Startups are the lifeblood of the economy. They drive innovation, create jobs and stimulate economic growth. But starting a business is hard, and it takes more than a great idea to succeed. Fundraising provides essential capital needed to fuel growth, hire talent, and develop innovative products or services. Investment readiness, on the other hand, ensures that a startup is well-equipped to attract potential investors, clarify its vision, and demonstrate a clear path to profitability. Together, these elements form the backbone of a thriving startup, facilitating the transformation of ideas into sustainable businesses.
Obtaining the capital needed to start a company can be difficult. To make this easier, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub offers a funding and investment preparation bundle worth up to $24,000. This bundle includes six industry-leading tools for free or at a significant discount.
Get ready to raise money.
Fundraising preparation and investor preparation is about strategizing your fundraising plan, preparing solid materials, practicing presentations, evaluating valuations, preparing your data room, and more.
Swoop provides startups with a dedicated money manager who will work with you throughout the funding process. From free pitch deck reviews to curated introductions to our network of 250+ investors, Swoop is your secret to successful fundraising. Founders Hub members can receive a 50% discount on Swoop’s fundraising packages (valued up to $1,250).
Know your phone number.
For startup founders looking to raise capital, a financial model is an important asset. It serves as a strategic blueprint to quantify capital needs, determine realistic valuations, and serves as a storytelling tool in numbers, a language investors understand. From planning the fundraising process to negotiating terms, a strong financial model is the backbone that allows founders to navigate the complex terrain of fundraising with confidence and clarity.
Forecastr provides trusted, investor-grade financial models with the support of a team of experienced startup financial analysts who work with you every step of the way to build a model that fits your unique business and provides support. You have to make the most of it. Founders Hub members receive a 30% discount on the Forecastr platform and free access to financial modeling templates. There are no implementation costs (up to $2,800 worth).
Perfect your presentation.
Perfecting your presentation is crucial for startups looking to raise capital. Because that’s your first opportunity to make a good impression on potential investors. In a matter of minutes, you should be able to communicate your business idea, explain why it’s a sound investment, and convince investors that you’re the right person to lead the company to success. A well-crafted presentation should grab investors’ attention, convince them that your business has potential, and build trust with them.
Yodli is an AI-powered voice coach that helps you perform at your best during your next VC pitch (think of it as a grammar of voice). Yodli provides instant analysis of content, structure, and delivery without the pressure of judgment. You can use Yodli to practice mock presentations even during your actual presentation. Because it’s a gentle nudge to get your point across and a silent reminder to slow down. Founders Hub members can receive a free 3-month subscription to Yodli (up to $100 value).
Adopt virtual data rooms for security
Virtual data rooms are a game-changer for startups on their funding journey. Keep your financial, legal, and operational data secure while easily sharing it with potential investors. Not only does it demonstrate professionalism and trustworthiness, but it also strengthens the due diligence process. In the fast-paced world of startups, these virtual data rooms are your secret weapon to ensure you are well prepared and leave a lasting impression on investors.
Ansarada’s AI-powered platform helps streamline the capital raising process. Built on knowledge of over 24,000 deals, Ansarada’s technology builds teams and investors while accelerating closing times. Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub members receive 12 months of free access to Ansarada’s AI-powered data room (up to $15,000 in value).
In the ever-evolving world of startups, funding and investment readiness are non-negotiable. This provides the foundation needed for sustainable growth and success. Non-dilutive financing, sound financial modeling, effective asset management, compelling investor pitch and a secure data room are essential components of this journey. By mastering these aspects, you will be better equipped to navigate the entrepreneurial environment and increase your startup’s chances of success.
Get funding without diluting your ownership.
Non-dilutive financing can be a valuable tool for startups at all stages of growth. This can help startups maintain control of their company, avoid dilution, and attract and retain top talent. It can also help startups de-risk venture capital or angel investors and drive commercialization. Finding non-dilutive funding doesn’t have to be difficult. Working with an organization that can help you evaluate the type of non-dilutive funding you qualify for can save you hours of tedious research and help you get back on track with your mission.
EB Howard Consulting provides comprehensive support, tailoring non-dilutive financing solutions to fit your startup’s unique growth goals. EBHC meticulously evaluates, validates and creates customized selections for non-dilutive financing opportunities, guiding you from identification to execution. Founders Hub members receive a 60% discount on all EB Howard Consulting Funding Menu services (valued up to $3,300).
Manage your assets properly.
For founders, asset management is a critical part of running a startup that is often overlooked during growth and day-to-day operations. But veteran founders and investors alike agree that it’s essential for startups. From attracting and investing in key talent to aligning co-founders and setting them up for long-term success, getting equity management right can be a game-changer for founders and their businesses.
WE.VESTR helps founders effectively manage their startup’s assets in a single, integrated platform designed for founders. From cap tables and shareholder reporting to fundraising, data rooms and employee wealth planning, use WE.VESTR to simplify wealth management from ideation to exit. Founders Hub members with fewer than 30 stakeholders can receive a free one-year subscription to WE.VESTR. Startups with 30 or more stakeholders can receive a 70% discount on the first year of a paid plan (worth up to $1,300).
In the ever-evolving world of startups, funding and investment readiness are non-negotiable. This provides the foundation needed for sustainable growth and success. Sound financial modeling, compelling investor pitch, secure virtual data room, non-dilutive financing and effective asset management are essential components of this journey. By mastering these aspects, you will be better equipped to navigate the entrepreneurial environment and increase your startup’s chances of success.
Learn more about all the trusted partner offerings in our portfolio here.