Partners

“if you want to go fast, go solo
if you want to go far, go with others”

We’ve found the following services very useful for those seeking funds.

1. Where do I start? Most people find the process of creating a business plan daunting. I know because I have an MBA in entrepreneurship and I have invested in many companies. Most entrepreneurs don’t know how to do a business plan. Hiring a consultant helps but adds a complication. Investors don’t want to deal with a consultant. Even worse, many consultants do not know how to do a business plan to raise funds from investors. (hint: it’s not their fault, we don’t do a good job at most business schools).

If you are struggling to organize your ideas AND if you will be seeking an investor (angel, equity partner, family and friends, or venture capital) you can’t afford not to use the Funding road map.

Funding Road Map was designed by Ruth Hedges, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor. I’ve been following Hedges for years now, and she keeps her team on top of the new trends and integrating new applications. This system is easy to use and provides useful checkpoints along the way and integrates it with bank, quicken, taxes, you name it… I once walked away from an investment because it was simply too hard. Don’t let the complexity beat you up.

Thousands of people are using it and getting ahead, don’t miss out. Investors are getting spoiled by how easy it is to carry the due diligence, and both parties save a ton of time.

2. Where do I find investors?. After you are familiar with roadmap, you might want to expand your network and look at registered investors. I used them back in the nineties! when a CD was shipped all the way to our offices in South America, and later when we joined their list as a VC fund. They will save you a TON of time.  Over 5000 sources of capital, easy to categorize and use. Just working with their database to select your best fit investor will help you think strategically about getting funds.

Don’t forget that the biggest mistake in seeking VC or angel investors, is targeting the ones where you DON’T FIT.  It is like trying a shoe that doesn’t fit. It’s a waste!

(TIP: they have a free trial too, but don’t get it until you get the Funding Road Map working, you will not have a second change to awe them).

3. How do I get legal help?. Legalzoom has been an invaluable member of my firm and the ones I’ve invested or consulted for. Based in the USA, and with the capacity to provide guidance to other countries, Legalzoom provides customizable documents that have been created, tested and revised by a pool of high quality lawyers. I used it to create my first US-based company and continue to use it. It has saved me thousands in fees and endless hours, and their customer service is fantastic. Legalzoom also provided the legal support for registering our system: Wealthing (R). From the first email, they gave us critical information to do it properly.

4. HEEEELP? Chances are that you run into a barrier, and can’t get through. You can find two special places for that quick yet professional answer. One is linkedin, post a question, and you will be amazed at the number of valuable responses you get. Linked in is professional and very fast. Highly recommended. You can also look at particular groups and post a question there, but you can also get the answer from a nerd or someone trying to impress or get a gig.

Another fantastic source of advice is score.org. It feeds on the generous contribution of thousands of experienced retired or semi retired individuals who want to give back. In all of the cases that I’ve used them or that I’ve recommended someone to use them, the response has been fan-tas-tic. It is a non-for-profit and last time I checked it is free. The only downsize is that it is only available to US citizens.