We find the right investor for you when raising venture capital or growth equity

As fundraising advisors, we open the doors to every potential investor

Whether you are a start-up seeking venture capital financing or an established company planning a growth capital financing round – we provide you with comprehensive support throughout the entire fundraising process. Our aim is not only to secure capital, but also to find the right partner for your future development.

With our experience and our international network, we identify the right investor for you – be it from the areas of venture capital, private equity, family office or strategic investors. We aim to achieve an attractive company valuation that not only reflects your current successes, but also your future growth opportunities. Our focus is on creating a long-term, value-adding partnership with the new investor that will sustainably strengthen your company.

Overview of the fundraising process

Preparation (~ 6-8 weeks)

Together with you, we determine the strategy for the financing round: The leading investors receive thousands of business plans every year. To successfully raise capital, you have to stand out from the crowd. That’s why the right positioning of your company is crucial. While venture capital investors place a strong focus on management, market potential and business model, historical financial figures and details in the business plan are becoming increasingly important for later-stage investors. We put ourselves in the shoes of the investors relevant to you and work out what makes your company particularly interesting. To this end, we create a comprehensive and holistic presentation of your company, explain the business model and present the product/technology, customers and markets. We also create a new financial plan and develop dedicated deep-dive documents for subsequent expert sessions.

Approach (~ 4-8 weeks)

Whether venture capital, private equity, family offices or corporate groups – we have a very large network of potential investors, which we actively maintain. Thanks to our direct access to decision-makers, we can quickly clarify interest and obtain initial feedback. Particularly in the case of large strategic investors, it is not only important to know someone in the M&A/business development department, but also to inspire the responsible business manager to take the role of a sponsor for our project.

There is only a first impression. Investors are usually enthusiastic about an investment opportunity right from the start or turn it down. It is important to create this interest and then build on it with well-prepared information. We explicitly prepare management for meetings with investors. In so-called dry runs, we coach the management for the upcoming presentations and anticipate critical questions. The approach must also be well coordinated in terms of timing so that you can choose from different offers in the best case.

Pre Due Diligence (~ 2-4 weeks)

Once initial interest has been generated, investors want to understand the business model and the market in detail. Institutional and strategic investors have to go through several internal committees and convince their organization of the project before submitting an offer. In so-called expert calls, investors – sometimes supported by consultants and industry experts – try to gain a comprehensive picture of the company. Detailed questions on the business model, technology if applicable, competitive situation, market environment, sales, business plan and corporate strategy must be answered in the best possible way. Based on our experience, we anticipate most points during the preparation phase. If additional information is required or the framework conditions have changed, we prepare the relevant documents and advise you on the best way to communicate.

Negotiation (~ 4-6 weeks)

We take care of all communication with potential investors for you and lead the negotiations through to the signing of the term sheet. If required, we also structure investor consortia in which several investors are bundled together.

Not only a fair company valuation is crucial for a successful outcome, but also the careful structuring of ancillary conditions such as liquidation preferences, veto and co-determination rights. We make sure that these conditions are in line with the market and do not restrict your future freedom of action too much.

Confirmatory Due Diligence (~ 4-6 weeks)

During the preparation phase, we create a well-structured virtual data room (VDR) that contains all the essential information about your company and enables efficient due diligence. During the due diligence phase, we strive for a stringent, clearly managed process that distracts you as little as possible from your operational tasks. Thanks to our many years of experience, we are able to influence the investor if we are of the opinion that certain issues can be satisfied more pragmatically or in a more condensed form.

Contract (~ 2-4 weeks)

We coordinate the contract negotiations and seek solutions to problems and hurdles that may arise.
Even though specialized lawyers play an important role in drafting the participation agreement, we feel responsible for the project until the notarial closing.

Your benefits from our fundraising advice

Optimal preparation for maximum chances of success

Sound preparation is crucial for the success of growth financing. We prepare you specifically for all phases of the process and use our experience to identify and avoid potential stumbling blocks at an early stage. As a result, we improve your negotiating position, increase the likelihood of a transaction and secure better conditions for you.

Broad access to relevant investors

Our extensive network in the financial world enables us to reach a large number of potential investors and capital providers. Our extensive market knowledge and connections enable us to target the right investors and thus create competition among potential investors. This increases your chances of successful and advantageous financing.

Management relief and professional process support

Fundraising is a complex process that puts a lot of strain on management. Operational performance often suffers during fundraising because management is too tied up. This results in lower valuations and even canceled processes. We take the pressure off your team, from preparing the financing documents to approaching investors and negotiating the terms of the contract. This allows you to concentrate fully on your core business. Our clients also benefit from our many years of experience with investors. As fundraising professionals, we have gained experience from many processes which we can incorporate into our joint project.

Increase in transaction probability and value optimization

Many start-ups face insolvency without successful fundraising. That is why the positive conclusion of the financing round is a priority. Our structured and experience-based approach not only maximizes the chances of success of your financing, but also the value for your company. Through professional preparation and a targeted approach to potential investors, we create competition that leads to both an increase in the likelihood of a transaction and better conditions.

A strategic sparring partner

We see ourselves not only as consultants for financing issues, but also as your sparring partner throughout the entire process. With our experience in various industries and decision-maker positions, we also support you in strategic decisions.

FAQ

What is venture capital financing?

Venture capital financing provides equity capital for start-ups. As it is an investment in young, unprofitable companies whose actual prospects of success are still unclear, it is also referred to as risk capital.

What special rights does a venture capital company have?

In the case of financing, the venture capitalist secures significant special rights. These can relate to decisions (e.g. transactions requiring approval), the legal position of the VC (e.g. co-selling obligations of other shareholders) or special economic rights of the VC (e.g. liquidation preferences and protection against dilution). These special rights are typically regulated in a separate participation agreement.

Is venture capital equity or debt capital?

In return for the investment in a start-up, the venture capitalist receives shares in the company. The investment is not debt capital (e.g. in the form of a loan) and therefore does not have to be repaid.

What is corporate venture capital?

Corporate venture capital (CVC) refers to equity capital invested by larger companies and therefore strategic investors. CVC is often part of a so-called open innovation strategy: By screening opportunities and selective investments the corporate venture unit brings innovative, strategically relevant topics to the company’s attention. CVC thus pursues both financial and strategic objectives.

Will strategic investors limit my future scope?

Not necessarily. Strategic investors can be valuable partners who contribute not only capital but also expertise, market knowledge and networks. However, it is important to negotiate the investment conditions carefully. Unfavorable conditions such as extensive veto and co-determination rights can burden the company or make an exit more difficult. With the right structure and a balanced contract, a strategic investor can be a real asset for your growth without limiting you too much.

Are investors critical of fundraising advice from corporate finance advisors?

It depends. Venture capital investors expect founders in seed and smaller A rounds to organize the financing round themselves. For larger rounds of around EUR 10 million or more, investors generally appreciate working with experienced corporate finance advisors. Professional preparation, good project management and greater data transparency make the process more efficient for both sides. For this reason, investors often mandate us with the fundraising of their own portfolio companies in order to relieve their management and increase the probability of a transaction.

How can I raise growth capital as an established company?

Venture capital investors typically invest in early-stage companies that are characterized by high growth potential. They deliberately take a high risk with the prospect of above-average returns in the event of success.

As an established company, you do not fit into the classic venture capital grid, as your company already has a proven business strategy, stable sales and usually a lower risk profile. However, it is precisely this security that makes you particularly attractive to other investor groups: private equity investors specifically look for such companies in order to achieve value increases through growth initiatives and operational improvements.

In addition, family offices are often interested in long-term and stable investments, while strategic investors – such as companies from the same or a related sector – want to exploit synergies and strengthen their market position. In addition to capital, these investors often offer access to new markets, technologies or expertise that can further accelerate your growth.

Contact us!

Call us for a confidential exchange of ideas.
We would be happy to discuss our approach, our industry expertise and references with you.
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