{"id":398783,"date":"2025-01-02T18:20:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-02T18:20:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/startup-funding-strategies\/"},"modified":"2025-01-02T18:20:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T18:20:24","slug":"startup-funding-strategies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/ie\/resources\/startup-funding-strategies\/","title":{"rendered":"Startup funding strategies for 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With data, experience and insights gained from \u00a32B+ raised on SeedLegals, we\u2019ve curated these top three funding strategies for 2025. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":403578,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[104],"tags":[],"event_tags":[],"class_list":["post-398783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-funding-guides-ie"],"acf":{"revision_date":"","has_custom_post_authors":true,"is_expert_reviewed":true,"has_sources":false,"related_posts":[{"post":false},{"post":{"ID":18246,"post_author":"44","post_date":"2020-05-14 20:14:59","post_date_gmt":"2020-05-14 19:14:59","post_content":"<em>Convertible Loan Notes used to be complex and expensive to create. SeedLegals has made that much easier, say hello to SeedNOTE!<\/em>\r\n<h3>What is a Convertible Loan Note?<\/h3>\r\nConvertible Loan Notes are short-term debt instruments, not equity instruments. They are treated as debt in your books of accounts and are not S\/EIS eligible. They also differ greatly from advance subscription agreements (also known as ASA or SeedFASTs). We\u2019ll discuss that in depth below.\r\n<h3>Types of Convertible Loan Notes<\/h3>\r\nBroadly, there are two types of CLNs:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Secured<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Unsecured<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSecured CLNs require you to secure the loan by promising your assets if you fail to repay the loan. It\u2019s a high risk investment, so your investor will want as much protection as they can get. These are more commonly known as debenture agreements. SeedLegals does not deal with debenture agreements (yet) so this article is focused on the second type, unsecured loan notes.\r\n\r\nUnsecured loans are fairly straightforward:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>The parties to the agreement are the Company, the founders and the investors.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The investors are called Loan Note Holders or a Note Holder.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>You agree on terms and sign a convertible loan agreement.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The investor sends cash to the company.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The company promises to either pay the investor back or issue shares in lieu of the loan amount.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h3>What are the key terms in a CLN?<\/h3>\r\nHere are the key terms you\u2019ll see in a Convertible Loan Note, which we call a SeedNOTE on SeedLegals:\r\n<h4>Maturity Date<\/h4>\r\nThis is the date on which the loan amount and any accrued interest is due. It\u2019s usually set at 3 or 5 years from the date of the agreement.\r\n<h4>Qualifying Funding Round<\/h4>\r\nThe Convertible Loan Note automatically converts when you manage to raise a specific amount of funding within a specified period of time. For example, you raise \u00a3100,000 on a Convertible Loan Note and set the Qualifying Funding Round at \u00a3500,000. The date within which you raise the \u00a3500,000 is 30th January 2023. You raise \u00a3500,000 on 10th December 2022 - your Convertible Loan Note automatically converts to equity on 10th December 2022.\r\n<h4>Principal and Interest<\/h4>\r\nIn the simplest form, the Convertible Loan Note is calculated using simple interest. A variation is when your investor asks for compound interest. Your principal amount is due on the Maturity Date, while interest accrues and is payable on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis. Sometimes, interest is payable on the Maturity Date along with the principal amount.\r\n<h4>Event of Default<\/h4>\r\nWhat happens if there\u2019s a breach of the agreement, or you fail to pay the interest within the specified time? You hit what's called Event of Default. The list is long and often highly negotiated.\r\n\r\nEvents of Defaults are tough negotiation points, so be sure you know what you\u2019re getting into before you sign on the dotted line. It might result in your company being taken over by the convertible loan note holder, so speak to us if you\u2019re not too sure what it means!\r\n<h4>Equity<\/h4>\r\nThe Convertible Loan Note holder does not hold shares on completion of the round. Often, investors ask for a discount on the Qualifying Round share price. So, they get the principal + accrued interest + additional shares in lieu of the discount.\r\n<h4>Share Certificates and other filings<\/h4>\r\nNo share certificate will be issued, no SH01 will be filed. The investors will, instead, each receive a Note Certificate, and SeedLegals includes this in the full suite of documents.\r\n\r\nIf the Convertible Loan Agreement hits a Qualifying Funding Round, however, you do issue equity at the time of completion of that funding round. Use our Seed Round package, so you know everything is taken care of.\r\n<h3>How is a SeedNOTE (Convertible Loan Note) different from a SeedFAST (Advance Subscription Agreement)?<\/h3>\r\nHere are the main differences:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>SeedFASTs issued after December 2019 can have a Longstop Date of up to 6 months to be S\/EIS eligible.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>SeedFASTs issued on or before December 2019 can have a Longstop Date of up to 12 months to be S\/EIS eligible.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/help.seedlegals.com\/en\/articles\/3714948-are-seedfasts-seis-eis-compliant-and-can-i-have-one-seedfast-containing-both-seis-and-eis-funds\">SeedFASTs are S\/EIS compliant.<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>SeedNOTEs are not S\/EIS eligible.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>SeedFASTs are equity instruments while SeedNOTEs are debt instruments.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>There is no repayment of investment amounts or interest in a SeedFAST.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nYou can <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/ie\/?p=18238\">read our full guide to SeedFASTs here.<\/a>\r\n<h3>Key things to think about<\/h3>\r\nBefore you decide that the Convertible Loan Note is the way to go, factor in the following:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>Does your investor want to give you a loan that can be paid back? If the answer is no, you\u2019re looking for a SeedFAST, not a SeedNOTE.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Will the company be able to pay the principal + interest on Maturity? If the answer is no, speak to your investor and find out what their terms are for the investment amount.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>If you reach an Event of Default, how much equity are you giving away?<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nInvestors are attracted to Convertible Loan Notes because debt ranks higher than equity if your company is insolvent or looking to liquidate\/wind up. Another reason Convertible Loan Notes are favoured is because it gives the Investor their money back if the company fails to raise a Qualifying Funding Round. So, think about it before you agree to the terms.\r\n<h3>What about the Future Fund? Is it the same?<\/h3>\r\nThe Future Fund is, certainly, a convertible loan note agreement where the Government qualifies certain companies which can avail of the scheme.\r\n\r\nFor a comprehensive outline on what the Future Fund means, we\u2019ve written <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/future-fund-line-by-line-analysis\/\">a line by line analysis<\/a>.\r\n\r\nIf you have questions, you know where to find us!","post_title":"What is a Convertible Loan Note \/ CLN?","post_excerpt":"Convertible Loan Notes used to be complex and expensive to create. SeedLegals has made that much easier, say hello to SeedNOTE!\r\nWhat is a Convertible Loan Note?\r\nConvertible Loan Notes are short-term debt instruments, not equity instruments. They\u00a0 differ greatly from advance subscription agreements ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","post_password":"","post_name":"what-really-is-a-convertible-loan-note-cln","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2020-05-14 20:14:59","post_modified_gmt":"2020-05-14 20:14:59","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/what-really-is-a-convertible-loan-note-cln\/","menu_order":229,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}},{"post":false}],"custom_post_authors":{"authors":[{"author":{"ID":77,"user_firstname":"Kirsty","user_lastname":"MacSween","nickname":"Kirsty MacSween","user_nicename":"kirsty","display_name":"Kirsty MacSween","user_email":"kirsty@seedlegals.com","user_url":"","user_registered":"2022-02-15 17:07:44","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f1916614a44124dcab268fd918605c6a506a48a45559a29792e2ed0effbc4a02?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f1916614a44124dcab268fd918605c6a506a48a45559a29792e2ed0effbc4a02?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Copywriter"},{"author":{"ID":82,"user_firstname":"Kaylin","user_lastname":"Sullivan","nickname":"Kaylin Sullivan","user_nicename":"kaylin","display_name":"Kaylin Sullivan","user_email":"kaylin@seedlegals.com","user_url":"","user_registered":"2022-04-11 11:06:43","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0652066345ed869ee09c20fad9ad22d5dadc0ee3bb4ca278683547efbb5d93d4?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/0652066345ed869ee09c20fad9ad22d5dadc0ee3bb4ca278683547efbb5d93d4?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Copywriter"},{"author":{"ID":106,"user_firstname":"Liliana","user_lastname":"Conrad","nickname":"Liliana Conrad","user_nicename":"liliana-conrad","display_name":"Liliana Conrad","user_email":"wordpress15@seedlegals.com","user_url":"","user_registered":"2022-08-25 08:28:09","user_description":"","user_avatar":"<img alt='' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/301951f23c80729bdda2c4d1affaf156b965c0736bec92040b727d4cc6b00ad1?s=96&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/301951f23c80729bdda2c4d1affaf156b965c0736bec92040b727d4cc6b00ad1?s=192&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-96 photo' height='96' width='96' loading='lazy' decoding='async'\/>"},"role":"Funding Strategist"}]},"expert_reviewed":{"heading":"Expert reviewed","tooltip_message":"This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert.<br><br><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/authors-and-experts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Meet our experts<\/a> and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/editorial-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\">editorial policy<\/a>."},"post_content_width":"default","post_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p>With evolving investor expectations, the rise of alternative funding options, and economic fluctuations shaping decision-making, founders in 2025 need to be more strategic than ever.<\/p>\n<p>Based on our data at SeedLegals, we can see the shift to more flexible ways of raising capital continues to gain popularity. Using agile funding tools, companies are raising in faster, smaller rounds to extend their runway and fund the work needed to hit key milestones.<\/p>\n<p>This article will cover our top three fundraising strategies for a lean and agile approach to your fundraising in 2025. We\u2019ll also give you some extra tips to boost your appeal to investors and have a successful year.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"cta","cta":{"type":"light","subheading":"Raise startup funding","heading":"Free ebook: the 2024 funding playbook","content":"Get the latest insights from our funding experts, find out what investors are looking for and gain practical tips on how to raise this year. ","bullet_points":false,"form":{"type":"none","hubspot_form":{"layout":"newsletter","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":false,"gtm_form_location":false},"button":{"title":"Download the ebook","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/ebooks\/startup-funding-guide\/","target":"_blank"},"image":403564}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><a id=\"agile-funding-shift\"><\/a>The shift to agile funding<\/h2>\n<p>The traditional method of fundraising in formal rounds is far from the ideal scenario for a lot of startups:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong> They take a long time &#8211;<\/strong> the average funding round takes three to six months.<\/li>\n<li><strong>They involve a lot of admin &#8211;<\/strong> negotiating <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/uk-term-sheet-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Term Sheets<\/a>, completing due diligence, gathering signatures, etc. You get the picture.<\/li>\n<li><strong>They&#8217;re inflexible &#8211;<\/strong> you need to agree every detail with every investor before you can take in funds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":false,"quote":"","name":"","role":"","company":"","linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p>Luckily, there are other ways to fundraise that allow you to take in money quickly at a fair valuation, without going through each and every step of a priced equity round.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Agile funding allows you to take in cash quicker, when you need it:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\ud83e\udd73You don\u2019t need to wait until all investors are lined up and on the same page to take the money<br \/>\n\ud83e\udd73You don\u2019t have to settle for raising a smaller amount than you planned to access the money you have negotiated<\/p>\n<p>There are three agile funding agreements that are easy to access on SeedLegals. <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/raise\/raise-before-a-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SeedFAST and SeedNOTE<\/a> allow you to raise before your round, and <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/raise\/top-up-a-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instant Investment<\/a> allows you to top up your round after it closes.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":false,"caption":"","width":"100","alignment":"left"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p><strong>What\u2019s a SeedFAST?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/seedfast-is-the-new-seed-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SeedFAST<\/a> is a type of Advance Subscription Agreement (ASA). These are individual, simple, quick agreements for future equity in the company where investors pre-pay for shares that will then be allocated to them in the next funding round. SeedFAST is our version of the YC SAFE and it can be used for overseas investors as well as UK investors.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s a SeedNOTE?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/what-really-is-a-convertible-loan-note-cln\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SeedNOTE<\/a> is a type of convertible loan note. Convertible loan notes (or just convertible notes) give investors debt in your company. This will then be converted into shares at the next funding round. Being in debt gives an investor more protection if things go wrong, and SeedNOTEs usually have an interest rate which your company pays to the investor.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s an Instant Investment?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/introducing-instant-investment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instant Investment<\/a> is a legal agreement that allows you to top up a previous round and add new investors anytime.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2><a id=\"startup-funding-strategies\"><\/a>3 startup funding strategies for 2025<\/h2>\n<h3><a id=\"bridge\"><\/a>1. Bridge between rounds &#8211; extend your runway<\/h3>\n<p>Running out of runway? You can use agile funding as a bridge between rounds to keep you going for longer.<\/p>\n<p>Whether you\u2019re in crisis mode and need an emergency capital injection or you want to delay your next round so that you can raise at a higher valuation than you could now, you can use <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/raise\/raise-before-a-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SeedFASTs<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/raise\/top-up-a-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Instant Investments<\/a> to bridge the gap between rounds.<\/p>\n<p>Both SeedFASTs and Instant Investments can work wonders in this scenario. Use <strong>Instant Investment<\/strong> if you\u2019ve got a valuation you\u2019re happy with. Use <strong>SeedFAST<\/strong> if you haven\u2019t pinpointed a valuation.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83e\udd29 Benefits of this strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get the cash you need instantly<\/li>\n<li>Skip the valuation and wait until you can raise at a higher valuation<\/li>\n<li>Buy yourself time before your next funding round<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a id=\"replace-a-round\"><\/a>2. Replace a round &#8211; raise as you go<\/h3>\n<h3>SeedFAST<\/h3>\n<p>Since we launched <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/raise\/raise-before-a-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SeedFASTs<\/a> in 2018, we\u2019re increasingly seeing founders using full-round-size SeedFASTs to skip the traditional round altogether (read more in <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/seedfast-is-the-new-seed-round\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">our post<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>If you use this strategy, remember:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A SeedFAST must convert into shares within six months to qualify for SEIS or EIS<\/li>\n<li>The shares convert at a longstop valuation (see definition in the box below) that you pre-agree with investors when you first sign the SeedFAST<\/li>\n<li>When you sign a SeedFast, you\u2019ll set a longstop date (six months or less from the date of signature). If you don\u2019t do a funding round before this date, the SeedFAST converts into shares.<\/li>\n<li>If you pick the longstop valuation wisely &#8211; perhaps your best estimate of the company valuation as it would be in six months &#8211; then this is an effective strategy to defer the need for a funding round and simply raise as you go.<\/li>\n<li>Using SeedLegals, you can convert a SeedFAST into shares using something called Instant Conversion, which allows you to issue shares to a SeedFAST investor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"link","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"","link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>Instant Investment<\/h3>\n<p>We\u2019ve also seen founders using Instant Investments to continually top up their last round for longer than we first anticipated. Instant Investment allows you to raise small amounts as and when you need them, based on your last valuation.<\/p>\n<p>You can <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/raise\/top-up-a-round\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">create an Instant Investment<\/a> agreement in minutes on SeedLegals, so many founders prefer to ditch the full funding round altogether and just raise money as they need it.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\ud83e\udd29 Benefits of this strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Save time and energy by <i>not <\/i>doing a funding round<\/li>\n<li>Sort your investment legals in minutes<\/li>\n<li>Raise only what you need<\/li>\n<li>Raise frequently and avoid runway panic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"cta","cta":{"type":"light","subheading":"No valuation needed","heading":"Take investment instantly ","content":"Use Instant Investment to top up a previous round and add new investors anytime","bullet_points":false,"form":{"type":"none","hubspot_form":{"layout":"newsletter","hide_founderinvestor_toggle":false,"default_community":"founder","custom_form_id":"","gdpr_disclaimer":"By subscribing, you agree to receive information from SeedLegals. You can unsubscribe anytime. View our <a href=\"\/privacy-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">privacy policy<\/a>"},"custom":{"embed":""},"gtm_form_type":false,"gtm_form_location":false},"button":{"title":"Learn more","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/raise\/top-up-a-round\/","target":"_blank"},"image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3><a id=\"round-hack\"><\/a>3. Hack your round &#8211; drive up your valuation<\/h3>\n<p>So far, we\u2019ve covered the two main ways to think of agile funding strategies: to get you from one round to another and as a replacement for a full round.<\/p>\n<p>But at SeedLegals we\u2019re seeing the huge benefits of using SeedFASTs <em>inside<\/em> a funding round. More powerful than a bridge &#8211; with this strategy, SeedFASTs work as rocket fuel for your raise.<\/p>\n<p>With SeedFASTs, you can:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>lock down the earliest investors in your round<\/li>\n<li>access funds to add value to your business<\/li>\n<li>close the round at a higher valuation than you would otherwise have been able to<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Let\u2019s break down how it works.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Drive up your valuation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>As a founder, you\u2019re at a disadvantage by committing to a valuation at the beginning of your round. You probably haven\u2019t yet built enough traction to justify a high valuation to your investors. But you still want to give away as little equity as possible in the early stages of your business.<\/p>\n<p>With SeedFASTs, you can defer the valuation and use the early investment to make your company more attractive to investors.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_highlight","highlight_type":"link","background_colour":"blue","show_icon":true,"content":"","link":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<p>What\u2019s in it for investors? If their gamble pays off and you grow your valuation significantly before their SeedFAST investment converts, they benefit from a discount on shares at a higher valuation. They get more equity at a lower price.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Build traction with investors<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s easier to win over investors when you already have an investor in your corner. If you can show you already have investors committed to your round through a SeedFAST, that helps you build credibility with other investors later in your round.<\/p>\n<p>It also can help you get over the lead investor problem. With a traditional round, you typically can\u2019t get any momentum until you\u2019ve secured a lead investor and agreed the terms with them. But with SeedFASTs, you can take funds from investors without waiting to fill the rest of the round &#8211; or even securing a lead investor.<\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":26890,"id":26890,"title":"Jonny Seaman","filename":"Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","filesize":75389,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","alt":"Jonny Seaman","author":"77","description":"Jonny Seaman","caption":"Jonny Seaman","name":"976194896f87499d83a100d1bbe4144c","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":26854,"date":"2022-06-10 11:25:51","modified":"2024-01-18 11:44:25","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":800,"height":800,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile-300x300.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":768,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","large-width":800,"large-height":800,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile-100x100.jpg","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","1536x1536-width":800,"1536x1536-height":800,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","2048x2048-width":800,"2048x2048-height":800,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile-200x150.jpg","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile-300x300.jpg","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":300,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile-600x600.jpg","tog-medium-width":600,"tog-medium-height":600,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","tog-large-width":800,"tog-large-height":800,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/Jonny-Seaman-profile.jpg","tog-huge-width":800,"tog-huge-height":800}},"quote":"<p>Make sure you have enough runway in your bank account (minimum 9 to 12 months, ideally 18 months or more) and prioritise getting towards break-even. Keep your customers happy and focus on generating revenue from them. This will make you a safer bet for investors.<\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Jonny Seaman","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/author\/jonny-seaman\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Investor Partnerships Manager","company":{"title":"SeedLegals","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":{"title":"","url":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jonnyseaman\/","target":"_blank"},"facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h3>Retain employees<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s expensive to replace employees. Make sure you\u2019re taking measures to keep your employees engaged and happy. This can also contribute to building the type of consistent, solid company investors are looking for.<\/p>\n<p>A common way for startups to incentivise and motivate employees and contractors is with <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/grow\/share-options-scheme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">share options schemes<\/a> &#8211; set up an EMI scheme for full-time employees and an Unapproved scheme for contractors, advisors and employees overseas.<\/p>\n<h3>Boost cash flow with R&amp;D<\/h3>\n<p>If your company has spent money developing a new product or service, or significantly improved one that already exists, you could claim <a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/grow\/rd-tax-credit-claim\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">R&amp;D tax credits<\/a>, which can help to improve cash flow in your company.<\/p>\n<p>R&amp;D tax relief is an HMRC initiative that pays your company back a percentage of what you spend on qualifying activity for research and development. You get the money back in the form of Corporation Tax relief or, if you\u2019re a loss-making company, as a tax credit (that is, a cash payment).<\/p>\n<p>To find out more about the scheme, read our post:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/rd-tax-credits-the-ultimate-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">R&amp;D tax credits: the ultimate guide for 2023<\/a><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":{"ID":28885,"id":28885,"title":"Benedict Conry Seedlegals","filename":"benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","filesize":78304,"url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","link":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","alt":"Benedict Conry Seedlegals","author":"59","description":"Benedict Conry Seedlegals","caption":"Benedict Conry Seedlegals","name":"96e2def8db0e48108c42298f154e260c","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":34245,"date":"2022-07-21 17:47:14","modified":"2023-11-14 14:18:44","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":639,"height":763,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2-251x300.jpg","medium-width":251,"medium-height":300,"medium_large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","medium_large-width":639,"medium_large-height":763,"large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","large-width":639,"large-height":763,"_themosis_media":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2-100x100.jpg","_themosis_media-width":100,"_themosis_media-height":100,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","1536x1536-width":639,"1536x1536-height":763,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","2048x2048-width":639,"2048x2048-height":763,"themosis":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2-200x150.jpg","themosis-width":200,"themosis-height":150,"tog-small":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2-300x358.jpg","tog-small-width":300,"tog-small-height":358,"tog-medium":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2-600x716.jpg","tog-medium-width":600,"tog-medium-height":716,"tog-large":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","tog-large-width":639,"tog-large-height":763,"tog-huge":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/benedict_conry_seedlegals-2.jpg","tog-huge-width":639,"tog-huge-height":763}},"quote":"<p>R&amp;D tax relief is often an under-used way of boosting a company\u2019s cash flow.<\/p>\n<p>For startups in particular, R&amp;D is a great way to extend your runway and bring much-needed cash into the business.<\/p>\n","name":{"title":"Ben Conry","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/resources\/author\/ben-conry\/","target":"_blank"},"role":"Tax Specialist","company":{"title":"SeedLegals","url":"https:\/\/seedlegals.com","target":"_blank"},"linkedin":{"title":"","url":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/benedict-conry-6ab1b284\/?originalSubdomain=uk","target":"_blank"},"facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":"<h2>Get support from a funding strategist<\/h2>\n<p>When you use SeedLegals to raise, you get unlimited support from our funding strategists, who can guide you through your funding journey.<\/p>\n<p>With over \u00a31.3 billion in deals closed through our platform, we have the experience and data to help you:<\/p>\n<p>\u2705 Understand all your funding options<br \/>\n\u2705 Make informed decisions about your investment deals<br \/>\n\u2705 Navigate your deal to achieve the best outcome for you<br \/>\n\u2705 Save time and money on your funding admin<\/p>\n<h2>Talk to an expert<\/h2>\n<p>Not sure what&#8217;s best for your company? Want to find out more about our alternatives to a traditional funding round? Book a free chat with one of our funding strategists to get answers, fast.<\/p>\n<p><!-- Start of Meetings Embed Script --><\/p>\n<div class=\"meetings-iframe-container\" data-src=\"https:\/\/meetings.hubspot.com\/sl\/uk-account-execs?embed=true\"><\/div>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/static.hsappstatic.net\/MeetingsEmbed\/ex\/MeetingsEmbedCode.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<!-- End of Meetings Embed Script --><\/p>\n"},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":false,"quote":"","name":"","role":"","company":"","linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"expert_highlight","expert_highlight":{"":null,"image":false,"quote":"","name":"","role":"","company":"","linkedin":"","facebook":"","instagram":"","twitter":"","hide_image":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"text","text":""}],"hero_image":403575,"blog_layout":"v2","show_author_card":false,"v2":{"hero":{"image_background_color":"#E7F1FF","image_fit":"img--contain"},"adverts":false,"related_sidebar_posts":false}},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Startup funding strategies for 2025 | SeedLegals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With data, experience and insights gained from \u00a32B+ raised on SeedLegals, we\u2019ve curated these top three funding strategies for 2025.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/ie\/resources\/startup-funding-strategies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Startup funding strategies for 2025 | SeedLegals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"With data, experience and insights gained from \u00a32B+ raised on SeedLegals, we\u2019ve curated these top three funding strategies for 2025.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/seedlegals.com\/ie\/resources\/startup-funding-strategies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"SeedLegals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seedlegals\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-02T18:20:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta 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