Raising capital for a new startup can be a daunting task for the founders. There are several types of investors and capital sources for startup projects, including friends and family members, angel investors (high net worth individuals), venture capital funds, corporate/strategic investors, and government grants.
Each of these capital sources has different investment criteria and expectations. It’s important for founders to understand those factors and take them into account in developing a fundraising and investor outreach strategy that is appropriate for the company’s stage of development, industry, and funding needs.
In addition, founders should recognize that being introduced to an investor prospect by someone they know and trust is always a better approach than contacting them cold. Doing your homework and being thoughtful about what types of investors you approach (and don’t approach), and about how you approach them, will save valuable time and increase your chances of getting funded.
10 Ways to Exit Your Startup
Ringing the bell on Wall Street may be every founder’s dream, but only a tiny fraction ever get the chance. According to PitchBook, initial public offerings (IPOs) accounted for only 3.8% of all U.S. venture-backed exits between 2023 and 2025 YTD, which is a historic low, while […]
Here’s What the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Startups & Investors
Officially signed on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA or the Act) affects entrepreneurs, investors, companies, and other startup stakeholders, including with respect to companies participating in tech, biotech, and other high-growth sectors. Below is a brief summary of several of the most […]
Building Your Personal Brand: Top 10 Takeaways
In celebration of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, Valeska Pederson Hintz and Wendy Moore of Perkins Coie hosted a fireside chat with Elisa Schreiber and Priya Cherian Huskins on the theme of “Command Your Narrative: Building a Resilient Personal Brand for Women Entrepreneurs.” Elisa, a partner at Greylock and […]