<aside> 💡 We tend to come in towards the end of a round, but we can sometimes help with advice or introductions beforehand

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• We love to hear from you as early as possible in your process, as we can often help with intros

• However, because we’re a (relatively) small cheque size (£50-150k), we usually run an opportunity when you’ve set terms (e.g. have a term sheet signed), this:

  • Means you don’t get distracted - finding a lead or investors who write large enough cheques to fill out the bulk of your round is usually your most important job when fundraising!
  • Ensures a better result in terms of VT member commitments (our members are busy operators too, so we can’t diligence as deeply)
  • Prevents changing terms during a round requiring us to run the whole process again, with all of our members (a big pain for you, and for us)

• Nonetheless, we like to hear about your round early because:

  • We have an amazing network of investors in the wider ecosystem we can sometimes help companies find a good lead if you haven’t got one - but usually only if you are highly recommended by one of our members.
  • We enable our members to receive S/EIS benefits, so if we can get tax benefits, it increases the likelihood we will proceed, so it’s good to try to keep some back if you can

  “The process with VT was super easy. You get a chance to get a group of really smart people backing you who can all help support your company with advice and their networks. The VT cheque was really what allowed our round to get so much momentum due to the introductions VT made.”

  Ash Staines, founder and CEO of Volunteero