Let’s dive into the world of business funding with Fran Spooner. She walks us through everything from bootstrapping to angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, and loans.
Whether you’re thinking about getting external funding or growing your business on your own, Fran offers a straightforward guide to help you understand your options, evaluate what’s best for you, and avoid common pitfalls.
And, as many early-stage founders and marketers discover, the topic of funding can feel overwhelming or even intimidating. The good news? As Fran Spooner shares, there truly are no stupid questions when it comes to learning about how, when, or even if to look for external investment for your company.
Surround yourself with experts in areas where you lack expertise, and be willing to delegate. Successful founders are skilled at recruiting to fill their own knowledge gaps, recognizing that no one is proficient in everything, not even oneself.
Fran Spooner
About Fran Spooner
Fran Spooner, a VC specialist lawyer and Partner in the Corporate team at Marriott Harrison, has deep experience in both Venture Capital and M&A transactions, and has spent time on secondment at VC funds.
Recognised as a Next Generation Partner for VC by Legal 500 UK, she understands what start-ups and investors want from their legal advisers, and is building her own practice with a focus on supporting female founders, and working with tech companies and investors in the social impact and sustainability space.
Follow her on LinkedIn: here
Check out Marriot Harrison website: here
3 Steps to Long-Term Investment Success
Preparation and clarity are essential. Many entrepreneurs look for funding too early (without a clear vision) or too late (leading to poor deals due to desperation).
While you can’t influence the fundraising market, you can control your readiness, understanding of your priorities, and the people you trust.
- Step 1: Determine the growth you want. Are you inclined towards complete control and steady growth (bootstrapping), or are you open to faster expansion with external investors (angel investors, VCs, crowdfunding, or loans)?
- Step 2: Plan your business finances. Assess the cash you have, how long it will last, and when you’ll need additional funding. Start fundraising externally earlier than you think necessary, as deals can take over 6 months to finalize.
- Step 3: Create a support network—lawyers, accountants, advisors, or even a supportive sounding board. Foster these relationships before urgent needs arise. According to Fran, a brief introductory call can prevent costly errors and boost long-term confidence.