Secure The Right Investment With Experienced CFO Support.

At iFD, we specialise in preparing businesses for investment rounds. Our Fractional CFOs bring experience across all funding types, including grant funding, debt financing, venture capital (VC), private equity (PE) and angel investments, with expertise in EIS and SEIS rounds. We provide tailored, industry-specific support to maximise your chances of securing funding. From developing a clear and compelling business plan to refining your financials and growth projections, we help you build a strong value proposition that attracts investors.

Why you Need to Prepare a Business for Investment?

Securing investment is a crucial step for any growing business, but the process can be complex and requires meticulous planning. Whether you are a pre-seed start-up or looking to secure series B funding, preparing for investment involves more than just presenting financial figures; it’s about crafting a compelling business narrative that resonates with investors and demonstrates the business’s future growth potential. Proper preparation ensures you not only secure the necessary funding but also negotiate favourable terms and achieve long-term value for your company.

What Does the Service Look Like

We will provide an experienced Fractional CFO with the practical know-how to prepare companies within your industry sector for investment. Although every business is unique, our CFOs will follow a proven process to guide businesses through every stage of the investment process. Here’s what to expect from our service:

 

Step 1 – Investment Strategy: We start by assessing your business’s current financial position, defining your business’s funding needs, and identifying the most suitable investment sources, such as grants, private equity, venture capital or business angel.

 

Step 2 – Business Plan Development: We help you craft a detailed business plan that clearly articulates your goals, mission, and value proposition. It will demonstrate a deep understanding of your market with financial projections to showcase your business’s growth potential.

 

Step 3 – Accurate Financial Documents: Investors will scrutinise your financials closely, so we ensure you have accurate and transparent financial records, particularly the profit and loss statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement and financial projections.

 

Step 4 – Investor Targeting: Your CFO will identify potential investors whose goals align with your company’s vision and funding needs and facilitate an introduction.

 

Step 5 – Pitch Deck Preparation: We will help you secure the crucial follow-up meeting with investors with a well-put-together pitch deck, a brief, visual presentation used to present your business.

 

Step 6 – Deal Negotiation: Our CFOs guide you through the negotiation process, helping you secure favourable terms and structures that align with your company’s goals.

 

Step 7 – Post-Investment Monitoring: After securing the investment, we can help you track performance against projected targets to ensure that the funds are being utilised effectively and generating the expected returns for you and your investor.

How We Tailor CFO Solutions to Your Business Needs.

Understand Your Needs

We begin by carefully listening to your specific requirements and gaining a deep understanding of your business challenges, goals and investment needs.

Develop a Customised Strategy

We craft a tailored plan that outlines how iFD’s expertise can best support your investment needs and drive your business forward.

Connect You with the Right CFO

We match you with a CFO with fund raising experience and skills within your industry sector, ensuring a seamless and effective partnership.

Are you Ready to Hire a Fractional CFO?

Gain the financial expertise needed to secure investment for your business with iFD’s Fractional CFOs. Whether you’re a pre-seed start-up or looking for series B funding, we provide the guidance and support to help you succeed.

Why You Should Choose iFD For Your Fractional CFO.

We Have You Covered

Our UK-wide network of CFOs ensures we can meet your financial needs wherever you are located. Our CFOs bring extensive experience across multiple industry sectors, including technology, construction, biotech, e-commerce and energy. Additionally, we have specialist expertise in exit planning, fundraising, budgeting  and forecasting and management reporting. We connect businesses with top-tier financial talent, helping start-ups and SMEs thrive and grow in a competitive market.

Behind every iFD CFO is a team of specialists

As part of the Dains group of companies, a PE-backed business advisory firm, behind every iFD CFO is a team of accounting and HR professionals as well as a team of 600+ other finance professionals. This means iFD clients can access a wide range of additional expertise from accounting, HR, tax planning and advice, fundraising, exit planning, corporate finance and everything in between. Unlike agencies, we are a consultancy dedicated to tailoring our services to meet your specific business challenges, delivering personalised and strategic financial solutions.

We Are trusted By Our Clients.

Frequently Asked Questions.

How do I know if my business is ready for investment?

It may be time to consider investment if you’re experiencing rapid growth opportunities, cash flow issues, scaling challenges, operational inefficiencies, or high debt levels. Our CFOs can assess your business and help you determine the right timing, approach and investment type.

What are the funding options for a scaling business?

Scaling companies have several funding options: Venture capital (VC), Private equity (PE), Angel Investors, Debt Financing (loans or credit from banks or other lenders), Crowdfunding, Grants (non-repayable funds from government agencies), Convertible Notes (short term debt that converts to equity), Revenue-based financing (capital provided in exchange for a percentage of future revenue).

What should be included in a business plan for investors?

A strong business plan should include a company description, market analysis, the offering, marketing and sales strategy, operational plan, the leadership team, detailed financial projections, funding/investment requirements, key milestones and timelines and risk analysis. Our CFOs will work with you to ensure all the elements are covered in your business plan and covered to the required level of detail.

What should be included in a pitch deck for an investor?

Success or failure to secure investment meetings lies in the strength of your pitch deck. Our CFOs know what to include and to what level to succeed in securing that crucial meeting. Your pitch deck should include the following: A problem statement, your solution, the market opportunity, your business model, the competitive landscape, your go-to-market strategy, the financials, your people, the financial ask and an exit analysis.

How long does it take to prepare for an investment round?

The preparation process varies widely depending on your business’s current state, the complexity of its business model and the type of investment being sought, but the preparation process typically takes 3-6 months.

Can iFD help with debt and equity financing?

Yes, our CFOs have experience with all funding sources, including debt financing, private equity, and venture capital. We help you find the right fit for your business needs.

Like what you’ve heard?

Get in touch to find out more about how we can help your business.

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