Before approaching investors

You have explored all alternatives to outside investment and decided equity finance is essential to your business.

Now find out all you can about the investment environment.

The following steps will help you choose the type of funding best suited to your business.

1 - 6 of 6

Develop a business plan
Before approaching investors make sure you have prepared a business plan. Find out more
Sharing control of your business
External investors will probably want a share of your business in return for capital (equity finance). Find out more
Understanding debt and equity financing
It is important to understand the difference between debt and equity finance before you approach investors. While banks may require financial statements and watch your progress, outside investors will scrutinise your business. Find out more
Get advice from your business network
Use your business network for advice and to help you find leads for funding. Obvious sources of information might be your colleagues and friends, lawyer and accountant. And don't be afraid to seek expert advice. Find out more
Understand the types of investors
The three most common types of investors are generally referred to as angel investors, venture capitalists and corporates. Find out more
Stages of investment
Before approaching an investor you need to know what stage your business is at on the four-stage investment cycle. Find out more