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Seed Capital Definition and Examples

Seed capital is the first round of funding that a company receives in order to get off the ground.

It is possible for a company in its early stages to lack a well-established reputation or even a tangible product or service that would allow it to attract higher-tier investors such as venture capitalists and banks.

With only an idea in hand, these founders rely on their own savings (known as “boot strapping”), or on the generosity of close friends, family, and so-called angel investors to fund the initial costs of developing their concept and launching it into the market.

Seed capital is frequently used to pay for the following:

• Business plans
• Market study/research
• Development of prototypes
• Rent of office.
• Equipment
• Legal fees and expenses
• The cost of a patent
• Payroll for the first-team roster
• Fees for consulting services
• Marketing budget (in dollars).

 

It’s vital to keep in mind that seed capital is the initial step in the startup funding process.

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Seed money, Series A funding, Series B funding, and Series C funding, to mention a few examples, are the four rounds or series of investments that a firm might get in total.

 

Alternative meaning of seed capital

Early-stage investments in a company’s development.

This form of finance is also known as seed capital.

How Seed Capital Is Utilized

A business concept or idea may not be enough to capture the interest of investors or financial institutions, which is why seed funding is critical in legitimizing and consolidating a founder’s business concept.

Although the amount of money invested varies, seed money is usually between $250,000 and $2 million.

A founder may give certain benefits or kinds of cash to subsequent investors in exchange for investments from early investors such as family and friends.

Because new enterprises fail so regularly, according to Zain Jaffer of Zain Ventures in San Francisco, these ventures are deemed high risk.

Early investors, on the other hand, who want to reap big benefits, frequently desire to invest before the market opens.

Types of Seed Capital

It is possible to obtain seed capital from a variety of sources, including the founder’s own funds, funds from family and friends,angel investors, and even crowdfunding.

Here is a more in-depth look at each type of seed funding available.

 

Funds provided by the owner

Sometimes a founder’s or business owner’s only capital is the money they have set aside for the endeavor.

It’s likely that this will be enough to get the business out of the development stage and into the hands of professional investors.

Furthermore, by self-funding, entrepreneurs can realize their visions without having to give up too much stock too fast.

 

Obtaining funds from family and friends

One of the most prevalent sources of seed financing is provided by those closest to the business owner.

Family and friends that have a personal link are more likely to believe in the business concept, and their main concern may be the return on their investment.

If the owners are not attentive, dealing with close family members can result in additional obligations.

 

NOTE: Always be mindful of the informal nature of business dealings with family and friends, and be open and honest with them about the risks that may be involved.

 

A friend or family member investing, who has no prior experience investing in early-stage businesses, may not have clear expectations of any kind—or worse, unrealistic expectations.

 

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An investment made by a relative or friend is still an investment, and the owner should keep detailed records of it. Misunderstandings that can lead to broken relationships and legal issues are the last thing a business owner needs.

Angel Investors

Angel Investors are individuals who make investments on a short-term basis.

Investors in early-stage companies, known as angels, are typically wealthy individuals who make investments in exchange for a share of the company’s future profits.

 

See Also – How to get funds for a startup business

Interested investors are looking for a solid return on their investment, as well as an established startup with a strong management team and business plan, as well as an opportunity to participate actively in the company through mentorship, board membership, or even management.

Crowdfunding

For fledgling firms, crowdfunding can be a great and convenient way to raise starting cash.

Founders can reach out to their target audience and solicit investment by creating an online campaign on crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter, IndieGogo, AngelList, SeedInvest, and WeFunder.

 

One sort of crowdsourcing is equity-based crowdfunding, in which a creator contributes equity or a potential future return in the business.

Rewards-based fundraising, such as donations and online marketplace lending, eliminates the need for founders with a good concept to give up stock in order to raise crowdsourced funds.

Is Seed Capital Required for My Business?

If you have a viable business idea but are unable to fund the idea yourself and do not yet qualify for a business loan from a financial institution, seed capital may be an appropriate source of funding.

Some entrepreneurs and business owners do not have the funds or access to the startup capital that professional investors and financial institutions can provide for their ventures.

It is possible that seed capital will be required to pay for research, business equipment, research or consultants to help you develop your ideas if this is the case for you.

IMPORTANT: You should be cautious about giving away an excessive amount of equity in the beginning. In the future, having a large number of investors with a stake in your company may make your company less attractive to higher-tier investors.

Comparison of Seed Capital vs. Venture Capital

The majority of venture capital firms invest in startups with an established business model.

Additionally, venture capitalists (VCs) can choose to invest in a company during the seed stage, but the emphasis is usually on financial benefits.

Jenna Lofton, a registered financial counselor and investor in New York, explained the distinction between seed capital and venture capital.

“Unlike venture finance, seed financing does not require an entrepreneur to secure shares in the new company,” she noted.

“This type of financing is frequently (but not always) provided by family or friends to avoid diluting their interest when additional external capital is needed to grow,” the author notes.

Methods of Obtaining Seed Capital

Seed capital is typically comprised of contributions from friends and family, making it a one-of-a-kind method of launching a business.

Seed capital is often easier to obtain than other types of capital because of the personal relationships that have been established.

However, persuading people you know to lend you money or invest in your business idea is not always an easy proposition.

The primary goal of seed capital is to provide support to a startup until it is able to attract additional funding or generate its own cash flow.

Even if your investors are close friends and family members, presenting your business idea in a professional manner is the most effective way to raise seed capital. It’s critical to put the terms of the investment exchange in writing and to think about how much equity you’re willing to give up in exchange for the investment.

Summary- What is Seed Capital?

Seed money is the initial funding source for a business launch in order to build the company and attract future funding.

Seed capital is typically obtained through family and friends, although it can also be obtained through crowdsourcing, angel investors, or the firm owner’s own funds.

Seed financing varies from venture capital in that it does not require the founder to acquire shares in the company while it is still in the early stages of development.

One of the main aims of seed money is to provide support to a business until it can seek additional funding or create revenue on its own.