How to raise finance without giving away any equity with Sponduly

Don’t let the unusual name Sponduly fool you, they mean serious business! Sponduly is the UK’s leading platform for creative ideas, so whether you need funding for a music, film or technology project, or whether you have a business idea or charity that is looking to raise some extra cash, Sponduly will connect you with the right people to make things happen.

Sponduly allows you to turn your project into a viral marketing campaign and helps you spread the word across the world wide web, giving you a head-start to achieving success. Sponduly works on the fairly new and ever growing concept of crowdfunding, which allows many people to view your business online and potentially invest.

Do I have to give away equity?

No, as Sponduly is a crowdfunding site entrepreneurs and project leaders get to keep 100% equity and control of their business. In return for the investment however, unique perks, rewards and incentives can be offered which create greater interest and a motivation for others to get involved.

How do I apply? 

To start raising finance with Sponduly, visit their website and create yourself an account. You will then begin to upload details to your profile, helping the community on Sponduly to understand why you are looking for investment and what you will spend the money on. Potential investors will view your campaign, and if they like what they see you will be on your way to raising finance in no time!
> To apply, visit the website HERE

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Looking for investment of up to £500,000 for your business?

Are you looking to find £100,000 - £500,000 investment for your business?
As an entrepreneur it can be frustrating knowing that you have a fantastic business idea but are struggling to find the finance and the reputation to launch your product into the market effectively, the stage for entrepreneurs known as the 'Valley of Death'. To overcome the 'Valley of Death' and become a real player in your field requires many things, for example you need a product that has a real need, effective marketing, 24/7 hard work and persistence, and last but not least...money.


Many entrepreneurs today are crying out for more investors and more grant funding opportunities if they are to be expected to 'save the economy' and provide an enterprise-led recovery. Find My Funding has been scouring the UK for these opportunities, and is working hard at bringing them to the entrepreneurs to save time and to help recover British business.


Today FMF is featuring Horatio Investments, an organisation that says they are not a venture capital firm, but can offer investments of up to £500,000 for ideas that inspire them. Horatio Investments focuses on the South West and South Wales regions of the UK, and provides monetary funding and business support on a continuing basis to their successful applicants. Horatio Investments is not a fund and invests purely from its own resources, enabling them to escape the constraints that many Venture Capital firms face.


Who does Horatio Investments provide funding for?
As said previously, Horatio Investments focuses on entrepreneurs in the South West and the South of Wales. However they are open to businesses from all sectors. Your business can be at the proof of concept stage or requiring expansion capital. Horatio Investments are looking for businesses with originality, tenacity, commitment, and energy - so if you think you fit the bill applying could secure some much needed funding for your enterprise.
> For more details on the investment process see here


Will Horatio Investments take some equity?
Yes, as Horatio Investments is investing from their own funds they will expect a return in equity for their money and business support. It is the typical investment process.


How do I apply?
To apply to the Horatio Investment investors, you will be required to submit a Summary Business Case summing up your business and showing why you are looking for investment. You will also have to submit a funding application form that will entail a business overview, information on your market and competitors,financial forecasts, details of your management team and the level of investment required. In other words, your business plan!
> To apply, visit their website HERE

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Campaign for your business funding: Indie GoGo

Do you have a great business idea but need funding to get it off the ground? 
Are you working towards a great social cause but need that little extra cash to make it happen?


Find My Funding has been scouring the internet for ways for our entrepreneurial readers to do just that, and here's one we found. Indie GoGo provides a funding platform for people across the world who have a vision and a dream to create something spectacular. Participants create 'campaigns' in which they can make money quickly and securely by tapping into the vast network within Indie GoGo. 


Step 1: Create a professional online funding campaign on one web page.
Step 2: Share your campaign by using powerful promotional tools to raise awareness and increase funding.
Step 3: Collect your contributions quickly and easily online.
Step 4: Track contributions with analytics tools provided 


What campaigns can I create?
Although on Find My Funding we predominantly focus on your business ideas, there are also many other categories including Art, Dance, Health & Causes. For example there is a campaign to 'help a girl see the sights in Europe before her sight deteriorates', which can be found here.


Do I have to pay to create a campaign for my business?
No, the beauty of Indie GoGo is that it is free to begin. However they have to make something out of this hard work therefore they charge a 4% fee on the money raised once you reach your funding goal. There is also a 3% third party payment processors charge, and finally if you are collecting money by credit card then there is a $25 wire fee for non-US campaigns.


Will I lose equity if I raise money with Indie GoGo?
You will retain 100% ownership of your business whilst raising funding via Indie GoGo which is fantastic for small businesses that want to stay in control! However it is suggested that you offer unique perks or tax reductions in lieu of offering profit.


How do I apply?
To start raising funding you first need to create your campaign on Indie GoGo, which can be done on their website HERE


So with tens of thousands of people using Indie GoGo to raise funding for their business, project or cause, it seems like a very viable option for entrepreneurs to check out and see if it is suitable for their business. What we have realised at FMF is that Indie GoGo is not only a way of raising money, but also a great method for gaining exposure for your business on a global level. You never know, you may be approached by some serious investors that love your idea!

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Find Invest Grow- Get useful business resources and find investors!

What is Find Invest Grow?
FIG works with young entrepreneurs starting up, or wanting to start up a business of their own. They support entrepreneuers throughout the business development stage, providing great support in finalising your business plan.


FIG also provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain investment for their businesses. Investors can search for opportunities of interest to them online, and then get in touch with the entrepreneur that they would like to invest in. Within this online community, investors are called 'FIGureheads'.


How do I apply for FIG's help?
If you are a young entrepreneur, especially an undergraduate or graduate within the last 5 years, then FIG will work with you to finalise your business ideas and help you get off the ground.


The first step is to either build your business plan online at the FIG website, or 'FIG Seeds' (you) can attend a Meet & Greet event. 


Once this is done you can access your own profile online at the FIG website. You can benefit from the Strategic Partners and Sponsors that FIG work closely with, giving you professional business advice free or at a heavily discounted rate.


Once your business idea is finalised and has passed the investors due diligence process, you will create a business pitch and investors will be able to browse the FIG Website to find opportunities to invest in. If they like your business - you may get some investment!


Do I have to pay for the FIG service?
No, entrepreneurs do not have to pay for this business advice, resources, support, and access to investors. However, FIG does take a 5% equity share in businesses that find investment through their website.


For further information on Find Invest Grow, check out their website here.

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Raise finance through Crowdcube

What is Crowdcube?
Crowdcube seems to be the new player in the game of investment, and has made quite an impression with budding entrepreneurs across the UK. Entrepreneurs can submit their businesses onto the Crowdcube website which will then be viewed by hundreds of 'investors' online. It is a very simple but effective way of raising finance, especially for young businesses that are trying to get off the ground.


According to the Crowdcube website, "Crowdcube gives the UK's best entrepreneurs and business pioneers a newfangled way to raise business finance by tapping into a 'crowd' of like minded trend-setters willing to invest smaller amounts of cash in exchange for rewards and a stake in their business." 


The beauty of Crowdcube is that little equity can be sacrificed, and you do not have to experience a divorce of ownership or give away business votes. Investors may invest as little as £10 in your business, but you may be wondering how that is ever going to pay your web hosting fees or buy that office space...? The trick with Crowdcube is that it exposes you to a large number of eager investors looking to make some money from new start-ups, so the more £10 investments you get the closer you are to funding your business properly. Crowdfunding can not only be used to raise money but also gain feedback and publicise an idea, project or business. 


So how do I raise investment using Crowdcube?
You simply create an online pitch and upload it to the website. Once this is done you promote, promote, promote to whoever will listen - i.e. friends, family, colleagues & customers. Spreading the word will attract investors from far and wide, allowing you to meet your investment targets and get cracking with business!


What is Crowdfunding?
'Crowdfunding is the new way for a community of like minded people to network and pool their money and knowlege together, Crowdcube provides a platform for entrepreneurs of start-ups and established businesses to connect with potential investors.' - Source: Crowdcube 2011


How do I get started using Crowdcube to raise finance for my business?


Simply visit www.crowdcube.com and follow the instructions on their website!

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