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Ready to Fund Your Vision?

Fuel Your Dream: Let’s Secure the Funding You Deserve!

Road map

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Founder And Influencer Videos/Podcasts

Introspection

Ready for an honest conversation with yourself? This introspection section offers a set of reflective questions designed to help you understand if entrepreneurship is truly the right path for you. From evaluating your risk tolerance to determining if you have the support needed, these questions guide you through every angle of self-reflection, so you can feel more confident about your next steps.

Real insights from successful founders. Watch videos and listen to podcasts featuring entrepreneurs sharing their experiences—wins, challenges, and tips—to help guide your journey.

Articles AND Blogs

In-depth resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Explore articles and blogs that offer expert perspectives, deep dives into startup strategies, and personal stories to help you make informed decisions.

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Journey  Begins

INTROSPECTION

1. How much funding do I actually need to get started?

Think of funding as your startup’s oxygen—too little, and you’ll gasp for breath; too much, and you might lose focus. It’s not just about having enough to build a product, but about understanding where the money will take you before your next milestone. So, where should you begin?

  • Product Development Costs: Sure, you’ve read about MVPs being built on a shoestring budget, but here’s the truth: in India, building a reliable MVP—even for a simple app—will probably set you back INR 5 lakh to INR 25 lakh. For more complex tech, it could easily cross INR 50 lakh. Consider what needs to be in that MVP to impress early users or investors—not everything you dream of, just the essentials.

  • Operational Costs: Startups have a knack for burning cash, especially when you’re testing different strategies. Lean startups might get by on INR 50,000 to INR 2 lakh a month, covering tools, some co-working space, and maybe a couple of freelancers. But don’t forget the hidden costs—legal fees, compliance, and all those little things that eat away at your runway.

  • Marketing & Customer Acquisition: If you’re thinking you can rely purely on organic growth, think again. Even early traction needs a push, especially in competitive markets. You might need INR 2 lakh to INR 10 lakh just to get those first few thousand users or customers through digital marketing, influencers, or partnerships.

  • Employee Salaries: You might think you can convince a friend or two to work for free, but talent doesn’t come cheap. And remember, people who believe in your vision but also need to pay their bills. Budget for INR 5 lakh to INR 15 lakh per year per core team member, and don’t forget ESOPs if you want to attract talent that’s willing to take a bet on your success.

Once you have these numbers, figure out your burn rate—how much cash you’ll burn each month—and plan for 12-18 months of runway. That means if you’re burning INR 1 lakh per month, you need at least INR 12 lakh to INR 18 lakh to avoid running out of steam before you reach a critical milestone.

A Quick Reality Check: If you’re in the idea phase, consider joining an incubator like IIT Madras Incubation Cell or T-Hub. They don’t just provide a workspace and mentorship; many also offer INR 2 lakh to INR 10 lakh in seed funding. This won’t be your end game, but it can take you from concept to MVP without losing your shirt.

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2. What stage is my startup at, and how does that impact my funding needs?

The stage you’re at isn’t just a label—it’s a strategy. Investors want to know exactly where you are because it tells them what kind of risks they’re taking on and what they should expect in return. Let’s break this down:

 

  • ​Pre-Seed Stage: You’re still playing in the dirt, trying to see if a seed can grow. You’re validating an idea, maybe building a basic MVP. At this stage, funding is typically INR 2 lakh to INR 50 lakh, but be prepared for this to come from sources close to home—friends, family, or angel investors. A lot of entrepreneurs worry about involving friends and family, but if you’re transparent about the risks, it can be a good starting point. Plus, they’re betting on you, not just your idea.

  • Seed Stage: You’ve got some early validation, maybe even a few paying customers, and you need to take that MVP and make it market-ready. Seed rounds in India can range from INR 50 lakh to INR 3 crore, but getting that money means more than having a flashy pitch—it’s about showing that you’ve learned from the feedback of your early users and have a clear plan to reach a larger audience.

  • Series A Stage: By now, you should have a solid product, traction, and a vision for the next 2-3 years. You’re not just looking for money—you’re looking for partners who will help you scale and navigate the market. Series A rounds in India typically range from INR 3 crore to INR 15 crore, and you’ll need to prove that you know what to do with that cash—whether it’s expanding your team, scaling up production, or deepening your market reach.

  • What You Don’t Hear Often: If you’re somewhere between pre-seed and seed, you might be able to stretch things out with accelerator programs like Y Combinator, which has become more accessible for Indian startups. They offer INR 10 lakh to INR 50 lakh and can teach you how to pitch like a pro, but be ready to give up some equity. Choose wisely—this decision is about more than the money; it’s about the doors it can open for you.

  • Guiding Thought: Focus on the milestone that will make your startup undeniably investable. Don’t rush to a Series A just because it sounds impressive. Understand what kind of investors you want at each stage—do you need a hands-on mentor or a strategic advisor? Knowing this will help you target the right type of funding at the right time.

3. Do I need external funding right now, or can I bootstrap?

This is one of those questions that can shape the DNA of your startup. Bootstrapping gives you control, but raising external funds can turbocharge your growth—so which is right for you?

 

Bootstrapping:

  • This is the route if you believe you can get to traction without giving up equity. It’s not easy, but it teaches you discipline—every rupee spent has to create value. Bootstrapping is ideal if you have some savings or early revenues to lean on. For example, a B2B SaaS startup that can get its first 10 paying clients without burning cash can use those revenues to fuel growth.

  • Be prepared for the reality: Bootstrapping often means wearing multiple hats—founder, salesperson, and even HR manager. It also means focusing on profitability from day one. If you can’t handle the cash flow crunches, it might be wiser to look for an angel investor.

  • What many don’t realize: Bootstrapping isn’t just about having enough money to get by. It’s about being in control of your timeline. You don’t need to keep looking over your shoulder, worrying about the next milestone your investor expects. If you’re confident in your ability to make decisions independently, bootstrapping gives you that freedom.

Raising Funds:

  • Going the investor route means you’ll have to grow fast and deliver on expectations. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s a different game. Angel investors or VCs are looking for 10x returns, so you’ll need to show them a vision that’s bold but achievable.

  • In India, a typical early-stage round might range from INR 10 lakh to INR 2 crore. Think about the partners you want. It’s not just about getting a check—pick investors who understand your industry and can open doors for partnerships, market insights, or future rounds.

  • What many overlook: Don’t just think about raising money—think about the cost of that money. Will an investor demand a seat on your board and influence your decisions? Will they push for growth that you’re not ready for? It’s not always worth it if it means sacrificing your vision or culture. Pick an investor who is willing to be your cheerleader but understands that you’re the one steering the ship.

Pro Tip: Still undecided? Explore government grants and competitions like Startup India, BIRAC (for biotech startups), or TiE SmashUp for early funding that doesn’t take equity. These options can provide the breathing room you need while keeping control of your company.

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Guiding Thought: Think about where you want to be in 12 months. Is it a stage where having external funding would make all the difference, or do you just need time to refine your product and strategy? Don’t let the startup ecosystem pressure you into raising money—do it because it makes sense for your journey.

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Articles

We've curated links to insightful articles from across the internet to help you dive deeper into the topic.

Books

We've gathered a selection of books to help you gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

Financing Options for Small Businesses: Crash Course Entrepreneurship #16
10:56

Financing Options for Small Businesses: Crash Course Entrepreneurship #16

This episode is near the end of this series, but entrepreneurship isn’t a linear journey. You might need funding to accomplish any of the steps to build a business, not just when you’re ready to take a product or service to market. Some people look for money for their minimum viable product. Some market their product or service once everything is set up. And if you believe Silicon Valley legends, a few people get funding with just an idea. But where should we look? *** Crash Course is on Patreon! You can support us directly by signing up at http://www.patreon.com/crashcourse Thanks to the following patrons for their generous monthly contributions that help keep Crash Course free for everyone forever: Eric Prestemon, Sam Buck, Mark Brouwer, Efrain R. Pedroza, Matthew Curls, Indika Siriwardena, Avi Yashchin, Timothy J Kwist, Brian Thomas Gossett, Haixiang N/A Liu, Jonathan Zbikowski, Siobhan Sabino, Jennifer Killen, Nathan Catchings, Brandon Westmoreland, dorsey, Kenneth F Penttinen, Trevin Beattie, Erika & Alexa Saur, Justin Zingsheim, Jessica Wode, Tom Trval, Jason Saslow, Nathan Taylor, Khaled El Shalakany, SR Foxley, Yasenia Cruz, Eric Koslow, Caleb Weeks, Tim Curwick, DAVID NOE, Shawn Arnold, William McGraw, Andrei Krishkevich, Rachel Bright, Jirat, Ian Dundore -- Want to find Crash Course elsewhere on the internet? Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/YouTubeCrashCourse Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/TheCrashCourse Tumblr - http://thecrashcourse.tumblr.com Support Crash Course on Patreon: http://patreon.com/crashcourse CC Kids: http://www.youtube.com/crashcoursekids
How Startup Fundraising Works | Startup School
28:12

How Startup Fundraising Works | Startup School

YC Group Partner Brad Flora has seen startup fundraising from every angle: as a founder, as one of the most prolific angel investors in Silicon Valley, and now as a YC Group Partner. Brad has coached hundreds of companies on fundraising. In this talk, he shares stories and advice on how modern startup fundraising works. Paul Graham Fundraising Essays: http://www.paulgraham.com/fundraising.html http://www.paulgraham.com/startupfunding.html http://www.paulgraham.com/convince.html http://www.paulgraham.com/herd.html Geoff Ralston's Fundraising Guides: https://www.ycombinator.com/library/4A-a-guide-to-seed-fundraising https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcevHkNGrWQ&ab_channel=YCombinator YC Fundraising Resources: https://www.ycombinator.com/library/2u-how-to-build-your-seed-round-pitch-deck https://www.ycombinator.com/library/6q-how-to-pitch-your-startup https://www.ycombinator.com/library/71-how-to-get-meetings-with-investors-and-raise-money https://www.ycombinator.com/library/4O-raising-money-online-advice-for-startups https://www.ycombinator.com/library/3u-different-types-of-investors-and-their-incentives Apply to Y Combinator: https://yc.link/SUS-apply Work at a startup: https://yc.link/SUS-jobs Chapters (Powered by https://bit.ly/chapterme-yc) - 00:00 - Intro 00:27 - Fundraising resources 02:13 - 7 fundraising myths 04:06 - Raising money is glamorous 06:51 - The need to raise money before starting a startup 10:10 - My startup need to be impressive to raise money 13:56 - Raising money is complicated, slow, and expensive. 18:04 - I am going to lose control of my company 21:58 - I need a fancy network to raise money 23:43 - If investors reject my startup its a bad startup 26:35 - Wrap up - This isn't for you
The Ultimate Guide to Raising Venture Capital: Startup Funding Process Step by Step
12:17
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