5 Fundraising Tips From Brex Co-founder Henrique Dubugras

Henrique Dubugras is the co-founder and co-CEO of Brex, one of the world’s fastest-growing fintech companies. It is backed by some of the world’s top investors, such as Peter Thiel, Y Combinator, Kleiner Perkins, and others.

Here are five of his best tips for startups raising capital.

1. Start with a clear purpose and mission: When pitching to investors, align your company’s purpose with your long-term vision. A clear mission allows you to attract investors who resonate with your vision and helps to build trust from the start. A well-defined purpose makes your pitch memorable and convincing.
2. Know your market and how you position your company in it: Investors want to see that you understand your market and are well-positioned within it. Focus on your advantages, such as market differentiation and scalability, demonstrating your potential to thrive in a competitive market.
3. Build relationships before you need funding: Build genuine relationships with potential investors before your startup actively seeks funds. Establishing trust and credibility early creates a foundation that can be leveraged when you are ready to raise capital.
4. Be transparent: When fundraising for your startup, be upfront about your potential risks and challenges. Instead of presenting a flawless record, address any difficulties you foresee. Transparency shows investors you are realistic and ready to navigate the startup journey responsibly.
5. Focus on customer-centric growth: Create growth strategies around solving genuine customer needs. Show investors that you are focused on revenue and creating user value. A customer-centric approach improves your product or service impact and boosts investor confidence by highlighting sustainable growth potential.

* References/recommended deep-dive: Check out the videos on Raising $100M and on building Brex