How to Successfully Raise Funds in 6 Key Steps
Fundraising is a strategic milestone for any growing company. It allows you to finance ambitious projects, accelerate commercial development, or enter new markets. But a successful fundraising round doesn’t happen by chance — it requires a clear understanding of the key steps, anticipation of legal challenges, and the right practices from the outset.
1. Define a Coherent Fundraising Strategy
Before approaching investors, it’s essential to:
- clarify funding needs (amount, use of funds, profitability horizon, etc.);
- define the type of investment you're seeking: venture capital, business angels, family office, etc. ;
- choose between equity financing or quasi-equity instruments (convertible bonds, BSA Air, etc.).
The type of investor you choose is strategic, as it will shape the company’s future governance.
2. Prepare the Legal Structure Beforehand
Investors expect a company to be legally sound and properly structured. You should:
- ensure that your articles of association are up to date;
- regularize the founders’ contributions (capital, intellectual property, shareholder agreements);
- have a clear and well-constructed cap tablecapitalization table (cap table).
Involving a fundraising lawyer at this stage helps prevent legal roadblocks during negotiations.
3. Prepare the Documentation for Investors
Investors expect a professional, comprehensive investment pack, including:
- un ean executive summary and a pitch deck concise pitch deck;
- a financial business plan with 3 to 5-year projections;
- One A data room a data room with key documents: articles of association, company registration (K-bis), key contracts, intellectual property records, forecasts, etc. intellectuelle (PI), prévisionnels, etc.
4. Draft the Legal Terms of the Investment
This is where the lawyer plays a central role by:
- drafting or reviewing term sheet (investment letter of intent);
- negotiating key clauses: liquidation preference, anti-dilution, tag-along rights, etc.;
- preparing the shareholders’ agreement, which governs the relationship between founders and investors.
These documents are essential, as they shape governance, exit scenarios, and financial rights.
5. Obtain Authorizations and Finalize the Fundraising Round
Once agreements are secured, several legal actions must be completed:
- updating the articles of association;
- holding an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to approve the the capital increase;
- registering the transaction with the Trade and Companies Register.
6. Ensure Post-Fundraising Monitoring
After the transaction is complete, it’s critical to:
- update the cap table ;
- comply with the reporting obligations outlined in the shareholders’ agreement;
- prepare the next steps (Series B, bridge round, exit strategy, etc.).
A solid post-deal follow-up helps build lasting trust with investors and prepares for future funding rounds or transactions.
Successfully raising funds involves much more than just convincing an investor. Being advised by a business and corporate lawyer enables you to structure your fundraising efficiently, protect your interests, and build credibility with financial partners.
