There are a few different ways to get funding, each with their pros and cons depending on your situation as well as where in the startup process you are. There are also a lot of things to learn and get your head around but some good places and organisations that can help you with just that.
THE BASICS
Tool from Business link | Identify the right finance options for your business
This is a great starting point. By answering a few questions this tool will go through and present you with the finance options that may be suitable for your business as well as provide a basic introduction to each one.
Added 22 February 2012
Article from BBAA | Introduction to Angel Investing
A comprehensible read to what angel investors are, how it works, what they look for as well as what you should look for and have in order before seeking investment from Angel investors.
Added 22 February 2012
WHAT TO CONSIDER & DO
Guide from Business Link | Use your business plan to get funding
A guide going through what your business plan should cover and advice on how you should present it to potential investors, shareholders or your bank.
Added 22 February 2012
Article | How to Develop Your Fund Raising Strategy
A good read, containing an executive summary up front if you don’t want to read the whole thing, covering aspects from how to identify the right target investor, how to approach them, to what to bear in mind. Whether this is the guide or not it provides a good overview of the aspects to consider.
Added 22 February 2012
Article | Ten Keys to Raising Capital from Investors in 2012
A short and bullet pointed read on things to keep in mind if you’re looking to raise capital from investors.
Added 22 February 2012
Article | Startups needs friends, families and fools
An article providing advice if you’re going to ask friends or families for funding.
Added 22 February 2012
WHO CAN HELP
British Business Angels Association | www.bbaa.org.uk
The national trad association dedicated to dedicated to promoting angel investing as well as supporting early stage investment in the UK. The association works to create an ecosystem to help support the industry through bringing together angel networks, private investors, early stage funds and professional advisors.
Added 22 February 2012
The Designer Fund | designerfund.com
A community of designers who invest in designer who found startups through mentoring, access to their network and funding. Twice a year they hold Hold open submissions a couple of times a year.
Added 22 February 2012
Finance finder | www.improve.businesslink.gov.uk/resources/business-finance-finder
“The Finance Finder is a searchable database of publicly-backed and private sources of finance that can help you to start up and grow your business. The tool will help you explore the full range of options that you might want to consider from government grants through to investment types of finance available from Business Angels and Venture Capitalists.”
Added 22 February 2012