companies raising capital
Business Angels and Venture Capital Funds look for:
- Management that demonstrates through its business plan an in-depth understanding of its market and its competitors and has realistic financial forecasts
- A company in which the owners have visibly demonstrated their commitment by investing much of their own money and considerable time
- Products and/or services
- with competitive advantages
- that are clearly differentiated from their competitors
- that are sold into markets that are growing
- A company run by strong management with
- experience of the relevant industry sector
- a record of successfully handling a growing business
- a willingness to sell a stake in the business at a negotiated valuation when seeking investment from venture capital funds and/or 'business angels'
- Significant barriers to competition, and a business model that can be expanded quickly and effectively
- Know-how that is valuable and defensible
- Businesses seeking £25,000 to £1.5m that are based in the West Midlands Region or have persuasive evidence of an intention to locate there
In practice very few companies meet all of those criteria, but the more you can satisfy the greater the likelihood of attracting investment.
Is this type of finance right for your business? How much will it cost? Please make time to visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to these and many other questions.
If your business is not yet ready to be presented to potential sources of funding, you should contact UWSP's Access to Finance programme for help with Investment Readiness. This will help you get your business and your Business Plan into the best possible shape before approaching potential sources of capital.
Submitting your funding proposal
We would be pleased to discuss your proposal by telephone 024 7632 3123, but if you prefer you can contact us online by completing the fields below. If possible please attach a copy of either your Business Plan or your Executive Summary. All such information is confidential. Minerva will acknowledge receipt, review the information you have provided and contact you without charge (within 2 working days) to give feedback on your funding proposal.