The Power of Clear Communication

Ian shared a story about a mobile tyre replacement business that really stuck with me. At the time, the market was dominated by brick-and-mortar services. These founders decided to break the mold and offer a mobile solution.

What made their pitch so memorable wasn’t just the innovative model—it was their ability to communicate their vision with passion and clarity.

“Their presentation wasn’t flashy,” Ian explained. “It was simple, but it built a bridge between the founders and the investors. Their passion and experience came through, and that’s what sealed the deal.”

This wasn’t just about selling an idea—it was about showing investors why they were the right team to pull it off.

“Eighty percent of early-stage investment decisions are driven by the entrepreneur,” Ian said. “Investors are betting on the people, not just the business.”

Turning Doubters into Believers

We also talked about what makes Greater Manchester stand out as a startup hub. Ian highlighted the region’s rich academic and sectoral expertise, especially in areas like life sciences and advanced materials.

“We have a life sciences corridor running from Oxford Road down to Alderley Park,” he said. “It’s a powerhouse of talent and innovation, and it’s attracting more businesses and investors to the region.”

Manchester’s collaborative approach also plays a big role. Unlike some regions, the local authorities here work together, reducing duplication and competition.

“This coordination makes it easier for founders to access the support they need,” Ian said.

Advice for First-Time Founders

When I asked Ian about advice for first-time founders, he stressed the importance of reaching out and asking for help.

“There’s no such thing as a stupid question,” he said. “Greater Manchester has so many resources for founders—don’t be afraid to use them.”

One resource Ian mentioned is the Growth Hub’s Simplify website, which helps founders navigate Manchester’s funding ecosystem. It’s a good starting point for anyone unsure of where to begin.

Ian also emphasized the importance of understanding the risks from an investor’s perspective.

“Early-stage businesses are risky,” he said. “As a founder, your job is to reduce that perceived risk by building credibility and trust.”

The Business Plan Myth

One of Ian’s most interesting insights was his take on business plans.

“The idea that you need a detailed business plan is one of the biggest myths in fundraising,” he said. “Early-stage businesses are all about agility. Investors want founders who can adapt to challenges and seize opportunities—not those who are rigidly tied to a plan.”

Where to Start Raising Funds

We went into detail about some of the funding options available in Greater Manchester:

• GC Business Finance: Offers startup loans up to £25k per director, growth loans, export funds, and microloans through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund.

• GC Angels: Invests £50k–£150k and co-invests with their network of high-net-worth individuals.

• Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund: Covers equity and debt options, with investments ranging from £50k to £2m.

• FW Capital: Offers loans between £100k and £750k.

• Greater Manchester Investment Fund: Provides larger investments, up to £5m.

Ian also shared some practical advice for vetting potential investors.

“You need to understand their capacity to invest. Research their portfolio, check how active they’ve been recently, and don’t be afraid to ask direct questions about their appetite for new investments.”

Balancing Priorities

We all know how overwhelming it can be to run a startup. You’re expected to do everything—networking, product development, sales, fundraising—and it’s often just one or two people trying to manage it all.

Ian acknowledged this and said, “While everything is important, networking should be at the top of your list. Fundraising isn’t quick—it takes time, and the more conversations you have, the luckier you’ll get.”

He also made an interesting point about transparency. “Be upfront about the problems in your business,” he said. “Investors expect issues. If you’re honest about them, they’ll see where they can add value.”

Final Thoughts

What I took away from my conversation with Ian is that fundraising isn’t just about getting money—it’s about building relationships, communicating your vision clearly, and showing that you’re someone investors can trust to deliver.

If you’re in Greater Manchester, take full advantage of the resources available.

If you’re a founder looking to raise funds, I’d love to hear about your journey. Get in touch at artur@scale-wise.com

Below is full recording of the interview with Ian. You can also read more on Salford Innovation Forum, to access additional resources shared by Ian.