Funding Options For Start Up Companies

Many starting out in business don't realize that thatmay have to give up 25%-75% ownership of the
there are more than 20 funding sources available tocompany. This is usually depending on the nature of
get the money needed to fund a business vision, ideathe deal and what can be negotiated. Under Equity
or project. The sources are broken down into twoFinancing you must also be aware that there are
main groups, Bootstrapping and Equity Financing.Early and Later Stage Sources.
Bootstrapping is when you the Entrepreneur decideEquity Financing Early Sources
to go it alone using on the ground resources from1. All Bootstrapping Early Sources
personal savings to second mortgages. Equity2. Friends & Family
Financing is when you the Entrepreneur decide to3. Angels
give up a percentage of the ownership of your4. Angel Groups
company in exchange for needed capital.5. Early Stage Venture Capital Firms
Bootstrapping Early Sources:Equity Financing Later Sources
1. Founders' Capital1. All Bootstrapping Sources
2. Savings2. Venture Capital Firms
3. Credit Cards3. Corporate Venture Funds
4. Second Mortgage4. Private Equity Firms
5. Venture Leasing5. Private Placement Firms
6. Sales Revenue6. Mezzanine Financing Firms
Bootstrapping Later Sources7. Investment Banks
1. Lines of Credit8. Public Markets
2. SBA LoansIn order to make a sound financial decision make sure
3. Asset Backed Lending / Accounts Receivableyour Business Plan is strong and paints an accurate
Factoring, etcpicture of your business idea or project. Proformas
4. Corporate Strategic Partnershipsand Valuation of the business must be honest and
5. Banks that Lend To Start-Upsrealistic. Angel investors and Venture Capitalist are
6. Government Grants (e.g SBIR, DARPA)only going to back ideas and companies that are
7. Company Earningsgoing to surrender the safest and strongest (ROI)
Under Equity Financing, depending on the source onereturn on their investment.