Fundraising Timing: Plan Ahead to Succeed
Why timing can make or break your fundraising
Thinking you can close a funding round for your startup in two weeks? Forget it.
In reality, fundraising timelines are much longer than most founders expect typically between 6 and 9 months,and sometimes more, depending on your project’s maturity and the investment climate.
Every stage counts, and preparing early is critical to hitting the right window.
The Key Stages of a Well-Timed Fundraising Round
1. Preparation Phase
Before even reaching out to investors, you need a solid Pitch Deck, a realistic Business Plan, and a well-organized Data Room. These are your foundation. Without them, there’s no point starting the process.
➡ How to Create an Investor-Ready Pitch Deck
2. Targeting Investors
Not all investors have the same criteria. Identify those aligned with your sector, stage, and ticket size. Don’t waste time pitching funds that don’t invest in your segment.
3. Letters of Intent (LOIs)
After initial meetings, interested investors may issue a Letter of Intent—a non-binding document, but a critical step for moving forward in negotiations.
4. Roadshow & Due Diligence
This is the active phase: pitches, investor meetings, financial checks, legal reviews… due diligence can last several weeks. You must be responsive and transparent.
5. Shareholders’ Agreement & Closing
If all goes well, you’ll sign a shareholders’ agreement, then receive the funds. Only then can you say your round is truly closed.
The Risks of Poor Fundraising Timing
❌ Negotiating Under Pressure
If you need cash urgently, investors will sense it—and that rarely works in your favor. You may end up accepting unfavorable terms: excessive dilution, restrictive oversight rights, etc.
❌ Underestimating Financial Needs
Aim too low, and you won’t have enough runway to hit your next milestone. Raising again in 12 months can be exhausting.
❌ Overlooking Non-Dilutive Financing
Not factoring in non-dilutive funding (CIR, CII, Bpifrance grants…) is leaving money on the table.
The Right Time to Raise
Seed / Pre-seed
You have a competent team, a functional MVP, a defined market, and early traction signals? The timing is right.
Series A
Your product-market fit is validated, and you’re ready to scale. You need funds to hire, expand, and internationalize.
If It’s Not Yet Time
Work on your KPIs, strengthen your offer, and leverage public funding to accelerate. Prepare thoroughly so you can approach investors with confidence.
Flag: Your Co-pilot for Fundraising Timing
At Flag, we know the right fundraising timing makes all the difference. We guide you at every stage so you can raise capital under the best possible conditions.
- Our expertise:
- Equity fundraising
- Non-dilutive financing: Bpifrance, grants, loans, etc.
- Tax optimization (CIR, CII, JEI)
- Part-time CFO services
Conclusion: Take the Time to Raise Well
A successful funding round is not just about slides or pitch delivery. It’s about hitting the right moment,meticulous preparation, and a strategy aligned with your ambitions.
Get it right, and fundraising timing becomes a powerful growth lever. This is not something you improvise.
Not sure where to start? Reach out, we’ll walk you through it.
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