Writing an ambitious and clear scale up plan
Investors expect companies to have a robust long-term plan for growth, even if they are in the relatively early stages. Here are some top tips for writing a scale up plan.
Scale
Resources for scale-ups
As your business scales, your role as founder is likely to change. You might bring on a non-executive director or board Chair, or explore options to finance your growth. You might even look into exporting or acquiring another business.
To help you navigate this, here are some tools to help you as you scale your business.
Scaling your business
Everything you need to know about scaling your business, from finding the right mentor to building out your team to mergers and acquisitions.
Pitching deck perfection from an expert
Laura Willming from Octopus Ventures shares more about pitch deck perfection.
Fundamentals: Investor decks
From why is the deck important? What financials should I include? To best practice and common mistakes. Will Gibbs from Octopus Ventures shares more on the key fundamentals when it comes an investor deck.
Financing your scale-up business
Navigate the market of scale-up finance with our straightforward guides.
Understanding Venture Capital
Venture Capital (often shortened to VC) is a type of private capital seeking high returns from investing in fast-growing businesses with a large potential market - think software or biotechnology. VC investors are hands-on, supporting the founders in whom they invest with expertise as well as capital.
Understanding Private Equity
A Private Equity (PE) firm usually invests in more mature businesses, which means a larger cheque size and an investment term of more than five years. They are well-versed in the nuances of business and will want to understand yours well before they commit.
Understanding private credit
Private credit (sometimes known as private debt or direct lending) is a type of debt finance through which companies borrow money from institutional investors, rather than from banks. This route can give founders the capital they need to grow quickly, while still keeping control of - and greater economic interest in - their company.
Understanding Growth Capital
Growth capital is funding provided to a business, typically a mid-sized enterprise with at least 50 employees, to allow it to grow. Unlike debt, which typically incurs ongoing interest payments and other obligations, growth capital is usually provided in exchange for equity in the business.
Inspiration
Stories from pioneering women who have scaled their businesses to new heights.
Raising equity in Lincolnshire
Business owner Vicky Whiter secured over £500,000 of new equity investment for her East Midlands company Peters’ Cleaners through a syndicate of three finance providers.
Foodsteps: scaling up for a more sustainable future
Anya Doherty is the CEO and founder of Foodsteps, an online platform which allows food companies to track and improve the environmental impact of their food across the supply chain.
Snacks done PROPERly
PROPER (originally known as PROPERCORN) was founded by Cassandra Stavrou in 2011. Despite studying law and having a successful career in advertising, Cassandra had an entrepreneurial spirit that was always waiting for that one big idea. It came when she saw an opening for more delicious options in the bland healthy snacking market that existed...
Pawsome Service for Dogs
Whilst the nation’s capital is a stimulating place to live and work, for the estimated 1.8 million dogs that reside in London finding dog friendly pubs, bars and restaurants can drive their owners barking mad. WagIt is the brainchild of entrepreneur Nadia Leguel and mummy to Lola - her ten year old King Charles Cavalier.