Author: Toby Hicks

Startups must adapt to win investment in 2025 – global survey findings

Our recent global research of startups across the AIN network highlights some of the key challenges facing startups seeking fundraising. But how can they overcome them and win investment in 2025? To succeed, startups must adapt to changing macro-economic conditions, prioritise their own mental well-being, and truly understand the investor’s perspective. Let’s deep dive into the findings.

There are signs of a resurgence in global confidence in the investment landscape as we face 2025. This was a key finding from our global survey of startups in three of our largest territories, the USA, UK and Australia. read more

Meet The Investor: Phil McSweeney

Today, we launch a new content series to help startups become #investmentready for 2025. In the first of our Meet The Investor interviews we speak to Phil McSweeney, angel investor and author of AngelThink. He shares how a chance encounter led to his successful career as an angel investor. Additionally, he discusses the key factors that drive investment decisions, the common pitfalls founders face, and the strategies for building strong relationships between investors and startups.

Why did you become an angel investor?

OK – here’s the truth –  I became an angel investor by accident. I had been made redundant, had time on my hands whilst wondering what to do next and went along to an angel group meeting as a guest. I got hooked on the storytelling.  read more

Startup Essentials: Building a More Sustainable and Efficient Website

The digital world’s carbon footprint is rapidly growing, with AI and other technologies increasing energy consumption. In our latest Startup Essentials article Paul Laroy from digital innovation agency 7DOTS discusses how Startups can build websites that are both sustainable and also enhance user experience.

While we diligently track our carbon footprints through transportation, diet, and home energy use, the digital world’s growing environmental impact often goes unnoticed.

As advancements like Generative AI demand increasingly intensive processing power, this digital footprint is poised to surge. Studies estimate that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) contributes 2-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, roughly equivalent to the aviation industry. read more

80% of Australian Startups optimistic about 2025

Australian startups are upbeat about their prospects for the next year, despite a challenging fundraising climate.

According to a survey conducted by Angel Investment Network, the world’s largest online angel investment platform, 80% of startups polled in Australia revealed they are optimistic about the next year. 48% are very optimistic and 31% quite optimistic. This compares with just two thirds of UK startups (68%) in a separate survey. 

The survey gauged the outlook for startups in the present climate, with the Australian network being one of AIN’s largest globally. Looking ahead, the survey reveals that securing investment is the biggest challenge for 71% of founders. This was followed by hiring the right talent (35%), product innovation and development (31%) and work/life balance (24%). read more

Startup Essentials: Strategic Sales Execution for Founders Without Sales Experience

Selling to B2B mid-market and enterprise can be a daunting task for startup founders. However, a strategic sales approach can transform challenges into opportunities. In our latest Startup Essentials article we hear from Charles Talbot, Co- Founder of Closing Foundry, on five key benefits of a disciplined sales process and some actionable tips to help founders tackle winning new business with confidence.

Sales can often feel like a daunting mountain to climb, especially for founders with no prior sales training or experience. However, mastering the art of strategic sales execution is essential for any startup founder selling into B2B mid market or enterprise prospects.  read more

What does the Chancellor’s Budget mean for entrepreneurs?

Following last week’s UK Budget which included £40bn of tax rises, Joanna Jensen, entrepreneur and chair of the Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA) talks through what the measures mean for the UK’s entrepreneurs

Since the double whammy of COVID and Brexit, startups and scale ups have been experiencing belt tightening; liquidity is scarce, the cost of goods has risen enormously and international export legislation is nothing short of a headache. 

Many small firms are facing chronic staffing issues, from the long-term sick, a severe lack of workers in the hospitality and services industries, and many now reluctant to return to the office. A new government talking about growth was a much-needed boost – until the whispers started circling about their intention to remove every lever in the toolbox used to support business growth.  The constant finger pointing at the previous Government feels like an intentional distraction from the fact that they are a collective of business virgins. read more

Navigating the Startup Funding Maze in 2024

Today AIN launches the first results from our 2024 Founder survey. In this article we deep dive into the results from our UK survey and what the takeouts are for startups seeking funding in a new climate.

To mark our 20th anniversary we launched a founder survey so we could hear from the founders across the network and take the temperature of startups in 2024. We wanted to gain a deeper understanding about your fundraising challenges, your successes and life as a startup founder. Today we are releasing the first set of findings from our UK founders.  read more

The Power of Networks and Collaboration in Scaling Diverse Businesses

In our latest guest post we here from Ace Entrepreneurs founder Nadine Campbell on the power of networks in supporting diverse businesses to scale.

The entrepreneurial landscape in the UK is becoming more diverse each year, with an increasing number of founders from underrepresented backgrounds stepping into the spotlight. In fact, over 810,000 new businesses were registered in 2023, and according to the Rose Review, the number of female-led businesses has grown by 18% in the past year alone.

However, the journey for many of these founders remains fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to accessing the funding and networks necessary to scale. read more

Pioneering Angel Investment: A Conversation with AIN co-founders James Badgett and Mike Lebus

Twenty years ago two childhood friends, with a shared passion for entrepreneurship, embarked on a journey to revolutionise the startup funding landscape. Recognising the challenges faced by founders in securing angel investment, they created a platform that would bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and investors. Angel Investment Network was born, offering a streamlined solution for fundraising and connecting entrepreneurs with a global network of angel investors.

Now with 40 networks spanning 90 countries it is the world’s largest online angel investment platform. We speak to the co-founders Mike Lebus and James Badgett to get the inside story. read more

Startup Essentials: Financial Modelling & Cashflow Strategies

‘The single largest factor in the failure of small businesses – up to 80% of all cases – is poor cashflow management.’ Peter Denton from Lothbury Business Management gives us the lowdown on how a robust financial model offers invaluable insights into a startups’s health, future prospects, and potential pitfalls. Crucial ingredients in winning over potential investors.

Why is Financial Modelling important?

Financial modelling is a critical part of understanding the health of a business, projecting what the company can expect to achieve over a future period. It also offers validation to investors around fundraising and investment. As part of normal operating practice, it should be a key tool that feeds into the strategic decision-making, planning and risk management processes. It will assist a business in identifying peaks and troughs in cashflow prior to them occurring. read more

August intentions: How to get investment ready for the autumn

The summer months often signal a slowdown in the startup world, with many investors jetting off on vacation. However, this lull presents a unique opportunity for ambitious founders to get investment ready and position their businesses for a successful autumn fundraising campaign. 

We spoke to AIN’s expert brokerage team, who have collectively raised more than £120 million for startups, to uncover what founders should be doing while investors soak up the sun.

As the old adage goes, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” This couldn’t be truer when it comes to securing investment. While investors may be less accessible during the summer months, it’s crucial to use this time wisely to refine your pitch and strengthen your business proposition. Here is a list of the essential tasks to prioritise in August. read more

Why on earth can’t I raise investment?

In our latest guest post we hear from Phil McSweeney, angel investor and acclaimed author of AngelThink, the founder’s guide to how angels think. With a wealth of experience in the startup world, he pulls no punches as he tackles the age-old question of why so many founders struggle to secure investment.

The brutal reality of the startup world is that most founders can’t raise investment. Why is this? Here’s the simplest answer I can give you – investors would rather invest in something or someone else. I know, I’m an angel. Our problem – we have too much choice and, if you don’t want me to sugar-coat it, you haven’t made the cut.  read more

Behind The Raise with Naked Rivals

In the return of our Behind The Raise series, we interview Andrew Gordon, the co-founder of a brand new disruptor in the health, sustainability and beverage space: Naked Rivals. The Australian brand announced a successful capital raise of A$3 million with AIN, 3 months after launching its first 100% lemon and lime juice cubes product range across 1,600 supermarkets in Australia.

In the article Andrew discusses how his wife and business partner Kate’s pregnancy was the inspiration behind the brand, the problem they’re solving for busy consumers, and the secrets to their successful fundraising through angel investors. You’ll also discover their top tips for navigating the fundraising landscape and their approach to persuading retailers to stock their unique product. read more

How to Raise Investment in 2024: the key takeaways

A shifting fundraising landscape, evolving investor criteria, and common founder pitfalls were some of the key themes explored during a recent fundraising panel discussion focusing on how to raise investment effectively.

Hosted by our partner, the share scheme and equity management platform, Vestd; the panel discussion featured the contributions from leading experts in the startup investment space. This included Dama Sathianathan, partner at one of Europe’s leading early stage tech for good VC, Bethnal Green Ventures, Xavier Ballester, Director of Brokerage at Angel Investment Network and Ifty Nasir, founder and CEO at Vestd. Here’s a deeper dive into the takeaways. read more

Startup essentials: Why you need a robust shareholder and founder agreement


In our latest Startup essentials article, we discuss the importance of having a robust shareholder and founder agreement in place. With founder fall outs all too common, Helen Goldberg, COO at our partner Legal Edge gives you the lowdown on what needs to be covered in this essential agreement.

You’re busy building and growing a business, so shareholder and founder agreements are often deprioritised, forgotten or overlooked while you’re deep in product development or GTM strategy. While you may opt for a verbal agreement and trust in long-term commitment, it is essential to have formal agreements in place when working with co-founders and investors. read more

Naked Rivals Secures $3 Million in Capital, supported by Angel Investment Network

Australian beverage brand, Naked Rivals has announced a successful capital raise of A$3 million within 3 months of launching its first 100% lemon and lime juice cubes product range across 1,600 supermarkets in Australia.

This remarkable deal, one of the largest of its kind in Australia this year for a startup, was sourced from a single ultra-high-net-worth family through the Australian Investment Network (AIN). AIN is part of the Angel Investment Network, the world’s largest online angel investment community. read more

Mike Lebus writes for EU Startups on Winning over Angel Investors in a New Landscape

Our co-founder, Mike Lebus, was recently featured in an article in EU Startups, a leading publication for the European startup ecosystem. The article considers the significant shift in the angel investor landscape for 2024, offering valuable insights for startups seeking funding. Lebus referenced a recent survey AIN conducted of investors across our network.

Key Takeaways for Founders
  • Focus on Fundamentals and Impact: Lebus emphasised the move away from inflated valuations based on potential. Investors now prioritise strong fundamentals and a clear path to profitability. Additionally, he highlighted the growing importance of showcasing your venture’s positive social or environmental impact.
  • Craft a Compelling Narrative: As Lebus highlights, simply having a good idea is no longer enough. Craft a compelling narrative that showcases not just your product or service, but also the positive impact it will create.
  • Avoid Common Pitfalls: Overvaluation and inadequate market research are major red flags for today’s cautious investors. Be realistic about your valuation and focus on demonstrating your true potential for growth. Conduct thorough market research to showcase a deep understanding of your target market and industry trends.
  • Build Strong Relationships: Regular communication with potential investors is key to building trust and fostering a long-term partnership.

The full article on EU Startups provides a comprehensive analysis of these trends, along with additional insights and investor wishlist traits. We recommend checking it out for a deeper dive into navigating the new landscape of angel investment. read more

Startup Essentials: Understanding Your Buyer Persona: A Startup’s Secret Weapon in the Digital Age 

AIN recently collaborated with our partner HubSpot for Startups to deliver a webinar focusing on Understanding Your Buyer Persona. As part of our Startup Essentials series, we give you the lowdown.

In today’s fiercely competitive business landscape, startups face a constant struggle: cutting through the noise and reaching the right customers. In this world buyer personas are a powerful tool. But what exactly are they, and why are they so crucial for a startup’s success?

Buyer Personas: Demystifying Your Ideal Customer

Imagine a detailed profile of your ideal customer. This profile, built on market research and real data, goes beyond demographics. It delves into their challenges, aspirations, and the way they approach purchasing decisions. This is the essence of a buyer persona – a semi-fictional representation that breathes life into your target audience. read more

The Motivations of Angel Investors: Insights and Advice for Startups

Understanding what drives angel investors is essential for any startup seeking funding. It’s not just about showcasing your business’s strengths; it’s about stepping into the investor’s shoes. After all, angel investors are more than just financial backers; they bring invaluable expertise, mentorship, and network connections.

This article takes a deep dive into the motivations of prominent investors. What are their priorities? What do you need to know to secure their support?
read more

Dragon Slayer: how to get funded faster with less time-wasting and pain

A recent Angel Investment Network webinar heard from investment experts Dan Kirby from Founders Are Mental and Tom Moore from Tucker Capital on how to get funded faster with less time-wasting and pain. 

One of the key take outs was that investors aren’t just looking for a promising product or service – they’re looking for the right leader. Your “unfair advantage” is that unique combination of skills, experience, or background that makes you the perfect person to spearhead your startup’s mission. read more