Common Funding Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Ignoring Non-Dilutive Funding

Problem: Jumping straight to equity Solution: Layer grants and loans first

Mistake 2: Wrong Investor Fit

Problem: Taking money from misaligned investors Solution: Due diligence on investors too

Mistake 3: Over-Optimizing Valuation

Problem: High valuation creating later problems Solution: Focus on right partners and terms

Mistake 4: Poor Timing

Problem: Raising too early or too late Solution: 12-18 month runway planning

Mistake 5: Neglecting Europeans

Problem: Only targeting US investors Solution: Build European investor network