Step-by-Step Fundraising Process Guide 🚀
From Prep to Close: Master Every Stage of Your Fundraising Journey
Mastering your fundraising process means being prepared, strategic, and adaptive.
Let me walk you through how to put your whole fundraising on steroids!
Phase by phase.
Phase 1: Pre-Fundraising Preparation 🛠️
Fundraising success starts long before you pitch. Preparation is everything.
🔍 Understand Your Stage
Tailor your approach to your company’s growth:
Seed Stage ($0-$1M ARR): Highlight vision, market potential, and team strength. Early traction is key.
Series A ($1-$5M ARR): Show proven product-market fit and solid growth metrics.
Series B ($10-$15M ARR): Focus on scaling and market leadership. Efficiency matters here.
Series C+ ($20M+ ARR): Showcase dominance and clear profitability (or a path to it).
⏱️ Timeline Planning
A typical raise takes 3-6 months (sometimes longer). Plan your runway accordingly:
Months 1-2: Prep and early outreach.
Months 2-4: Active pitching and first-round meetings.
Months 4-6: Due diligence and deal closing.
💡 Pro Tip: Canva founder Melanie Perkins recalls pitching “hundreds of investors” while crashing on her brother’s floor. Fundraising takes grit—plan for it.