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In this insightful guide, we explore the vital role of budgeting and business planning in the early stages of a start-up. Emphasizing the importance of a thoughtful approach, we address key aspects such as defining goals, identifying challenges, and establishing a unique market presence. The guide outlines how to create flexible, proactive plans aligned with personal objectives and financial goals. We also discuss innovative strategies for bootstrapping and the paths to equity financing, including personal savings, friends, family, and angel investors, providing a roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs.
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GMBF Start-up strategy Budgeting and raising finance July 2012
Budgeting & Business Planning • “Why” rather than “how” • Forces you to think about all aspects • Brings organizational discipline critical in early stages • Essential for equity financing • Foundation for subsequent bank financing
Business planning: a thought process • Like planning a journey: where do you want to go? How best can you reach there? • What does our business stand for? • What are the serious challenges facing us and how do we respond to these? • How will we stay different from competition? • Do we have what it takes to get to our destination – what exactly do we need and when? • How will the plan be financed? • but………
Business Planning: some pointers • Must address the short term (operating plan) and the medium term (growth plan) • Long term, strategic plan may not be not too meaningful for start-ups, but required for equity raising • Plans are meant to be flexible and proactive • Alignment with personal objectives • Are numbers are derived from plans or vice versa?
Bootstrapping for start-ups A different perspective on budgeting • Keep it lean and mean -- low-cost passionate staff, innovative compensation -- “use” technology • Minimize capital -- only to cover expenses -- retain control -- brings efficiency and economy culture • Get the cash flowing -- get the product out, even at break-even -- reduce liquidity pressures
Financing start-ups: Debt • Bank finance is almost impossible, universally • More so in this region • Private financing available, but short term and very expensive • Market for convertible/hybrid financing virtually non-existent • Friends and family often relied upon Prepare for bank debt from Day 1
Financing start-ups: Equity • Equity is the more common financing method. Typical equity financing stages are: Personal savings Friends and family Angel investors Venture capital Private equity funds