By Rebecca Sutherland, founder of HarbarSix
Let’s be honest, the idea of “getting investor ready” can send even the most confident founder into a spiral. There’s the pressure to have flawless financials, the perfect pitch deck, the polished story. But underneath it all, there’s something deeper at stake: your values, your sense of purpose, and the kind of business you actually want to run.
I’ve sat on both sides of the table, as a founder pitching for investment and as someone helping businesses structure themselves to grow. What I’ve seen too often is a disconnect between the shiny world of funding and the grounded reality of building something that matters. Founders are told to think big, move fast, and be investor-friendly, but not enough people talk about how to do that without losing the essence of who you are.
So, let’s strip it back. Here’s what getting investor ready really means, and how to do it without selling your soul in the process.
Know who you are before you ask for money
Too many founders start shaping their story around what they think investors want to hear, rather than what’s true to their business. Before you even open PowerPoint, get crystal clear on your vision and non-negotiables. What problem are you solving and why? What kind of culture do you want to build? What values drive your decisions?
If you don’t anchor yourself first, you’ll bend to every bit of feedback that comes your way, and lose your footing fast. Investors back people as much as they back ideas, and conviction is magnetic. Know who you are and stay grounded in that.
Get your house in order
No investor is going to back chaos, no matter how compelling your idea is. You don’t need to look like a corporate machine, but you do need to demonstrate control. That means clean financials, clear legal structures, contracts, and a basic handle on compliance.
Think of it like this: if you invited someone into your home for dinner, you’d tidy up first. Getting investor-ready is the same principle. You’re showing that your house is in order, even if you’re still renovating.
I’ve seen brilliant founders trip up on small things, missing shareholder agreements, confused cap tables, and disorganised financial reports. These aren’t just admin errors; they’re confidence killers. Get professional advice early and treat it as an investment in your credibility.
Speak your numbers
You don’t need to be an accountant, but you do need to understand your numbers and what they say about your business. That means not just turnover and profit, but margins, cash flow, and the cost of acquiring and keeping customers.
Investors will want to know how you make money and how you’ll make more of it. They’re not just looking for growth, they’re looking for control. If you can explain your financials in plain English and show you’ve thought about different scenarios, you’ll build trust immediately.
The goal isn’t to impress with jargon, it’s to show you own your business story
Don’t contort yourself for capital
One of the fastest ways founders lose their soul is by saying yes to the wrong money. The wrong investor can pull your business, and your sanity, off course. It’s not just about valuation, it’s about alignment.
Ask yourself, do they understand your sector? Do they share your values? Are they in it for the long haul, or are they chasing a quick return?
The right investor should add more than capital; they should bring perspective, network, and belief. If the chemistry feels off in the early conversations, trust your gut. Money isn’t neutral; it comes with energy and expectations, so choose the kind that fits your rhythm.
Build relationships before you need them
The best funding journeys don’t start with a pitch; they start with a coffee. Build authentic relationships with potential investors months before you’re raising. Share updates, invite feedback, and show your progress.
When you do come to raise, you’ll already have a network of people who know your story and your integrity. It makes the conversation far less transactional.
I often tell founders, it’s not about chasing investors, it’s about attracting them. The more you focus on building a solid, values-driven business, the more magnetic you become.
Protect your boundaries and your wellbeing
Fundraising can be brutal, and it’s easy to start measuring your worth in yeses and nos. Remember, rejection doesn’t define your value, and you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Keep space for the things that ground you, whether that’s time with family, a run, or switching your phone off for a weekend. A healthy founder is an investable founder. The best investors know that too.
Focus on impact, not just scale
The obsession with “scale fast or fail” has done a disservice to a lot of brilliant SMEs. Growth for growth’s sake isn’t sustainable, financially, environmentally, or emotionally.
Instead, talk about sustainable growth, about building something that lasts. Investors are increasingly looking for businesses with purpose, impact, and staying power. That doesn’t mean you can’t be ambitious; it means you’re building with intention.
Getting investor ready isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about becoming the kind of founder and business that people want to back. You can do that without losing your integrity, your voice, or your purpose.
The truth is, when you lead with those qualities, you don’t have to fake anything. You don’t need to become someone else to raise money; you just need to be the clearest, most confident version of yourself.
That’s what investors really buy into.