For a company to thrive, one of the requirements is capital. Investors are significant in every business venture because they provide the capital and additional funding to grow the business, even more so for a start-up in the Series B funding stage.
SERIES B FUNDING AND ITS IMPORTANCE
Before delving into what kind of investors you need to know and pick for your business, it is fundamental for you to know and understand what series B funding is.
Series B funding is the second round of financing for a firm that has achieved specific objectives and moved past the initial startup stage. It serves as a crucial stepping stone towards scaling and expanding your business. Not only that, but it will bring validation and credibility to your company. It will demonstrate that experienced investors believe in the company’s potential and growth prospects. Professional employees wishing to join a rising company are more likely to be drawn to companies with strong financial backing due to their access to finance. Lastly, This may facilitate future fundraising efforts and spark interest from a larger pool of investors.
Investors typically pay a higher share price when they invest in the company during this funding period.
TYPES OF INVESTORS AND THEIR PROS AND CONS
There are many types of investors available in this time of financing. They range from individuals to big corporations, investment firms and more. These investors’ investment approaches, levels of experience, and contributions to the table can differ.
| Type of Investor | Description | ADVANTAGE | DISADVANTAGE |
| Venture Capital Firms (VCs) | Specialise in making investments in early-stage businesses with the potential for rapid growth. | They have a sizable amount of money at their disposal, enabling them to make significant expenditures supporting business growth.Source of valuable guidance, consultation, and expertise that can help guide strategic decisions, offer mentorship and provide access to relevant networks and resources.Their extensive networks can open doors to valuable business opportunities and collaborations. | Private equity firms frequently have large sums of money at their disposal, which enables them to invest significantly in businesses. This financial infusion can help with several growth projects. Private equity firms often have a longer investment horizon than other investors. They are prepared to invest slowly and help businesses through various growth phases.Private equity corporations have a stake in the performance of the businesses they invest in. They frequently collaborate closely with management teams to promote value creation and enhance financial performance. |
| Private Equity Firms (PE) | An investment management firm that uses several loosely related investment strategies, such as leveraged buyouts, venture capital, and growth capital, to back and invest in the private equity of new or existing businesses. Each company, frequently referred to as a financial sponsor, will raise money that will be invested according to one or more particular investment strategies. | Private equity firms want to provide value, but their main objective is to get a sizable return on their investment. Divergent interests between the company and other stakeholders, such as management or employees, may come from this. Before investing in a company, private equity companies perform a thorough due diligence investigation. In-depth financial analysis, operational evaluations, and legal analyses may occur all be part of this process. The inspection can be time-consuming and difficult. | Corporate venture capital firms can help the startup and the corporate investor connect strategically. This alignment may make access to the investor’s market knowledge, distribution networks, and client base possible. They can offer valuable market access and prospective alliances to companies. They can assist entrepreneurs with navigating regulatory obstacles, breaking into new markets, and forming partnerships with other businesses in the sector. Corporate investors frequently have a longer-term investment perspective than traditional venture capital firms. They might be more inclined to assist the firm through many growth cycles and more patient with rewards. |
| Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) | Established corporations investing in and partnering with early-stage or emerging companies to gain strategic advantages. Usually, the company’s specialised venture capital arm functions similarly to a separate venture capital fund and makes these investments. | Sometimes, getting the startup’s and the corporate investor’s interests to coincide might be challenging. Corporate investors could have their own strategic goals, which might not necessarily align with the firm’s long-term goals or vision. Corporate investors may put money into startups to learn about novel technologies, business concepts, or competitive intelligence. For the startup, this may lead to worries about safeguarding its intellectual property, confidential information, or competitive edge. Comparatively speaking, startups frequently have a more vibrant and adaptable workplace culture than larger companies. Differences can impact the decision-making process, the pace of implementation, and the general organisational dynamics. | In contrast to institutional investors like venture capital organizations, angel investors frequently invest their own money, which may be less substantial.Angel investment is frequently obtained through personal connections, networks, and introductions. Since it takes time and effort to develop relationships and trust, startups with previous ties to angel investors may find it easier to acquire this form of funding.Depending on the individual angel investor, they may seek more influence or control over the startup’s operations and decision-making. |
| Angel Investors | Private individuals who invest in companies solely for business reasons are called business angels or angel investors. They are the informal or private kind of investors. | When conventional finance sources are constrained or unavailable, angel investors can give firms essential early-stage investment. They are frequently more willing to take chances on novel and untested concepts, contributing to the funding required to launch the firm. They frequently have excellent connections, business expertise, and industry-specific knowledge. Angel investors often have broader investment criteria than more prominent institutional investors. They are frequently more willing to negotiate contract terms. They can make investment decisions more swiftly. | The company may not have a say in who becomes a shareholder or the transaction terms. Investors in the secondary market might have less access to information than primary investors or employees who work directly for the company.Regulatory limitations or regulations may apply to secondary market transactions, notably when selling securities, depending on the country. The corporation and the shareholders concerned may face additional complexity and legal ramifications due to complying with these regulations. |
| Secondary Market Investors | These investors purchase shares from existing shareholders rather than investing directly in the company. | Investors in the secondary market might offer the business fresh viewpoints, knowledge, and connections. The company can gain from a more extensive network and potential access to more resources, knowledge, and business prospects by welcoming new shareholders.The trading of secondary market shares can reveal the company’s perceived value. The company and its stakeholders may benefit from knowing how the market perceives the company’s value to raise money in the future or make strategic decisions.Secondary market transactions can provide flexibility in the company’s shareholder structure. | Investors in the secondary market might offer the business fresh viewpoints, knowledge, and connections. The company can gain from a more extensive network and potential access to more resources, knowledge, and business prospects by welcoming new shareholders. The trading of secondary market shares can reveal the company’s perceived value. The company and its stakeholders may benefit from knowing how the market perceives the company’s value to raise money in the future or make strategic decisions.Secondary market transactions can provide flexibility in the company’s shareholder structure. |
Each of these investors has their advantage and disadvantage. As an entrepreneur, it is your judgment who you should choose as an investor in your company.
TAKEAWAY
Looking for funding for your company can be taxing. Looking for an investor is one of the challenging aspects to fulfill. As a starting company, it is best to consider not only the financial factors but also the potential strategic fit and value-add that investors may offer. The proper investor can offer more than just money; they can also provide counsel, networks, and business knowledge to help an enterprise succeed in the long run.
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