How to Get Startup Funding?

The path to startup funding depends on your stage, traction, and goals:

Stage 1: Pre-Seed ($50K-$500K)
•Source: Angel investors, pre-seed funds, accelerators
•What you need: Strong team, clear problem, early validation
•Instrument: SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)

Stage 2: Seed ($500K-$3M)
•Source: Seed-stage VCs, angel syndicates
•What you need: Product-market fit signals, early revenue, growth trajectory
•Instrument: SAFE or priced round

Stage 3: Series A ($5M-$20M)
•Source: Series A VCs
•What you need: Proven PMF, $1M+ ARR, clear path to scale
•Instrument: Priced equity round

Alternative paths:
•Bootstrapping — Fund from revenue, maintain 100% ownership
•Revenue-based financing — Borrow against future revenue
•Grants — Government and foundation grants (non-dilutive)
•Accelerators — Y Combinator, Techstars ($125K-$500K for 7% equity)

Tips for fundraising:
1. Warm intros are 10x more effective than cold emails
2. Start fundraising 6+ months before you need money
3. Validate your idea first — investors fund evidence, not hopes
4. Build in public to create a warm audience of potential investors