Starting a new company, especially in deeptech, can be challenging. That's why at Startup Finance Toolkit (SFT) we're dedicated to helping you get set up in the right way and provide you useful finance, fundraising and financial performance resources to help you lead with confidence. Whether you're at the idea stage or preparing for your next funding round, our resources are there to help you navigate through your startup journey.
This introductory article and resource is one that anyone thinking of starting a company can use and is based on a presentation that we give to deeptech accelerators, which you can download below. It’s packed with detailed insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the startup landscape.
Starting with the basics, we guide you through the steps of incorporation, including essential documents and deciding between self-incorporation or using a formation agent. Understanding VAT and payroll requirements is explained in a simple manner, ensuring you establish a solid foundation for your business operations.
A strong business plan (often taking the form of a pitch deck) is a great place to articulate your vision and plan. We cover everything from the articulation of your company's purpose and how it solves market problems to detailing your product, market size, competition, and financial projections. This comprehensive approach ensures you're fully prepared for your first investor meetings (for more information, read our Investment Committee preparation guide).
Funding is more often than not critical for your growth and it’s useful to understand your funding options. We help you navigate bootstrapping, angel investors, venture capital, and grants with insights into the UK funding landscape, including major VC firms and angel networks, to help you on your way to securing the capital you need.
Effective financial management is crucial to get right in the early stages. We provide tools and tips for cashflow management, budgeting, forecasting, and building your first financial model. Our focus on key metrics and scenario planning helps you stay on track and make informed decisions.
Being mindful of an exit strategy can help keep you focussed on commercialisation and strategy. We explain various options such as IPOs, trade sales, mergers, and private equity buyouts. Early planning and understanding how initial decisions impact your exit options can significantly affect your long-term success.
Building products that meet market needs is paramount. Customer discovery helps you identify and understand your target market, ensuring your product development aligns with customer demands. This reduces the risk of failure and increases your chances of success.
Join Us on Your Startup Journey
SFT is brought to you by Dr. Matt Halstead and James Shrager who bring a wealth of experience in startup finance and have spent their careers building, fundraising and transforming ambitious SMEs and startups. At SFT, we’re committed to providing you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive. To get full access, consider a subscription to SFT (we’ve priced it so it’s very affordable to early-stage businesses) and benefit from an ever-growing number of resources and join a network focussed on financial excellence and business growth.
