Funding scenario

Founder considering capital

A fictional worked example showing how this kind of business might separate its funding routes. It is illustrative only, not advice about any real company.

Illustrative only. This scenario is fictional and general. Your own answers in the free check will produce a different pathway snapshot.

What they are trying to fund

Growth, runway, hiring and market expansion, with a capital raise on the table.

Likely first route: Capital readiness, before approaching the market

If the need is broader than a defined project, capital may be the route. The first work is readiness: use of funds, forecast, cap table and governance. A weak first approach can reduce credibility with investors.

Worth checking next: Non-dilutive routes, checked in parallel

Before diluting, confirm whether a grant, RDTI or finance could fund part of the plan without giving away equity.

Weak-fit routes

Approaching investors before the capital logic is clear, and ignoring non-dilutive routes that could reduce the raise.

Documents to prepare

  • Use-of-funds table and amount required
  • Forecast and gross-margin assumptions
  • Current cap table and shareholder structure
  • Governance and investor-readiness summary

Adviser handoff

QuestionBest first conversation
Is the capital logic clear?Capital adviser
Could non-dilutive routes help?Accountant or RDTI adviser
Are the legal documents ready?Commercial lawyer

Sources and review status

Last reviewed: June 2026.

Official sources checked: IRD, MBIE, business.govt.nz, NZTE, NZGCP, EECA and MPI, as relevant.

NZ Funding Pathways is a free resource funded by PH Capital Advisory.

General information only. Check the current official source and speak with the relevant adviser before acting.

This page provides general information only. It does not provide tax, accounting, legal, financial, investment or eligibility advice, and it does not guarantee funding.