Entrepreneurship Research Guide : Funding Sources
This guide is a collaborative effort between the Wisconsin School of Business and the Business Library.
Determine which funding sources you might pursue and when
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Crowdfunding – Raise small amounts of money from many people for product development.
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Investors – People who want an ownership stake in your company: family; friends; angel investors; venture capitalists.
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Accelerators – Provide relatively small amounts of funding and advice/space. Admission can be competitive.
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Lenders – Banks and other institutions will lend you money, but they prefer companies with assets and operating history that are more mature.
Suggested readings
Get Backed by Call Number: HG4027.6 .B24 2015ISBN: 1633690725Publication Date: 2015-11-17Is there a formula for raising a million dollars? This is the question that Evan Baehr and Evan Loomis tackle in their debut book, an insider’s manual for entrepreneurs who want to raise a ton of money — from startup founders, to small business owners, to Kickstarters.
Venture deals : be smarter than your lawyer and venture capitalist by Call Number: Online ebookISBN: 9781119259794Publication Date: 2016This resource outlines the essential elements of the venture capital term sheet--from terms related to economics to terms related to control. It strives to give a balanced view of the particular terms along with the strategies to getting to a fair deal. In addition to examining the nuts and bolts of the term sheet, Venture Deals, Third Edition also introduces you to the various participants in the process and discusses how fundraising works.
Resources
- AngelListA U.S. website for startups, angel investors, and job-seekers looking to work at startups. Created in 2010, the platform has a mission to democratize the investment process.
- Angels on the WaterAngels on the Water fills a gap for start-up companies in the 18-county region of Northeast Wisconsin by providing seed and early-stage funding and mentorship.
- Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC): EntrepreneursWEDC’s entrepreneurial programs are designed to further advance startup activity by supporting the full path from startup to commercialization. By working with our statewide network of partners, our initiatives spur entrepreneurial activity by providing direct capital infusions and incenting investments through angel and venture tax credits, mentoring, training and other important resources.
- Wisconsin Governor's Business Plan ContestThe mission of the Governor’s Business Plan Contest is to encourage entrepreneurs in the startup stage of tech-based businesses in Wisconsin. The contest links up-and-coming entrepreneurs with a statewide network of community resources, expert advice, high-quality education, management talent and possible sources of capital.
- Wisconsin Technology Center (WTC) Early Stage SymposiumThe two-day annual symposium is designed to unlock Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial potential by providing the right combination of ideas, innovation, intellectual property and investment – as well as hands-on instruction and advice targeted to early stage companies ready to make the leap.
- Merlin MentorsThe Madison Entrepreneur Resource, Learning and Innovation Network (MERLIN) is a Madison-based corps of volunteers who have masterfully started and managed new ventures. These mentors use their skills, experience and enthusiasm to guide emerging entrepreneurs in early stage ventures to boost the potential of business success.
- WTC Wisconsin Technology SummitThe goal of the Wisconsin Tech Summit is to bring together major companies and emerging firms in a setting that allows them to meet and explore likely business relationships around technology needs and innovation.