Foundations of Raising Capital

Explore several different methods for raising capital for your business, including loans, accelerator programs, angel investors, crowdfunding, and venture capital.

For many businesses, success is dependent on raising the capital necessary to fund the business to a point of profitability—and that capital can come from a variety of sources. In this course, explore several different methods for raising capital for your business, including loans, accelerator programs, crowdfunding, and venture capital. Instructor Jay Clouse sets you up for success by covering what to do before you pursue investment options, explaining who invests in businesses, why they do it, and how to convince them to invest in yours. Jay shares tips for constructing a presentation to support your pitch, as well as building effective relationships with potential investors. And throughout the course, he delves into both traditional funding options, such as banks and angel investors, and newer alternative forms of funding.

Introduction

• Raising capital for your business
• All companies and their needs are different

1. Before Pursuing Investment

• Why do people invest in businesses?
• Should you raise capital?
• The pros and cons of bootstrapping
• Grants and non-dilutive funding options
• Borrowing from friends and family

2. Traditional Funding Options

• Bank and SBA loans
• Accelerator programs
• Angel investors
• Venture capital

3. Preparing for Investment Meetings

• What are investment stages?
• What you need for an investment meeting
• Considering your valuation and ask
• Building a strong pitch deck

4. Communicating with Investors

• Finding investors who are a good fit
• Building relationships with investors
• How term sheets work

5. Alternative Investing Options

• Alternative funding options
• The different forms of crowdfunding

Conclusion

• Believe you can do it