Monday, January 13, 2025
Always Be Raising (ABR): A Founder’s Secret to Fundraising Success
“It’s important to always ‘be raising’ – even when you’re not.”
At Raaise, we believe in Always Be Raising (ABR). But let’s be clear: this isn’t about constantly pitching for capital. ABR is about building relationships, sharing progress, and creating accountability—long before your next round.
For pro-planet founders, where stakes are high and timelines tight, ABR can mean the difference between a seamless raise and a scramble for funds. Here’s why ABR matters and how to put it into practice.
The Two Sides of ABR
1. Actively Raising
This is the obvious part. You’re in the trenches: meetings, calls, due diligence, and pitching your vision. You’ve set a goal, and you’re executing a structured process to build momentum.
But here’s the catch: active fundraising is easier when you’ve mastered the second part of ABR.
2. Passively Fundraising
The best founders don’t just show up when they need cash—they cultivate relationships over time. This means identifying potential investors for future rounds, engaging regularly, and keeping the conversation warm.
One of the most effective ways to passively fundraise? Investor updates.
By sending monthly or quarterly updates, you:
Showcase progress: Demonstrate your growth and traction over time.
Build trust: Create rapport with potential investors.
Stay accountable: Keep yourself and your team focused.
Think of it this way: the average investor-founder relationship lasts 8-10 years. Starting early makes the decision to write a check a lot easier when the time comes.
Momentum is Everything
Anyone who’s raised before knows how rounds come together:
No one wants to invest until someone commits.
Once you land a lead, the rest of the round falls into place.
This dynamic makes ABR crucial. By nurturing relationships with smaller, strategic investors who aren’t ready to lead, you can create the perception of demand—amplifying momentum when your lead investor steps up.
Take the Path of Least Resistance
Capital is harder to secure these days, but it’s still within reach for founders who focus their energy on the right investors. Don’t waste time chasing investors that don't align with your mission. Instead, prioritise building relationships with investors who truly believe in your vision and are ready to support your journey.
Fundraising isn’t the endgame—it’s just the fuel. The real work is building a product or service that solves meaningful problems. Secure the capital you need, take the path of least resistance, and get back to what matters most—building your startup.
How Raaise Makes ABR Simple
Raaise was designed with ABR in mind. Whether you’re actively raising or simply building for the future, our platform helps you:
Track Investor Engagement: Build and manage your pipeline efficiently.
Streamline Updates: Share progress with investors in seconds, keeping the conversation alive.
Build Trust Over Time: Let potential investors see your traction and resilience firsthand.