For many startup founders, the ultimate goal is to reach the coveted status of being a multi-million dollar brand. One way to get there is through venture capital funding. However, that’s not the only way to achieve success. It’s not even the most common way to fund a business.
Research shows that fewer than 1% of small businesses in the U.S. receive VC funding to cover their startup costs, according to Exploding Topics. They also report that around 30% of venture-backed startups fail to return a profit to their investors. These startling statistics indicate that it’s essential for founders to have other means of building their business without relying solely on investor funding.
Cultivate A Strong Vision And Brand Identity
The foundation of any successful brand is a compelling vision and a strong identity. Clearly define your brand’s mission, values, and unique selling proposition. “Your vision should be ambitious yet attainable, guiding your business decisions and inspiring your team. It needs to be something that genuinely excites you. If you’re not excited about your business, nobody else will be,” says Heidi Somers, Founder of Buffbunny Collection, a clothing brand. “My passion came from my frustration at the lack of inclusive, women-owned fitness apparel brands on the market. Initially, it was just me and my vision, trying to figure out how to make it come to life from my living room.”
At the heart of your brand vision lie your core values. These should reflect what your brand stands for and drive your business operations. They serve as a compass for decision-making and help build a loyal customer base that resonates with your values. “Inclusivity is one of my brand’s core values. Every decision I make ties back to this value and how it helps women feel empowered, confident, and comfortable in their skin,” says Somers.
Additionally, a distinctive brand identity sets you apart in the market. Invest in high-quality branding elements such as a memorable logo, cohesive color schemes, and a consistent tone of voice. You want people to instantly recognize your brand, whether on your website, a social media platform, or in your store.
Build Strategic Partnerships
Bootstrapped founders need to get social, and not just online. Forging strategic partnerships can provide the resources and exposure needed to grow your brand without external funding. “Working with established players provides access to resources and supply chains that may enable the start-up to enter a larger and better-established market more quickly,” says Joshua Gans, Erin L. Scott, and Scott Stern for Harvard Business Review.
Look for mutually beneficial collaborations that align with your brand values and goals. Upskill your social media by partnering with influencers who share your target audience and can authentically recommend your brand. They can help amplify your brand’s message and introduce your products to a broader audience. Somer mentions, “In any industry, it’s important to work with influencers who share your values and believe in your brand to maintain authenticity and credibility.”
Leverage Organic Marketing
Founders who lack investor funding need to rely more on cost-effective marketing strategies. Organic marketing is among the most powerful tools for building a brand’s presence and attracting customers without significant financial investment.
To start with, create valuable content that resonates with your audience. When choosing the type of content to create, consumer brands may want to prioritize video. “The prevailing consumer preference is for the short, varied content that social platforms have pioneered, with most consumers leaning toward short (less than a minute) to mid-length (1-10 minute) video,” said Connor Seidenschwarz and Bree Matheson for Deloitte.
“The possibilities of generating and sharing content with the world are almost endless, thanks to the popularity and reach of social media. Start a blog, produce informative videos, and engage with your audience. Be authentic and unafraid to say exactly who you are and what your brand delivers to the world,” advises Somers.
Becoming a successful business requires passion, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Building a brand without investor funding is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Founders who go the bootstrapped route need a solid vision, unbreakable core values, and a creative marketing approach. With these elements, you can achieve sustainable growth and success.