Securing [[financial resources]] is often one of the first major hurdles for a startup. For web or mobile app startups, [[seed capital]] might come from personal savings, friends and family, [[crowdfunding]] platforms (like Kickstarter), or [[angel capital|angel]] investors. These sources are often sufficient when initial capital needs are low, such as needing only a laptop and cloud services. However, founders must also pre-compute future capital needs for activities like customer acquisition and scaling the business. For ventures requiring higher seed capital, particularly those in physical channels or enterprise markets, approaching [[venture capital]] firms or seeking [[partners as potential acquirers|corporate partners for investment]] becomes more likely. However, these investors are usually more interested in providing [[growth capital]]. Government financing, such as startup support programs, can also be a valuable source of [[dilution|non-dilutive]] funding for commercializing technology.   Once a startup is operational and generating revenue, other financial instruments become available for managing [[operating capital]]. [[lease lines|Lease lines]] can finance expensive physical equipment (computers, vehicles, manufacturing tools) without requiring upfront cash payment. [[factoring|Factoring]] allows businesses to get advances on purchase orders from customers who have long payment terms, helping to manage cash flow. [[vendor financing|Vendor financing]] is another option where suppliers of expensive components might offer deferred payment terms or loans to facilitate a purchase, helping the startup conserve cash. It's important to distinguish between funding for initial financing versus ongoing [[operating capital]], although sources like [[venture capital]] and [[partners as potential acquirers|corporate partners]] can contribute to both. [[human resources|Human resources]] are more than just employees; they encompass the entire network of people who contribute to the startup's success. It's useful to differentiate between finding qualified employees and securing [[mentors]], [[coaches]], and [[advisors]]. Mentors and coaches primarily advance an individual founder's career and skills: coaches for honing specific skills (like presentation or management), and mentors for long-term personal and career growth based on a two-way relationship. Advisors, in contrast, are engaged to advance the company's success, bringing experienced, often domain-specific, advice to the founders and the broader team. Building an advisory board early on, typically by offering a small amount of [[equity]], can significantly expand the startup's accumulated wisdom beyond its investors.   Hiring qualified employees is essential; employees who excel in a less favorable market often outperform those who are less skilled in a more favorable market. Founders should aim to hire individuals who bring skills and vision that surpass their own, fostering a culture where expertise is valued. The ability to attract and retain top talent, along with maintaining a strong [[company culture]], plays a significant role in determining whether a startup can progress from an initial idea to a successful firm. Next: [[Protecting Intellectual Capital and Understanding Key Activities]] Back to: [[What Resources and Activities Will You Need, and How Much Will They Cost?]]