PwC launch initiatives to help SMEs raise investment

Several initiatives have recently been launched by the Professional services and Big Four firm PwC to help SMEs raise funding and boost their growth.

The service, which is called Raise Investment, will target businesses with an annual turnover of more than £1 million that are looking to raise £1 million to £10 million in funding.

Support

PwC will offer two types of support packages through its new service. Businesses can choose the Raise | Series A option, which offers the opportunity to raise equity in the early stage of business expansion, or the Raise Investment+ package, which provides businesses that have specific requirements with bespoke one-to-one support.

The company’s first Series A initiative, which is run in partnership with The Accelerator Network and equity finance firm White Horse Capital, will be aiming to help ten businesses that are at the scale-up stage to become ready for investment by providing more than 40 hours of tuition. Businesses will then offer essential pitches to major investors.

PwC is now accepting applications for the programme, which is set to launch this month. The programme will include support for SMEs that are looking for a service that can be tailored to their needs, with assistance being offered in areas such as finance modelling and valuation.

Access

Commenting on how PwC’s new initiatives will benefit SMEs, PwC Director Glen Waters said: “Raising funds and finding the right investors are two of the biggest hurdles for SMEs looking to grow their business. Fundraising is time consuming and many small companies simply don’t have the capacity to dedicate the time needed to it while continuing to run their day-to-day activities.”