Get ahead of your fundraising – and be ready to close before christmas

Many founders, CEOs, and boards experience that fundraising takes longer than expected.
Not because the company isn’t strong — but because the process involves multiple stakeholders, conversations, and timing factors that are difficult to fully control.
The good news is: you’re still early.

If you start preparing now, you can run your fundraising process in a structured, calm, and professional way — and be in a strong position when investors are ready.

Why does fundraising take time?

Fundraising is a process where several things need to align — often across different people and timelines.

Typically, we see that:
  • Investor availability varies
    Summer, holidays, and international schedules naturally extend timelines
  • Decisions are made through dialogue
    Investors discuss opportunities with co-investors, advisors, and existing shareholders
  • Due diligence is a natural part of the process
    Reviewing materials and asking questions takes time — as it should
  • Momentum builds over time
    Strong processes develop through multiple interactions
💡 Starting early allows you to work with the process — not against it.

Want to be ready after the summer?

If you plan to start your fundraising when investors return after summer, this is the right time to prepare.

A structured path to closing before Christmas

If you begin now, a typical process looks like this:

  • May – June: Preparation (investment readiness)
  • June – August: Kick-off & process start
  • August – October: Investor dialogue & momentum

  • November – December: Due diligence & closing

Step 1: Build Your Investment Readiness (May – June)

This is where you build the foundation for your entire process.

You work on:
  • Investor deck
  • Investor pitch
  • Equity story
  • Basic data room
  • Self due diligence
  • Company profile
💡 Strong preparation creates confidence — and gives you control in investor conversations.
👉 Get this in place via Funding Bootcamp (May 27)

Step 2: Kick-off & Positioning (June - August)

Once you’re ready, the process starts with a structured kick-off.

In this phase, you:
  • Position your case clearly
  • Identify relevant investors
  • Define your outreach strategy
  • Introduce your company to the network

Step 3: Investor Dialogue & Momentum (August - October)

This is where relationships are built and momentum develops:

  • Meetings and pitch sessions
  • Webinars and investor events
  • Follow-ups and ongoing dialogue
  • Iteration of your case based on feedback
💡 A strong process creates momentum naturally — without needing to push.

Step 4: Due Diligence & Closing (November - December)

In the final phase, interest turns into commitment:

  • Due diligence and deeper review
  • Data room updates and validation
  • Term discussions
  • Agreements and closing

Who is this relevant for?

For startups and scaleups who:
  • Have early traction (e.g. revenue, pilots, or clear demand)
  • Are preparing for an external funding round
  • Want to be ready for investor dialogue and due diligence
  • Aim to run a structured and professional process