SETsquared workshop: Alternative Finance Options

Workshop overview

This practical and interactive two-hour workshop explores a wide range of non-traditional funding routes available to early-stage startups. Aimed at founders and senior operators at pre-Seed and Seed stage, the session covers options such as equity crowdfunding, revenue-based financing, peer-to-peer lending, venture debt, grants, and more.

Through real-world case studies, group discussion, and a structured decision-making framework, participants will gain the tools and insight to assess which finance options best suit their business model, growth plans, and risk appetite. Attendees will leave with clear next steps and actionable strategies to pursue funding beyond traditional investment routes.

Speaker

Kevin Simmons, Entrepreneur in Residence

Participants

Founders, senior finance and senior operators at pre-Seed & Seed stage startups.

Agenda

00:00 – 00:10 | Welcome & Introductions

• Opening remarks and facilitator intro
• Participant icebreaker or poll: “How have you funded your business to date?”

00:10 – 00:25 | Understanding the Funding Landscape

• Traditional vs. alternative finance
• Why explore alternative options?
• Key trends and shifts in business financing

00:25 – 00:50 | Overview of Alternative Finance Options

• Equity crowdfunding
• Revenue-based financing
• Peer-to-peer lending
• Impact and blended finance
• Venture debt and convertible notes
• Grants and challenge funds
• Supply chain and trade finance

00:50 – 01:15 | Case Studies & Real-World Examples

• Quick profiles of businesses that used alternative finance
• What worked, what didn’t, and lessons learned

01:15 – 01:35 | How to Assess What’s Right for You

• Decision-making framework
• Risk, control, and repayment considerations
• Matching finance to business model and growth stage

01:35 – 01:50 | Q&A and Group Discussion

• Open floor for questions
• Sharing from attendees on past experiences

01:50 – 02:00 | Closing & Next Steps

• Summary of key takeaways
• Tools and resources for further exploration
• Feedback form and follow-up opportunities

Learning objectives

Participants leave with both theoretical knowledge and actionable strategies to pursue funding from non-investment sources.

About Kevin

Kevin is a growth advisor, coach, and acclaimed VC investor. Through Bristol-based Clarity Venture Support, Kevin helps investment-backed businesses overcome challenging problems and achieve their maximum growth outcomes. A former CFO and CEO of two UK tech startups, Kevin employs a practical, immersive approach focused on critical path growth results.

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