When Should You Raise Money For Your Business? | Part 6

Should you raise money for your business? Do you need to fundraise at all?

Ollie and Sam break down the realities of early-stage fundraising: when it helps, when it hurts, how investors think, and why traction beats pitch decks every time.

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
00:20 – The biggest fundraising misconception
01:00 – Fundraising is the start, not the goal
02:00 – Should you raise at all?
04:50 – Venture-backed vs rational startups
07:40 – Validate → Build → Scale (funding view)
09:20 – Why traction matters
10:55 – Types of investors
12:20 – TigerSpike’s $11M raise
14:10 – Why investors need 10x returns
17:00 – What investors evaluate
21:00 – Bootstrapping vs raising
23:00 – Case study: Duellix
27:00 – Dilution & founder ownership
31:00 – Using equity strategically
36:40 – What fundraising really means

Key Quotes
“Fundraising is not validation — traction is.” — Sam
“You should only raise if it creates a step‑change in your business.” — Ollie

About DQventures
DQventures is a global venture builder run by six exited founders who have invested in 100+ companies. They help experienced professionals validate, build, and scale sustainable businesses.

TL;DR
How to decide whether to raise money, what investors really look for.