Hi sir, I've appx. 20 years of experience in customer service, now I quit the job and started my own service business now I want to grow my business and want some funds to grow my business. Request you to please suggest how can we raise the funding. Thanks and regards, Rakesh Kumar,

Ans: All the best in your entrepreneur journey Himanshu. Making a product / set of products is one part of the journey. There is a lot more to be done before you can be considered investment-ready. Which customer segment(s) are you targeting and why, what is the missing gap in cosmetics that you are solving for, what key issues with current products do which customers have and how is your offering significantly better, initial customer feedback and reactions, your go to market strategy, revenue model, unit economics, key leadership team etc. If you have co-founders with complementary skills and experience, esp in this competitive space with a solid track record, that is a good start. It might also help being part of a relevant incubator to get access to industry connections, mentors, even better access to potential investors. All the best

Ans: It is difficult to answer such generic questions. 99+% entrepreneurs/ start-ups don't/can't raise funding for various reasons. You may want to refine your idea/ business model by being part of a well-known incubator where you can get specific inputs plus mentoring too.

Ans: Starting a fintech venture in India is an exciting opportunity, and I understand that securing funds can be a bit challenging, especially with limited resources. Firstly, consider bootstrapping, which starting by yourself with your own savings. It gives you full control over your business, and it can be a great way to show potential investors that you're committed.

If you're looking for outside funding, angel investors and venture capitalists can be valuable. Angel investors, like those from networks such as the Indian Angel Network or Chennai Angels, often invest in new startups in exchange for equity. Once your fintech shows some sign of growing well, then you might start thinking about reaching venture capitalists, so keep an eye out for firms that specialize in fintech, like Accel Partners or Nexus Venture Partners.

Don’t overlook government schemes either! The Startup India initiative has a lot of programs offering support for funding, mentorship, and even tax benefits. You might want to check out the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) for additional financial support.

Joining fintech accelerators can also be beneficial. Programs like Techstars or NASSCOM’s 10,000 Startups can provide not just funding but also mentorship and valuable networking opportunities. Even Platforms like Ketto or Wishberry can help you raise smaller amounts from a larger crowd or audience who believe in your idea.

Lastly, if you prefer traditional routes, consider bank loans. Some banks offer specific loans for startups, so having a solid business plan can go a long way in securing that.

It doesn't matter whichever path you go for the only things matters is to make sure your business plan clearly outlines your fintech’s potential and addresses a real need in the market. Good luck!