5 Capital Raising Strategies  And A Case Study For Pre-Revenue SaaS Businesses Seeking Capital

March 16,2023 11:54 PM

Engage IKT Business Valuations To Raise Capital For Your Business

Fundamentally the concept of raising capital makes rational sense, "Ask for money from those who may be interested in giving it." A simple phrase. However, as with most human activities, complexity breeds complexity and each word in that simple phrase fractals into myriad meaning and actions before any spendable dollars land in your operating account. You are left with two options (1) do the asking yourself or (2) hire someone to do the asking for you. The benefit of running the capital raise yourself is that you are most often the best representative for your business. The drawbacks are that your number one job becomes capital raising and depending on your business and the capital market environment of the moment the timeline for someone new to the capital raising process can extend beyond the period in which you are seeking to deploy the capital in your business.  


5 potential capital raising strategies for a pre-revenue SaaS business:

  1. Angel investors: Angel investors are high net worth individuals who invest their personal funds into startups in exchange for equity. They can provide valuable expertise, connections, and mentorship to early-stage companies.

  2. Venture capital: Venture capital firms are institutional investors that provide funding in exchange for equity in startups that have high growth potential. They can also provide valuable support and guidance to help startups achieve their growth objectives.

  3. Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding involves raising small amounts of money from a large number of individuals through online platforms. This can be an effective way to raise capital while also building a community of supporters for the business.

  4. Accelerators/incubators: Accelerators and incubators provide startups with funding, mentorship, and resources in exchange for equity. These programs can also help startups refine their business model, build their team, and establish valuable connections in the industry.

  5. Grants and awards: There are a variety of grants and awards available for startups, especially those with a social or environmental impact. These opportunities can provide non-dilutive funding and recognition that can help attract future investors.


Case Study: Pre-revenue SaaS Business Capital Raise


XYZ Inc. is a technology startup that has developed a cloud-based software platform for the healthcare industry. The platform allows healthcare providers to securely store, share, and manage patient data and medical records in real-time. XYZ has built a strong team of software developers, healthcare professionals, and business leaders, and has completed an initial round of seed funding from angel investors and a small venture capital firm.

To reach its growth objectives, XYZ Inc. is seeking to raise $15 million in capital to fund product development, marketing, and sales efforts. The company's management team has identified several potential sources of capital, including venture capital firms, private equity firms, strategic investors, and high net worth individuals.


However, there are several challenges that XYZ Inc. faces in raising this capital. First, the healthcare industry is highly regulated, and there are concerns about compliance with laws and regulations related to patient data privacy and security. Second, the company is pre-revenue and does not yet have a proven track record of sales or customer adoption. Third, there is significant competition in the healthcare technology space, with large incumbents and well-funded startups vying for market share.


To address these challenges and attract investors, XYZ Inc. will need to develop a compelling business plan that highlights the strength of its team, the value proposition of its platform, and its potential for growth and profitability. The company will also need to demonstrate its compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and provide evidence of customer interest and feedback.


To raise capital, XYZ Inc. may pursue several strategies, including:

  1. Pitching to venture capital firms and private equity firms that have experience in the healthcare technology space and are looking for high-growth opportunities.

  2. Targeting strategic investors in the healthcare industry, such as large hospital systems, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical companies, that may be interested in investing in innovative technology solutions.

  3. Leveraging relationships with high net worth individuals or family offices that are interested in investing in emerging technology companies.

  4. Pursuing crowdfunding campaigns or participating in startup accelerator programs that can provide access to capital and mentorship.

  5. Seeking partnerships or collaborations with other healthcare technology companies or industry associations to expand the company's reach and credibility.

Overall, the success of XYZ Inc.'s capital raise will depend on the company's ability to demonstrate its value proposition, build trust with investors, and execute on its growth strategy in a highly competitive and regulated industry.


IKT Business Valuations offers capital raising services including lender/investor due diligence, advisory services, and promotional services. Leverage our network of investors and traditional lenders to obtain capital for your business. Call us at (858) 358-6604 to learn more about our capital raising services or schedule time to learn more here

Ian Kelly-Thomas