Startup Funding and Capital

How startups raise money: bootstrapping, angels, venture capital, SAFEs, valuation and the paperwork that comes with each.

Money is the question every founder asks first and understands last. These guides explain the sources of startup capital, how funding rounds are named and sized, how investors value an early company, and how to pick between a SAFE and a convertible note without a law degree.

Start with the overview of ways to raise capital, then read the stage-by-stage guide so the vocabulary stops being a barrier. If you plan to bootstrap, the comparison with venture capital will help you decide on purpose rather than by default.

Guides in this topic

How to Raise Capital for a Startup: Options and StepsHow to raise capital for a startup: the main types of funding, how to get funded with no revenue, how much to raise, and the steps from first check to close.
Startup Funding Stages: Pre-Seed to Series C ExplainedStartup funding stages explained in plain English: pre-seed, seed and Series A, B and C, what each round is for, what investors expect and how rounds are sized.
SAFE vs Convertible Note: Which Is Better for Founders?SAFE vs convertible note explained: how each works, valuation caps, discounts, interest and maturity, with a worked example and the trade-offs for founders.
How to Value a Startup: Methods for Pre-Revenue CompaniesHow to value a startup before it has revenue: common methods, pre-money vs post-money, and a worked dilution example with round numbers you can follow.
How to Split Equity Between Co-Founders (and Vesting)How to split equity between co-founders: factors to weigh, equal vs unequal splits, 4-year vesting with a 1-year cliff, and a worked example with round numbers.
Pitch Deck Outline: What to Include, Slide by SlideA pitch deck outline for first-time founders: what goes on each slide, how to order them, seed pitch deck tips and the mistakes that sink an investor deck.
Bootstrapping vs Venture Capital: How to ChooseBootstrapping vs venture capital explained: how each works, what you give up, worked examples, and how to decide which path fits your startup.
Startup Grants: How to Find Real Free MoneyStartup grants explained honestly: what exists, who qualifies, how SBIR works at a high level, how to search, and how to spot grant scams before you pay.
Accelerator vs Incubator: Differences and How to ChooseAccelerator vs incubator explained: what each does, how accelerators take equity, who each suits, and how to decide whether you need one at all.
Startup Budget: How to Build One and Find Your RunwayCreate a startup budget step by step: costs checklist, monthly expenses, a runway formula with worked numbers, and what it really costs to start a business.

Startup Funding and Capital

Guides in this topic

Key terms

Other topics