Finance may be needed for a multitude of reasons: to provide start-up funding; to finance growth or capital investment; or to provide for the exit of a stakeholder.
The amount, type and duration of financing needs to be appropriate to the needs of the operation and may well change over time as the business goes through its life cycle.
There may also be times when there is a need to re-evaluate the funding structure of the business.
This may be to reduce funding costs, improve headroom or flexibility, or a major exit opportunity that may appeal to, or only be achievable with the help of, specialist venture capital backers.
Meridian can bring experience and assist with all aspects of fundraising.
With appropriate business planning and early identification of potential funding problems, an approach to providers before that point is reached will have a far more beneficial outcome that an approach triggered by a distress situation.
Whilst existing funding relationships will be fully respected, we can if requested introduce other providers and competition to possibly reduce costs or improve the suitability and flexibility of your funding structure.
This can involve assistance with compiling business plans and projections, establishing how much funding is likely to be required, devising suitable funding structures (debt / equity / leases / invoice finance) before the business ‘goes to market’, review of third-party funding proposals and aiding discussions with providers.
Fundraising is usually a team effort. Meridian will work with you and your management team to pull together realistic and attainable projections, with any other detailed financial or strategic information that may be required by potential funders.
As is normal, assumptions used in any business plan will be modelled, challenged and flexed to illustrate sensitivity to change. Meridian will also help you prepare for discussions with funding providers.