All Posts in "Month: September 2019"

Alternative Sources of Finance for Uganda: Mara Launch Fund

One of the alternative sources of finance for Uganda is the Mara Launch fund. For many Ugandans, particularly those starting out in business with only a concept, this is a good place to start.

Basic information

Target: Start ups and early stage businesses

Alternative Sources of Finance for Uganda: Mara Launch Fund
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Sector focus: All

Amounts provided: UGX 5,000,000- UGX 10,000,000

Funding type: Venture capital

Means, rather than providing a loan, the fund takes a % of shares in the company

Key criteria

Model can be repeated across Africa;

Profitable business within 3-5 years (exit period for fund);

Strong management

Further information

search online for “Mara Launch Fund”

Tel: +256(0)414 233 700/800

Who is behind the fund?

Ashish J. Thakkar; CEO,Mara Group;

Alex Rezida, Partner at Nangwala, Rezida & Co. advocates; and

Peter Mukiza, Managing Partner in Uganda for Quantum capital.

What is the process like?

1. Submit business  plan should include information consistent with the key criteria for the fund.

2. Introductory meeting. If the fund likes the plan, the investor will meet the fund team.

3. Due  means the fund “verifies” the information presented in the plan.

4. Term sheet. Document spelling out the basic terms and conditions.

My view/tips for success in accessing the funds for your business

1. Team:Venture capital funds like Mara know that a great team will develop and implement the idea successfully. If you have no internal capacity, have a professional join you so that your plan includes a strong team.

2. Executive summary. Investors are busy people and so … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — September 25, 2019 in Venture Investors
What is Manufacturing Financing?

The manufacturing industry as we know it is one of the most important and biggest industries in the world. In fact, it is so large that it has a value of over 2 trillion dollars, and is known to make up 11% of all the industries that exist financial though this is an industry that is very valuable and worth a lot of money, some manufacturing companies find it hard to keep financial sustainability. Financing is no doubt important for every industry, especially for manufacturing companies that have a lot of product production expenses. Financial organizations can be complex for manufacturers to keep up with since they have multiple factors that have a lot to do with funding. This includes completing purchase orders, paying bills to run the factory, buying essential tools and materials and of course running the projection of the machinery and equipment. Once all of this adds up, the price and total can make almost any manufacturing business feel pressured in their finances. But fortunately, there are ways that manufacturers can get help in their financial area so that they have balance in their business. Here are details about manufacturing finances and also how to get a loan for financial help :

What is Manufacturing Financing?

First, What Is Manufacturing Financing?

If there is no excellent financial health when managing a manufacturing business, it is most likely that the manufacturing production will be unsuccessful. But the problem that most companies find with manufacturing is that others can come in very rapidly … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — September 3, 2019 in Venture Financing
Investor Presentation – Powerful PowerPoint Pointers

In an earlier article entitled, “The Investor Presentation – Your Chance to Set The Hook”, I talked about the importance of making an effective, compelling investor presentation. I mentioned that an investor presentation was an opportunity to make a great first impression, establish credibility and create trust. Today I would like to pass along some pointers that will help you do that. And remember, these pointers don’t just apply to investor presentations, they apply to any presentation.

Investor Presentation - Powerful PowerPoint Pointers
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Your slides should be used only for the purpose of supporting your verbal remarks. Your slides should not draw attention away from you. Again, they should support you, not complete with you for audience attention.

The best way to accomplish this is to keep the slides simple. Limit each slide to 3-4 bullets, use fonts that are large enough to be seen from a distance and contrast with the background of the slide.

Use as few words as possible on each slide. Try not to use industry specific jargon. You do not want to confuse your audience or leave them wondering what you are talking about.

It is important to use graphs, charts and images, but use them selectively. You will not achieve any of your business goals simply because of how clever you are at creating graphically pleasing PowerPoint slides. Also, don’t forget that the slides should be easily printable on a black and white printer.

Put energy and passion into your presentation. Have fun and relax and make your … READ MORE ...

Ronnie Jackson by — September 1, 2019 in Venture Capital Loans