EP07 - Edward Stevenson of SFC Capital

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Want to demystify the world of early-stage investments? Promise no more: this episode unpacks the labyrinth of SEIS and EIS tax relief and early-stage tech investment as we sit with Ed, an Investment Manager at SFC Capital. A fund that's not afraid to make bold moves, SFC Capital specializes in supporting startups from a variety of sectors, closing deals with the speed of a cheetah, and even offering follow-on funding to a select 10% of their portfolio companies each year.

Dive headfirst into the discussion as we uncover the secret sauce that makes or breaks an application at SFC Capital. How does their scoring system work? What does the ideal candidate look like? Ed shares his valuable insights on the key factors that influence SFC Capital's investment decisions - from the importance of a solid team composition to a steadfast commitment to the business and well-researched market analysis. We also get a peek into Ed's journey into investment, his personal criteria for choosing businesses to bank on, and his knack for spotting successful founders.

But it's not all about the start - what happens when it's time to make the shift from the initial stages to the later ones? We discuss the challenges of navigating late-stage investor expectations, the crucial need for a viable business model, and the undeniable importance of cash flow for success. Get a word of advice or two about early-stage investment strategies and tips, and learn about the thrill of finding the right investors, the role of luck in investment success, and the time it takes for returns to materialize. We also touch upon exciting developments in the space, including the potential of a secondary market to turbocharge investment and a novel fund designed to provide liquidity for founders. Time to sharpen your investment acumen with insights straight from the horse's mouth - tune in now!

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