Are you US investor ready?

+ weekly list of handpicked startup events for founders and investors in London

Author

Vasily Alekseenko
August 01, 2024

In partnership with

Is your startup ready to raise from the US investors?

In life, many things seem easier simply because we don't have enough information to make a fair judgment. Last night’s conversation with Marc Cohen, partner at Unbundled VC, and Arif Damji, partner at Conductive Ventures, about fundraising in the US proved just that.

For those who couldn’t make it, here’s a quick summary of some key points:

US fundraising should be considered only when it makes sense

Just because the US market is more developed in terms of venture capital and risk-taking, it doesn’t mean every UK founder should head there for fundraising. This decision should make sense if:

  • Your product/service is built for the US market

  • You have US-based customers

  • You are working on expanding into the US market

  • You are relocating to the US with your business

If you’re reaching out to US investors just because it sounds easier, that’s the wrong approach. Investors will spot this right away and simply ignore you.

There is more money in the US, but there are way more startups too

If you have a reason to fundraise in the US, you have to beat the competition there as well. Your business needs to stand out not only in the UK but also in the US. You have to prove why you’re worth the investors' time. While there might be less expectation on traction and validation at the pre-seed stage in the US, you still need to have something impressive to show, like acquired IP rights, banking licenses (for fintech), letters of intent from B2B clients, waitlists, etc.

Lack of ambition or just more realistic?

There’s a misconception in the US that UK startups lack ambition. In the UK, we call it being more realistic, especially with numbers. It’s not a bad thing, just different, but it should be taken into account. US founders are super ambitious (less realistic), and US investors apply huge discounts on everything they see or hear. Your numbers/predictions should look different for UK and US investors. If you use your UK numbers for US VCs, they’ll discount them just like they would for their local startups.

US investors are interested in European startups

Many unicorns have come out of Europe, and many US investors believe European startups are scrappy, resourceful, and can survive longer on the same amount of money as US startups. In the current environment, this is a superpower. Many US funds are opening offices in Europe, specifically the UK, but not all are deploying capital yet. They’re watching, assessing, but haven’t shown the money.

The rest of 2024 will most likely stay dry

It’s no secret that many VCs globally have been affected by a lack of funds. LPs prefer to invest their money elsewhere. Some VCs have already gone out of business, and many are just sitting and waiting for exits in their portfolio to start investing again. Unless we see more IPOs this year, the market will likely stay challenging. Startups need to be vigilant with spending as they might stay thirsty for a bit longer. This doesn’t mean there’s no money available and no one is raising (I see stories every day), it just means it’s hard to convince VCs to part with their money. Remember, just because they’re talking to you doesn’t mean they’ll deploy. Everyone in this market plays their little game to survive, and founders should do the same.

OPPORTUNITY OF THE YEAR🔥

Rare Founders

London’s Largest Demo Day - Apply to pitch now!

Calling all founders! 📢 Applications are now open to pitch at our biggest event yet. Showcase your startup to top investors.

Application deadline: 16 Aug 2024

RARE FOUNDERS EVENTS🔥

Rare Founders

Startup Run

Bi-weekly 5k running events for anyone in the startup ecosystem, followed by networking drinks in the nearby pub. Same time same, place.

In-person event

Green Park, London, W1J 9DZ, UK

Thu 8 Aug, 18:00 - 22:00 BST

OTHER LONDON EVENTS🌟

Syrena

The Keys to Success in Web 3 Today

​Join for an enlightening online session as we explore successful methods and tactics adopted by top blockchain founders.

Online event

Thu 1 Aug, 13:00 - 14:00 BST

GoodTechVentures

Design Winning Pitch Decks: A Guide for Tech Founders

​Creating a pitch deck that captures the essence of your tech startup and resonates with investors is both an art and a science.

This workshop will delve into the design elements that make a pitch deck not just visually appealing but also effective in communicating your vision.

Online event

Tue 6 Aug, 10:30 - 12:00 BST

modelix.co

Startup Valuation for Entrepreneurs

Learn how to value your start-up in the context of fundraising in this two-day online event designed specifically for entrepreneurs.

Online event

Tue 6 Aug, 17:00 - 18:00 BST

PicthClub Community

Pitch Club Community n.155

​Whether you're gearing up for a TEDx talk, an investor pitch, or simply looking to sharpen your public speaking prowess, PitchClub is your go-to community.

Dive into the world of pitching with our open-to-all community sessions.

Online event

Thu 6 Aug, 19:30 - 20:30 BST

techstars

Pitch Deck Mastery: Essential Elements for Investor Interest

​​How do you capture investor's attention as a startup founder? Join us for an exclusive Techstars digital event designed to empower startup founders with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling investor pitch decks and secure funding.

Online event

Tue 6 Aug, 19:30 - 20:30 BST

Garmst

Relaunch party

Connect with the Garmst team, fellow fashion and impact investors, the coolest brands and those shaping the future of men's style. We'll be sharing our vision for the future and how you can be a part of it. Enjoy drinks, music, and mingling with the coolest people in sustainable fashion. RSVP to [email protected]

In-person event

Great Beyond Taproom, 416 Union Walk, London, E2 8HP

Tue 7 Aug, 18:00 - 23:00 BST

Hard Stuff

Planet-friendly Hardware Networking

Come join for an evening of mingling and learning about the latest innovations in sustainability hardware. Bring all of your enthusiasm, excitement, burning questions, crazy ideas, and ambitious proposals: it's time to build the hard stuff!

In-person event

Toast Brewing, 17 Triton Street, London, NW1 3BF, UK

Wed 7 Aug, 18:30 - 21:30 BST

Robot Mascot

Future Proof Your Business the HR Way

This session will enable you to understand what’s required to ensure compliance with HR while driving engagement from staff to meet the growth needs of your business.

Online event

Thu 8 Aug, 15:00 - 15:45 BST

PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES🐣

Green Tech Festival

GTF Conference

The GTF CONFERENCE provides a stage for bold pioneers, visionaries and outstanding leaders to come together and discuss the sustainable business solutions that will be needed to enact lasting change. An inspiring program of keynotes, panel discussions and start-up pitches will give participants deep insights into the current state of future sustainable business and global policy.

‌In-person event

MINISTRY OF SOUND, London, UK

Thu 5 Sep, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Hatch

City Bridge Foundation Accelerator Programme

City Bridge Foundation in partnership with enterprise support charity Hatch Enterprise are now recruiting for their latest Accelerator programme, aimed at London-based social entrepreneurs with a growing business and the ambition to take their ventures to the next level.

Designed to give wntrepreneurs the strategies, connections, and expertise necessary to grow their businesses, this cohort is primarily open to socially impactful businesses with £50K+ annual turnover and at least one year in business.

Ready to accelerate your impact? Apply now!

Unlock the full potential of your workday with cutting-edge AI strategies and actionable insights, empowering you to achieve unparalleled excellence in the future of work. Download the free guide today!

Vasily Alekseenko
Founder
@ Rare Founders

Rare Founders - building the bridge between founders and investors via regular in-person and online events, meetups, conferences.

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