Start-up founders have various funding options, each with unique benefit
and challenges. Equity financing involves selling ownership stakes to angel
investors, venture capitalists, or through equity crowdfunding platforms. Debt
financing includes bank loans, lines of credit, and revenue-based financing,
providing funds with repayment obligations while retaining ownership.
Crowdfunding leverages platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo to raise small amounts from many individuals. Grants and competitions, such as SBIR programs, offer non-dilutive funding and boost credibility. Strategic partnerships and corporate sponsorships provide financial support, resources, and market access through collaboration with established companies. Personal savings and bootstrapping rely on founders’ own funds and reinvested profits, while funding from friends and family uses personal networks for flexible terms. Each method requires careful consideration of the start-up’s goals, financial health, and long-term strategy.
KeepYourEquity.co’s mission is to support scientists, engineers, and clinicians in their start-up journeys by helping Founders secure SBIR/STTR grants. The goal of this YouTube channel is to educate Founders on how to raise non-dilutive federal funding to get the resources they need to commercialize innovative ideas to solve today’s biggest global problems. To date, we’ve helped to raise over $15 M of SBIR/STTR funding across start-ups across medicine, engineering, environment, energy, military, and much more!