Raise 30k to 200k without going through an investment fund

Unlocking resources without compromising one's mission

Not all start-ups are destined to raise 2 million in seed funding. When you start out with an impact model, a small team and a gradual growth strategy, the challenge is to find practical ways to move forward without getting into debt or losing your way.

Good news: there are alternative paths. Here's how to approach an initial fundraising round of between 30k and 200k, with strategy, common sense and ethics, and without going through a traditional investment fund (VC).

1. How can you define your actual needs ?

Before looking for potential investors: what for ?

• What milestones do you want to achieve with these funds ?
• Does this amount allow you to validate a key stage in your project ? (PMF, acquisition, critical hiring, etc.)
• How many months of operation does this amount cover ?

Having a clear need increases your credibility AND your attractiveness. 

Since 2022, Vivinnov has helped its clients raise funds, mainly through non-dilutive means (an average of 266,000 per client).

2. What sources of funding should early-stage impact start-ups tap into ?

Public funding (non-dilutive)

• Bourses FrenchTech, Bpifrance, regional aid, sustainable development grants
• Calls for impactful projects, innovation awards, start-up competitions https://www.bpifrance.fr/

Committed business angels

• Specific networks : Angel4Impact, Makesense Seed, La Ruche
• Themed events: impact forums, mission pitches, participatory demos

Love money & crowdfunding

• Platforms like Tudigo, Lita.co, Miimosa (impact-oriented)
• Own campaigns via your local or thematic community

Resource box : "Checklist of impact-oriented grants and funders" (available as a Notion bonus)

https://france.makesense.org/entrepreneurs/se-faire-financer/seed-i/

https://lita.co/fr

3. How can you practise talking about money without losing sight of what it means ?

• Build a pitch deck even if you are not targeting venture capital (VC) funds.
• Clearly define your revenue model, growth strategy and financing needs.
• Highlight your impact, your values, and your operational vision.

Money is not taboo. It is simply a means to an end.

4. How can I contact a funder if I do not have a network ?

• List of 10 contacts by type of funder
• Prioritise : who can open doors for you ? Who shares your sector, your territory, your vision ?
• Prepare a mini-file tailored to each target (no universal pitch)

It's not just about money: it's about alignment.

5. How can you anticipate what comes next (even if it's small) ?

• What do you do if you only raise 30k?
• What can you start at 100k ?
• What are you putting off until the next stage?

Show that you've thought about the future. Even without millions, you remain strategic. With 30k, projects often begin the MVP phase + 1 freelance recruitment. At 100k, they launch acquisition + structuring. These milestones are recurring in our support programmes.

Download the complete list of impact investors :

FAQ – Your frequently asked questions

Want to learn more ?

Would you like to build your responsible financing strategy, step by step?

To share :