How to find investors for your startup

It's hard to think about where to find investment opportunities when you're juggling growth plans, pitches, and endless to-do lists. But whether you're in the early stages of launching or trying to meet growing demand, you'll need to figure out how to find investors for your startup.

Securing funding is one of the crucial milestones for startups. From traditional routes like venture capital firms to newer, more accessible options like online platforms and networking communities, there are a lot of options. It's also important to manage international payments and funding once the investment lands. A Wise Business account can help with that, as it makes everything run more smoothly.

Get started with Wise Business🚀

8 ways to find investors

The landscape for startup funding in 2025 is broader, faster, and a lot less gatekept than it used to be. Ten years ago, your best shot at funding might have meant booking a meeting with a VC firm and pitching across a conference table in a stuffy office. Now, we see a different scene – investors are found in Slack communities and deal platforms, and some are still walking around with notepads and suits.
There's no single path to funding, and frankly, there never has been. The good news is that if the classic VC pitch route doesn't suit your style (or stage), there are plenty of other options that might. But meeting investors and knowing where to locate the ones who will understand your vision is another thing¹.

1. Accelerator programs that will push you forward

If you're a first-time founder or operating outside the usual hotspots, you should probably find the most effective way to plug into a network of investors. In that case, accelerators are probably your best bet. Programs such as Techstars London, Seedcamp, and Entrepreneurs First offer more than funding. With them, you get mentorship², credibility, and access to early-stage investors who are actively looking for the next big thing.

2. Incubators that guide you from concept to launch

Incubators are designed to help early ideas grow in a safe environment rich with resources. They typically support startups in their earliest stages, sometimes before there's even a product or prototype. They tend to offer space, mentorship, legal guidance, and technical support in exchange for equity², rent, or small fees.
Many are connected to universities, municipalities, or nonprofits, which means they're often focused on long-term development over rapid growth. That's great if you're still validating your idea and need time to figure things out. The best advice is to look into local options if there are any available.

3. Angel investors who bet on potential early

If you've ever pitched your idea to a friend with deep pockets, you've kind of already done this, just on a much smaller scale. Angel investors are typically high-net-worth individuals³ who back early-stage startups with their own money. They're often looking for something they believe in and, in some cases, someone they believe in. So, how to find angel investors? There’s plenty of angel networks and syndicates you can engage with, and many have their own platforms you can sign up to. For example, 24 Haymarket and Angel Investment Network are two large angel groups in the UK. Just be ready to show traction, market potential, and a compelling reason why your startup could be a home run.

4. Crowdfunding platforms that turn the crowd into backers

Crowdfunding lets you raise money from everyday people. It used to be seen as an unusual way to get money, but now it's gone mainstream. It's usually done in exchange for early access to your product¹, not equity or repayment. Although it seems far from traditional investing, you should view it as a way to rally a certain community that believes in what you're building.
This model works best when your product is tangible and it's long passed the stage of just a sketch. The catch? If you want to impress investors, you'll need to market your campaign hard, meet regulatory standards, and be comfortable sharing your financials in public view. However, there's a downside you need to know about – if you overpromise and underdeliver, your brand's reputation can take a serious hit. So, only launch once you're confident in your timeline.

5. Venture capital firms to fund what's already working

This is the channel most people think of when they hear "startup funding". Venture capital firms typically write larger checks than angels or crowdfunders and can support a business through multiple rounds. But they're also pickier. These firms are looking for high-growth potential, markets that have an opportunity to grow, and a team that can deliver.
If you're wondering how to find private investors in the UK, you should probably lean into your network or build one if you haven't yet. If you're at the right stage, you should start researching companies that align with your sector or mission and look for introductions through your network or ecosystem⁴. Some firms actively scout startups via online platforms like Crunchbase, while others source leads from conferences, exhibitions, and pitch events.

6. Your own network to lean into

It may not be the most glamorous source of capital, but personal networks still fund a surprising number of startups. Friends, former colleagues, mentors, and even early customers can sometimes become investors¹, especially if they've seen what you do firsthand. This route has its pros – trust is already established, it's a quick way to fund, and there are far fewer obstacles. However, you should always be extra clear about expectations¹. Mixing money and personal relationships can be tricky, but with the right boundaries, it might be the easiest yes you get.

7. Engage with investment network groups and events

When you manage to connect with the right people, you can easily fast-track the funding journey. Formal associations, as well as local meetups of investor groups⁶, are valuable spaces where a startup can pitch, get feedback, or build a lasting relationship with investors. These groups often organise events, demo days, and pitch competitions designed to spotlight new ventures.
You don't need to have the product in hand to start attending these network gatherings. In fact, if you manage to get exposure early, it can help shape the idea into something more fundable. It's important to focus on networks or startup events that match your sector. Keep in mind that while these settings are often less formal than VC meetings, they are equally important.

8. Build connections with social media

Never underestimate the power of a smart LinkedIn message. Social media is great for marketing, but it's also one of the most accessible ways to connect with potential investors. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), and even niche startup forums are places where angels, VCs, and advisors share advice, discuss trends, and look for exciting new founders.
Keep in mind that building a presence takes time. Still, if you're active in conversations, posting about your startup's journey, and engaging with investor content⁶, it can do a lot for establishing credibility.

Top tips to impress investors

Before you ever pitch, make sure you've got the essentials down. Making sure you land an investment is all about being prepared. That's why it's important to arm yourself with some tips – the ones that'll help you show up like someone worth betting on.

Have key financials ready to share

No one expects perfect numbers, but they do expect you to know them. That's why you need to have your revenue, projections⁵, and other numbers ready to go. If you're pre-revenue, show what you're tracking and in what way you're thinking about money.

Show you understand your market

Investors want to know there's a real opportunity behind your business. That means understanding the size of the market, the customer problem, and how you're different from (and better than) what already exists.

Tell a compelling story

Remember – you won't move people with pitch decks full of graphs, but you will with a good and convincing story. Make sure you can tell yours in a way that's clear, focused, and actually interesting. Who are you? Why this? Why now? That's the story investors want to hear.

Be open on the topic of risks

It may sound like a bad tip to talk about risks while you're trying to secure funding, but calling out your weaknesses builds credibility. Smart investors know every business has risks. If you talk about them upfront, you will show self-awareness. Also, you've probably already thought about how to handle them.

Manage investments and funding with Wise Business

It's clear that finding the right investors and securing funding doesn't mean you have to chase around for every opportunity that comes up. In fact, it's all about aligning with the ones that truly fit your business stage, values, and goals. The real key to successfully getting investors is to be prepared. Know your numbers, understand your market, and make sure your story connects.

Once you've secured funding, you should be mindful of how you spend it. If you're managing international payments, they usually come with high fees and unfavourable exchange rates. Wise Business can help with that – with our account, you can manage international payments, pay investors, and move money across borders, all with low fees and great exchange rates.
You'll also get access to a multi-currency card, available in 40+ currencies with 0.5% cashback on eligible expenses. Want to know the real exchange rates? Not a problem – our currency converter helps you stay on top of costs across markets.

Register with Wise Business🚀

Sources used for this article:

1. Brex - How to find investors
2. Carta - Types of investors & Roles for startups - # Accelerators and Incubators
3. Carta - Types of investors & Roles for startups - # Angel investors
4. Viva Technology - A Startup Guide To Funding: How to Find Investors
5. Xero - How to Find Investors
6. Digital Ocean - How to Find Angel Investors
   Sources checked on 02-May-2025