Get the Most Out of an Investment Readiness Program
- Seed
- Pre-Seed
How to Get the Most Out of an Investment Readiness Program
As a startup founder, the journey to securing investment can feel like walking a tightrope: exciting, daunting, and requiring balance. Investment readiness programs are designed to be the safety net that helps you cross with confidence. But like anything, the value you get out of such a program is directly tied to the effort you put in and the mindset you bring to the table.
Lancashire is home to a growing ecosystem of ambitious startups, supportive networks, and funding opportunities. If you're preparing to take part in an investment readiness program in the region, here are some practical ways to ensure you not only survive but thrive during the process.
Start with Clarity🔗
The best thing you can do before walking into an investment readiness program is to understand why you’re there. What’s your goal? Is it to raise your first £50k? Or are you gearing up for a larger Series A round? If you need help with this then your first point of call is the County’s Access to Finance Service.
Write it down and be specific. For example:
- “I want to raise £100k to expand my sales team and launch a new product line by Q3 next year.”
- “I need to improve my pitch deck to attract the right angel investors.”
- When you're clear about your goals, you can filter advice and focus on what aligns with your vision.
If you need help with this then your first point of call is the County’s Access to Finance Service.
Do Your Homework🔗
Investment readiness programs are designed to teach you what you don’t know—but that doesn’t mean you should show up completely unprepared. Make sure you understand the basics of your own business:
- What problem are you solving, and for whom?
- What’s your total addressable market (TAM), and how are you reaching it?
- What’s your financial runway?
The more detail you have, the better positioned you’ll be to ask meaningful questions and take action on feedback.
Embrace Feedback (Even When It Hurts)🔗
One of the most valuable aspects of these programs is the feedback you’ll receive from mentors, facilitators, and peers. Some of it might challenge your assumptions or poke holes in your business model, and that can sting—but it’s worth it.
Tip
Remember: the investors you pitch to later won’t hold back either. Treat this as a chance to refine your approach in a safe, supportive environment.
Here’s a tip: After receiving feedback, resist the urge to respond defensively. Instead, ask yourself, “What can I take from this to strengthen my business or pitch?”
Network, Network, Network
Lancashire’s investment readiness programs are filled with opportunities to connect—not just with mentors and investors, but with fellow founders. The relationships you build here could be just as valuable as the funding you’re seeking.
Don’t just focus on the big names in the room. Talk to the person sitting next to you in the workshop. They might share a similar challenge or offer a perspective you hadn’t considered.
If you want to keep building your network then checkout the great events hosted by Northern Reach and FHundED.
Master Your Pitch
If there’s one thing an investment readiness program will drill into you, it’s the art of pitching. But don’t just aim for “good enough.” A strong pitch isn’t just about looking slick; it’s about clarity, storytelling, and confidence.
Focus on:
Practice your pitch until it feels natural, and don’t be afraid to evolve it based on feedback.
Be Open to Iteration🔗
Investment readiness programs aren’t about validating everything you’re doing—they’re about helping you build a stronger foundation. You might discover that your business model needs tweaking or that your target market isn’t what you thought.
That’s okay. In fact, that’s the point. The most successful founders I know are the ones who are willing to iterate and adapt based on new information.
Leverage Lancashire’s Ecosystem
One of the unique benefits of joining an investment readiness program in Lancashire is the access it gives you to the region’s ecosystem. From university support to local angel networks and tech hubs, there’s a wealth of resources to tap into.
Don’t just think of the program as a one-off event. Use it as a springboard to build lasting relationships within Lancashire’s innovation ecosystem.
Set Realistic Expectations🔗
Not every founder walks out of an investment readiness program with a term sheet in hand— and that’s okay. The real goal is to leave more prepared, more confident, and better connected than when you started.
Investment is a journey, not a single destination. Think of this program as an accelerator that gives you the tools and direction to keep moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Investment readiness programs are an incredible opportunity to level up your business and your mindset. But the key to getting the most out of them is showing up prepared, staying open to feedback, and committing to action.
There is so much happening in Lancashire right now. The growth of Lancashire Digital Hub and FHundED, couple with great communities in Aerospace (NWAA) Net Zero Technologies (Redcat) and Electronics (Electech Innovation Cluster) means there is help around most corners. Spaces like Fraser House, Strawberry Fields and the AMRC mean there are landing points for any startup.
In Lancashire, you’re part of a growing community of entrepreneurs who are proving that ambition and innovation don’t just belong in London—they thrive here too. So, take this chance, put in the work, and watch your business take its next big step.
