ACCELERATORS
Startup accelerators, also known as seed accelerators, are fixed-term, cohort-based programs, that include mentorship and workshops/programs and have access to Pitch Events and Investors. Highly competitive to access. We have included those we endorse across UK and globally. I have worked in many of these Programs over the last 10 years across the UK and Europe for advise or follow up.ANGEL NETWORKS
We belong to the UKBAA who support most of the UK Angel Networks. An angel network is a group of angel investors who have organized to invest collectively, operate more effectively and provide mutual support. Angel networks are also known as angel groups and some in the UK are more ACTIVE than others. They often have open ‘PITCH EVENTS’ where you can showcase your business or attend Investor Events.BOOTSTRAPPING
Can be – family friends – credit cards - start up loans Using Cash injection from another venture There are minimum Grants available throughout the UK though some Accelerator Programs offer a Seed Grant Fund.CORPORATE
Companies such as Google, Qualcomm, Comcast, Dell, Microsoft, Nokia, and Intel all have professional active venture arms. This is an important development for entrepreneurs and startups, as these corporate venture arms can invest significant capital and provide substantial assistance to a startup or business that has potential growth.EQUITY CROWD FUNDING
We have worked in this space for the past 4 years in the UK and going forward or 2018 will work with Crowd Cube as a Partner (Matt needs their link only) Equity Crowd Funding is the process whereby people (i.e. the 'crowd') invest in an early-stage unlisted company in exchange for shares in that company. A shareholder has partial ownership of a company and stands to profit should the company do well. Please note: You need to raise the first 30% yourself from your own network. I now use this model alongside sometimes to raise Equity as a PR exercise to make some noise and create awareness. In 2017 we have numerous successes with this model – please see our 2014-2017 Deal Flow. Matt We need to add our DEAL FLOW document here do you have it?