Dear Readers,
Welcome to the May 2026 edition of the Funding Strategies newsletter!
From Mark's Desk
"Capital hasn't disappeared - it's become more selective: A practical checklist for raising in 2026"
Over the past year, the most noticeable shift in private capital markets hasn’t been the disappearance of capital — it has been the tightening of decision standards. In our March update we put it simply: capital hasn’t disappeared — it’s become more selective.
This matters because many businesses still approach capital raising as if a compelling vision alone will carry the process. In today’s market, investors tend to lean in when the opportunity is framed with clarity, evidence, and a credible plan — and they step back quickly when any of those elements are missing.
As we noted previously, investors are not saying no because funding is unavailable; they are saying no when the investment thesis isn’t clear, the valuation isn’t aligned, or the execution plan lacks credibility.
The good news: This is fixable. Below is a practical checklist you can use to pressure‑test readiness before you go to market.
Can you explain the opportunity in a simple, defensible thesis?
Are the financials robust and assumptions credible?
Does the capital structure and use of funds make sense?
Is there an execution plan with milestones and accountability?
When those pieces are present, even cautious investors will engage — because you’ve reduced uncertainty. When they aren’t, the process becomes slow, expensive, and often inconclusive.
How we can help
Our role is to reduce friction and improve the probability of a successful outcome by combining:
Investor Ready Services (strategy, structure, valuation/capital structure, options, roadmap and exits);
Preparation of core materials (including financial model and investment documentation support);
Debt and equity raising support across a range of financing paths;
Investor distribution and follow‑up, with disciplined communication and reporting cadence.
Operationally, this aligns to a clear timeline: Intake and assessment, mandate and preparation, teaser and data room, launch, active follow‑up and structured investor communications through to completion.
If you would like assistance positioning your opportunity and engaging the right investors, please contact us.
This edition of our newsletter includes:
Upcoming live webinar: Future Ready - Raising Capital for Small Businesses as part of #QSBM2026;
Update: Project Pressure, Project Index;
Welcome to the team: Jamie Smith;
Recent events: BlueMount Capital director's meeting, Merger Notification Update and McCormick Harris Insurance newsletter.
Click here to read the full newsletter.
For more information please contact us via email or phone +61 7 3160 2849.
About Funding Strategies
Funding Strategies is an Australian based capital markets firm providing venture equity capital and finance services to small business and companies seeking capital for growth and expansion in the unlisted and pre-IPO capital markets. We specialise in creating and implementing successful funding and capital raising strategies, both equity raising and debt funding, including quick business loans. We work with predominately private and public companies, and sophisticated investors, with a broad range of services. If you would like more information, please email brisbane@fundingstrategies.com.au or phone +61 7 3160 2849.
Image below: Upcoming live webinar image. Please click here to find out more and book.
