Unlocking funding in challenging times: Strategies and insights with Tim Evans, Investment Director, Creative UK

In this week's episode of the Beautiful Business Podcast, host Yiuwin Tsang is joined by Tim Evans, Investment Director at Creative UK. Tim has spent the past 15 years helping entrepreneurs build resilient and prosperous businesses, delivering compelling and creative content products and services to the market. The conversation begins with Tim discussing Creative UK's role as a strategic investment partner rather than just an investor. They only invest in businesses where they can provide value beyond financial capital. Tim emphasises that the kind of support they offer is unique to each business, tailored to their specific challenges, capacities, and ambitions. One of their areas of focus is supporting clients in raising finance through co-investment, equity propositions, and making introductions to their network of investor partners. Yiuwin and Tim discuss the three essential aspects that businesses need to consider when preparing to raise capital. Tim stresses the importance of having the right founder foundations, including a growth mindset, willingness to seek advice, and being mindful of their limitations. Secondly, businesses should have a product with a clear differentiator and a barrier to entry to stand out in the market. Lastly, they should offer a product or service that is essential rather than a mere "nice to have," demonstrating its meaningful impact on customers' lives. Throughout the episode, Tim emphasizes the importance of validation, proof points, and clear differentiation in investment pitches. He encourages businesses to back up their claims with evidence to gain investors' confidence and secure further conversations. In summary, the episode provides valuable insights into how businesses can unlock funding and navigate current challenges while maintaining their unique competitive edge. Tim's expertise as an Investment Director offers valuable advice to founders and entrepreneurs seeking investment opportunities in the creative industry.About Tim EvansTim has been with Creative UK for nearly a decade and oversees all investment activity at the organisation. Tim has spent the past 15 years helping entrepreneurs to take innovative and compelling creative products to market and is passionate about the power of business as an engine for positive social change.As an investment lead, Tim has secured over 50 investments across equity and debt, working with over 400 creative companies and supporting three exits. His key industry focusses are: SaaS, VFX, Games, Agency and TV Production.Tim’s prior experience includes running his own production company, the management of Creative England’s equity fund and the programme management of the South West Innovation Network programmes.The Beautiful Business Podcast is bought to you in partnership with:Krystal Hosting - the UK's premium sustainable web hosting provider