FAQ: How to raise a pre-seed and seed round in Europe

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Part 1: Deciding whether to raise

Key Takeaway

VC is a commitment to a race, not just a source of capital. Make sure you want to run it before you start.

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Part 2: Preparing to raise

Key Takeaway

Get your legal structure right before the roadshow. A term sheet is not the time to be hunting for a lawyer.

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Part 3: Building your investor list

Key Takeaway

A trip to San Francisco is valuable; the information US VCs share with Europeans VCs can have a big impact.

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Part 4: Running a fundraising roadshow

Key Takeaway

Speed is the only reliable signal.

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Part 5: Pitching VCs

Key Takeaway

At pre-seed, you are the product. Everything else in the pitch supports the case for you.

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Part 6: Closing a term-sheet

Key Takeaway

Most fundraising failures aren’t caused by a bad business. They’re caused by a badly run process.

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Additional resources

Fundraising guide: What to know about fundraising: A founder's guide to running a tight process.

Office hours: Weekly sessions with the Seapoint team. Bring any questions on fundraising, hiring, or financial ops. Email Sean@Seapoint.co to book a slot.

Part 1: Deciding whether to raise

Is VC funding right for my startup?

When is the right time to raise a pre-seed or seed round?

Does fundraising make sense if I already have another company?

Is it harder to raise VC funding if you’re over 40?

Part 2: Preparing to raise

What do investors look for at pre-seed stage?

How do I document customer research for investors?

How much money should I raise at pre-seed?

What should a pre-seed pitch deck include?

Do I need to include a valuation?

When should I hire a startup lawyer, and who?

Part 3: Building your investor list

How do I find the right investors for my stage?

How do I get warm introductions to investors?

Is it worth going to the US to fundraise as a European founder?

Part 4: Running a fundraising roadshow

How long does a fundraising roadshow take?

How do I create urgency with investors without lying?

How do I know if an investor is actually interested?

What does “come back when you have more traction” actually mean?

How do I manage a pipeline of 50+ investors at once?

Part 5: Pitching VCs

What do VCs actually want to hear in a pre-seed pitch?

How do I handle impostor syndrome when pitching investors?

How do I answer the “TAM isn’t big enough” objection?

How do I stay consistent when investors keep pushing different narratives?

Part 6: Closing a term-sheet

Should I close angels or institutional investors first?

How do I choose between multiple term sheets?

What are the most common fundraising mistakes early-stage founders make?

Additional resources

Claim your unfair financial advantage