Get investor ready
Preparing for investment means understanding what questions to ask investors, and the routes to getting finance for your business.
There’s a lot to think about on the road to investment.
You need to understand what investors are seeking when they invest, and what makes a business eligible for the finance they provide. And it helps to know how much money you should be asking for, rather than settling on an arbitrary number.
Give your business the very best chance of success by reading the checklists, articles and success stories mentioned below. We also explain what should be in place throughout the journey to investment, so you can plan ahead.
Making business finance work for you: Expanded edition
Our Making business finance work for you: Expanded edition is designed to help you make an informed choice about accessing the right type of finance for you and your business.
Your previously read articles
Preparing your business
It isn't always easy to know if your business is ready to receive investment. So it's useful to arm yourself with all the information you need to prepare your business for investors coming on board.
Checklist – Are you ready for finance?
Use this checklist to establish what you want to achieve and what you can do to give yourself the best possible chance of success. Learn about the different types of finance available.
Learn more about being ready for financeFinance-specific checklists
If you've already assessed your options and identified potential finance for your business, use our handy checklists to determine whether that finance is indeed right for you.
They include checklists for Angel Investment, Private Equity, Venture Capital and more.
Finance finder tool
Use this quick and easy tool to find suitable finance options for your business. Answer six simple questions and learn what types of investment may be right for you.
Learn more about finding finance optionsEverything you need to know about external finance
The good news for entrepreneurs is that there is a wealth of finance options out there to help grow a business. We answer some common questions, so you can make an informed decision about your funding future.
Learn more about external financeDiversity and representation in 2021
Learn more about the three areas of focus for any business owners and management teams seeking new investment in 2021.
Learn more about diversity for smaller businesses5 things venture capitalists are looking for in 2021
After the momentous events of 2020, 2021 will see businesses still requiring funding, and VCs still seeking suitable opportunities to invest. Find out what they are looking for.
Learn more about what VCs are looking forLearning from businesses that have done it before
Your business is unique. But there are lots of businesses out there that have been through the same investment journey. These businesses not only completed the process, but went on to experience the growth they set out to achieve. You can too.
Success stories
Learn how other UK businesses have used external finance to achieve their ambitions for growth.
Learn more about Success StoriesUnderstanding the journey
Getting to grips with the various routes to investment is often half the battle. Knowing what stages are involved in obtaining investment means you can plan your time and resources well in advance.
Infographics – The route to investment
Make sure you have a clear understanding of what happens at each stage of your investment journey. We've designed these infographics to help you on your way.
Learn more about the route to investmentHow equity finance can transform your business
There can often be a lot of capital available to British businesses that are looking to take their next funding step. Read more about the impact equity finance can have.
Learn more about equity finance7 ways to prove value to investors
Here are some top tips for catching an investor’s attention and showing that you understand there’s more to investment than just money.
Learn more about proving value to investorsReference to any organisation, business and event on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation from the British Business Bank or the UK Government. Whilst we make reasonable efforts to keep the information on this page up to date, we do not guarantee or warrant (implied or otherwise) that it is current, accurate or complete. The information is intended for general information purposes only and does not take into account your personal situation, nor does it constitute legal, financial, tax or other professional advice. You should always consider whether the information is applicable to your particular circumstances and, where appropriate, seek professional or specialist advice or support.
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