Description

We’d love for you to join us for an honest, founder-first session on one of the most misunderstood parts of building a business: investment.

Raising Money Without Regret is designed to cut through the noise and help you make smarter, more informed decisions about funding your venture, without the jargon, pressure, or performative advice.

What’s it all about?

Most founders get incomplete, or just plain bad, advice when it comes to raising money.

This session creates a safe, open space to understand your options, ask the questions you think you should already know, and explore what the right type of capital looks like for your business (regardless of company structure).

We’ll break down the full funding landscape, from grants and loans through to Angels, Venture Capital and Impact Investment, and importantly, when each is (and isn’t) right.

Who’ll be there:

Founders building purpose-driven ventures
Ventures who’ve taken on investment, are exploring funding options or preparing to raise
Investment experts and ecosystem partners
The Ventures Lab team and Venture Support Managers
And you, hopefully

Speakers

We’re bringing together a mix of perspectives across the investment landscape, from impact and third-sector finance through to venture and institutional capital.

Robert Hokin – Fundraising 101
An experienced international investment advisor with over 30 years working across impact and venture finance. Robert specialises in helping founders understand how to raise the right capital, and avoid the common pitfalls that come with it.

Daisy Ford-Downes - Third-Sector Investment Specialist
Daisy brings a strong perspective on social investment and funding routes for organisations operating with alternative governance structures. She’ll help unpack what’s available beyond traditional equity, and when those routes are most appropriate.

Barry McCulloch – British Business Bank
Barry brings deep insight into the UK funding landscape, including debt finance, angel investment and venture capital. He works closely with founders and funders to improve access to finance and understands what good looks like from both sides of the table.

What to expect:

A clear, practical overview of your funding options, beyond just VC or grants
Honest insights into what investors look for (and what they don’t tell you)
A candid discussion on common mistakes, including giving away equity too early
A panel of experienced voices across investment, venture capital and impact finance
An open, anonymous AMA, ask the questions you’ve been holding back
Space to connect with other founders navigating similar decisions

Why come?

If you’re a purpose-driven business leader thinking about raising money, or wondering if you even should, this session will help you:

Make more confident, informed funding decisions
Avoid costly mistakes early on
Understand what good looks like when approaching investors
Leave with clear next steps, not just theory
Connect with peers and credible support

Register to book your spot

About The Ventures Lab

The Ventures Lab by Challenges Group supports purpose-driven founders to build, grow and scale ventures that deliver real value for people, planet and profit.

Working hands-on with founders from early discovery through investment to growth, we help prove ideas, build resilient business models, and unlock the right opportunities at the right time. Our focus is on depth over volume, backing ventures that are built for long-term impact, not just short-term traction.

By registering for this event, you agree to receive occasional updates from The Ventures Lab about relevant events, programmes, funding opportunities and other news. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact the host of Raising Money Without Regret: Smart Capital for Impact Founders