10 Ways To Raise Capital For Your Startup Business
Starting a business in India can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a daunting task.
With the high cost of entrepreneurship and the need for capital to fuel your business, it’s important to have a plan in place for raising money.
Raising capital for your startup business is no easy feat, but with the right strategies, you can make it possible.
Ways to Finance Your Startup
This article will provide you with 10 ways to raise capital for your startup business in India and give you the confidence to take that leap of faith. Read on to learn more about these creative options and how they can help get your business off the ground!
1. Personal Savings or Self-Finance
There are a few options available to you if you’re looking to raise capital for your startup business in India. One option is to finance your business yourself through personal savings or self-financing.
This can be a great option if you have the financial resources available to do so. However, it’s important to keep in mind that self-financing comes with its own risks. For example, if your business fails, you could lose all of the money that you’ve invested.
Another thing to consider is whether or not you have the time and energy to dedicate to growing your business. If you’re not able to give your business the attention it needs, it’s likely that it will fail.
If you do decide to go the route of self-financing, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of success:
- Have a well-thought-out business plan: This will give you a roadmap to follow and help ensure that you’re making smart decisions along the way.
- Research your industry: Make sure you understand the ins and outs of your industry so that you can make informed decisions about how to grow your business.
- Stay focused: It’s easy to get sidetracked when you’re running your own business. But, if you want to succeed, it’s important to stay focused on your goals and work diligently towards achieving them.
2. Avail Loans from Private and Public Sector Banks
There are a number of ways to raise capital for your startup business in India. One way is to avail loans from private and public sector banks.
Private sector banks in India include HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, etc. while public sector banks include SBI, PNB, BOB, etc.
Startups can apply for loans under various schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Start-up India scheme, etc.
The interest rates offered by these banks on loans for startups are generally lower than the rates offered on regular loans.
To apply for a loan from a bank, startups will need to submit certain documents such as a business plan, financial projections, etc. along with the loan application form.
3. Friends and family loans
There are a number of ways to raise capital for your startup business in India, and one of them is through friends and family loans.
This can be a great option if you have a good relationship with your friends and family members and you are confident that you will be able to repay the loan on time.
If you decide to go down this route, it is important to draw up a formal loan agreement between you and the lender.
This agreement should include the loan amount, repayment schedule, interest rate (if any), and any other relevant terms and conditions. It is also a good idea to have the agreement witnessed by a third party.
Once the loan agreement is in place, make sure that you stick to the repayment schedule. If you default on the loan, not only will this damage your relationship with the lender, but it could also negatively impact your credit score.
4. Angel investors
In India, there are a number of ways to raise capital for your startup business. One option is to seek out angel investors.
Angel investors are individuals who invest in early-stage companies in exchange for equity. They provide much needed capital to young businesses that may not yet be ready for traditional financing.
There are a number of angel investor networks in India, such as Indian Angel Network and Mumbai Angels, that can connect you with potential investors. You can also search online for individual angel investors who may be interested in your business.
When seeking angel investment, it is important to have a well-researched and thought-out business plan. You will also need to demonstrate a strong understanding of your industry and market opportunity.
Angel investors want to see that you have a clear vision for your business and that you have the drive and determination to make it successful.
5. Venture capitalists
Venture capitalists are one of the most popular sources of capital for startup businesses in India. They are typically wealthy individuals or firms that invest in high-risk, high-reward businesses.
VCs typically invest large sums of money into a startup and expect a significant return on their investment over a relatively short period of time.
In return for their investment, VCs usually receive a minority stake in the company and a seat on the board of directors.
VCs can be a great source of capital for startups as they often have considerable experience and networks that startups can benefit from. However, VCs also tend to be very demanding investors and can be difficult to please.
If you’re considering approaching VCs for funding, it’s important to have a well-thought-out business plan and pitch deck. You should also be prepared to give up a significant amount of equity in your company.
6. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a great way to raise capital for your startup business in India. There are many platforms that allow you to set up a campaign and collect funds from investors.
However, before you launch a campaign, it is important to do your research and choose a platform that best suits your needs.
Some of the popular crowdfunding platforms in India are:
Ketto: Ketto is a popular crowdfunding platform that allows you to raise funds for charitable causes, social enterprises, and personal expenses. It has a large community of supporters who are willing to donate to causes they believe in.
Wishberry: Wishberry is another popular crowdfunding platform that helps creative professionals raise funds for their projects. It has a large number of backers who are interested in supporting creative projects.
Crowdrise: Crowdrise is a crowdfunding platform that enables individuals and organizations to raise money for charities and causes they care about. It has a wide range of supporters who are willing to donate to causes they believe in.
7. Small business grants
Small business grants can be a great way to raise capital for your startup business in India. There are numerous government and private organizations that offer small business grants, and the eligibility requirements and application process vary depending on the organization.
To be eligible for most small business grants, you will need to have a well-developed business plan and a solid track record of financial management.
The grant application process usually involves submitting detailed financial information and writing a convincing case for why your startup deserves the funding.
If you are able to secure a small business grant, it can be a major boost for your startup business. The funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as hiring staff, purchasing equipment, or expanding your operations. And unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid.
However, competition for small business grants is often fierce, so it is important to do your research and put together a strong application. But if you are successful, the rewards can be significant.
8. Get Small Business Loans from NBFCs or MFIs
When it comes to small business loans in India, you have a few different options. You can either go through a traditional bank, an NBFC (non-banking financial company), or an MFI (microfinance institution).
Each option has its own pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research and figure out which one is right for your business.
NBFCs are typically more willing to lend to small businesses than banks, as they see the potential in these types of businesses.
However, they usually charge higher interest rates than banks. MFIs are another option for small business loans, but they typically only lend to businesses that are based in rural areas or that work with low-income individuals.
The best way to get a small business loan in India is to first approach your local bank. They will likely have the lowest interest rates and be the most familiar with your business.
If your bank does not offer small business loans, then you can approach an NBFC or MFI. Just make sure to do your research and compare interest rates before taking out a loan.
9. Business credit card
There are many ways to raise capital for your startup business in India. One way is to apply for a business credit card. Business credit cards can provide you with the funds you need to get your business off the ground.
To qualify for a business credit card, you will need to have a good credit score. You will also need to show that you have a solid business plan and that you are able to repay the borrowed funds.
If you have a good credit score and a solid business plan, you should be able to get a business credit card with ease. Be sure to shop around and compare offers before choosing a card.
10. Apply for Loans under Government Schemes
There are many government schemes in India that offer loans to small businesses and startups. Some of these schemes include the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency Ltd (MUDRA) scheme, and the Stand-Up India scheme.
To apply for a loan under any of these schemes, you will need to approach a lending institution that is authorised by the respective scheme.
You will then need to submit the required documents and information, after which the lending institution will assess your application and disburse the loan amount if your application is approved.
It is important to note that government schemes typically have lower interest rates and more favourable terms than private loans, making them a good option for small businesses and startups looking to raise capital.
Conclusion
Raising capital for a startup business in India has its challenges, but the many options available make it possible to find the right source of funding.
We hope that this article has provided you with some useful information about 10 ways to raise capital for your startup business in India.
Whether you are looking for venture capitalists, angel investors, or applying for grants and loans, there is an ideal method for raising the funds needed to get your startup off the ground.
With a little bit of research and effort, we’re sure you will be able to find the perfect way to finance your new venture. Good luck!
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