100 Stories of Growth - Insights from Entrepreneurs

The capital-raising experiences infographic shows that male and female entrepreneurs have relatively similar experiences about how easy it to tap equity funding or leasing contracts. But our research has revealed that twice as many men as women find it as easy to secure equity crowdfunding and grants. While it is not clear if men have easier access in reality to equity investments, they may have more choice. Just 18% of men say that they find it difficult to know where or from whom to source equity – but 40% of women entrepreneurs believe that this is the case. Investor focus is one resounding area where both male and female founders would like to see more support. More than four in five (81%) of women and 73% of men say they would like to see investors prioritise their funding to companies with the greatest growth prospects. “We had big ambitions from day one and didn’t just want to sell to friends, so we started talking to business angels early and raised £1m.” — VIRGINIE CHARLÈS-DEAR, FOUNDER, TOUCANBOX Capital-raising experiences: entrepreneurs’ top choices 63 62 INSIGHTS FROM ENTREPRENEURS FINANCIAL CAPITAL Ease of securing different capital M F Debit and credit cards Leasing Equity (high-net-worth/angel investors) 1 2 3 Leasing Factoring and invoice discounting Equity (high-net-worth/angel investors) 1 2 3 Best experience of capital types used M F Leasing Investment: friends and family Equity (high-net-worth/angel investors) 1 2 3 Debit and credit cards Tax advantage investment (EIS, VCTs) Equity (high-net-worth/angel investors) 1 2 3 M F Male Female of women think investors should prioritise funding companies with the greatest growth prospects 80% Source: 100 Stories of Growth - Capital at Work