Looking For Tools To Raise Capital? Here Are Some Tips To Remember

Tools to Raise Capital

As a first-time entrepreneur, you must have been rushing from one end to another desperately to raise capital for your startup.

It isn’t so easy indeed. But it’s not impossible too provided you can identify your most suitable tools to raise capital.

You have to understand your business properly before you approach an investor. The current status of your business is the biggest factor to determine which investor you need to approach.

·         If you are entrepreneur with a unique business plan only with no milestones achieved yet, your friends, family and the angels can be your most suitable investors.

·         If you are an entrepreneur with a prototype or a group of beta customers, you can approach the early stage venture capitalists.

·         If you have a proven product/service, a smart and efficient team and a group of trusted customers, you can approach the later stage venture capitalists.

·         If you have achieved the position where you have a sustainable revenue growth and you are expecting profits in the next 1 year, then the public markets can be a suitable tool to raise capital.

In any case, there’s nothing like being able to finance your business with your personal savings. If you can contribute at least 10 to 25% or even better if 50% from your personal savings, you will be in a much better position while sitting in front of the investors.

One of the most important tools to raise capital, that can give the biggest boost to your capital raising effort, is a successful pitch. Try to have your pitch ready at all cost and make sure you summarize everything so that the message you convey is swift, interesting, engaging and time-saving.

Whatever tools you have in your arsenal to raise capital, make sure you use it actively; no need to wait for the investors to ask for it, just come up with it and show it to the investors. These things are essential to make the investor realize how much you are prepared and devoted to raising capital for your startup.

There is another tools to raise capital that can indirectly help you in your fund-raising campaign. It is nothing but an intelligent network that you must become a part of. Becoming a member of such a network will bring you close to your potential investors or buyers, sellers and financial advisors of the startup eco-system. It will not only save your time but will also enable you to increase your contacts and build new business strategies and most importantly, approach only the right investors (i.e. those who are interested in the sector you are dealing with).

Merger Alpha is also an intelligent networking operating in Singapore serving as a common platform for buyers, sellers and investors to acquire, sell or finance private companies.

To know more on tools to raise capital or you feel interested to become a part of this community, feel free to visit http://mergeralpha.com/.

Happy capital raising!

Need Tips For Raising Capital? Try To Avoid These Fundraising Mistakes

Tips for Capital Raising

Very often, entrepreneurs scroll through the web in search of tips for raising capital for their startup. No doubt, there are a lot of things you can learn about an early stage capital raising campaign and but what is more important is to learn from mistakes made by others. Often, despite having all other things in proper places, an entrepreneur may fail to raise the Dollars just because of a single mistake.

Here’s a list of some of the most common mistakes done by first-time entrepreneurs (at times, even by those who already have experience in capital raising). Though you can never really count a definite number of mistakes as every investor is different in his/her preferences, you can still avoid the following mistakes to be on a safer side.

Asking More Or Less Than What You Need

Determining how much capital you need is nothing less than a fiery trail. You have to remember that raising a seed stage startup requires huge capital and your demand for the capital should be so balanced that neither you ask for too much money nor you go broke during a crisis situation by raising too less. Make sure you raise an amount that is required to meet your milestones and timelines. If you ask something unrealistically low, you will simply welcome a disaster for you by proving to the VCs that you do not have a proper understanding of what it takes to grow a business. So be realistic in your demand even if the amount is too high.  

Making Unrealistic Promises

Investors would love to invest in a startup with set goals and timelines.  But to demonstrate unrealistic milestones just for the sake of convincing the investors is again not a good idea. They will definitely like to see that you are able to deliver what others think is impossible but better try to ensure that it something that you will really be able to accomplish.  No need to put on a superman’s mask as it will be embarrassing if it is pulled off. 

Showing Unrealistic Demand For Your Deal

Tips for Raising capital from an investor is also the initiation of a long-term association with the investor who is going to be with you throughout the journey, which should be purely based on trust. There is no place for any dishonesty and if you show that, it is only you who is going to suffer later.  Like many other entrepreneurs, if you too have a tendency to show that there are many other investors who are dying to invest in your deal, make sure it is genuine. Otherwise, it can be humiliating on your part to cling to the investors’ door waiting for their call even after a month. 

Hiring An Agent To Present The Pitch

Being an entrepreneur looking to raise capital, each and every move of yours will be brought under the scanner. If you hire an agent to present your first pitch, it indicates that you do not have the skill and efficiency to present it on your own. It can be an instant turn off for any investor so better ignore the idea and do it on your own.

Keeping Member In The Team Who Do Not Add Any Value

It is very essential for a startup to have a team where each and every member is playing a significant contribution in their respective fields. It is quite common among entrepreneurs to present a team comprising of their friends and family members which is absolutely fine provided the members are highly qualified and have proper business sense to help you grow the business. Otherwise, it doesn’t make any sense investing in a member who has least contribution to make.

There are many such mistakes that can simply ruin all your efforts and encourage the investors to invest in some other venture. Try to ensure that you do not disappoint your potential financers at any cost and consider it as the most important tip whenever you approach your next investor.

For more tips on capital raising, feel free to visit Merger Alpha http://mergeralpha.com/.

Private Equity Options For Capital Raising In Singapore

Capital Raising In Singapore

The biggest challenge for any start-up is to raise capital so as to set the business off the ground. Commonly, entrepreneurs turn to their friends and families or personal savings for the initial rounds of financing but a time comes when they need more capital for further growth and expansion of the business. Thankfully, entrepreneurs in Singapore have, currently, ample options to boost their start-ups as the city-state is attracting more and more foreign private investors to boost its start-up ecosystem.

Capital raising in Singapore has become much easier now with the launch of many government aided and private equity firms which have realized the growing potential of the Southeast Asian start-up markets. Here are some of the best options for private equity financing in Singapore that businesses, often, tend to approach.

Angel Investors

Angel investors are private investors who are most wealthy people looking to invest in high-risk start-ups in exchange for an equity share in the company. They work either individually or as a network of angels to invest in start-ups and seed stage businesses. The wealthy individuals referred to as the angel investors form a significant part of capital raising in Singapore.

The angel investors typically invest in those high-potential start-ups that deal with a business that they are familiar with. Apart from offering capital, the investors also share their knowledge and offer valuable guidance especially on finance and management.

Venture Capitalists

Compared to the US and Europe, the venture capital industry is still new in Singapore. Venture capitalists, although quite similar to the angel investors slightly differ in their operations. While they are also in search for high-potential start-ups, the return is they expect is, however, much more than what the angel investors expect. Usually, they expect a return of more 25% percent for each year’s investment.

Venture capital is the most popular option for capital raising in Singapore. Not only do they offer guidance and mentorship along with capital, they even offer the maximum amount of financing required by a start-up to grow and expand. The VCs are mostly interested in sectors like IT, manufacturing, services, biotechnology, medicine, etc.

Private Funds

The third private equity option for start-ups is the private fund. Banks, financial organizations and investment companies are the main sources of private funds. Unlike the angel investors and the venture capitalists, the private funds neither invest in the seed-stage or growth-stage not get involved in the investee company’s business. They just await a good return on their investment which is why they are usually considered ideal for the established businesses.

Conclusion

For start-ups planning for capital raisingin Singapore, options are many but they have to ensure that they have a sound business plan with a sizable and scalable market. Convincing the private investors is quite a tough job; it might take several rounds of meetings and pitch preparations to ultimately find a suitable investor. For best results, it is highly advisable for start-ups to become a part of a network that drastically reduces the time required to find the right investor. Such a popular network is the Merger Alpha, based in Singapore that performs the task of bringing together buyers, sellers, investors and advisers under a single roof. For more information on the network or capital raising in Singapore, feel free to visit http://mergeralpha.com/

A List Of Firms You Can Chase For Raising Venture Capital In Singapore

Raising Venture Capital In Singapore
The fast-growing venture capital industry in Singapore has opened ample opportunities for the Southeast Asian startups. Asia was always a powerhouse of talents who were waiting for the right opportunity to turn their unique ideas into reality. The biggest requirement was the capital they needed to grow their startups and with the entry of numerous international VC firms, the entrepreneurs are now quite hopeful of seeing their dreams fulfilled.
In case, you are planning to raise venture capital in Singapore, here’s a list of some of the top venture capital firms that are awaiting you provided you have a unique business idea to target a sizable and scalable market and a smart and hardworking management team.

Top Investors Offering Venture Capital In Singapore
•    Adam Street Partners – Invests in - Software, enterprise software and Biotechnology.
•    Ardent Capital – Invests in - Technology, Transactional Commerce and Advertising.
•    Carlyle Group – Invests in - Real Assets, and Corporate and Private Equity.
•    Digital Media Partner – Invests in - Digital Market and Consumer Internet.
•    Extream Ventures – Invests in - Internet, Security, Biometrics and Semiconductor.
•    Fenox Venture Capital – Invests in - Technology.
•    Flag Capital – Invests in - Energy Resources and Real Estate.
•    Golden Gate Ventures – Invests in - Technology, Mobile, Online Business, Finance, etc.
•    Gree Ventures – Invests in - Technology and Online Business.
•    Gobi Partners – Invests in - Digital Media, Digital technology.
•    GGV Capital – Invest in - Healthcare, Infrastructure, Consumer products and services.
•    Innosight Ventures – Invests in - Internet Marketing, Mobile Application Development, Mobile Gaming, IT Security, etc.
•    Intel Capital – Invests in - Digital Media and Entertainment, Software Services, Computing, Mobile, Consumer Internet, Manufacturing Industry.
•    JAFCO Asia – Invests in - Technology.
•    JFDI.Asia – Invests in - Technology.
•    Mclean Watson Capital – Invests in - Technology, IT, Software Services, Telecommunications and Energy.
•    Singtel Innov8 – Invests in - Digital Content Services, Customer Service Enhancers, Next Generation Devices, Network Capabilities, etc.
•    SEAVI Advent – Invests in - technology, healthcare, energy, etc.
•    TNF Ventures – Invests in - Telecommunications, Technology, Medical, Eco-friendly Products/Services, Media, etc.
•    Upstream Ventures – Invests in - IT, Internet, Software Services, Security, Biometrics, IDM and Semiconductors.
•    Welden International – Invests in - IT and Software, Internet/Digital marketing, Cleantech, Semiconductors, and emerging technologies.

Conclusion
Getting access to Venture Capital in Singapore is no more a distant dream; all you need is a sound business plan. Also make sure you target the right investors and not waste time chasing the one is not interested in the industry you are dealing with. The above list also covers the sector preference of the investors so that you find it easier to recognize your suitable investor.
For more information on venture capital in Singapore, feel free to visit http://mergeralpha.com/

Why Should You Invest In Gold Mining Stocks?

The best piece of advice I can ever give you is to diversify your portfolio by investing in commodities which may include a variety of raw materials like gold, silver, copper, any other metal or maybe even a crop. Among all these commodities, gold has so far proved itself as the safest haven for investors, especially during any economic crisis. So, if you are planning to invest in gold, I do appreciate your decision.

If you are planning to invest in gold, it means you are looking forward to a long-term investment which is wise. Now, there are various ways you can invest in gold. You can choose to buy physical gold no matter what shape and size, coins or bars, just anything.

To make it large, you can even buy a gold mining company. This means, you are the owner and therefore, responsible for the success or failure of your company as you are directly involved in the management team. However, that might be little stressful. Isn’t it?

Worry not, as there is another golden investment strategy.  You can buy a share of ownership in a gold mining company. By buying a stock, you simply own a percentage share of the overall profit made by the company and don’t need to bear any headache regarding its management.  So basically, you simply invest and then wait for the right time to reap the benefits and there is no additional tension.

The third option has become quite popular and is increasingly motivating the investors to mine gold and ensure a good return in future as this precious metal witnesses rapid capital appreciation and is less volatile compared to other investment options even when the market is tensed.

With more and more investors turning to mine gold, the entrepreneurs dealing with the business are getting more scope to start and expand their gold mining ventures. You can also invest in a newly started mining venture to provide it with the initial operational costs. Not a bad strategy of course!

However, any investment requires a lot of research and networking. Do not forget to keep a close watch on the market and simultaneously keep expanding your network so that you can easily reach out to that suitable investment options you have been eagerly waiting for.

For better assistance, you can also consider becoming a part of an intelligent network such as Merger Alpha http://mergeralpha.com/ that brings together buyers, seller, investors and financial advisors under a single roof so that each section can fulfill its requirement and earn profits.

Good Luck!

And, feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comment box.

Small Investors To Mine Gold : A Risky But Lucrative Investment

The rise and fall of economy always affects the currency in our pocket. In such a scenario, investment is a good way to safeguard your family’s future or if that’s not a fear in your case then at least you can make huge profits for yourself. These days, the gold mining companies are gradually emerging as a hot investment option although it involves huge amount of risk – but then, no risk no gain. The greater the risk, the more is the return on your investment.

Now the question is what actually prompts the investors to mine gold? Why they are increasingly getting attracted towards the gold mining ventures? Gold is a Nature’s gift – a precious, costly metal that has long been a status symbol for people around the world. The shinning yellow colour of the metal easily appeals to the eyes and therefore it has always been an integral part of social ceremonies in many parts of the globe. The price of gold keeps changing at regular intervals although there is no certainty – at times the price rises to peak and very next moment it may fall drastically.

However, the fact still remains that the metal is one of the greatest treasures on this earth and therefore investment in its origin has proved to be a wise choice. If you are also planning to join the league of investors heading to mine gold, you typically have certain choices to make.

Firstly, you can choose to purchase the mining company itself, either in whole or in part. In this case, you become the owner of the company and get directly involved in the mining project. The return on your investment will depend upon your own and your employees’ competency.

As a second option, you can buy a share of the mining company. In this case, you are not the actual owner but will simply wait for your return on your investment once the management team of the company comes up with huge profits. If it is a short term investment, you will be paid back quickly and if it is a long term one, you can definitely expect to get a huge ROI.

You can also consider investing in a mining startup. There are many ventures looking to raise funds for the initial operational costs. This is quite a profitable option as you are offering the capital as a loan to the company with the expectation of a good return without directly getting involved in the management team or facing any hardships.

Usually, it is next to impossible for such startups to raise funds from the conventional sources like banks and other financial organizations, so they are often ready to offer extraordinarily high returns on your investments which might range from 40% to 50% to even 100%, and that too within 2 to 3 years.

Finding a suitable investment opportunity is a matter of great joy and gold mining, being a booming business, is always a good option. You can talk with the management of a company, know about the deal and, if needed, place an offer from your side as well. Such deals are often negotiable and have huge potential to earn revenues.

For more information on investment in gold mines, feel free to visit http://mergeralpha.com/

Product Offering of Merger Alpha

Capital & Network – The Biggest Requirements for a Startup

OK, I do realize the excitement of starting a new business and also the phase we all go through in figuring out the most suitable source of startup funding. But unless you have a strong network, finding a suitable funding source will be next to impossible.

If you have a huge amount of personal savings, it might help you in the initial rounds of financing but a stage will come when you will need a professional investor to indulge into your business to help it grow and expand.

So, how about having a platform that can help you take a leap and get hold of a suitable investor for your startup?

Visit the Merger Alpha team - a company based in Singapore targeting the fast-growing Asian market. Merger Alpha is dedicatedly working towards encouraging entrepreneurship in Asia and to fulfill this objective, the company offers an innovative & international platform to bring together entrepreneurs, investors and financial advisors.

How Merger Alpha Can Help Your Business?

To know how Merger Alpha can help you turn your newly-started business into a well-established one, you have to first go through the product offerings of the company. Here’s a list of the products/services offered by Merger Alpha.

·         Develop Your Business
you will get access to a common platform which will bring you close to potential investors and buyers. Naturally, your chances of finding a suitable suitor increases greatly. You don’t have to rove here and there and spend your valuable time and energy in search of an investor or a partner or a buyer. Basically, it’s a one-stop destination meant to fulfill the basic and the most important needs of startups.

·         Raise Fund
You know how tough it is to raise fund for a startup. Convincing the investors, especially the venture capitalists, is as tough as selling fridge to an Eskimo.

The team at Merger Alpha tries to make things easier for the entrepreneurs like you.  They strive to introduce you to the most suitable investors around the world, i.e. those investors who are interested in the industry you are dealing with.

Until you get in touch with the right investor, you will simple keep scratching your head thinking why you are not able to raise fund for your startup. By being a member of an intelligent network like Merger Alpha, you will easily get one step closer to your goal.

·         Joint ventures and Partnerships
You will easily find a suitable partnership company and increase your revenue and profitability. This will ensure that your start-cost is much lower and you have enough capital to grow your business.  You can partner with local or cross border companies who are also in search of companies like yours.

Through the network, it will be much easier for you to expand your network, your market, products and customer base. In short, your revenues will increase very soon.

·         Stealth Campaigns
While you are looking for a suitable investor for your startup, you can explore various companies, get to know the investors, their choices and portfolios companies, and also do the valuation based on that which will be kept purely confidential.

You will be provided a dashboard through which you can manage your interactions with other members of the network in a completely secure environment.

Conclusion

For entrepreneurs, there is nothing like getting quick access to a suitable investor and see their business reach new heights. If you have a newly-started business and you are still struggling to receive startup funding which is enough to push your company, you can take a chance by being a member of this intelligent network called Merger alpha.

For further information on the network, feel free to visit http://mergeralpha.com/