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Think you’ve stumbled upon the next big idea? That’s terrific news, but businesses don’t blossom unless they’re nourished financially. Of course, you can always bootstrap your entrepreneurial venture and hope it takes hold before your money well runs dry. On the other hand, why not search for seed funding so you don’t have to bear the capital risks alone?
Even if you’ve never gotten closer to a venture capitalist than watching Shark Tank, you can still jump into the VC and private equity fray. Start by reading a few of the following books to get some funding fundamentals—and advanced strategies.
Six Figure Crowdfunding: The No Bullsh*t Guide to Running a Life-Changing Campaign by Derek Miller
Thanks to the internet, entrepreneurs can unearth strangers willing to invest cash in startups. We know this process as crowdfunding, and it has helped plenty of founders pay for employees, materials, research and more. Want to know how to get people to opt into your business concepts? Kickstarter’s Derek Miller shares secrets and tips that have turned ordinary dreamers into hugely successful crowdfunders. I found Miller’s down-to-earth, humor-meets-cynicism style perfectly suited to explaining such a meaty, essential topic.
Crack the Funding Code: How Investors Think and What They Need to Hear to Fund Your Startup by Judy Robinett
Want funding? Getting in front of investors is only half the battle. Speaking their language is the other. Luckily for you, Judy Robinett reveals what angels need to know to open their wallets to unknown entrepreneurs. And she does it by breaking down the mindset of venture capitalists. I appreciate getting a behind-the-scenes looks at any industry or practice, and Crack the Funding Code expanded my understanding of how to construct ethical pitches and deals that work for both sides.
Venture Deals: Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson
Dying to know more about venture capital? Get an education from Brad Feld and Jason Mendelson, two seasoned dealmakers who have been in the industry for decades. Writing for would-be founders and investors, Venture Deals reads like a breezier graduate-level textbook. The authors cut through the jargon to get to the heart of how venture capitalists and entrepreneurs can develop respectful, lucrative arrangements that leave everyone satisfied. I’m all about optimism, and this book makes me believe that startup funding life need not be cutthroat or unduly stressful.
Secrets of Sand Hill Road: Venture Capital and How to Get It by Scott Kupor
After reading Scott Kupor's book, I’m much better versed in what it takes to snag big money from behind the venture capital curtain. From navigating down rounds to telling a compelling story about your startup, Kupor covers everything you need to know about the funding machine using an accessible, everyday writing style. While no stranger to the high-powered VC lifestyle, Kupor has written Secrets of Sand Hill Road with the noble goal of “democratizing opportunity.”
The Private Equity Playbook: Management’s Guide to Working with Private Equity by Adam Coffey
Could your startup become a unicorn with a little influx of cash? Then you might want to consider working with a private equity firm. These firms operate differently than other investment vehicles, but they may be a good fit depending upon your goals. In this volume, Adam Coffey reveals his winning C-suite strategies for starting and scaling businesses using private equity. After spending time with this playbook, I’m convinced that private equity could be the answer to many entrepreneurs’ fundraising problems.
Funding Secrets Hacked: Discover the Secrets and Power of Business Credit They Won't Tell Us! by Travis Toussaint
Everyone adores a clever hack, whether it’s how to clean oil stains with Coca-Cola or how to get financing for your startup. In Funding Secrets Hacked, Travis Toussaint looks at raising capital through the lens of business credit. He talks about ways to leverage decent or excellent credit, proving that founders have more available roads to funding than the well-traveled one. If you think I’m contemplating how to maximize my fiscal street cred after reading this book, you’re right. You will be, too.
Government Incentives: Tax Credits, Grants, Cash Reimbursements & Financing by Gil Gonzales
When thinking of viable sources of startup funding, I can’t say “the government” was the first answer I came up with, but Gil Gonzales has opened my mind to the concept. From economic business incentives to grants and reimbursements, he brings up novel ways to keep a fledgling company afloat with a little assistance from Uncle Sam (and/or state and local governments). By showing how small firms can get their piece of the government’s funding action, Government Incentives truly levels the playing field for all entrepreneurs.
