Once upon a time…

"Our service is the best thing since sliced bread, the product is unique," said the founder.

"Show me" said the investor.

It’s not a new story, but it’s one that keeps getting told.

Any company looking to raise capital needs to be able to tell its story. For earlier-stage businesses especially, articulating the “why” behind the company and backing it up with clarity and confidence is essential.

We often hear that “investors back people, not spreadsheets.” But the truth is: they back people who understand the numbers. Investors want to see that a business knows itself, has mapped out its possible futures (including the tough ones), and can communicate all of this credibly.

It’s also important to remember that investment decisions aren’t made on gut feeling alone. Banks and funds have their own mandates and criteria. “Being awesome” isn’t always enough.

At Impact, we work with founders, SMEs and corporates to get their story and structure investor-ready. Whether it’s helping early-stage teams develop compelling narratives, or running a pre-funding or M&A readiness check for established companies, we coach and mentor management teams to deliver their message powerfully and prepare for the questions that will inevitably come.

Often, it’s not about knowing the answers, it’s about preparing for the right questions. For example:

• What exactly does your business do?
• What is your core growth strategy?
• Who are your key competitors?
• What clearly sets you apart?

Obvious questions? Maybe. But can your team answer them succinctly? Can you demonstrate the research behind your positioning?

Even Novak Djokovic has a coach. Sometimes, the best-performing players just need guidance to stay sharp.

Impact supports businesses in navigating the funding environment from early-stage preparation, to transaction execution, and post-deal strategy. If you're preparing for investment or acquisition, or just want a sense-check from experienced professionals, we’re here for an informal chat.

For more information please get in touch at contact@impactlawyers.co.uk