Grants

Non‑dilutive funding can be a boon for cash‑strapped startups. Government agencies, foundations and corporate programmes offer grants to stimulate innovation, especially in fields like health and deep tech where timelines are long. Grants provide money without taking equity, which means you keep ownership and control.

However, grants are highly competitive and come with strings attached. They often restrict how the funds can be spent and require detailed reporting. Chasing grants can become a distraction if you’re not careful; winning one can reinforce the urge to write more proposals instead of talking to customers. Grants should be viewed as catalysts rather than a business model. Use them to de‑risk early technical milestones or to conduct research that investors are unlikely to fund, but remain focused on building a sustainable company.

Finally, beware of scams and predatory offers. Legitimate grant programmes rarely require fees to apply and are transparent about eligibility criteria. Do your research before committing time or money, and don’t let the allure of “free money” divert you from the fundamental task of creating value for customers.