Pitching for funding

PITCHING FOR FUNDING

A publication of

How to convince funders your business is worth their investment

Here are tips to help you create a

successful pitch

PREPARE A STRONG BUSINESS PLAN

You will on the day of the pitch, back up this business plan with your expertise, confidence and familiarity with the financials.

RESEARCH THE INVESTORS

Research thoroughly as some due diligence could depend on the commitment of one partner, who may have little knowledge of you and your business.

REHEARSE, REHEARSE, REHEARSE

Rehearse your pitch in front of an audience and anticipate difficult questions

THE PITCH

Start with an interesting narrative of how this business is a solution to an existing problem. You may inject commercial aspects to keep it relevant but avoid the excessive use of technical jargon. You don’t want them falling asleep or losing interest

X

Structure thepresentation itself with thefollowing PowerPoint slides

STRUCTURE

BIOGRAPHY - YOURS AND THE TEAM

•The funders are actually investing in people. This is key information.

•Emphasise skills, background, achievements and reputation.

CORE OFFERING

•Explain your offering

•If possible, show the product or service in pictorial/ diagrammatic form. Visuals are powerful.

THE GAP

?•What problem have you identified that you think your offering can solve?

HOW THE SOLUTION WORKS

•How will your service/ product work?

•Why is it different from anything that currently exists?

•Can you do a guided tour or demo?

HOW THE SOLUTION WORKS

•Show realistic market size, market share, market value.

•Show possible growth plans.

THE MARKET

•How do you intend to build your client base?

CUSTOMER ACQUISITION

•How do you intend to build your client base?

CUSTOMER ACQUISITION

Growth

Growth

•How do you intend to build your client base?

CUSTOMER ACQUISITION

Growth

Growth

•How do you intend to build your client base?

CUSTOMER ACQUISITION

Growth

Growth

COMPETITORS

•What is your value proposition?

•What do you know about similar businesses?

COMPETITORS

•What are the expected profits, expenses and assumptions?

•The key is that the numbers have to add up and be realistic.

FINANCIALS

•Be specific about how much money you want

•How much funding has been used in the past if any?

•What is your revenue model?

USE OF FUNDS

What are your options to exit the business in the future?

EXIT PLAN

Good luck!Good luck!

So you have a great presentation and you want it

to drive more business …

can help with that.

EFM is a leading provider of part-time, pay-as-you-use financial management

and expertise.

Find out more about our team of Finance Directors by visiting

www.efm.uk.com

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