The Pros and Cons of Raising Funds From Friends and Family.

According to a report by CB Insights, 29% of startups fail because they run out of cash. This clearly implies that raising funds can be the next big step for many entrepreneurs and small company owners. Startup fundraising can provide businesses with the resources and expertise that they need to survive and succeed. 

According to SCORE, a nonprofit organisation committed to assisting small businesses, approximately 38% of small company owners have received capital from family and friends. According to another report by Startup Genome, approximately 16% of startups seek funding from friends and family in their early stages, often referred to as “friends and family financing,” and is a common way of fund raising for entrepreneurs to get their businesses off the ground. 

On the other hand, raising funds online or resorting to traditional sources, such as banks, online fundraising platforms, venture capitalists, or angel investors, maybe a difficult endeavour, particularly for first-time entrepreneurs with little expertise and fund raising ideas.

In such cases, friends and families can be the best fund raisers for businesses. Even though soliciting cash from loved ones may appear to be a simple and uncomplicated option, it has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will list down both sides of the coin.

Pros and Cons of raising funds from Friends and Family

Pros

Personal Connection

The personal connection that cannot be reproduced with traditional lenders is one of the most significant advantages of obtaining cash from friends and family. Relatives and friends are more likely to have a vested interest in your achievement, making them more inclined to support your venture than strangers. This assistance may include guidance, advice, or other forms of mentorship that can help you succeed in addition to financial assistance.

Lower Interest Rates

Borrowing from friends and relatives may result in cheaper interest rates than crowdfunding for business or borrowing from established lenders. Also, because you are working with individuals you know, you may be able to negotiate better terms than with a bank or other lender. This can save you a lot of money throughout the life of the loan, allowing your company to remain profitable.

Faster Funding

Friends and relatives are frequently more ready to invest in your company than formal lenders, which can result in speedier funding. Even the best fundraising sites can take weeks or even months to provide finance, but friends and relatives may be able to offer the funds you require in as little as a few days. This is especially critical if you require fund raising urgently to capitalise on a time-sensitive opportunity or keep your organisation viable.

Greater Flexibility

When you are fundraising for business through your friends and relatives, the conditions of the loan or investment are generally more flexible. This can include more flexible repayment periods, no collateral requirements, or other beneficial circumstances that traditional lenders may not offer. This flexibility can be especially useful for new enterprises that may not have the same degree of financial security as more established organisations.

Potential for Non-financial contributions

Unlike crowdfunding for small businesses, friends and relatives can offer your company more than simply financial assistance. They may be able to provide you with advice, direction, or other sorts of mentorship that can help you achieve. This assistance may be especially beneficial for new entrepreneurs who may not have the same amount of expertise or understanding as more experienced business owners.

Potential for long-term relationships

Raising funds from friends and family might result in long-term connections that last longer than the loan or investment. This might lead to continued support for your firm and future possibilities to work and grow together. Furthermore, if your firm succeeds, you may be able to give similar assistance to your friends and family in the future, establishing a positive circle of support and growth.

Cons

Strained Relationships

One of the most serious disadvantages of fund raising from friends and family is the risk of straining relationships. Money can be a touchy issue, and combining professional and personal ties can lead to misunderstandings and animosity. When a company collapses, or repayment requirements are not honoured, it can cause friction and strain in relationships.

Lack of Expertise

Friends and relatives may not have the skills or understanding to offer the same advice and help as a professional lender. This can lead to blunders or lost chances, both of which can be detrimental to your business. Furthermore, relatives and friends are more likely to be emotionally engaged in your business, which can cloud their judgement and lead to judgements that are not in your company’s best interests.

Unrealistic Expectations

Friends and relatives may have excessive expectations about your company’s success and development when you raise money from them. This might put you under pressure to reach unreasonable objectives or expectations, which can be detrimental to your business. Furthermore, if the company fails to match these expectations, it can lead to dissatisfaction and strained relationships.

Lack of Legal Protection

There is typically a lack of formal legal protection when borrowing from friends and relatives, leaving both parties exposed. Without sufficient documentation and legal agreements, there may be misunderstandings and conflicts concerning the conditions of the loan or investment. Furthermore, if the loan or investment is not correctly constituted, it may result in tax consequences that are costly to both parties.

Limited Funding option

While friends and relatives can give excellent beginning finance, they may not be able to supply the same level of money as commercial lenders. This might limit your company’s growth potential and make scaling more challenging. Furthermore, relying entirely on friends and family for your startup fundraising may hinder your capacity to diversify your funding sources and build a more comprehensive financial network.

Pressure to Succeed

There may be pressure to succeed when borrowing from friends and family, the pressure may be both internal and external, and it can cause tension and anxiety over your company’s performance. 

Tips for raising funds from family:

• Handle the Financing as a Business Transaction: Even if you borrow from family members, you must consider the transaction as a business transaction. Clearly define and document the terms of the loan or investment, just like you do when you raise funds online. This will assist in avoiding future misunderstandings and disagreements.

• Be Open About the Risks: Ensure your friends and family understand the hazards of investing in your firm. Be forthright about the chance of failure and the possibility that they may lose their money.

• Explore Other Fundraising Options: While soliciting cash from friends and family might be appealing, it may not be the ideal answer for everyone. Explore alternate sources of finance, such as small company loans or crowdsourcing, which may provide better terms and lower risks.

• Have a Plan: Before contacting friends and relatives for cash, create a detailed business plan. This will indicate that you have a sound plan and are committed to the development of your company. Prepare to respond to questions and provide evidence to back up your plan.

Conclusion

Even though raising money from friends and family can be a helpful choice, there are certainly some hazards involved. To reduce these risks, the transaction must be treated like a professional business transaction, with clear communication, stated terms, and sufficient documentation. It is also critical to be open about the risks involved and has a solid business strategy. By following these recommendations, entrepreneurs and small company owners may effectively raise funding from friends and family while preserving strong personal connections.