A vision without a plan is just a dream.
The Truth About Funding
Ideas alone don’t pay the bills — or attract investors.
No matter how brilliant your concept sounds in your head, the real challenge begins when you start looking for resources to turn it into reality.
Most founders believe funding is only about pitching investors, but in truth, it’s about showing traction, credibility, and your ability to execute.
💡 Money follows clarity, not just dreams.
This stage is not just about finding people to believe in your startup — it’s about proving that you believe in it enough to understand what it needs, why it matters, and how it will grow.
Why This Module Matters
Too many founders wait until the last minute to think about money. But without a clear picture of how much funding you need and why — you won’t get far.
This module helps you take a serious look at your financial needs and create a funding strategy that aligns with your vision. It also helps you start shaping the story investors will care about.
How We’ll Do It – The 6 Core Tasks
🎯 TASK #1: Map Your Business Model
Sketch your business logic before you build. Use Lean Canvas or BMC to define how you create, deliver, and capture value.
🎯 TASK #2: Estimate Your Costs and Revenue
Draft a basic financial forecast that includes your costs, pricing, and revenue streams. Clarity beats complexity at this stage.
🎯 TASK #3: Create a Simple Pitch Deck
Make a 10-slide pitch to explain your startup in under 5 minutes. This will be your go-to tool for presenting the idea.
🎯 TASK #4: Plan Your Funding Strategy
Get clear on how you’ll fund your next steps. Map options like bootstrapping, grants, and investment — and match them to your stage.
🎯 TASK #5: Prepare Your Grant or Investment Application
Turn your story into a strong application. Adapt your message to fit what funders are actually looking for.
🧠 BONUS TASK #6: Strategic Partnerships Mapping
Think beyond funding. Identify 5+ organizations or individuals that can amplify your growth through collaboration.
🕵️ BONUS TASK #7: Investor CRM Setup
Start building your investor pipeline. Track contacts, personalize outreach, and set follow-up routines that build momentum.
Your Toolbox for This Module
Inside tasks, you will find the relevant tools, books or videos you can use to learn more.
📥 Tools
- Lean Canvas / Business Model Canvas (PDF & Notion)
- Startup Financial Template (Excel / Notion)
- Pitch Deck Template (PPT / Canva)
- Funding Strategy Board
- Grant Application Checklist
- Partnerships Canvas
- Investor CRM Template (Airtable / Google Sheets)
📘 Recommended Books
- Business Model Generation – Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur
- The Lean Startup – Eric Ries
- Profit First – Mike Michalowicz
- Financial Modeling for Startups – Tom Y. Sawyer
- Pitch Anything – Oren Klaff
- The Startup Pitch – Chris Lipp
- Venture Deals – Brad Feld & Jason Mendelson
- Y Combinator Application Tips – Paul Graham & YC Team
🎥 Suggested Videos
How to Build a Lean Canvas – Ash Maurya
Startup Financial Planning – Slidebean
How to Create a Pitch Deck – Sequoia Capital
Startup Funding Explained – Slidebean
How to Apply for Grants – Personalized Grant Guide
Tips & Tricks for Winning This Stage
💡Keep it simple. Investors want clarity, not buzzwords.
💡Focus on milestones. What will this money actually help you achieve in the next 6–12 months?
💡Be resourceful. Grants and accelerators are often less dilutive than equity.
💡Network smart. Funding follows relationships, not cold emails.
💡Don’t fear the spreadsheet. Fear not having one.
💡Start simple. Even basic numbers beat vague vision.
💡Tell a clear story. If they don’t get it, they won’t fund it.
💡Use grants as a testing lab. Improve your message with every application.
💡Think trust, not just money. Investors fund what they believe
What’s Next?
With your funding story, financial model, and first test pitches in place, you’re ready to step into deeper conversations with potential partners.
The next stage is about assembling your team and structure — because no funding is sustainable without people and processes that can actually deliver.
Start Now!
You can read every book on this list.
You can watch every video.
You can download every template.
But nothing changes until you start applying them.
You’ll not only learn — you’ll actually do.
This is where your startup stops being an idea and starts becoming something real.
👉 Go to the START Methodology App now
💬 Your input matters
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If you have an idea, suggestion, or real-world example – leave a comment.
We’re building this tool together so we can all have everything we need in one clear, accessible place.