investors want to see that your company has a clear path to profitability, so it’s important to have a well-thought-out business plan. A consultant can help you create a financial projection that will show investors how much money your company is likely to make in the future.

Finally, a startup funding consultant can help you negotiate with investors. They’ll have experience in dealing with different types of investors and will be able to get you the best possible terms for your funding.

If you’re looking for help in securing startup funding, a consultant can be an invaluable resource. They can help you navigate the complex world of investors and get the best deal for your company.

How to find the right startup funding consultant for your business?

As a startup, one of the most important things you need is funding. But where do you start? How do you find the right investors for your business? And how do you convince them to invest in your company?

That’s where a startup funding consultant comes in. A good startup funding consultant will help you with all aspects of finding and securing funding for your business, from identifying the right investors to negotiating the best terms.

To find the right startup funding consultant for your business, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure they have experience with startups. Startups are a unique type of business, so you want to make sure that your consultant has experience working with startups specifically.

2. Ask for referrals. Talk to other entrepreneurs who have used a startup funding consultant and see if they would recommend them.

3. Check their credentials. Make sure that your consultant is credentialed and has the necessary experience to help you with your specific situation.

4. Get a sense of their process. Ask your consultant about their process for helping startups secure funding and make sure it aligns with your needs and goals.

5. Make sure you’re comfortable with them. You’ll be working closely with your startup funding consultant, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them and their process.

When you’re looking for a startup funding consultant, keep these things in mind to find the right one for your business.

5 questions to ask a potential startup funding consultant

If you’re serious about getting your startup funded, then hiring a startup funding consultant is a great first step. Here are 5 questions you should ask.

1. What is your experience in the startup funding space?

2. Who are some of the investors you’ve worked with?

3. What types of companies do you typically work with?

4. How much money have you helped raise for startups?

5. What is your success rate in getting startups funded?

A good startup funding consultant will be able to answer all of these questions and more. They should be able to provide you with a list of happy clients and investors, as well as statistics on the success rate of the companies they’ve worked with.

5 things to consider when choosing a startup funding consultant.

It’s important to choose the right consultant who understands your goals and can help you navigate the complexities of the venture capital landscape.

1. Understanding your goals

The first step in choosing a startup consultant is understanding your goals. What are you looking to achieve by hiring a consultant? Are you looking for help with identifying potential investors? Or do you need assistance with developing and pitching your investment proposal?

2. Identifying the right investors

One of the most important tasks of a startup funding consultant is identifying the right investors for your business. The consultant should have a deep understanding of the venture capital landscape and know which firms are most likely to be interested in your company.

3. Developing a strong pitch

Once you’ve identified potential investors, the next step is to develop a strong pitch. Your pitch should be clear, concise, and persuasive. It should articulate why your company is a good investment and how you plan to generate returns for investors.

4. Negotiating the deal

Once you’ve secured interest from investors, it’s time to negotiate the deal. This is where a startup consultant can be extremely helpful. The consultant can help you navigate the negotiation process and ensure that you get the best possible terms for your company.

5. Managing expectations

It’s important to manage investor expectations from the outset. Your startup funding consultant can help you set realistic expectations for what your company can achieve and when investors can expect to see a return on their investment.

Hiring a startup consultant can be a great way to secure the funding you need to grow your business.

How much do startup funding consultants charge?

Startup consultants typically don’t charge fixed fees but can charge a success fee which is usually 1-2% of the amounts of funds they help you raise. In some cases, they might charge you a fixed fee or retainer fee because they need to do a lot of work on guiding you to prepare for fundraising and at the same time pitch on your behalf to investors. If the consultant is a well-known business person, they might also take some sweat equity in your startup.

What if you just want fundraising advice?

If you don’t want to work with a consultant, the next best option is to reach out to successful startup founders and angel investors on platforms like Linkedin. Most folks are very helpful and would be happy to give you advice and point you in the right direction. Who knows, they might even end up investing in your company.

Do you need help with securing funding for your startup? We can help. Contact us today to learn more.