Readiness for Funding
In November 2018, we are launching the beta version of our "Readiness for Funding" programme. We are seeking 50 founders who wish to obtain all the key benefits of the programme at no charge in exchange for offering us critical feedback on the course.
Apply here to be one of the free beta users (first 50 only):
Many founders would like to seek funding for their new businesses, but are not sure when is the best time.
Other founders simply dive right in, assuming they will get funding and then, to their surprise, do not!
If you are in the first group or do not want to be in the second group - then this programme has been designed for you.
Background
Startup chatter is often about massive funding rounds, unicorns (startups with a valuation of more than $1bn) and mega exits. Founders are encouraged to enter pitching competitions, sign up at funding sites (like angel.co) and knock down the doors of venture capitalists.
The truth is, very few new businesses receive external funding (other than from friends, family and the occasional government grant). Sure, there are places like Silicon Valley and perhaps Shoreditch in London, where funding seems to be easier to obtain - but even there, there is stiff competition.
The result is that a massive amount of time and effort is put into chasing investment funding - resources that might be better used in winning that most important of finance: customer revenue. That is not to say that you should not seek funding, but it helps to be realistic in your expectations and make sure that you are well-prepared for the journey.
This programme is designed to help you assess:
> whether your business would be likely to receive funding based on your vision of its' nature and future; and
> whether your venture is ready for funding at the current stage of it's life.
Building off the result's of these assessments, then this programme will help you figure what you should be doing to get investment-ready; or at least advise you to not waste time on seeking investment and to focus on growing your business organically.
Curriculum
The programme has been developed using adaptive learning techniques and therefore the curriculum is adapted for each programme attendee based on your inputs. However, the overall pathway takes you through a number of assessments as shown below:
The programme will run over four weeks and it is anticipated that around 4 to 6 hours per week will be required to undertake the activities. although the time will depend on each venture and their overall status.
This programme has a number of unique features:
> Your pathway is customised based on your responses and your specific requirements.
> You will be able to interact with your fellow founders to optimise peer-to-peer learning and support
> There will be real mentors supporting you through the process
> If desired, investment-ready ventures may be introduced to appropriate investors.