Figuring out how to raise your first round can feel overwhelming. Do you need an MVP? Should you focus on traction, SEIS, or building a community first? And what do angels actually want to see before they invest?

In this webinar, we’re joined by Anthony Rose, CEO and Co-Founder of SeedLegals, Rob Cossins and Ekky Manoilenko, from Scribe who share exactly how founders can get investor-ready. From building credibility without a product, to structuring your first raise, to tailoring your outreach to the right investors, they break it down in simple, actionable steps.

Expect straight answers to the questions founders ask most – from securing healthcare grants to using SEIS to de-risk your round. If you’re preparing for your first raise or looking to sharpen your pitch to angels, this session gives you the playbook.

Key takeaways

What angels really look for

• It’s not always about having a finished MVP – team, vision and execution plan matter just as much.
• Angels want to see progress: community, early traction, or proof you can deliver.
• De-risk your round with SEIS/EIS – it’s often the difference between a yes and a no.

Getting investor-ready

• Focus your story: why this problem, why now, and why you’re the team to solve it.
• Letters of intent (LOIs), engaged communities, or even pre-orders can count as traction.
• Make outreach personal – tailored messaging beats blanket investor lists every time.

Structuring your first raise

• Early-stage founders often start with an ASA (Advance Subscription Agreement) to get momentum before a priced round.
• SEIS/EIS can help de-risk your raise and make it easier to close early cheques.
• Grants can complement angel money, but don’t rely on them to carry your whole round.

Final takeaway

• Fundraising is never easy, but it gets easier when you know what investors expect.
• Keep it simple: show progress, de-risk with SEIS, and build relationships with the right angels.