RAISE – Understanding Equity Investment - A Game-Changer for Early-Stage Founders
Raising equity finance can be a daunting task for early-stage founders, but the right guidance can transform this challenge into an opportunity. For Greater Manchester-based entrepreneurs, the RAISE workshop offers a chance to demystify the fundraising process.
Developed and delivered by the funding experts from GM Business Growth Hub’s Access to Finance Service, RAISE is a comprehensive one-day workshop specifically designed to support early-stage business leaders in navigating the complexities of equity finance.
What is RAISE?
RAISE is an intensive workshop aimed at equipping early-stage founders with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed in their fundraising efforts. This program covers every crucial aspect of equity fundraising, providing a clear, step-by-step guide to help maximise the effectiveness of your fundraising campaign.
Fundraising Assets
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Creating compelling fundraising assets is critical for attracting investors. RAISE delves into the essential components such as:
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Pitch Deck: Learn how to craft a persuasive pitch deck that clearly communicates your business vision, market opportunity, and growth potential. This includes following the four pillars addressing the market, who you are as a founder, demonstrate traction and the benefits for the investor.
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Financial Model: Understand how to build robust financial models that accurately reflect your business’s financial health and future projections.
Fundraising Strategy
A well-thought-out strategy can significantly influence the success of your fundraising campaign. Key topics include:
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Dilution: Gain insights into the impact of equity dilution and how to manage it effectively.
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Valuation: Learn the nuances of business valuation and how to position your company for the best possible valuation.
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SEIS / EIS: Understand the benefits of the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), which can make your business more attractive to investors.
Investor Engagement
Engaging with investors is both an art and a science. RAISE provides practical advice on:
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How to Find Investors: Discover strategies for identifying and reaching out to potential investors.
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Dos and Don’ts: Learn the best practices for investor meetings and the common pitfalls to avoid.
Exclusive Online Tools and Resources
Attendees of the RAISE workshop gain access to an array of online tools designed to reinforce learning and streamline their fundraising efforts. These resources include:
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Early-Stage Valuation Calculator: An invaluable tool for assessing your business’s value.
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Dilution Checker: Helps you understand and manage equity dilution.
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Fundraising Templates: A collection of templates to help you create effective fundraising documents.
Personalised Support and Investor Introductions
Beyond the workshop, participants benefit from offline access to one-on-one support from the A2F funding specialists. This personalised guidance can make a significant difference, offering tailored advice and potential introductions to investors who are actively seeking investment opportunities.
Key Takeaways for Attendees
By participating in the RAISE workshop, early-stage founders will:
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Gain Awareness and Understanding: Determine the suitability of equity finance for your business growth aspirations.
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Learn the Importance of Process: Understand the critical importance of a process-based approach to fundraising.
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Access Tools and Templates: Utilise a range of offline tools and templates to develop your fundraising assets and investment strategy effectively.
What do businesses who have attended think?
‘The event was meticulously organised and provided a wealth of knowledge that was both practical and insightful. From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the calibre of Ian Dixon and the relevance of the topics covered. The atmosphere was conducive to meeting like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.
The workshops were particularly beneficial, offering hands-on learning experiences that allowed us to apply the concepts discussed in real-time. I gained a deeper understanding of the various types of funding available, including venture capital, angel investing, and crowdfunding, as well as the intricacies of creating compelling pitches and business plans.
Overall, the event provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the fundraising landscape and equipped me with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate it successfully. I left the event feeling empowered with a clear action plan.
I highly recommend this event to anyone looking to raise funding for their business. Thank you to the GM Business Growth Hub for putting together such an informative event.’
Aakash Bansala, Vert Beauty
Who Should Attend?
The RAISE programme is designed for early-stage founders and entrepreneurs who are interested in understanding the process of raising equity finance. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, attract investment, or simply learn more about the world of equity finance, RAISE offers the insights and support you need to succeed. The workshop is for founder who are looking to meet experts with real life experience.
For Greater Manchester’s entrepreneurial community, the RAISE workshop represents a unique opportunity to gain crucial knowledge and skills. By equipping early-stage founders with the right tools and strategies, RAISE is helping to foster a thriving ecosystem of innovative businesses ready to take their next big leap.
To register for the next event in Wigan click here.
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