Crowdfunding<\/a> has created a viable alternative for startups to raise capital. You can pitch your idea for a product or service to a wide audience across the world. If successful, the business gets the money it needs and a customer base that has a personal investment in your business venture.<\/span><\/p>\nWho would want to give you money for an idea? It turns out that many people want to support someone that is doing\/creating something they believe in. The donations usually are so small that your backers have the ability easily let go of to invest in a product. You must convince your supporters that you WILL deliver on your promises. <\/span><\/p>\nThis has become possible in recent years thanks to websites that allow nonprofits, artists, musicians and businesses to raise money. With more than 600 crowdfunding platforms \u00a0such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, around the world, you can always find the platform that is right to fund your startup.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Angel Funding<\/span><\/h2>\nAngel funding for startups is not quite as expansive as crowdfunding, but it can be just as devoted. Angel investors are high net worth individuals. They usually provide smaller amounts of finance at an earlier stage of a business than many venture capital funds can. More and more angel investors invest alongside seed venture capital funds.<\/span><\/p>\nOne of the major benefits of having an Angel investor\u00a0is the support gained. Not only do they invest money, they also invest industry knowledge and contacts to entrepreneurs. All this helps you gain the necessary information to further grow your business AND your business knowledge. <\/span><\/p>\nAngels will often take non-executive board positions in the companies in which they invest. Startups have become more dependent on angel investors, as they are able to accommodate more small deals. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Venture Capital<\/span><\/h2>\nAlong with angel funding, you may use venture capital to help with finance. Venture capital is financing invested in startups and small businesses that are usually high risk but have the potential for exponential growth. The goal of a venture capital investment is a very high return, usually in the form of an acquisition of the startup or an IPO (initial public offering).<\/span><\/p>\nVenture capital is great funding for startups that want to quickly expand. The investments are large so your startup has to be prepared to take that money and grow. <\/span><\/p>\nA big advantage of venture capital funding is that if your startup goes under, there\u2019s no obligation to pay it back. Just like angel funding, venture capitalists come to the table with a lot of business and institutional knowledge. They\u2019re also well-connected with other businesses that could help you and your startups, professionals that you might want to take on as employees and other investors.<\/span><\/p>\nIt\u2019s true you don\u2019t have to pay back, but venture capital firms are expecting a return on investment. Therefore, if you\u2019re looking to keep your startup for yourself, maybe venture capital isn\u2019t for you. In that vein, you give up part of your ownership of your company with venture capitalists and, depending on the deal made, you may be losing management control as well.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n