Money holds paramount importance in any business, big or small. You can have the greatest idea and the best team, but without funding, you wouldn’t lift a feather. From launching to scaling your business, no matter how great your product is, how much you save, or how big you’ve grown already, the inflow of capital and financial upliftment will inevitably be a necessity.
You need the capital to reach the milestones you have set at the expected point on the timeline. Without thinking about fundraising, you’re just sucking the life and potential out of your business. The steps you need to follow to acquire the funding are simple and direct. Get noticed. Let people find you. Connect. Let’s look at some ways to find an investor or ways to earn the fuel called funding for your company.
Below are our easiest ways to find investors for your small business or startup company:
1. Go Online
2. Research And List
3. Attend Events
4. Angel Networks
5. Believe in Accelerators
6. Social Media And Networking Sites
7. Personal Marketing
8. Use Your Family And Friends
9. Incubators
10. Accelerator Programs
11. Crowdfunding
12. Business Loans
13. Venture Capital
How to Be Investor-Ready
1. Go Online
The virtual world has made us connected for good. The online universe contains everything that you might ask for. They have startup launching platforms, and crowdfunding sites, some are highly popular with sophisticated and verified individual investors, angel investors, and even banks and people willing to deploy capital in a new stream.
Most of these platforms function in a peer-to-peer lending site fashion looking for sources offering business loans to donation-based, debt, and equity crowdfunding portals. Popular equity-based crowdfunding platforms are AngelList, SeedInvest, StartEngine, etc. Even Quora and LinkedIn can help you out, all you need to make sure is securing a credible name.
2. Research And List
Go online and make an inventory of your immediate contacts in the network create a list of investors who you feel would vibe with your goals and mission. Shortlist 30 to 50 of these and aim at securing their attention. Reach out to them in an informal environment, unfold your ideas, ask for genuine feedback, and always adapt using those suggestions, the next time you contact them.
3. Attend Events
Visibility is a key aspect when it comes to obtaining funds, you need to become the first choice of the investors you’re aiming for. You need to be in their heads when they make their decision. Prior research about the guests of the event and arranging meetings with prospective investors will go a long way.
Engage in the coding marathon, organized networking functions, industry trade shows, sporting events, charity fundraisers, film festivals, etc.
4. Angel Networks
Member-based networks that provide service by location are called angel networks. They basically function from a fund that has been set aside by an investment firm to source deals for the network. Applications are prescreened, the angels can stay anonymous, and founders can gather offers from up to a hundred investors in one place rather than moving from one angel to another.
These angel investors might not just invest in your business but can provide you with complete mentorship, share their contacts, and help you build your own network. Sites like Funded.com and Angel Capital Association can assist you with angel investors looking for an opportunity.
Muskaan Kapoor
5. Believe in Accelerators
Accelerators are incubators for startups, they help to nourish the startup leading it to a path of success. They open their gates to serious entrepreneurs looking for genuine guidance and monitoring. They would be ready to introduce you to other investors and give business advice.
Usually while applying for accelerator programs, you must do extensive research and keep a check on records of their success.
These investors wish to take a bigger role in making your idea into a practical business model, they might be looking for a piece of your startup in exchange for funding. So, before collaborating with them, you might need to analyze how much you are willing to give up.
6. Social Media And Networking Sites
Believe it or not, the social space can do wonders, being cost-effective, it might be the best way to get discovered. You can post an update about your developments or collaborate with influencers to promote you.
The most popular channels to acquire attention on social media are:
- LinkedIn can be used to talk about your company or to seek quality introductions to pass social proof.
- Facebook for maintaining cordial contact after one or two meet-ups with the investor. This helps in trust-building.
- Twitter for meaningful conversations and knowing about what the investor shares.
Beyond these, there are many professional social sites that bring you in the ring with all types of investors in the industry. These might also connect you to the global investor environment.
Some professional social networking sites to consider for investor connections include EFactor, Xing, Cofoundr, and Meetup.
7. Personal Marketing
You need to have a strategy to prove your worth and raise those funds, then only you can see the growth graph rise. If it seems necessary, let your product go public, and get in the hands of influencers, and customers so that it might catch the eye of the investors.
If you’re successful in getting real customers, the pressure to obtain money from other sources will automatically lessen.
Make use of freemium and hybrid business models that can help get your product in the market for less cost, and let it gather the limelight.
A Guide to Marketing Your Business on LinkedIn
8. Use Your Family And Friends
Your friends and family might be your angels in disguise, and it won’t be a hard sell to convince them as they already trust you and know that you’re passionate. Just remember personal and professional relationships are best when kept separate. Maintain written records and inform them about any risks involved.
You can also use your friends as a bridge between you and investors, ask your friends in the industry for their recommendations. Climb your way up in the network, many investors specialize in specific markets, like biotech, retail, exports, or mobile app development, so they trust the network to find the right company.
At this stage of the development of your startup, perseverance might be the most crucial requirement. Do not get discouraged, if the funding doesn’t show up at your doorstep just after one attempt or maybe fifty, remember that infinite opportunities are waiting for you to knock. The one best suited for your business model and your needs would come around as what you’re seeking is also seeking you.
9. Incubators
The incubators in India are the actual instruments or agencies that drive startups, providing all the necessary resources, mentorship, and financial support to set up a company. They form co-working spaces and provide tools and equipment to patrons who are to guide startups develop good business models and products. They also connect entrepreneurs with investors, colleges, partners, and industry players with events and workshops. Many incubators also guide them through seed funds and early-stage investments; therefore, they can be the right choice at a time of funding winter. All these include benefits, such as grants, subsidies, and sector-specific support from even government-backed incubators.
Some of the important incubators in India include Startup Village-for student-led startups, IAN Incubator-hugely known for its strong investor network, and IIT Madras Incubation Cell-works for deep-tech ventures. They provide resources and industry-specific support to create the foundation for such startups to scale effectively. Given that it’s under an ever-increasing enrollment, this creates a great ecosystem for startups to benefit from.
Kinnary Nensee
10. Accelerator Programs
India is home to several accelerator programs that lay a structured platform for early-stage startups to get their much-needed investment, mentorship, and networking. Usually ranging from a few weeks to several months, these programs may be operated either by private VC firms or by large financial entities. Intensive boot camps, expert mentorship, and strategic networking help startups refine their business models and scale up rapidly. In addition, accelerators often facilitate their connections to their potential investors where funding is equally provided, usually in exchange for equity, such as $120K for 6% equity through Techstars Bangalore Accelerator.
Notable accelerators in India include Google for Startups Accelerator, which supports AI/ML ventures with equity-free assistance, TLabs, which provides funding in its initial stages, supported by Times Internet, and Cisco Launchpad, which concentrates on enterprise technology and IoT. Numerous niche accelerators today focus on sectors like fintech, AI, and enterprise solutions, culminating in demo days where startups pitch to investors. Accelerators thus pave a fast-tracked route for growth for Indian startups by providing structured support and funding opportunities.
11. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is the new upcoming mode of fundraising for startups in India. The online platforms are used by startups to raise funds from a large number of people. Crowdfunding in India is giving the concept of bringing together the populace- much more popularly known today’s date as startup validation. The models of crowdfunding consist of donation-based (for social causes) which provokes people to donate for a cause; reward-based, where a company’s offers would be promised in return, debt-based, which pays out loans with interest, and lastly, equity model, in which ownership would be given only not completely legal here in India. Crowdfunding, unlike traditional funding routes like venture capital or bank loans, is a way for startups to get funds directly and more easily.
Prominent Indian crowdfunding platforms include Ketto for health and social causes, Fueladream for donation and reward-based campaigns, and Social for Action for small business funding. Crowdfunding also offers one the tools of validation on the market with general interest and feedback to measure. However, equity-based crowdfunding regulations are a pain point. In any case, crowdfunding continues to offer a new and uncomplicated mode of financing for Indian startups.
Rishabh Rathi
12. Business Loans
The practical and immediate funding option that business loans provide to startups in India is a readily available solution for operation expenses, expansion, and growth. Banks, NBFCs, and government schemes have made this option very affordable in financing startups, as it avoids loss of equity. Such loans come in the form of term loans for bigger capital expenses, working capital loans for the day-to-day running of the organization, and government-backed loans such as Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India offering collateral-free loans under easier terms. The common eligibility criteria that would apply include, but are not limited to, age, citizenship, business registration, and financial viability, just to ensure that only qualified startups receive funding.
In addition to that, important wings of the government’s loan scheme include the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana which gives a loan of up to ₹10 lakhs, and the Stand-Up India Scheme focusing on supporting SC/ST and women entrepreneurs that grant loans ranging from INR 10 lakh to INR 1 crore. Private lenders, such as IIFL Finance and HDFC Bank, also offer business loans for startups. Short loan approval processes, non-dilutive funding, and collateral-free options are some of the general characteristics of business loans that will still be considered a dependable avenue for bringing in cash for startups, although clear financial planning will be necessary for its effective management in repaying the loans.
13. Venture Capital
Venture capital (VC) is one of the major funding avenues for startups in India. In addition to funding, it also provides strategic guidance to a startup. The alternate second phase of growth extends from 1986 till today. The amount invested in India’s VC industry boomed to $14 billion in 2022, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% in the recent past. The VC funds in India invest in almost every stage of a startup-from seed to growth-funding projects with little more than just money but also a vision of the market and a network.
Fintech, edtech, eCommerce, health tech, SaaS, and AI have emerged as sectors with ample VC interest, making them the most attractive areas for funding. Such notable Indian venture capitalists include Accel India, which operates in the early stages of investment in e-commerce and SaaS, Blume Ventures, which values the hands-on approach, particularly in its spheres of interest such as AI and healthcare, and Kalaari Capital, which has funded some big-ticket tech-driven companies such as Dream11 and Razorpay. Although VC represents a fast-growth mechanism and provides strategic input, acceptance of VC funding requires a robust business model and the potential for self-growth. Though there are several regulatory hurdles and funding gaps for early-stage ventures, VC remains the strongest weapon for Indian startups in their journey of scaling.
How to Be Investor-Ready
1. Strong Business Plan
- Executive Summary: Brief on your business.
- Market Analysis: Evidence of market demand and competition.
- Revenue Model: Clear explanation of revenue streams.
- Financial Projections: Realistic forecasts for the next 3-5 years.
2. Clear Value Proposition
- Unique Selling Proposition (USP): Clearly define how your business is different from others in the industry.
- Customer Testimonials: Use existing feedback as validation for your USP.
3. Scalable Business Model
- Growth Potential: Illustrate how your business will expand in new territories or offer up-sell cross-selling opportunities.
- Technological Availability: Use technological intervention-cum-reduction-of-cost in operations.
4. Financial Health and Transparency
- Orderly Financial Reports: Keep every financial record updated.
- Internal Audit: Continues auditing to ensure financial integrity.
- Debt Management: Settle any liabilities or debts that are pending.
5. Legal Preparedness
- Registration of Business: The business must be registered.
- Licenses and Permits: Register to get licenses and permits.
- Intellectual Assets Protection: Protect your trademarks, patents, and copyrights.
6. Strong Leadership Team
- Founding Team: Ideally, 2 to 3 founders with diverse skill sets with the cap table.
- Expertise and Experience: The significant extent to member’s experience-related relevance is mentioned above.
7. Proof of Traction
- Revenue Growth: Indications of revenue increase.
- Client Acquisition: The number of customers acquired and retained.
- Strategic Partnerships: Mention any significant partnerships or alliances.
8. Use of Funds Clearly Defined
Allotment: Be specific about the proposed use of investment funds (for example, product development, and marketing).
9. Risk Assessment
- Risk Identification: Be aware of market risks, operational risks, and financial risks.
- Strategies for Mitigation: Build programs to address such risks.
10. Investor Pitch Deck
- Engaging Story: Create a pitch deck that is really compelling in articulating the potential of your business.
- Key Elements: Include problem statement, solution, market opportunity, financial projections, and funding needs.
11. Positive Image in the Industry
- Network Engagement: Mix with industry networks and thought leaders.
- Good Customer Reviews: Positive customer testimonials would do that too.
Conclusion
Getting an investor to invest in your company is necessary to upscale your business. Take small steps. Network with people through social media channels. Interact with the social media community of like-minded people. Pitch your idea to angel investors or potential investors. A private investor can be s person or company who has the potential to invest in your company or startup. All these investors have only one goal in their minds. The goal of helping a company or startup is to succeed and get a good return on their investment.
Before pitching your idea to the investors you have to keep this n your mind at first. All these Investors look for people who have experienced entrepreneurs and a management team that has a track record of high performance and leadership in the company’s industry or in prior ventures. Most investors will do thorough research on your business, your expertise, your team’s background, and your background in the industry.
FAQs
How to Find Investors for Small Business?
- Ask Family or Friends for Capital
- Apply for a Small Business Administration Loan
- Consider Private Investors
- Contact Businesses or Schools in Your Field of Work
- Try Crowdfunding Platforms to Find Investors
How to find investors for business in India or How to Get Investors for a Startup in India?
- Create a profile on AngelList
- Prepare a record of investors to share your ideas with
- Brush up your networking skills
- Have a classy intro
- Tell them why they should invest in your startup
Who are the top investors in India?
Top Investors in India:
- Radhakishan Damani
- Raamdeo Agrawal
- Porinju Veliyath
- Dolly Khanna
- Ashish Kacholia
- Vijay Kedia
How to get funding for startup in India?
Startup Funding Options in India:
- Go for Crowdfunding
- Consider Self-funding
- Get in touch with the Venture Capitalists
- Try Angel Investment
- Try Angel Investment
- Focus on the close
- Terms of the deal