Fundraising is tough. Growth is tough.
We help emerging & established organisations get better at growth planning and fundraising.
Whether for survival or scaling, planning for growth, and financing it, is rarely easy. But by applying some simple (un)common-sense strategies, the chances of success can greatly improve.
Ready to fundraise? Find out here:
Areas of strategic focus:
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A growth plan needs enough ambition to excite but also be realistic enough to be believed. We work with companies to ensure the right balance and that any milestones targeted are value-creating, risk-reducing and aligned with the expectations of key internal and external stakeholders.
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A perfect growth plan is worthless without the means to fund it. So we work with companies to secure private and public financing. We review all company documents to ensure they are professional and that a consistent, compelling storyline runs throughout. We look for appropriate grants and co-develop a shortlist of investor targets, vetted for relevance.
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We collaborate closely with each company to develop a customised communication plan and outreach schedule. This ongoing process is designed to naturally build trust and interest over time. Strategic content is crafted and released in alignment with key milestones and exciting announcements, ensuring the right signals reach the right stakeholders at the right time.
Working with us, you will get better at fundraising.
Securing investment (at any level) and convincing people to believe in you and your business enough to part with their hard-earned money is a privilege reserved for a proportionately small number of (often slightly mad) people who refuse to accept the status quo. As Steve Jobs put it, having the courage to try is what separates the ‘dreamers’ from the ‘doers’.
However, despite best intentions many companies enter this journey completely;
Unprepared
Time-pressured (limited cash runway)
Under-networked
Unstructured
And many don’t even know what they don’t know!
“Using this strategy is like trying to cross an ocean in a leaky bathtub with no paddle, and thinking the horizon is a finish line… You're bound to end up somewhere, but it probably won't be where you hoped!"
- ChatGPT (wiser words were never typed!)
The good news is that fundraising is a learned skill, and although it will never be ‘easy’, financing your idea doesn’t have to be full of pain either. With some guidance, practice and a structured approach, anyone can improve their chances of a successful capital raise.
Only the brave
(and smart) survive…
Be brave. Be smart.
What we do?
We work with select companies to accelerate growth and shape them into the most desirable investment and partnering opportunities possible.
Our aim at UNCOMMON is to use our experience and network to guide you through a process focused on growth planning, fundraising process, and communication strategy — accelerating your organisation and ensuring your fundraising and growth efforts are a little more likely to succeed.
Who we work with?
Emerging Companies
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We work with early-stage and scaling companies on a tailored, case-by-case basis, which could be a week, a month or a year, depending on needs and budget. But typically engagements range from 6 to 12 months.
The majority of our clients are emerging companies with a health focus. We typically work on the planning and execution of growth strategy, fundraising & communication to establish the foundations for success.
The goal is often to secure initial funding, prepare for scaling, and establish a strong market presence.
(We recommend companies have at least a 1yr+ runway but it is not a requirement.)
Commercial Leaders
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These engagements can be project-based, innovation sessions and workshops, or involve long-term partnerships, typically lasting from 12 months to several years.
Engagements with established organisations are usually focused on enhancing operational efficiency, driving market expansion, or developing innovation strategies.
Arrangements are bespoke and can differ greatly. A conversation of the desired outcome is recommended but the common theme is maximum value creation, in a realistic timeframe, with minimal disruption.
Government Organisations
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These engagements can be short-term consultancies or multi-year programs, depending on the scope of the project.
We work with government organisations to foster public-private partnerships, inject commercial acumen and develop ecosystems. We accelerate existing projects through networking, lobbying, business development, and we co-develop new initiatives, bringing an international viewpoint.
Our objective is to enhance collaboration, foster a culture of growth and increased ambition, and attract value-creating opportunities and investment.
An 'uncommon' Process
Our Process
We begin with an initial assessment of each potential engagement to determine strengths and areas needing improvement. If we then mutually decide there is a good fit, we make a plan together to develop your;
1. Growth and Expansion Plan — ensuring the right signals to attract investors and partners
2. Storyline & Value Proposition — making sure it’s exciting, memorable, repeatable
3. Documentation — confirming professionalism and consistency throughout
4. Presentation & Delivery — focusing on energy, content and engagement
5. Investor / Partner Targeting — preparing a shortlist of vetted, relevant targets
6. Content & Outreach — building relationships with investors & key stakeholders
During the course of growing an organisation, the curse of knowledge grows over time and companies get comfortable with the status quo. Achieving success in raising funds, growth or securing partnerships often requires an outsiders perspective and significant unlearning and relearning of many of the above elements.
Step-by-Step Strategy
Working closely with each client we develop a bespoke plan, ensuring you hit the right milestones, send the most relevant signals to target partners and investors, and tell the most attractive, value-packed (but still realistic) story you can. Getting these elements right, and delivering a polished presentation makes it vastly more likely that you will raise the funds you need and secure the partners you require to grow your organisation.
How can we work together?
Tailored Consulting and Advisory Solutions
We offer bespoke arrangements based on the needs of our clients but some common ways of working include:
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Ideal for immediate needs, we offer short-term consulting based on a daily rate. This flexible option ensures you get expert advice as and when you need it.
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For specific projects, we provide consulting services with clearly defined deliverables and budgets. This approach guarantees results aligned with your strategic goals.
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For ongoing support, we offer retainer-based arrangements. Engage our services for 1 or more day(s) per week or a set number of days per month, extending. This model is often utilised in line with a fundraising or growth campaign to ensure consistent progress and long-term success.
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Enhance your team’s capabilities with customized workshops and training sessions. These programs are designed to address your unique challenges and drive innovation within your organization.
Working Example: Retainer-Based Engagement for an Emerging Company
We’d love to hear what you’re doing.
Get in touch!
Supporting Partners
