If you are raising investment for your UK startup and you are not using EIS or SEIS, you are making fundraising significantly harder than it needs to be. Over twelve years of consulting, I have helped clients raise over £15 …
How to Create Financial Projections That Funders Actually Believe
A founder came to me a few years ago with a funding application that had already been turned down twice. The business was sound — a Birmingham-based B2B SaaS platform with paying customers and a clear market. The rejection letters …
Business Plan Requirements by Funding Source: A Complete Guide to Getting It Right
One of the most expensive mistakes I see repeated across business funding applications is the universal business plan: a single document, usually prepared with considerable effort, that gets submitted to every funding source the founder approaches. Bank loans, angel investors, …
Beyond the Pitch Deck: What Investors Really Want to Know About You
After fifteen years helping entrepreneurs navigate the funding landscape at SGI Consultants, I’ve witnessed countless pitch meetings from both sides of the table. The most successful founders I’ve worked with understand a fundamental truth: angel investors aren’t just buying into …
Raising a Friends & Family Round: Guide to Early-Stage Funding
After twelve years of helping entrepreneurs navigate their funding journeys, I’ve witnessed countless friends and family funding rounds—some that launched successful businesses and others that destroyed relationships and stunted growth before it even began. The reality is stark: most entrepreneurs …
The Complete Pitch Deck Guide: How to Create Investor-Ready Presentations That Win Funding
A compelling pitch deck represents the difference between securing investment and facing rejection—yet 95% of startups fail to create presentations that effectively communicate their value proposition to investors. Through my 15 years helping entrepreneurs at SGI Consultants, I’ve analysed over …
Understanding SAFE Investments: A Guide for Entrepreneurs
As a business consultant who’s worked with hundreds of startups over the past decade, I’m constantly asked about funding options for early-stage businesses. One instrument that’s gained significant popularity—yet remains widely misunderstood—is the SAFE investment. Last week in London, I …
Angel Investment Trends You Should Know
Recent data from Angel Investment Network shows that 40% of angel investors plan to increase their startup investments in 2025, despite economic uncertainties. However, this optimism comes with significantly higher expectations for realistic financials and proven business models. For UK …
Pricing Strategies for Making Your Products Affordable and Attractive
Pricing is a critical aspect of any business strategy, as it directly impacts customer perception, demand, and profitability. Setting the right price for your products or services can be a delicate balancing act between attracting customers and maintaining healthy profit …
Business Loan UK 2025: Complete Guide to Securing Funding
Securing a business loan in the UK has transformed dramatically in 2025. After helping over 400 businesses secure £50+ million in funding over 12 years, I’ve developed systematic approaches that achieve a 73% approval rate—significantly above the UK average of …