Frequently Asked Questions

We specialize in a variety of fundraising approaches tailored to your specific needs. Our core strategies include equity fundraising, debt financing, venture capital connections, crowdfunding campaigns, and angel investor networking. What sets us apart is our personalized approach — we don't just apply cookie-cutter solutions but build custom strategies based on your business stage, industry, and growth trajectory.

The fundraising timeline varies based on several factors, but most companies should plan for 4-6 months from preparation to closing. Early-stage startups might need 3-4 months for angel rounds, while Series A or B funding can take 6-9 months. I've seen some deals close in just 8 weeks, but that's rare and usually happens when there's already strong investor interest. We'll help set realistic expectations based on your specific situation and market conditions.

You'll need several key documents: a compelling pitch deck (10-15 slides), a detailed business plan with financials, market analysis reports, and a clear use-of-funds breakdown. Depending on your stage, you might also need historical financial statements, cap tables, and customer metrics. Don't worry if this sounds overwhelming — we'll guide you through preparing each document and make sure your materials tell a cohesive, attractive story to potential investors.

For early-stage funding, founders typically give up between 10-25% equity per round. Pre-seed or angel investors might take 5-15%, while Series A rounds often require 15-30%. But these are just guidelines — the actual percentage depends on your valuation, traction, industry, and negotiation skills. I personally think founders should try to retain at least 60% equity through the first two rounds to maintain control and motivation. We'll help you structure deals that balance immediate capital needs with long-term ownership goals.

Unlike traditional advisors who just provide generic advice, we're hands-on partners in your growth. We blend deep industry knowledge with practical execution support. Our team includes former entrepreneurs who've been in your shoes, so we understand the emotional and practical challenges of fundraising. And honestly, we're selective about who we work with — we only take on companies where we believe we can add real value. This focused approach means we maintain a 78% success rate in helping clients secure their target funding, compared to the industry average of around 40%.

Yes, we support businesses across all stages, from early startups to established companies looking for expansion capital. We've helped pre-revenue startups secure initial seed funding, guided mid-stage companies through Series B rounds, and assisted mature businesses with refinancing or acquisition capital. That said, we do have particular expertise in early-growth companies (1-5 years old) with proven market fit looking to scale. Our approach is tailored to your specific stage and needs.

While we've worked across many sectors, we have particularly deep expertise in technology, healthcare, sustainable energy, and consumer products. Our team includes specialists who've worked directly in these fields, giving us insider knowledge about market dynamics, investor preferences, and sector-specific challenges. That said, we're pretty flexible — I remember working with an unusual aquaculture business last year that didn't fit our typical profile, but we loved their innovation and helped them secure €2.3M in funding. The fundamentals of good fundraising strategy often transcend industry boundaries.

We typically use a hybrid fee structure: a modest monthly retainer (€3,000-8,000 depending on scope) plus a success fee of 3-7% of capital raised. For early-stage startups with limited cash, we sometimes offer deferred payment options or equity-based compensation. We're transparent about costs from day one and provide detailed service agreements outlining exactly what's included. Bottom line, we align our success with yours — if you don't raise capital, we don't earn our success fee.

We use multiple valuation methodologies tailored to your specific business model and industry. For revenue-generating companies, we'll look at comparable company multiples, discounted cash flow analysis, and precedent transactions. Early-stage businesses often require more creative approaches focusing on team quality, technology value, market size, and traction metrics. We'll always be transparent about how we arrive at your valuation range and prepare you to defend it to investors. I find that many founders either drastically over or undervalue their companies — we'll help you find that sweet spot that's both attractive to investors and fair to your efforts.

We maintain an active network of over 300 investors across Ireland, the UK, and continental Europe, including VCs, angel investors, family offices, and alternative funding sources. Beyond simple introductions, we strategically match you with investors who have specific interest in your sector and stage. We prepare you thoroughly before each meeting and provide valuable insight into each investor's preferences and decision-making process. We also coach you through follow-up strategies to maintain momentum. These warm, targeted intros have proven far more effective than cold outreach or generic networking.

Absolutely! While we're based in Ireland, about 40% of our fundraising activities involve international investors. We have particularly strong connections in the UK, Germany, Nordic countries, and the US East Coast. International fundraising typically takes 2-3 months longer and requires additional preparation for different investor expectations and regulatory environments. We've helped several Irish companies tap into Silicon Valley funding and guided European investors into Irish opportunities. The global perspective often leads to better valuations and strategic partnerships beyond just capital.

We don't just disappear after the money hits your account. We offer post-funding support in several areas: helping structure your board and governance, creating reporting systems for investors, developing capital deployment strategies, and planning for future funding rounds. Many clients retain us on an advisory basis to help navigate investor relationships and prepare for the next stage of growth. We see fundraising as just one chapter in your company's journey, and we're invested in your long-term success, not just the transaction.