Raising Funds
For Business

This piece, published on the We are Ambition blog, distills fundamental concepts about funding and fundraising for entrepreneurs. Hodgson draws upon approximately a decade of professional experience to provide practical guidance for those entering the fundraising landscape.

The author directs readers to the full blog on the Mums Who Build platform for comprehensive coverage. The article summary covers four primary sections:

Understanding Industry Terminology

The fundraising sector employs numerous acronyms and specialized terminology (VC, IPO, SaaS). Hodgson encourages readers to seek clarification rather than proceed uncertainly, recommending resources like Investopedia for expanded knowledge.

Funding Mechanisms

Available options encompass bootstrapping for ownership control, debt financing requiring repayment with interest, convertible debt instruments, equity sales, and crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter.

Pitch Development

Successful fundraising relies on clear, authentic communication. Investors often evaluate founder potential as highly as business concepts themselves, requiring pitches structured similarly to professional resumes—straightforward, concise, and emphasizing distinctive qualities.

Fundraising Ownership

Hodgson cautions against quick-fix fundraising solutions marketed for fees. Legitimate external support includes landscape guidance, confidence coaching, and investor introductions.