Funding for Your Startup: The Pros and Cons of Various Options
Funding for Your Startup: The Pros and Cons of Various Options
Have you finally decided to bring your business idea to life? Maybe you’ve even written a business plan! But what about startup money? Is investing with your own finances the only way to “water the soil of your success,” and are you sure you have enough “water?” Let’s discuss how to find investors for startup, and the pros and cons of different methods of funding.
Self-Funding
Pros: It’s an excellent way to remain independent from financial obligations to other people, as well as their opinions concerning your startup idea.
Cons: It isn’t always convenient to save money, plus it lowers your standard of living.
Funding from Family and Friends
Pros: You can ask the people who love and trust you to give money for your business startup. If they agree, you won’t have to pay back with interest and you’ll be able to take all the time you need to launch the idea.
Cons: If your startup isn’t successful, the investments from your friends and family can ruin those relationships. There are many examples of successful startups that began with loans from loved ones, but it’s important to remember that when you borrow from family and friends, you’re risking more than money.
Microloans and Bank Loans
Pros: You know exactly how much you’re taking out and when exactly you need to pay it back. A financial company is a steady and reliable investor.
Cons: Banks aren’t in a hurry to invest in tech startups. And are you sure you’ll be able to pay back the money when the time comes?
Investment Funds
Pros: Online investment funds unite entrepreneurs and people who are looking for startup companies to invest in. You can introduce them to your idea and business plan, communicate with potential customers, look at other startups, and become knowledgeable and financed faster than you expected.
Cons: Someone might steal your idea. Also, you need to be ready for criticism.
Receiving a Grant
Pros: You can apply for a grant an infinite number of times. There’s no need to find investors or to pay money back.
Cons: To succeed, a startup project has to be unique, but to be awarded a grant, a startup project has to be unique, useful, trendy, a sure thing, etc.
Combining Funding Sources
Pros: Combining funding sources allows you to have many options at once. And if your startup is partly self-funded, that means that when your startup turns a profit, there will be less you have to give away.
Cons: All of the above.
