Welcome to investormap
Securing the right investor can be one of the most critical and challenging steps in a business' journey.
Many entrepreneurs face obstacles such as identifying suitable investors, crafting compelling pitches, or navigating the complexities of the investment process. With so much at stake, it's common to feel uncertain about where to start or how to position your business for success.
At Futuremap, we created Investormap to provide clarity and support throughout this journey. We've built an enviable database of investors spanning multiple countries, enabling us to identify and shortlist the most relevant investors for your business. This precision is vital in ensuring you connect with the right people, saving you time and increasing your chances of meaningful engagement.
What sets Investormap apart is our unique approach: we only progress to full pitch deck creation once genuine investor interest has been demonstrated. This ensures that your time and resources are focused where they matter most, minimising unnecessary costs and maximising your business' potential for success. From assessing your investment potential to crafting professional pitches and facilitating introductions, Investormap helps you put your best foot forward.
With Investormap, you'll have access to expert guidance, a vast investor network, and tailored insights to suit your unique business needs. Whether you're preparing for your first pitch or refining your approach for significant opportunities, Investormap offers a clear and structured pathway to help you engage with investors effectively and pursue your growth ambitions with purpose.
How the investormap Process Works
Our investormap service is designed to guide you through every stage of securing the right investor for your business.
Fees
Investormap provides a clear, structured process to give businesses the best chance of securing investment. What sets Investormap apart is our unique approach: we only progress to full pitch deck creation once genuine investor interest has been demonstrated. This ensures that your time and resources are focused where they matter most, minimising unnecessary costs and maximising your business' potential for success.
Our fees are designed to reflect the tailored support and expertise we offer at every stage of your journey.
Below is an overview of the steps and associated fees:
Initial Assessment
Business Review and Teaser Pitch Creation
Pitch Deck Development or Review
Investment Success Fee
Initial Assessment
We begin with a complementary initial assessment to evaluate whether your business is ready for investment and to outline the next steps.
Fee: free
Business Review and Teaser Pitch Creation
We conduct a comprehensive review of your business and prepare a professional teaser pitch to engage prospective investors. This includes shortlisting suitable investors and sharing your teaser to gauge interest. Our process ensures that full pitch deck creation only proceeds once genuine investor interest has been confirmed, allowing you to focus your time and resources effectively.
Fee: £995–£1,495 (depending on whether other types of funding are required).
Pitch Deck Development or Review
After securing investor(s) interest, we either create one of our templated pitch decks or refine and enhance an existing one, ensuring it aligns with investor expectations and delivers a compelling case.
Fee: £3,495–£4,295
Investment Success Fee
If investment is successfully secured, we charge a success fee as a percentage of the investment amount.
Fee: 5% of the investment value
Our transparent fee structures accommodate businesses at different stages of readiness, whether you need full support or already have an existing pitch deck. For further details or to discuss your unique requirements, feel free to contact us.
Funding Types for Businesses
Finding the right funding for your business is crucial for growth, innovation, and long-term success. Whether you're launching a start-up, scaling operations, or navigating a major transition, understanding your funding options is the first step to making informed decisions.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of funding types available to businesses, from traditional loans and equity financing to innovative methods like crowdfunding and revenue-based financing. Each option is designed to meet specific needs, whether you're seeking initial capital, working capital, or long-term investment.
Explore the funding options below to identify the best fit for your business goals and stage of growth.
Family and Friends Funding
Often the first source of funding for start-ups, this involves raising capital from personal networks. While flexible, this option requires careful management to avoid straining relationships. Agreements should ideally be documented to prevent future misunderstandings.
Grants
Non-repayable funds provided by governments or organisations to support specific initiatives like innovation, sustainability, or job creation. Grants are competitive and require a clear business plan to meet eligibility criteria.
Angel Investment
Investment from high-net-worth individuals who provide not only funding but also mentorship and industry connections. Ideal for businesses with high growth potential, this funding usually involves giving up a share of equity.
Crowdfunding
A method to raise funds from a large pool of individuals through online platforms. Businesses can offer rewards, equity, or debt in exchange for contributions. Crowdfunding is also an effective marketing tool to engage early adopters.
Equity Financing
Involves raising capital by selling shares in the business. This provides funds without repayment obligations but requires giving investors an ownership stake. Suitable for businesses looking for long-term partners.
Convertible Debt (Convertible Notes)
A loan that converts into equity during a future funding round. This is beneficial for businesses that want to defer valuation discussions while securing initial funding.
SAFEs (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
A simplified investment tool where investors provide funds in exchange for the right to equity during a future funding round. This option streamlines the investment process for early-stage businesses.
Venture Debt
A loan designed specifically for venture-backed businesses, used to extend runway or fund specific projects without further diluting equity. Repayment terms typically include interest and warrants.
Revenue-Based Financing
An innovative funding method where businesses repay investors as a percentage of their revenue, allowing for flexibility based on cash flow. Ideal for businesses with predictable revenue streams.
Mezzanine Financing
A hybrid of debt and equity financing for more established businesses. It provides growth capital without immediate dilution but involves higher costs and repayment obligations.
Bridge Financing
Short-term funding to cover immediate needs or prepare for a larger financing event. Businesses use this to maintain operations while awaiting long-term capital.
Private Equity
Capital provided by institutional investors for mature businesses. Private equity investors typically seek operational improvements and a clear exit strategy.
Royalty Financing
A non-dilutive funding method where businesses repay investors through a percentage of revenue, providing flexibility for scaling operations.
Strategic Corporate Investment
Investment from corporations that see strategic value in a business. This often includes funding alongside strategic partnerships or collaborations.
Crowdlending (P2P Lending)
Online platforms facilitate loans from individual investors. Businesses benefit from competitive interest rates and access to a diverse pool of lenders.
Trade Credit Financing
Short-term credit extended by suppliers to improve cash flow. Businesses can use this to manage working capital without immediate payments.
Microfinance
Small loans designed for small-scale businesses or start-ups, often used in developing economies to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth.
IPO (Initial Public Offering)
The process of offering shares to the public for the first time. This provides businesses with substantial capital for expansion and offers liquidity to early investors.
Joint Ventures
A partnership between two or more entities pooling resources for a specific project or goal. Businesses benefit from shared risks, resources, and expertise.
Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) / Token Sales
A blockchain-based method of raising funds by offering digital tokens. Businesses often use ICOs to fund innovative or technology-driven projects.
If you're unsure which funding option is best suited to your business needs, Futuremap is here to help. Our investormap service provides tailored insights and guidance to navigate the funding landscape effectively. Get in touch with us today to explore how we can support your business in securing the right type of funding for your goals.
Investment Stages for Businesses and Relevant Funding Types
Every business goes through key stages of development, each with unique opportunities and challenges. At every stage, the right investment can make all the difference in driving growth, achieving milestones, and reaching long-term goals.
This guide breaks down the key investment stages for businesses, from the early seed phase to growth, expansion, and beyond. Each stage is matched with the types of funding most suitable for that phase, helping you understand where your business fits and how to move forward.
Explore the investment stages below to learn how targeted funding can support your business' journey to success.
Seed Stage
The initial phase where businesses raise funds to validate their idea, develop a prototype, or conduct market research. Ideal for start-ups looking to build a foundation.
Relevant Funding Types:
Family and Friends Funding, Grants, Angel Investment, Crowdfunding
Pre-Series A
A bridge phase for start-ups needing funds to reach the level of maturity required for a Series A round. This often involves angel investors or smaller VCs.
Relevant Funding Types:
Convertible Debt (Convertible Notes), SAFEs (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), Angel Investment
Series A
The first significant round of venture funding, focusing on scaling the product or service and building a strong go-to-market strategy.
Relevant Funding Types:
Equity Financing, Convertible Debt (Convertible Notes), Venture Debt
Series B
For businesses that have achieved product-market fit and are looking to expand into new markets or scale operations. Funds are typically used for customer acquisition and team building.
Relevant Funding Types:
Equity Financing, Venture Debt, Revenue-Based Financing
Series C
Aimed at mature start-ups looking to expand internationally, acquire competitors, or launch new product lines. Often involves large VC funds or institutional investors.
Relevant Funding Types:
Equity Financing, Mezzanine Financing, Private Equity
Late Stage (Series D, E, F, etc.)
Funding rounds for well-established businesses preparing for IPOs, acquisitions, or other exits. Focused on strategic growth or consolidation.
Relevant Funding Types:
Equity Financing, Private Equity, Mezzanine Financing, Strategic Corporate Investment
Pre-IPO
Funding used to strengthen a business before going public, often for final-stage scaling or regulatory compliance.
Relevant Funding Types:
Private Equity, Mezzanine Financing, Venture Debt
Expansion
For businesses looking to enter new markets or significantly scale their operations. Typically involves capital-intensive activities.
Relevant Funding Types:
Equity Financing, Private Equity, Revenue-Based Financing
Growth Stage
Targeting businesses that have proven their model and are scaling towards profitability. This funding accelerates growth in key areas.
Relevant Funding Types:
Equity Financing, Revenue-Based Financing, Venture Debt
Recapitalisation
Restructuring a business' financial foundation, often involving replacing debt with equity or vice versa to improve financial stability.
Relevant Funding Types:
Mezzanine Financing, Private Equity, Convertible Debt (Convertible Notes)
MBO/LBO (Management/Leveraged Buyout)
Used for acquiring a business, either by management or through leveraged capital. These transactions often involve mature businesses.
Relevant Funding Types:
Private Equity, Mezzanine Financing, Venture Debt
Turnaround
Targeting distressed businesses undergoing operational or financial restructuring to restore profitability.
Relevant Funding Types:
Private Equity, Turnaround Funds, Strategic Corporate Investment
Corporate Divestiture
Used to separate and sell off parts of a business, often to streamline operations or raise capital for core activities.
Relevant Funding Types:
Private Equity, Strategic Corporate Investment
Ownership Transition
Funding to facilitate ownership changes, such as succession planning or buyouts.
Relevant Funding Types:
Private Equity, Mezzanine Financing, MBO/LBO Financing
Impact Investing
Funding businesses aligned with environmental, social, and governance goals, with a focus on measurable impact alongside financial returns.
Relevant Funding Types:
Grants, Impact Investment Funds
Bridge Financing
Short-term capital to prepare a business for a larger funding round or liquidity event. Helps maintain operations during transitions.
Relevant Funding Types:
Bridge Financing, Convertible Debt (Convertible Notes)
If you're uncertain about where your business fits within these investment stages, or how to secure the right funding, futuremap's investormap service can help.
Contact us to explore your options and receive personalised support in aligning your business goals with the most suitable investment strategies.
Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) for UK Businesses
The Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) are UK government initiatives designed to encourage investment in early-stage, high-risk businesses. They offer attractive tax reliefs to investors who buy shares in eligible companies, helping businesses secure crucial funding to support growth and innovation.
Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)
What is EIS?
The EIS was introduced to incentivise private investment in small, unlisted companies by offering tax advantages to investors. By doing so, it enables businesses to access finance that might otherwise be difficult to obtain from traditional lenders.
How Can EIS Benefit Your Business?
If your business qualifies for EIS, it can offer investors the following benefits:
- Income Tax Relief: Investors can claim up to 30% income tax relief on investments of up to £1 million per tax year (£2 million if at least £1 million is invested in knowledge-intensive companies).
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exemption: No CGT is payable on the disposal of EIS shares after holding them for at least three years.
- Loss Relief: If the business fails, investors can offset their losses against income tax.
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) Relief: Shares in an EIS company can be exempt from IHT if held for at least two years.
- Capital Gains Deferral Relief: Any gains reinvested in an EIS-eligible company can be deferred.
Eligibility Criteria for EIS Businesses
To qualify for EIS, your business must meet the following criteria:
- Be a UK-based company, carrying out a qualifying trade.
- Have fewer than 250 full-time employees.
- Have gross assets of no more than £15 million before investment and no more than £16 million after.
- Not be listed on a recognised stock exchange.
- Not be controlled by another company.
Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)
What is SEIS?
The SEIS is designed to support even earlier-stage businesses than EIS, making it easier for startups to attract their first external investors. It offers even greater tax reliefs to investors willing to take the risk on new companies.
How Can SEIS Benefit Your Business?
If your business qualifies for SEIS, investors can benefit from:
- Income Tax Relief: Investors can claim up to 50% income tax relief on investments of up to £200,000 per tax year.
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Exemption: No CGT is payable on the disposal of SEIS shares after three years.
- Capital Gains Reinvestment Relief: Investors can reinvest gains in SEIS shares and receive 50% CGT relief.
- Loss Relief: Investors can offset losses against income tax if the business fails.
- Inheritance Tax (IHT) Relief: Shares in an SEIS company can be exempt from IHT if held for at least two years.
Eligibility Criteria for SEIS Businesses
To qualify for SEIS, your business must:
- Be a UK-based company, carrying out a qualifying trade.
- Have fewer than 25 full-time employees.
- Have gross assets of no more than £350,000 before the investment.
- Not be listed on a recognised stock exchange.
- Not be controlled by another company.
- Not have previously raised funding through EIS.
How to Apply for EIS and SEIS Approval
Businesses can apply for EIS or SEIS advance assurance from HMRC before seeking investment. This gives potential investors confidence that the company qualifies for EIS or SEIS. The steps include:
- Submitting an application to HMRC with details about the company and its trade.
- Providing information about how the funds will be used for growth.
- Receiving confirmation from HMRC, which can be shared with investors.
Does It Cost Anything to Apply?
Applying for EIS or SEIS advance assurance through HMRC is free. However, businesses may choose to work with financial advisors, accountants, or legal professionals to prepare their application, which could involve additional costs.
Final Thoughts
The Enterprise Investment Scheme and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme are valuable tools for businesses looking to attract investment and accelerate growth. By offering significant tax incentives, they make investing in early-stage companies more appealing to individuals willing to take on the associated risks. If your business meets the eligibility criteria, securing EIS or SEIS approval could be a game-changer in accessing the capital needed for expansion.
For more information on how to apply or whether your business qualifies, get in contact with Futuremap. You can also visit the official UK government websites for further details:
EIS: www.gov.uk/guidance/venture-capital-schemes-apply-for-the-enterprise-investment-scheme
SEIS: www.gov.uk/guidance/venture-capital-schemes-apply-to-use-the-seed-enterprise-investment-scheme