Episode 1: Helping funders and founders find each other

Whether you’re the funder or the founder, the journey of investment is full of chance encounters, random connections and unexpected introductions. So much so that the search can feel like a never ending battle, and finding each other can feel like kismet.?

The UK business community is a melting pot of innovation, ideas and excitement. Investing in British business has never felt more important, or more lucrative. There is no shortage of strong startup founders who have a vision for societal change, that can see a better way to solve a problem or have simply spotted an opportunity to make money.

And for those looking for investment, the good news is that there are lots of high-net-worth individuals, “angel investors” and early-stage funds who are looking for opportunities to back startups. Whether that’s because they want to be part of change, to find ways to make the most of their money, or to find ways to put their skills to good use.

But there are barriers to potential funders and founders finding each other.

Today, Atomico launched the findings of their ‘State of European Tech’ research, which paints a bleak picture both in terms of a reduction in investments being made and in how those investments are shared across diverse groups of founders. For example, the research reveals that women founders’ share of investment has remained relatively stagnant – with 87% of all VC funding in Europe raised by men-only founding teams. Investment in women-only teams has (alarmingly) dropped from 3% to 1%.?

We need to recognise the current challenges – especially for female founders, ethnically diverse founders and founders based outside of London (and other investment hubs) - acknowledge them and where possible overcome them or, better still, remove them forever. We need to open our networks and communities to help create, foster and nurture connections that have mutual benefit so we can make the UK the hottest place in the world for startups.?

Over a series of posts, I’ll be addressing some of the key barriers that stop funders and founders finding each other, and I’ll be keen to hear your thoughts as we discuss them. And at every opportunity I’d love people to comment, tag and share so we can start building more connections through our conversation.?

If you have questions about how you can level the playing field for your funding round, join me at a free Funding Strategy Workshop.