Amy Pierechod quoted in TechRound discussing challenges to securing venture capital funding

Amy Pierechod, partner and head emerging companies has been quoted in TechRound, a media title dedicated to the start-up community, discussing barriers founders face when securing venture capital (VC) funding.

VC funding is a core tool available to founders to help their start-up grow and thrive. Alongside funding, VC comes with backing in the form of expertise, guidance, and access to a broad network of wider potential investors.

However, it is a significant challenge for founders, requiring a great deal of time and effort. According to Amy, as founders explore and secure VC, preparation is key.

“Founders need to demonstrate that they are well placed to tackle the legal and operational challenges as they gear up for growth,” commented Amy.

Good housekeeping with start-ups

Amy explains, “A starting point is being able to demonstrate a reasonable level of organisation and ‘good housekeeping’.

“Having an up to date register of members, having contracts signed and in folders ready for diligence and your financial model readily available in an Excel format shows that you are professional and easy to deal with.”

Attracting investors with IP arrangements

“Investors are also deterred by lack of rigour around IP arrangements with external providers. Effective IP assignments with these contributors will protect any innovations and provide further
investor appeal.”

Tackling key compliance areas such as data management

Amy highlighted: “Start-ups can quickly amass personal data, especially when growing their customer base.

“Failing to consider a ‘privacy by design’ approach can risk severe penalties from regulators, potentially derailing investor attractiveness and growth journeys.”

You can read Amy’s comments, including guidance from other founders and experts on VC funding, online in TechRound here.

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