I hope this post doesn't come across all 'missdiva', but I want to pick the brains of my fellow forum members, if possible.

In a nutshell, I have what I feel is a great idea for a website. I'm a little reluctant to go into great detail on the content of the website, but I'm confident in saying that part of the site (which would be split into three main areas) is something that is not currently available elsewhere on t'interweb.

My problem is raising the finance to get things off the ground. I've started on a business plan, but wanted to move things forward on the financial side of planning as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to invest the kind of money I believe the company would need, and for various reasons am not in a position to raise the money via a loan myself, or through my family.

I know a little bit about Business Angels, but wondered whether they were the best alternative to raising the money by myself. I suppose the point of this thread really is to ask you all if you've had experiences of using "outsiders" to help get a company off the ground, or if you can recommend any companies/websites to assist with this?

Thanks in advance.

I don't know anything about Business Angels I'm sorry to say .

I did find a load of books on Amazon if you are interested? Here

Hope this helps some?

Brian

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but I'm confident in saying that part of the site (which would be split into three main areas) is something that is not currently available elsewhere on t'interweb.[/b]

Can you prove that there is a market for it, it is ok you saying it isnt currently available, but does that mean there is no market for it.

How much are you looking at, do you know?
I mean $1000 is different to $20,000

Now this is not meant in a nasty way..

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for various reasons am not in a position to raise the money via a loan myself, or through my family.[/b]

That would make me very wary of loaning you the money, with no financial input of your own you don't have much at risk really.

Before you go speak to any Angels or venture capitalists you should think about how you are going to explain why you are not financing it yourself.

If your research is good and you have found a market then you should be able to find someone to invest, but they will want a real large % of the company I bet.

Good luck

Paul

Cheers for that, Paul.

There's definitely a market for the idea, and in terms of numbers, a low five-figure sum would be what I'm looking for. There's nothing "dodgy" about why I can't put money into it myself. Just a long story that doesn't really have any place on this forum.

Appreciate your comments to date, guys.