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Duet Partners launches workshops for SMEs seeking growth funding

"How to raise equity finance in the recession"

London, 3rd December 2009.

Duet Partners Ltd, an investment and advisory firm that develops and funds high growth technology businesses, announced today that for the next 3 months it will run a series of workshops aimed at SMEs planning to raise funding during 2010. The half day workshops, which will be held twice per week at the Company’s Mayfair offices and hosted by Duet’s partner team, will focus on the steps needed to improve the chances of funding success. 

John Hall, Duet’s CEO commented: “In the current climate, companies face the most challenging investment environment we have seen for over a decade. The bar has been set higher by investors across all sectors in the search for quality. Companies need to be better prepared than ever before and this requires more rigorous planning, well in advance of going to market. Through these workshops we will provide management teams with practical and tailored guidance on how to better prepare their businesses for the funding challenge in 2010.”  

Workshop objectives 
Companies attend their own private workshop with the Duet team. After reviewing the salient points of the company’s business plan the management team will be taken through an initial pre-investment analysis of their business. This will focus on the key questions that must be answered before the funding process can begin: 

What is the funding objective?

This is the most critical question any investor will ask and is often articulated by the investee company as what’s in it for the company, as opposed to the investor – a classic mistake. The shaping of the right response to this question is crucial, as is its financial validation, as different classes of investor will expect to see different types of outcome. 

What are the funding options?

Sources of finance have changed dramatically over the past 18 months and a more diverse array of private capital is available, ranging from specialist growth funds to recovery funds. Duet tracks over 50 active investors from Angels, High Net Worth individuals, Family Offices, Venture Debt, Venture Capital and other specialist Private Equity vehicles. This enables us to recommend the most relevant funding options for the type and stage of business. 

Are we ready to go to market?

This is where most businesses stumble, many not being ready to stand up to even the first level of investor scrutiny. In the current environment it only takes one flaw in the investment story to derail the process. Duet’s 3 point investment analysis assesses the Commercial, Financial and Legal resilience of the business through the eyes of the target investor, flagging critical areas for attention. 

How do we test the water?

Imagine what it would be like to informally preview the investment story with a group of friendly investors ahead of the formal funding process? This could provide invaluable feedback and enable adjustments to be made before the road show begins. Duet is able to do exactly this. In return, certain ‘friendly’ investors gain early visibility of forthcoming investment opportunities should they want to participate themselves.  

Workshop attendance criteria 

As the workshops are free certain basic eligibility criteria apply: The Company must be able to provide an up to date business plan (or draft investor presentation) and must be planning to raise at least £1M in equity finance during 2010.  

Attendance enquiries should be directed to Jonathan Lees at: jonathan.lees@duetpartners.com 

Ends.

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