Discerning Your Business Goals

Timothy Hor (), Dimo Dimov (), Georges Romme () and James Skinner ()
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Timothy Hor: RMIT University, School of Management
Dimo Dimov: University of Bath, School of Management
Georges Romme: Eindhoven University of Technology, Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences
James Skinner: University of Newcastle Australia, Newcastle Business School

Chapter Chapter 4 in Startup Fundraising Decoded, 2026, pp 91-146 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter guides entrepreneurs through defining their business goals as the foundation for fundraising strategy. It introduces six startup types (small business, lifestyle, social, exit-focused, scalable, and corporate venture), each with distinct funding approaches ranging from bootstrapping to venture capital. The chapter emphasizes that founders must first identify their startup type, then articulate specific business goals with measurable milestones, understand equity funding trade-offs, calculate precise capital needs based on those milestones rather than industry norms, and ensure alignment among all stakeholders before pursuing external investment. This strategic clarity—documented in the RaiiSE Capital Raising Canvas—ensures that fundraising decisions reinforce rather than conflict with the founder’s authentic vision, whether that’s building a steady local business, pursuing hypergrowth and market dominance, creating social impact, or positioning for acquisition. The chapter stresses that not all startups need venture capital, encouraging founders to evaluate alternatives like grants, partnerships, or revenue acceleration that may better preserve ownership while achieving their goals.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-981-95-5597-0_4

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