How To Find Investors In The UK

If you are wondering how to find investors for your startup, keep in mind that there is more than one type of investor to get funds from. However, before you make a decision, it is crucial to find out how they are different, and which one may be a good match for you. Once you know who to pitch to, you will need to work on perfecting your pitch deck to secure funding and grow your business. In addition to funds, the right investors can provide you with a lot of useful information, as well as the network you need to launch a successful company. Within this article, you will find a list of different types of investors that you may consider approaching for your start-up.

Startup Investment Platforms

You can find investors for free, if you have access to an investor database built specifically for your network, stage of development, and domain. Firstly, you may want to use search terms, such as ‘find investors near me’ or ‘find investor’.  However, you can find an investor for real estate with Pareto and screen for their investment history, domain expertise, check size, and other factors. Pareto can provide you with a quicker way to learn how to find investors to start a business and meet your business goals. These insights can help you build relationships with investors and prepare to run a successful business.

Venture Capital Firms

The advantage of going to venture capital firms is the amount of capital they can introduce to your startup. This type of financing is believed to have long-term potential for small businesses. However, it may not always come in monetary form, as it may also be provided in the form of technical or managerial expertise. Venture capital is becoming an increasingly popular choice, especially for companies that may lack access to capital markets, bank loans, or other financing. Although it often involves early and seed-round funding, it can be arranged at different stages of your organisation’s development.

Angel Investors

Another exciting and viable alternative form of financing can be angel investment. Angel investors are high-net worth individuals, who look for opportunities to invest their own capital. Most of the time, angel investors are also entrepreneurs, who have launched and exited a business in the past. As a result, this is usually the source of their income. Not only can they provide capital to new businesses, but they can also offer strategic advice to founders, who need guidance to take their business to the next level. However, they typically expect a better return on their money in comparison to other investments.

Corporate Investors

Big corporations can reap a variety of benefits when investing in growing businesses. This may include supporting their own growth numbers, diversifying assets, and discovering talent and technology that can help them fuel revenues and profits. As they can be quite different to work with in comparison to other investors, it is important to approach any collaboration or integration with patience. Additionally, entrepreneurs and corporate investors tend to have different styles and perspectives, so they will have to learn how to understand each other and have boundaries set up.

Banks

Although these might not be true investors like the rest on the list, banks can be sources of capital. At first you may find that traditional banks are not an easy source of capital for small businesses and startups. Nevertheless, as you gain traction, it is likely that you will have access to business credit cards, lines of credit, and business loans. In most cases, banks may prefer to give you an overdraft or extend your limit instead of offering a formal loan. However, overdrafts tend to be flexible and can often be paid more quickly than a formal loan, as long as you have a healthy income in your business.

Bootstrapping

It can be difficult for companies to raise funds and find business investors, so in many cases, it might fall to the founder to provide the initial funds. While you should remember that investing your own money in your business can be risky, bootstrapping your startup gives you complete control of your business without conflicting visions or outside influence. As a result, this can be a great way to safeguard yourself from debt should your venture not succeed. However, as your company grows, it is likely that you will be able to sustain it with your personal finances and bring in other investors.

Friends And Family

Many entrepreneurs receive considerable help from their friends and family, especially at the early stages of their startup. These tend to be the ones closest to you, who want to see you succeed. Although members of your close community tend to be easier to deal with than other investors, accepting financing from your friends and family can sometimes result in personal tension and stress. While friends and family are unlikely to follow up with the daily operations of your business, they might be anxious to get their money back.

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