100 Stories of Growth - Insights from Entrepreneurs

FINANCIAL CAPITAL We’ve talked extensively to founders and business leaders at fast-growing SMEs in the UK to find out what the optimum capital journey looks like for their businesses. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to funding a growing or scaling business, there are some very common themes that company founders and financial capital providers should consider. It’s no surprise that people and open and supportive relationships with capital providers often form the basis of success. Many founders have told us that they have only sought investment or finance from capital providers whom they like and respect. They’ve also preferred capital partnerships where there is mutual understanding and a shared vision of their business. We’ve heard all too often how weak financial capital foundations have a tendency to crumble. The prospect of sitting across the table from someone you trust for the next five or seven years after completing a funding round is extremely important for many founders. This is especially true for those that have built up a solid track record of running a well-capitalised business. Aiming for perfect alignment of interest with capital providers Julia Elliot Brown, Co-founder and CEO, Upper Street 55 54 INSIGHTS FROM ENTREPRENEURS FINANCIAL CAPITAL Photography: Andrew Urwin