In a recent LinkedIn post, Simon Squibb, an investor with a portfolio of 81 businesses, challenges common perceptions of startup funding, particularly those depicted in shows like Dragon’s Den or Shark Tank. Squibb emphasizes that investment should be viewed not as a rescue mission for struggling businesses, but as a true partnership. He states that his investment decisions are primarily driven by his belief in the founder as a person, rather than solely by the perceived quality of their product.
The Founder-Centric Approach to Investment
Squibb highlights a common pitfall for aspiring entrepreneurs: allowing the pursuit of funding to paralyze their progress. He argues that many individuals are held back by the idea of needing external investment, when in reality, they should focus on initiating their ventures first.
“Most of the time, people let the idea of investment or needing funding stop them from pursuing their dream. That shouldn’t be the case. Most people just need to start.”
According to Squibb, while there may come a point where investment is necessary, entrepreneurs should not let this requirement halt their momentum. He advises against approaching wealthy individuals with a sense of desperation or begging for money. Instead, founders should seek investors who offer more than just capital.
Strategic Outreach: Beyond Just Asking for Cash
Squibb outlines a strategic approach for founders seeking investment, emphasizing a shift from a transactional request for funds to a more collaborative engagement. He suggests that entrepreneurs should focus on building relationships and demonstrating value beyond a simple pitch.
Key Strategies for Investor Outreach
Squibb recommends the following steps when approaching potential investors:
- Don’t just pitch for cash.
- Ask for help and expertise.
- Clearly articulate why you specifically chose them as an investor.
- Personalize the approach.
- Highlight what they stand to lose by passing on the opportunity.
As Squibb notes, the act of an entrepreneur seeking an investor’s support should be met with a sense of honor from the investor’s side. He posits that if an investor does not share this sentiment, their money might not be the right fit for the business.
“If the investor doesn’t think the same. Don’t take their money.”
Leveraging Tools for Effective Fundraising
To facilitate this more strategic and personalized approach to fundraising, Squibb recommends a specific tool. He points to The AI Fundraising Toolkit by Notion as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs ready for investment.
According to Squibb, this toolkit offers several key benefits:
- It helps organize investor outreach efforts.
- It assists in building a compelling narrative that resonates with potential investors.
- It provides a system for tracking replies and maintaining momentum.
- It enables tailoring messages with precision for each individual investor.
Squibb concludes by encouraging founders who are prepared for investment to utilize this approach and tool to find the right strategic partners. He implies that by focusing on partnership and demonstrating mutual respect, entrepreneurs can significantly improve their chances of securing not just funding, but the right kind of support for their ventures.
“I feelکه people ask for my investment.”
His insights underscore a fundamental shift in how startup funding should be perceived and executed, moving from a position of need to one of strategic alignment and mutual growth.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Simon Squibb on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on November 4, 2025 | View original post on LinkedIn →