“Why using an investment broker works for no one”

Investment brokers can be a tempting option for startup founders seeking to raise capital. Brokers can offer a range of services, including access to secret networks and high value investors. However, there are some potential drawbacks to using investment brokers that both startup founders and brokers should be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll explore why startup founders, investors may want to avoid using investment brokers.

From the Startup Founder’s Perspective:

There are several reasons why startup founders may want to avoid using investment brokers to raise capital.

 

1. 1. High fees and commissions: Investment brokers typically charge fees or commissions for their services. While these fees can vary, they can be quite high (typically ranged from 5-8%), particularly if the broker is successful in raising a significant amount of capital for the startup. These fees can eat into the returns that investors receive and may ultimately make it more difficult for the startup to achieve its financial goals.

1. 1. Lack of control: When working with an investment broker, the startup founder may have less control over the fundraising process. The broker may have their own ideas about which investors to approach and how to pitch the startup, which may not align with the founder’s vision or goals. This lack of control could result in the startup raising capital from investors who are not a good fit or who do not share the same values or priorities.

1. Potential conflicts of interest: Investment brokers may have their own interests in mind when working with a startup. For example, a broker may be more focused on closing the deal and earning a commission, rather than finding the best investors for the startup. This conflict of interest could impact the quality of the services that the broker provides and ultimately result in a less successful fundraising round.

From the Investor’s Perspective:

Investors may also have reasons to avoid working with investment brokers when considering investing in startups.

 

1. 1. Limited access to information: When working with an investment broker, investors may have limited access to information about the startup they are considering investing in. The broker may be the only point of contact between the investor and the startup, which could make it more difficult for the investor to perform due diligence and evaluate the potential risks and returns of the investment.

1. 1. Limited control over the investment: When working with an investment broker, investors may have less control over the investment process. The broker may have their own ideas about which startups to present to the investor and how to structure the investment, which may not align with the investor’s investment goals or risk tolerance.

1. 1. Higher costs: Investment brokers may charge fees or commissions for their services, which can increase the cost of the investment for the investor. These fees may be higher than the fees that would be charged if the investor found the startup on their own.

In conclusion, there are several reasons why both startup founders may want to avoid using investment brokers to raise capital. While investment brokers can provide valuable services, they may come with high fees and commissions, a lack of control over the fundraising process, and potential conflicts of interest. Similarly, investment brokers may be at risk of non-payment, lack of protection, and conflicts of interest when working with startups. Ultimately, it’s important for both startup founders and investment brokers to carefully evaluate all options and consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before making a decision.