Category: Startup Essentials

Your pitch deck is the gateway to securing the funding you need to turn your vision into reality. Yet so many founders fall at this hurdle. In our latest Startup Essentials article we hear from pitch deck coach Malcolm Lewis on creating effective pitch decks that attract investors. He highlights the need for two versions of the deck: one for sending ahead and a more concise one for presentations. Plus why the strength of the pitch needs to win out over a flashy design.

At its core, a pitch deck is the combination of your pitch (your story) and your deck (your slides). However, too many founders lose focus, prioritising eye-catching designs and flashy graphics at the expense of a clear, compelling pitch.  read more

Securing angel investment requires more than just a great idea. Investors increasingly scrutinise a founder’s financial acumen. In out latest Startup Essentials article, we hear from from Charlie Robinson, managing director at ScaleUp Finance, on why a structured approach to financial management is crucial for demonstrating your business’s potential and attracting the right investors.

For startup founders, the journey to securing angel investment often begins long before that first investor meeting. While groundbreaking products and compelling visions are essential, investors increasingly expect to see structured financial management that demonstrates your business acumen and growth potential. read more

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

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

‘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

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

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

Over the next few months, with the assistance of our expert partners, we will explore the essential factors that all startups seeking funding need to consider. This will include organising your finances, conducting due diligence, and implementing growth hacking strategies.

First up, Guy Kaufman, Startup Lead at Vestd. He gives us the lowdown on understanding cap tables, a visual representation of your company’s ownership that becomes more crucial and complicated as your startup grows.

New businesses pop up every day, many with their eyes on the prize of a lucrative exit. Even in uncertain economic times, we’ve seen companies like Loom, Uber, and Airbnb rise to the top. read more