When seeking funding, you’ll need a startup pitch that entices investors or backers while earning their vote of confidence – and hard earned money too. The startup pitch also provides a way to differentiate your brand from competition. The idea of a startup pitch is pretty simple but the execution of it is not. You’ll want to invest plenty of time into perfecting the pitch, just as you do all elements of your startup. Need funding for a startup? Here’s what you should know about funding for startups and how a startup pitch can help. 

What is a startup pitch?

A startup pitch is a combination of verbal and visual presentation tools that are presented to investors. In your deck, a startup pitch should showcase your business plan at a high level. With the use of data, creativity, market analysis, and a million dollar idea, you can be on your way to nailing a startup pitch. It can be tempting to include too much information. As you weed out what to keep and what to delete, consider why you are including the information. You’ll need to determine what’s most appealing and applicable to what you are asking for. The stage of your startup can impact how long your pitch is, but typically, startup pitches are between 10-20 slides. As you craft a startup pitch, be mindful of your audience and your brand. You want to spark a connection between parties. 

Importance of a compelling startup pitch

A compelling startup pitch can serve several purposes. From attracting investors to serving as a canvas to define your business, a startup pitch can help you secure funding – but that’s not what it’s all about. The importance of a compelling startup pitch is much more than money. It’s a way to define your brand and showcase it, all the while it provides an opportunity for you to think through your vision and details. Coming back to your startup pitch as your business evolves can help your business grow. In order to thrive in a competitive environment you’ll need to differentiate your brand and stand out. You must deliver value and authenticity. Find ways to do that and demonstrate it in your startup pitch to compel investors and build your brand. 

Types of startup pitches

• Elevator pitch: An elevator pitch is exactly what it sounds like; a pitch that could be given in the time of a short elevator ride. It’s concise and to the point. To be effective, it should be persuasive too. In a quick elevator pitch you should cover the basics, but present them in a compelling manner that leaves the audience wanting to know more. For networking events or unplanned encounters, it’s helpful to have an elevator pitch planned and ready to go. 

• Pitch deck: A pitch deck is a more in depth startup pitch. Depending on the audience and objective, the length and content of the pitch deck can vary. However, pitch decks are essential in the startup space. 

What are the most important elements of a startup pitch?

A startup pitch sets the stage for a partnership that requires buy in from all involved. The journey of your business can impact what should and should not be in your startup pitch. While there is guidance available, there’s really no right or wrong way to make a startup pitch. Get creative. Be bold. Afterall, that’s how you’ll survive in competitive climates.  Here are some elements that a startup pitch should include.

• Mission statement
• Vision 
• Value proposition 
• Opportunity
• Market analysis summary (How do you stand out?)
• Problem > solution 
• Your team 
• Organizational background (Who are you? Why should you be trusted?)
• Metrics / track record
• Product showcase 
• Sales strategy
• Financials and how funds will be used 

Tips on crafting a compelling startup pitch to get you funded

• Be creative
• Think through ideas all the way
• Let your brand shine 
• Know your audience 
• Revamp the startup pitch from time-to-time 
• Leverage key metrics 
• Ensure information is accurate 
• Be prepared to answer questions 

What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a startup pitch?

Mistakes are bound to happen, and can be channeled as an extremely positive incident. That does not mean that we should not try to avoid mistakes though. Mistakes can be costly to us and our customers. So while we understand they happen, lean in and do what you can to nail your startup pitch. Save the mistakes for later. 

• Not being passionate: Being a business owner is a huge responsibility. There’s no clocking out. There’s no PTO. It’s your whole life really. And while we like to remind our fellow entrepreneurs to have fun and prioritize family, we know the commitment it takes to operate a business. Whether presenting in person or delivering a deck, passion should always be demonstrated in the work you do. From quality content to error free decks, there are many ways passion can be proven. If you are not passionate about what you’re doing – do something else. 

• Not doing your research: Investing time upfront to research and think through ideas all the way is critical. While you can write down a vision and mission, investors or partners want to see more than black and white writing. They want to know they are investing in an expert. Someone who is absorbing all the information available to grow their business. Always research and pay attention to what’s around you. 

• Not using the right words: Words are extremely powerful. In a startup pitch you are painting a picture of your business and trying to earn the trust and buy in of others. Go over the startup pitch as many times as you need and really think about what it is you want to say. Choose the right words and make sure your messages are clear and powerful. 

How Kickfurther can help

Kickfurther helps CPG brands gain access to affordable and flexible working capital. Through our business centric platform, business owners can create a business profile to showcase their startup pitch. Through the details you provide, our community of backers can choose to provide the funding you need. This creates the opportunity for two passionate parties to come together in pursuit of success. 

At Kickfurther you can get inventory now and pay later, all while having fun doing so. Our platform connects business owners to a community of buyers that can fund up to 100% of inventory. 

1. No immediate repayments. You control repayment. Don’t pay until your product sells.
2. Non-dilutive. Maintain equity in your business, we know how hard you worked for it. We are here to work with you, not against you. 
3. Not a debt. Because you have enough financial strain, this is not a loan. 
4. Upfront capital. Pay suppliers faster with upfront capital, there when you need it! 

Closing thoughts

Great ideas can come on quickly, but take time to execute. Through the details, you can start to bring your vision to life. Take advantage of the opportunity to reflect and create a startup pitch that can help your startup get the funding it needs. Intentional startup pitches are the difference between startups that make it and startups that don’t. 

In the highly competitive beauty industry, effective marketing strategies are a must for brand success. They help increase brand awareness, build customer engagement and loyalty, showcase product differentiation, drive sales and revenue, and adapt to changing trends. Kickfurther offers a unique beauty business inventory financing, and provides access to working capital. This streamlined process enables businesses to maintain optimal inventory levels and support their marketing efforts, fostering growth and success in the dynamic beauty market.

Importance of effective marketing strategies for brands in the beauty industry

Effective marketing strategies play a crucial role in the success of brands in the beauty industry. In this highly competitive and dynamic market, the importance of beauty business marketing cannot be overstated. Here are some key reasons why effective marketing strategies are essential for beauty brands:

Increased Brand Awareness: In a saturated market with numerous beauty brands, effective marketing helps create and increase brand awareness. It allows brands to establish their presence and identity, making them recognizable and memorable to target customers.

Customer Engagement and Loyalty: Marketing strategies enable beauty brands to engage with their customers on various platforms like social media, email, and influencer collaborations. Building strong relationships with customers fosters brand loyalty and encourages repeat purchases.

Showcase Product Differentiation: Effective marketing helps communicate a brand’s unique selling points and product differentiation. Brands can highlight what sets them apart from competitors, whether it’s their ingredients, eco-friendly approach, or innovative formulations.

Drives Sales and Revenue: Well-executed marketing campaigns can boost sales and revenue for beauty brands. By creating compelling content, offering promotions, and using influencers, brands can attract new customers and encourage existing ones to make purchases.

Adaptation to Trends: The beauty industry is constantly evolving with new trends and consumer preferences. Effective marketing allows brands to stay relevant and adapt to changing market dynamics, ensuring they meet the demands of their target audience.

Building Trust and Credibility: Consistent and authentic marketing builds trust and credibility with consumers. Brands that communicate transparently about their products and values are more likely to gain the trust of customers.

Launching New Products: Marketing is important when introducing new products to the market. It helps generate excitement, create anticipation, and reach potential customers who may be interested in trying the latest products.

Expanding Market Reach: Effective marketing enables beauty brands to expand their market reach beyond their immediate geographic location. Online platforms and digital marketing tools allow brands to reach a global audience and tap into new markets.

Influencing Purchase Decisions: Marketing plays a significant role in influencing consumer purchase decisions. Engaging and persuasive marketing campaigns can sway consumers to choose a particular brand over competitors.

Competitive Edge: In a competitive landscape, brands with well-executed marketing strategies gain a competitive edge. Resonating with consumers can lead to higher market share and long-term success.

Top marketing strategies for beauty businesses

Create a unique brand design

A well-defined brand includes a distinctive logo, color palette, and visual identity to help beauty businesses stand out in the market, making them easily recognizable to customers. Consistently use the brand across all marketing materials, including social media posts, packaging, and advertisements, to reinforce identity and foster loyalty. Incorporating the brand into the customer experience,  including on the website, in-store displays and product presentations.

Invest in creative packaging for your products

Eye-catching and innovative packaging designs capture consumers’ attention and create a positive first impression, leading to increased product interest and sales. Packaging that reflects the brand’s values attracts customers who align with the brand’s vision. Investing in sustainable, eco-friendly packaging appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and enhances the brand’s reputation..

Develop a professional website

A well-designed, user-friendly website serves as the digital storefront for beauty businesses, providing customers with easy access to product information, promotions, and purchasing options. Implementing search engine optimization (SEO) strategies on the website improves online visibility and drives organic traffic, increasing the chances of reaching potential customers. A mobile-responsive website is crucial as an increasing number of consumers shop for beauty products through mobile devices.

Create high quality content

Producing informative and visually appealing content establishes the brand as an authority in the beauty industry and fosters trust with customers. Content marketing through blogs, videos, and social media posts engages the target audience, encourages sharing, and boosts brand visibility.

Build a community of beauty enthusiasts

Engaging with customers through social media, forums, and online communities fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty among beauty enthusiasts. Hosting events, workshops, and beauty-related discussions creates opportunities for brand interaction and customer feedback, leading to valuable insights for product development and marketing strategies. Incentivizing customers to participate in brand activities and refer friends can help expand the community , encouraging  word-of-mouth marketing.

Create marketing collaborations with influencers

Partnering with influencers and beauty bloggers who align with the brand’s values and target audience can expand brand reach and credibility. Influencer marketing allows beauty businesses to tap into niche audiences and leverage the influencer’s authority to promote products effectively. Collaborating with other beauty brands or related businesses on cross-promotional campaigns can mutually benefit both parties by reaching new audiences and maximizing exposure.

How Kickfurther can Help

Kickfurther serves as a beneficial resource for beauty businesses seeking inventory financing through its distinctive crowdfunding approach. By linking businesses that need working capital for inventory with a community of supportive backers, Kickfurther offers a one-of-a-kind funding solution.  Here’s how Kickfurther can help:

Access to Working Capital: Kickfurther allows beauty businesses to access the necessary funds to purchase inventory without selling off their existing stock. This ensures that businesses can maintain optimal inventory levels and meet customer demand efficiently.

Flexible Repayment Options: Kickfurther offers flexible repayment options based on the beauty business’s sales cycles and inventory turnover. This allows businesses to adjust repayment amounts during slower periods and allocate more funds during peak sales, providing financial flexibility and stability.

Community Support: By engaging a community of backers who share an interest in supporting sustainable and responsible business practices, beauty businesses can foster transparency and communication, strengthening their brand’s reputation and loyalty.

Streamlined Process: Kickfurther’s online platform simplifies the application process, eliminating lengthy paperwork and delays associated with traditional lenders. This results in a faster and more efficient financing solution for beauty businesses.

Brand Exposure: Through the collaboration with buyers and the platform’s community-driven approach, beauty businesses can gain exposure and potential new customers, expanding their market reach and visibility.

Closing thoughts

Kickfurther’s inventory financing model offers a collaborative and accessible funding solution for beauty businesses, helping them manage inventory needs and support their growth in the competitive beauty industry. Using a simplified, online loan application, streamlined approval process and flexible repayment options, Kickfurther allows beauty businesses to access the necessary funds for inventory purchases without selling their existing stock. Accessible funding can help drive effective marketing strategies and provide an indispensable tool for beauty brand success and growth.

Sustainable financing, or green finance, mobilizes financial resources to support environmentally and socially responsible projects and businesses. It encompasses grants, equity and debt financing, crowdfunding, and impact investing. Sustainable financing is vital for promoting a resilient, eco-friendly economy with positive social and environmental impacts.

What is sustainable financing?

Sustainable financing, also known as sustainable finance or green finance, refers to the process of mobilizing financial resources and investments to support projects, businesses, and initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and long-term economic development. The main objective of sustainable financing is to allocate capital and resources towards activities that have positive environmental and social impacts while generating financial returns.Key principles and practices associated with sustainable financing are:

• Environmental and Social Criteria: Sustainable financing considers the environmental and social impacts of investments and funding decisions. It seeks to support projects and businesses that align with sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting clean energy, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting social welfare.
• Impact Measurement and Reporting: Investors and financial institutions involved in sustainable financing use specific metrics and reporting frameworks to measure the environmental and social impact of their investments. This allows for transparency and accountability in assessing the effectiveness of sustainable initiatives.
• ESG Integration: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are integrated into the investment decision-making process. ESG factors assess a company’s performance in terms of environmental responsibility, social impact, and governance practices. Companies that meet ESG standards are more likely to attract sustainable financing.
• Green Bonds and Sustainable Investment Products: Green bonds are a prominent example of sustainable financing instruments. These bonds are issued to fund projects with environmental benefits, such as renewable energy projects or climate change mitigation initiatives. Sustainable investment products, like ESG-focused funds, provide investors with opportunities to support companies that adhere to sustainable practices.
• Risk Management: Sustainable financing also involves considering the risks associated with climate change, environmental degradation, and social issues. Investors and financial institutions assess these risks when making investment decisions and aim to support projects that are resilient to these challenges.
• Collaboration and Engagement: Sustainable financing often requires collaboration between public and private sectors, governments, financial institutions, and non-governmental organizations. Engaging stakeholders and building partnerships can drive collective efforts towards achieving sustainability goals.

Importance of funding strategies for green businesses

Funding strategies for green businesses are of paramount importance in accelerating the transition towards a sustainable and low-carbon economy. These businesses play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges, such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution. By investing in green businesses, we support the development and implementation of innovative technologies, renewable energy sources, sustainable agriculture practices, and eco-friendly products and services. 

Adequate funding enables these businesses to scale their operations, drive research and development, and attract top talent. It also fosters market competition, pushing traditional industries to adopt greener practices. Ultimately, funding green businesses is a strategic investment in the future, as it promotes environmental stewardship, creates job opportunities, enhances global competitiveness, and helps build a resilient and prosperous society for generations to come.

Top ways to fund your green business

1. Grants and subsidies

Grants and subsidies are an excellent way for green businesses to secure funding without incurring debt or giving up equity. Governments, non-profit organizations, and even private foundations offer financial assistance to businesses that align with their environmental objectives. These funding sources can provide a significant boost to green startups or established companies, helping them cover research and development costs, promote sustainable practices, and accelerate their growth in the green sector.

2. Equity financing

Equity financing involves raising capital by selling shares or ownership stakes in the business to investors. Green businesses seeking long-term funding often turn to venture capitalists, angel investors, or private equity firms with an interest in sustainability. By securing equity financing, these businesses gain access to both financial resources and the valuable expertise and networks of their investors. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the terms of the investment to maintain control over the business’s direction and maintain its commitment to environmental values.

3. Debt financing

Debt financing involves obtaining loans from banks, financial institutions, or green-focused lenders to fund the business’s operations and expansion. Green businesses can use debt financing for various purposes, such as purchasing equipment, scaling production, or funding marketing campaigns. While debt financing requires repayment with interest, it allows businesses to maintain full ownership and control over their operations. Responsible and sustainable debt management is crucial to ensure the business’s financial stability while pursuing its environmental goals.

4. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms offer a unique and inclusive way for green businesses to raise funds from a broad base of supporters. By presenting their projects or products online, businesses can attract small investments from individuals who believe in their mission and vision. This approach not only provides access to capital but also helps in building a community of engaged customers and advocates. Crowdfunding has become a popular option for green startups, allowing them to gain visibility and funding while validating the market demand for their eco-friendly solutions.

5. Impact investing

Impact investing has gained traction as a funding strategy that aligns financial returns with positive social and environmental outcomes. Impact investors actively seek opportunities to support businesses that prioritize sustainability and societal benefits alongside financial success. Green businesses that embrace a triple-bottom-line approach, considering people, planet, and profits, are attractive to impact investors. This form of financing enables green businesses to scale their operations while creating meaningful change and measurable positive impact in the world.

How does Kickfurther work for green businesses?

Kickfurther is a unique crowdfunding platform that offers a collaborative approach to financing for green businesses. It operates on a model known as “consignment crowdfunding,” which allows businesses to raise capital for their inventory needs by collaborating with a community of backers.

• Inventory Financing: Green businesses that need funding for inventory purchases can submit their proposals to Kickfurther. These inventory needs could be related to eco-friendly products, sustainable materials, or other environmentally conscious goods. E-commerce  inventory financing supports environmentally conscious e-commerce companies allowing them to maintain adequate stock levels of their eco-friendly products, meet customer demand, and scale their operations sustainably. 
• Buyer Participation: Once the proposal is approved, the business offers a “co-op” opportunity to the Kickfurther community of buyers. 
• Collaborative Support: Kickfurther’s model encourages a collaborative relationship between the green business and its backers. Backers have a vested interest in the success of the business, and the platform fosters transparency and communication to keep buyers informed about the progress of the project.
• Sustainability Focus: Kickfurther’s platform is open to businesses that align with sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This means that green businesses have an opportunity to access a community of environmentally conscious backers who are eager to support sustainable initiatives.

Closing thoughts

The primary goal of sustainable financing is to direct capital and resources towards green business initiatives that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes while also generating financial profits. By aligning financial interests with sustainable practices, sustainable financing aims to create a more responsible and resilient economy that benefits both society and the planet

Kickfurther provides green businesses with an alternative financing option that aligns with their values and helps them grow while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability. Kickfurther creates a win-win scenario by allowing businesses to secure the necessary inventory financing and enabling backers to invest in environmentally responsible ventures and earn returns based on the business’s success.

Cash flow, revenue, and profits are three financial measures that are important to understand. Managing business finances is no easy task, but the more you know the better you can manage. As a business owner it’s critical to understand operations and pay attention to details, thus always looking for ways to improve. 

At Kickfuther, we’re committed to empowering business owners and helping them maximize the potential of their company. Through our platform business owners can obtain inventory funding to improve cash flow. Before we dive into the details though, let’s invest some time reviewing cash flow, revenue, and profit and the differences between them. 

What is cash flow, and how does it differ from revenue and profit?

As a business owner, or future business owner, you’ll need to understand finances – or hire a trusted party to take care of them. Whether you manage them or hire someone else, at the minimum you should know some key measures: cash flow, revenue, and profit.

First let’s review revenue vs. profit. 

Revenue is business income, plain and simple. A business can have large amounts of revenue, and while it’s important to know what revenues are, revenue does not mean a business is profitable. 

Profit is the income of a business after deducting expenses from the revenue or net earnings. Obviously, profitability is a key metric and it’s what will keep businesses afloat and growing. 

Now, let’s review cash flow and how it’s different from revenue and profit. Cash flow is the net amount of cash that comes into and out of a business. A bit more challenging to manage, but probably the most important thing to manage on a day-to-day basis. A business needs a healthy amount of cash flow to cover expenses on the day-to-day. This can get tricky as accounts receivable can be slow to come and expenses need to be covered on-time. Oftentimes businesses use loans or financing to improve cash flow. 

Why is cash flow important for businesses, and how does it impact their operations?

Businesses need cash on hand to cover day-to-day expenses as well as growth and expansion, and everything in between. When businesses make sales the money usually does not just appear instantly in their account. In some cases it may not even come through in a few days. 

For example, a construction company may sign a project, but only receive a deposit to start working. Therefore, they will need funds to cover materials, equipment, labor and everything else necessary to carry out the project. While they may get paid in milestones as they go, you can see where the cash flow dilemma can come into play here. 

Businesses that do not have healthy cash flow may fall behind on expenses, miss out on opportunity, or potentially even fail. Business owners must find ways to maintain a healthy cash flow. One way to do so is by utilizing inventory financing.

How is revenue defined, and what does it represent for a company?

Revenue is the total amount of money generated from business operations, typically measured in set time frames such as annual or semi-annual. Revenue is defined by profit and total earnings. It represents the total amount of financial gain from sales and or services for a business, but does not represent profitability.

What factors can influence a company’s cash flow and revenue?

Revenue is primarily influenced by sales and or services whereas cash flow is influenced by a variety of factors. Below is a list of factors that can influence cash flow.

• Accounts receivable 
• Inventory 
• Accounts payable
• Operating expenses 

How is profit calculated, and what does it indicate about a business?

While it’s exciting to watch revenue grow, profit is a whole different ball game. When profit starts to grow you are really in the green. Profit is revenue minus total expenses. It indicates how much your business has earned after expenses. 

How do cash flow, revenue, and profit contribute to the overall financial health of a business?

First off a business needs to have healthy revenues to start. If they are not generating revenue from sales, they will struggle to turn a profit. While there are several variables between the revenue and the profit, you’ll want to track these high level measurements to ensure finances are healthy. Whether you have profits or not you should always monitor expenses as well to ensure your business is operating efficiently. Improving efficiency can increase profits, and even revenues too. The last part of the equation is cash flow. Healthy cash flows are an extremely important part of a financially sound business. Just as your personal account needs to have funds in it to cover your bills and expenses when they are due or needed, business accounts are no different. However, the money coming into a business is not as simple as getting paid every Friday. Cash flows typically need to be constantly evaluated to ensure they are properly managed. A cash flow deficit can cause financial hardship for businesses.

Common challenges businesses face in managing cash flow, revenue, and profit

Managing cash flow is an art. It can take time to perfect the formula, so be patient. Becoming more aware of ways to improve cash flow is a proactive way to manage cash flows. Here are some common challenges businesses face in managing cash flow which can trickle down to revenue and profit. 

• Lack of cash reserves
• “Wing it” approach (no plan)
• Growing too fast
• High expenses and or poor management
• Inadequate pricing models
• Delayed payment processing
• Late payments from accounts receivable or customers
• Too much inventory 

What are some strategies businesses can employ to increase their revenue and profit while maintaining a healthy cash flow?

Healthier revenues and profits can contribute to healthy cash flows. Here are a few strategies to consider to increase revenue and profit while maintaining healthy cash flow.

• Evaluate pricing models (if possible raise prices to boost revenue and hopefully profit too)
• Analyze expenses (determine where you can cut back)
• Get inventory funding (stock more inventory to drive sales and use funding to free up cash flow)

How Kickfurther can help

CPG (consumer packaged goods) companies often encounter cash flow inconsistencies or deficits due to high inventory costs. The action to counteract this challenge is often inventory financing. While inventory financing can be a smart solution, you may already be aware of the high costs and strict requirements that come along with it. Frustrated yet determined, our founder once struggled to obtain affordable inventory financing that worked for his small business. As a true entrepreneur, he decided to solve the problem he faced for other business owners facing the same one. 

Kickfurther funds up to 100% of your inventory costs on flexible payment terms that you customize and control. With Kickfurther, you can fund your entire order(s) each time you need more inventory and put your existing capital to work growing your business without adding debt or giving up equity.

Why Kickfurther?

• No immediate repayments: You don’t pay back until your new inventory order begins selling. You set your repayment schedule based on what works best for your cash flow.
• Non-dilutive: Kickfurther doesn’t take equity in exchange for funding.
• Not a debt: Kickfurther is not a loan, so it does not put debt on your books. Debt financing options can sometimes further constrain your working capital and access to capital, or even lower your business’s valuation if you are looking at venture capital or a sale.
• Quick access: You need capital when your supplier payments are due. Kickfurther can fund your entire order(s) each time you need more inventory.

Kickfurther puts you in control of your business while delivering the costliest asset for most CPG brands. And by funding your largest expense (inventory), you can free up existing capital to grow your business wherever you need it – product development, advertising, adding headcount, etc.

Closing thoughts

To recap, revenue, profit, and cash flow are all different, but are equally important to monitor. Inventory funding is one way to drive sales thus increasing revenue and profit all the while contributing to healthier cash flow. We encourage business owners to dive in and understand where money is going and coming from. It’s important to invest in ensuring your business maintains healthy finances. If inventory funding can help, visit Kickfurther today to create a free business profile.