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The 5 Critical Things You Need to Raise Capital

Many first time entrepreneurs want to know the same thing – what does it really take to raise capital for a startup business? The following video summarizes my answer as a primer on the subject.

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

In this podcast, John Morris and I discussed a number of challenges associated with raising capital. In addition to addressing common problems that arise, we also discussed solutions to those challenges.

The Core of Funding Success

We talk about many subjects when it comes to raising business capital, but there are three core issues around which funding success revolves. The more you can demonstrate strength in these areas, the easier it will be for you to get the funding you need on the most favorable terms.

Smart Money and You

Imagine for a moment you’re a hungry entrepreneur who needs capital to launch or grow an exciting business. You finally connect with an angel investor that’s really interested in your deal! The angel looks you in the eye and asks, “Are you looking for smart or dumb money?”

Accredited Investor Reality

If you want a real chance to gain the support of accredited investors, you need to understand the realities of their world.

Myth Busting – The $100,000,000 Startup

Comparatively few companies achieve $100 million in 5 years. Here’s what you need to know, and what you should do about it.

Preparing for Five Hurdles

Here are five key hurdles investors will expect you to be well prepared to address. Failure to comply will often disqualify you from further consideration.

93 Percent of Business Funding

While aspiring entrepreneurs can learn much from angel investors and venture capitalists about getting funded, 93 percent of small business funding comes from somewhere else. Somewhere that shares key viewpoints of high profile investors, but also takes many other issues into account. Things that are usually much more favorable to business owners.

An Essential Unspoken Truth

When raising money, there’s at least one truth that’s difficult for entrepreneurs and investors to candidly discuss, even though it’s a vital factor in the decision-making process of most investors.

"Your process of developing the right sales messages far surpassed my expectations. It was based on reality and substance, not gimmicks. It was invigorating to define the passion and purpose of my company in terms that attract the right kind of customers."

Peter Covic
President, APD Technologies

"Just a note to say thanks for taking us through this process. Your Excel worksheet is excellent. Being in the lending business, I know all the items in the worksheet, but the format and the way it is laid out is awesome. I really appreciate your experience and what you bring to the discussion as you take us through the process. I have already talked up the worksheet, and have some parties interested in going through the process also. Stay tuned."

Tom Meyer
Founder, Bizware

"As a first-time entrepreneur raising significant capital, I was extremely satisfied with the entire team. Not only did they prepare us for the funding journey utilizing their combined experiences, but also took the time to understand our vertical niche and other biz plan nuances. One of the key intangible benefits that occurs when going through the process is gaining the confidence grounded in market reality to speak with any potential investor. This only occurs because the team has successfully helped so many firms grow, and runs you through a rigorous, thorough process."

Dave Ranallo
CEO, Azoti

"Thanks for your help on our project. Your coaching and input has been very effective in helping me develop key perspectives on the GPV business, which provides for a more focused business model and story that shows and supports the greatest use of investment dollars for maximum ROI. Again, I just wanted to express appreciation."

Daniel Garces
CEO, Green Planet Venture

"Their economic modeling was very thorough and educational for our company and management team. They encouraged and helped us look at our company in such a way as to fully understand the factors that affect our revenue streams and costs. Once we were finished with the process, we felt we had achieved an MBA in Business and Financial Planning. We would recommend their work to any management team that wanted to create a complete presentation package for investors."

Bruce Blechman
President, Entrepreneur Capital Resources
Co-author (with Jay Levinson), Guerrilla Financing

"I just wanted to let you know that the Investment Package you helped create for us has been a stunning success. It has enabled us to make giant strides toward achieving our goal of raising an initial $1 million. The Business Plan has received praise not only from individual investors but also from venture capitalists and investment bankers. It is a package that I would be happy to show the most sophisticated of investors. Even Warren Buffett! Thanks again for all of your help."

Malcolm Nicholl
CEO, ResVez

"We greatly appreciate everyone’s help and guidance through the development process of preparing our offering. I was thoroughly impressed with the end product! Your team exceeded our expectations in creating the end product. These documents truly represent the professionalism of Selling Technologies and our offering. If my reaction is any indication to the reaction of potential investors, we should raise our capital very quickly."

Stan Jablonowski
CEO, Selling Technologies

"I just wanted to thank you again for the great work that you did on my business plan and all of the related documents. One of the key factors in signing up investors was the look and content of my investment package. Almost every investor commented very positively on how prepared we were to succeed based on the plan that you helped us prepare. By going through your extensive questions and answer protocols when preparing our business plan, I was better prepared to go through the discovery process on a number of other projects in my business."

Thomas Mangione
CEO, Empowering Chirporactic

"Doors have opened that could enable us to identify as many as five strategic partners each of whom pay $5 million or more for their particular trade space. The valuation of that trade space seems to parallel the valuation that Steve Mortensen did for us regarding the Genius Card."

Larry Masi
CEO, Genius Card

"The one word that describes my experience is WOW! Every time we talk, you give me practical tools I can use immediately to get positive results. Your approach is very powerful. One thing I really appreciate is your unique insight that helps me see my business in new ways. You are really good at finding jewels buried under mundane detail, and polishing them so they sparkle and shine. It’s a very exciting process!"

Patricia Allen
President, PARIS Financial

"It was a terrific experience working through the financials and business plan with you. You made a usually dreary project enjoyable and interesting. I had one investment group tell me that the investment brief was one of the best he’d ever read."

Jeff Freeman
CEO, SoundTag

"We had the pleasure of working with Smart Business Capital while putting together a formal business plan and revenue model for two new startup companies. They made the initially overwhelming process easy to understand and quite educational. Their professional yet friendly demeanor made them a pleasure to deal with, and their vast knowledge and suggestions provided valuable advice for us moving forward. I can without a doubt give them a high recommendation to anyone looking for this type of service for their business."

Scott Humphrey
CEO, The Public Record and Jammit

"I had an opportunity to enter a new market, but didn’t know how to approach it. Smart Business Capital helped me evaluate this new business, and put together a strategy for testing the market. We sold the first three projects we quoted! Within five months, this business amounted to 33% of my company’s annual sales, and the projects just keep on coming. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to develop a new market. They came up with a no-nonsense plan, and helped me make it work. Their ideas worked, and they were very supportive in helping me succeed. I probably would have lost this opportunity if I didn’t have their help."

Jeff Dunagan
Owner, Protec