Resilience Meets Opportunity: Advice for those founders currently navigating investment challenges
Founded by a team of industry veterans— Jim Odell, Justin Urquhart Stewart, Paul Newsham, Martin Taylor, Michael Mcdowell, and Tony Backhouse—Regionally Ventures is committed to bridging the funding gap for high-growth regional businesses across the UK. With 70p of every £1 traditionally invested in London, regional businesses represent a valuable, yet often overlooked, segment of the market.
Securing investment for your business is rarely a straightforward journey. It takes perseverance, adaptability, and the ability to see rejection not as an end but as a step towards refinement. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless founders, and one thing is clear: those who succeed are the ones who embrace resilience as an asset.
If you’re a founder seeking investment, here’s my advice for staying the course and giving yourself the best chance to succeed.
Rejection is Feedback, Not Failure
Let me start with the hard truth: you will hear the word “No.” A lot. You’ll kiss a lot of frogs before you find your prince/princess! But remember this—every rejection is an opportunity to learn. Most investors aren’t rejecting you or your business personally; they might not see the alignment with their portfolio, their own experience or with the timing. When this happens, take a deep breath and ask for feedback.
As a founder, you should ask questions like:
What concerns do you have about this proposal?
What would make this opportunity more attractive?
Armed with this feedback, you can adapt and refine your approach. I’ve seen founders turn initial rejections into tailored pitches that won over investors later down the line. It’s about persistence and an openness to improvement.
Find the Right Match
This is where partnering with us can make all the difference because we understand that not every investor is going to be the right investor at the right time. We specialise in connecting founders with investors who are already pre-qualified and genuinely interested in their sector. This isn’t just about saving you (or the investor) time—it’s about ensuring that when you do sit down with an investor, the potential for alignment is already there.
The best partnerships are built on mutual understanding, respect, and shared goals. A mismatched investor can derail your business as much as a lack of funding, so don’t rush the process. The right partnership is worth the wait.
Get the Basics Right
Before you step into a room with any investor, make sure you’ve covered the essentials. Investors want to see that you’re prepared and professional. Here’s a checklist I recommend:
A clear, concise business plan that answers the “what,” “how,” and “why” of your business. What problem have you identified, and how do you aim to solve it?
Financials that are not only accurate but tell the story of your business’s potential.
A compelling narrative about your journey—why you started, the problems you’re solving, and where you’re headed.
Practice your pitch until it feels natural. If pitching isn’t your strength, consider bringing in someone who can represent your business with confidence. A great pitch is a conversation, not a monologue—it’s about building trust.
Resilience: Your Best Asset
Let me share something I’ve learned from years of working with founders: the road to success is rarely smooth. Those who succeed aren’t just the smartest or the luckiest; they’re the ones who keep going when things get tough.
Celebrate the small wins along the way, whether it’s positive feedback, a successful meeting, or simply hitting a milestone you set for yourself. Build a support network of peers or mentors who understand the journey you’re on. And always keep your eyes on the bigger picture.
Every rejection, every obstacle, is a chance to grow. The founders who thrive are the ones who see resilience not just as survival, but as a tool for adaptation and growth.
Why Partnering with Regionally Just Makes Sense
We’re here to help you navigate this process. Our role isn’t just to connect you with any investor but to match you with the right investor—one who understands your vision and shares your goals.
Our network of pre-qualified investors spans multiple sectors, and we take the time to ensure you’re not just pitching to an audience, but to people who truly understand the value of your business.
As I often say: “It’s not about finding just any investor; it’s about finding the investor who sees what you see.”
Conclusion: Resilience, Relationships, Results
As you move forward, remember that every step—even the setbacks—is part of the process. Stay adaptable, stay focused, and most importantly, stay resilient. And when you’re ready to take the next step, we’ll be here to help you find the partnership that’s right for you.
~ Jim Odell, CEO, Regionally Ventures
If you share our vision for unlocking regional potential, we’d love to hear from you.