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Funding & startups

How to find investors and funding for a startup

Founders apply for things constantly: accelerators, competitions, grants, investor intros. These pages give you the calculators and builders for each step (valuation, dilution, deck, application answers) and explain how each kind of application is judged.

Accelerator vs Incubator: Which One Fits Your Startup NowAccelerator vs incubator: how they differ on length, selection, equity and support, what the evidence says, and how to decide which one fits your startup's stage.6 min read · Updated Cap Table Example + Free Cap Table Calculator (SAFE to Seed Round)A worked cap table example from founders through a SAFE and a seed round with an option pool, what each line means, and a free calculator for your own numbers.2 min read · Updated Grant Proposal Example + Template and Section BuilderA grant proposal example and template: the sections funders score, how to write a statement of need with data, budget basics, and a free builder that drafts the outline.2 min read · Updated Pitch Deck Examples + Slide-by-Slide Template BuilderThe slides every startup pitch deck needs, in the order investors expect, examples of strong headlines for each, and a free builder that outlines your deck.2 min read · Updated Pre-Money vs Post-Money Valuation Calculator (With Dilution)The difference between pre-money and post-money valuation, the formula, how a round dilutes founders, and a free calculator for ownership, price per share and new shares.2 min read · Updated What Is a SAFE Note? SAFE vs Convertible Note With Real NumbersWhat a SAFE note is, how a post-money SAFE converts, how it differs from a convertible note, worked examples with real numbers, and when founders should use each.6 min read · Updated YC Application: Key Questions, the Deadline and an Answer DrafterHow to apply to Y Combinator: the Winter 2027 deadline, what the application asks, how partners read it, the $500,000 deal, and a free drafter for your answers.2 min read · Updated

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How do you find investors for a startup?

In short

Match investors to your stage and sector, get warm introductions through founders they have backed, apply to accelerators whose demo days bring investors to you, and prepare a short deck and clear numbers before you reach out.

Early rounds now run mostly on SAFEs: Carta reported that 90% of pre-seed rounds on its platform used SAFEs in early 2025[Carta, Q1 2025]. Understand the instrument before you pitch with our guide to what a SAFE note is, and model ownership with the cap table calculator.

Which startup funding stage are you at?

In short

Pre-seed if you are building the first product, usually funded by angels, accelerators and SAFEs. Seed when you have early traction and need a team. Series A when growth is proven. Grants and competitions fit alongside any of them.

  1. Pre-seed. Decide between an accelerator or incubator and draft a YC application you can reuse elsewhere.
  2. Seed. Build a pitch deck and check the pre-money and post-money math.
  3. Non-dilutive. Apply for grants with the grant proposal builder.

What do investors look for first?

In short

A clear problem, evidence that customers want your solution, a credible team and a specific ask. They read fast, so the deck's headlines must carry the story on their own.

DocSend's data shows investors spend less than 3 minutes reviewing a pitch deck[DocSend]. Accelerators remain a common first check: Brookings found US accelerators made a median investment of $100,000 in the startups they backed[Brookings, 2016]. Browse accelerators, incubators, startup competitions and pitch events that are open now from the links on this page.

Frequently asked questions

How do you find investors for a startup?

Start with investors who back your stage and sector, reach them through warm introductions from founders they funded, apply to accelerators that bring investors to demo day, and use grants and competitions for non-dilutive money.

What are the stages of startup funding?

Pre-seed (often SAFEs from angels and accelerators), seed (priced rounds or larger SAFEs), Series A and later rounds. Grants and competitions can supplement any stage.

How much should I raise in my first round?

Enough to reach the next milestone that will justify a bigger round, typically 12 to 24 months of runway, with dilution you are comfortable with.

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