Barry Klipp had spent 17 years working in the airline industry so you might imagine how he felt when the covid pandemic grounded planes worldwide. The unexpected outcome of the industry shutting down was that Barry finally had the time to develop a business idea and plan for his tech startup that he’d put on hold for over 5 years.
Barry knew there were gaps in his plan but, as he saw it,
“The gaps we had weren’t in marketing, commercial or technology but specifically around what was needed to raise investment.”
Barry looked at lots of different accelerator programmes, but discounted them all because they wanted a relatively large share of the equity in his tech startup, Interlnkd, which he wasn’t ready to give. Barry joined Funding Accelerator, a fee based programme that prepares early-stage startups for investment, introduces them to investors and supports them in closing a funding round, because it specifically focused on the areas where Barry required support. As he put it,
“The programme takes you through the actual paperwork and process that goes into raising investment – the one pagers, the pitch decks, the five-year financials and the valuation. I found the financial forecast guidance invaluable because no matter how well you pitch, it ultimately comes down to numbers.”
Using the financial forecast template provided as part of Funding Accelerator, Barry started to look at his business in a different way.
“It opened up my mind to some of the areas I hadn’t even considered, both from a company growth and anticipated cost perspective.”
He also enjoyed the weekly cadence of the workshop sessions and the access to specialist mentors who provide guidance and additional support.
“The structure of the programme and the way it plays out is excellent because it gears you up to talk to investors and you’re left feeling confident when out of your comfort zone.”
Just two months after completing the programme, Barry has secured over £250,000 in investment and is poised to take the business to the next level.
“When I first went into the programme I felt a little bit out of my depth. As a corporate employee for 17 years, I was very much outside of my comfort zone but that feeling soon goes away once you get a bit of confidence under your belt. On completion of the programme I felt ready to engage investors!
FAQs on Raising Investment and Getting Investor Ready
How can a startup prepare for equity investment?
Preparation is key. Investors expect a strong pitch deck, credible financial forecasts, and a clear valuation. Joining a structured programme like Funding Accelerator can help you build these documents and give you the confidence to approach investors.
Why is a financial forecast so important to investors?
Investors don’t back ideas on passion alone, they need numbers that demonstrate growth potential. A good financial forecast shows how your business can scale, manage costs, and deliver a return on investment.
What support do startup accelerators offer founders raising investment?
Some accelerators take equity, but others focus on helping you become investment-ready without giving up shares. Funding Accelerator, for example, provides templates, workshops, and mentor support to guide you through financials, pitch decks, and the investment process.
What results can founders expect from joining an investment readiness programme?
Results vary, but many founders raise investment soon after completing structured programmes. For example, Funding Accelerator alumni have gone on to secure six-figure funding rounds with investors by using the tools and confidence gained through the programme.
Is an investment readiness accelerator right for my startup?
If you’re early-stage, want to raise equity investment, and feel unsure about financials or investor documents, an investment readiness programme could be a good fit. It helps you fill knowledge gaps, refine your pitch, and increase your chances of securing funding.
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