Startups go through a series of funding rounds to secure the funding they need to get their business off the ground. These rounds can take months or even years to complete, depending on the nature of the startup. Some startups skip certain funding rounds altogether, and the entire process can vary greatly from one company to the next. This article aims to help you better understand the startup funding process and the various types of funding rounds.
What Are Funding Rounds for Startups?
Funding rounds are typically an integral part of the startup process. They help entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground and establish their company’s growth and risk profile. Depending on the stage of development, a startup may go through more than one round of funding. Some startups may skip one or more rounds altogether. Others may rely on the expertise of family members or friends to help them secure funding.
Investing in Startups
When considering investing in startup companies, it is imperative to consider the risks and potential rewards. According to a 2019 report, approximately 90% of startups fail within five years[1]. While startups have a higher risk profile than other investments, the potential for high returns can be very attractive. Equity crowdfunding has made it possible for anyone to invest in startups without having a high-net-worth or a large amount of money.
Investing in startup companies can be very exciting. For example, investors may see great potential if the product is simple and solves a common problem. Alternatively, a startup company can target a specific niche in a market with many customers. However, companies that are too focused on a single market segment may find it difficult to grow.
Therefore, it is vital to evaluate the company’s team, strategy, and its overall financial situation before committing to an investment. Some startups may also provide investors with a ringside seat to the development of new technologies and solutions. Many investors also invest in startups because they have personal connections to the founders.
How Funding Rounds Work
One of the first steps in raising capital for a startup is to develop a proof of concept. This proof of concept will show investors that the business model is feasible and that, theoretically, it is possible to generate profits. If early rounds, and the company, are successful, later-stage funding typically goes towards optimizing and scaling the business model.
Funding traction can be very challenging. While some companies take their time through each round, others can raise funds much faster. The process can be confusing if you don’t know what to expect.
Types of Funding Rounds
The first round of funding is called seed funding. Following this, the company may go on to raise more capital through subsequent funding rounds, called Series A, B, and C. Each priced round generally includes a new valuation.
Angel Round
Angel round funding is a process in which a business looks to raise capital from a pool of angel investors. These investors are often a group that provides mentorship and valuable advice, and the process often culminates in a pitch event. Angel investing is complex, and there are several factors to keep in mind. These factors may make the process more difficult for some businesses.
Traditionally, an angel round is usually the first outside funding that a startup company receives. It usually consists of small investments from angel investors — individuals, angel investor groups, or family and friends. Funds raised in an angel round vary widely and may produce anywhere from $10k to a few million dollars in capital[2] Founders will deploy this money for a variety of needs, such as marketing, hiring key personnel, and a variety of other purposes. An angel round should provide enough funding for the startup company to survive for at least one year before raising additional capital.
Angel investors may invest in a priced round (company equity), in instruments that carry a provision to convert into company equity, usually upon the successful completion of a future priced round, or in a combination thereof. Instruments that may convert to equity include convertible notes, Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFEs), and warrants.
Series A Round
Raising Series A funding can be a great option if you are in the early stages of building a new company. Because the Series A round helps set the stage for future rounds of funding, it is important to negotiate terms that are beneficial for both parties while also focusing on developing relationships with key decision-makers and potential investors.
Series A funding usually involves preferred stock for the investors. The company may also need to amend its certificate of incorporation, which addresses the issuance of additional company equity, potential changes in control, and economic rights. In addition, it is common for one or two VC firms to lead this round so the company can attract more investors. But before attracting investors, ensure you’re in the right position and can sustain the growth of your business.
During the early stages, many startups raise angel and seed funding from individuals and investors. The mean for Series A rounds has grown steadily in recent years, with the 2022 U.S mean at $23.1 million as of early July[3]. Smaller investments might not justify the time and effort that institutional investors may spend on due diligence and analysis. However, larger amounts are sometimes necessary for a startup’s growth. For example, companies in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and real estate development routinely raise more for their Series A rounds.
Series B Round
After pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding rounds, the Series B round of funding is typically the next stage in a startup’s growth. Companies in this stage tend to be more mature and have products on the market. These companies can receive funding from venture capital firms, private equity firms, and even crowd-sourced equity. An analysis of 38 2020 deals found that on average, a U.S. company in the Series B round received $33 million in capital[4].
One goal of a Series B Round of funding is to grow the company and expand its market reach. These companies typically have built substantial user bases through the previous funding rounds, and the Series B round could allow them to expand their customer base and their sales team. This round may also be used to expand the company’s business and develop quality talent.
Series C Round
A Series C funding round is generally led by private equity firms, investment banks, or hedge funds. One purpose of this round of funding is to scale up a company and increase revenue. However, there can also be many challenges that a company must consider when raising a Series C round. Here are some important things to consider when approaching this round of funding:
- As of June 2020, analysis of Series C funding rounds for U.S. companies showed an average of $59 million.3 Series C funding differs from previous rounds of funding because the investment may go into a company that has already become profitable. The general purpose of this round is to help a company grow quickly, and, at this stage, it can be a good idea to focus on product development, marketing, and product expansion. This type of funding round is usually a precursor to an IPO or a subsequent round of funding.
- Companies typically raise a Series C round to expand their business or prepare for an IPO. Subsequent rounds are typically more complex and less homogeneous in size. Another common reason for raising a Post C round is to stay private. In addition to expansion, companies may also raise a Post C round because they were not able to meet their goals in the Series C round.
IPO
These subsequent rounds are typically more complicated and diverse than early rounds, and companies raise them for different purposes. These rounds can be for expansion, preparing for an IPO, or both. Companies may also raise funding for the purpose of remaining private for a longer period of time.
The types of investors that may be involved in a startup’s fundraising process can depend on several factors, including the company’s maturity level and its growth prospects. Typically, funding rounds for a startup will take several years from launch until IPO. But, a startup, even a successful startup, may never make it all the way to the IPO stage.
Pre-IPO Investments Offer Unique Growth Potential
Private placement investing offers investment opportunities before a company is listed on a public exchange. Imagine investing in Google or Amazon before the majority of investors could access shares or before anyone knew how profitable they would eventually become.
Ready to vet and access Pre-IPO Investments? Sign up for your free account today.
Want to learn more about investing pre-IPO? Check out the following MicroVentures blogs to learn more:
[1] https://startupgenome.com/reports/global-startup-ecosystem-report-2019
[2] https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/102015/series-b-c-funding-what-it-all-means-and-how-it-works.asp
[3] https://www.fundz.net/what-is-series-a-funding-series-b-funding-and-more
[4] https://www.fundz.net/what-is-series-a-funding-series-b-funding-and-more
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The information presented here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed or used as, comprehensive offering documentation for any security, investment, tax or legal advice, a recommendation, or an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, an interest, directly or indirectly, in any company. Investing in both early-stage and later-stage companies carries a high degree of risk. A loss of an investor’s entire investment is possible, and no profit may be realized. Investors should be aware that these types of investments are illiquid and should anticipate holding until an exit occurs.
