Sensible Methods to Fund Your Startup 

Today, there are perhaps more methods for funding a startup than ever before.

 Furthermore, in this day and age of the internet, it’s easier to find different investors than previously.

 Some funding methods will be more suitable than others, though. So, here are some of the most sensible methods you could utilize to fund your startup and make it a success. 

Family and Friends

Some people who are planning on starting their own businesses are reluctant to ask family and friends for financial support. However, the truth is many startups use this method for the initial funding phase. 

You may well need to acquire other funding to get your new business off the ground. But when you need initial funds to prove your business concept can be successful, asking your family and friends is a great starting point.

Bank Loans

A bank loan is one of the most traditional ways of funding a new business and it’s still one of the most common ways of kickstarting a startup today.

By applying for a bank loan, you can gain the initial capital you need to begin your business venture.

Just make sure that you research different lenders and the various types of loans that are available to ensure you get the best deal and pay a favorable interest rate.

 Overdrafts from banks can also be used to fund your startup.

A HELOC

If you have equity in your home, you could consider taking out equity-backed credit lines for homeowners.

With the right HELOC, you could access up to as much as 95% of your property’s equity.

Furthermore, HELOCs often have lower interest rates than unsecured loans. They’re flexible, too, which means you can borrow what you need when you need it. And unlike other types of loans, you can use a HELOC for any purpose.

So, if you’ve built up equity in your home, this could be a good option for funding your new business.

Other Bootstrapping Methods

Taking money out of your home equity is just one form of bootstrapping, which means you use your own funds to start your business.

In addition to using money from your home equity, you could use your savings or low or no-interest credit cards to get your startup capital, for instance.

If you’re considering using the bootstrapping method, it’s a good idea to get a credit report first so that you know precisely what your financial standing is.

Crowdfunding

The option to crowdfund has become a very popular method for funding a startup in recent times.

Using an online crowdfunding platform, you would raise the capital you need from the general public.

You’ll need to give something in return, though. For example, you could offer shares in your company.

If you believe your business has excellent growth potential, crowdfunding can be an especially effective funding method.

Angel Investors

Angel investors could be the guardian angels you need to help get your startup off the ground and make it a success story.

Basically, angel investors are wealthy people who fund businesses in exchange for a share of the business.

You could access individual angel investors or work with a group of investors.

While you won’t be able to retain 100% control over your business with angel investment, this method can be very effective for getting a substantial amount of capital to build your new business.

Venture Capitalists

Typically, venture capitalists put even more funds into new businesses than angel investors.

Again, you would give a venture capitalist a share in your business in return for the investment.

Venture capitalists are particularly a good choice if you want to grow your business quickly.

Furthermore, you can often find venture capitalists who will act as mentors to help you achieve success.