How to fund your project: bootstrapping, grants, VCs, angels and beyond

Overview

Raising money is one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs.

This 2-hour interactive session will introduce the full spectrum of funding options available - from bootstrapping and grants to venture capital and angel investment.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of where to start, what options might suit your stage and mission, and how to map out your own funding journey.

Who it’s for

This session is open to all UCL students, staff, and alumni who graduated from UCL within the past 2 years.

You don't need any business experience or a startup idea to attend.

UCL doctoral students will receive one DocSkills training point via InkPath and the Doctoral School for completing this session.

What to expect

This session will involve lecture-style teaching, guided discussion and breakout activities.

You’ll explore real-world case studies, reflect on your own funding needs, and work on practical exercises to help you shape your next steps.

You’ll leave with curated resources, including a list of more than 100 non-dilutive opportunities.

What you’ll learn

The session will cover:

• the pros and cons of different funding types, including grants, crowdfunding, debt, angels, VCs and impact investors
• how to identify which funding route is right for you and when
• how to build a personalised funding roadmap with clear goals and milestones
• where to find funding opportunities and tools to help you get investment-ready

About the tutor

Esme Verity has worked in social finance and impact investing for over 10 years. She began as a social entrepreneur and has transitioned into an advisor, consultant and investor. Currently, she is the CEO and founder of Considered Capital, an educational platform with a mission to help impact entrepreneurs access the right capital. They work with foundations, innovative funders and impact investors to move more money to impact entrepreneurs. Esme is also an angel investor in the UK through several women-only angel syndicates and is a Coralus Activator.

Accessibility

If you have any accessibility requirements or requests, please let us know in the signup form.

Photography

Filming and photography occasionally take place at our workshops and events. We use these photos and recordings to help promote future events through our website and social media channels. You can always choose not to be included in any photos or videos.

Date and times

Wednesday, 6 May, 4pm to 6pm.

Book your place

Read our privacy notice to understand how UCL Innovation & Enterprise will deal with your personal data.

UCL Innovation & Enterprise reserves the right to make changes to the programme, location and/or speakers without prior notice. Such alterations are occasionally necessary due to circumstances beyond our control.

Location

UCL BaseKX, 103c Camley Street, London, N1C 4PF