Raising Finance in 2026: What Every Founder Needs to Know
Join Crawley Innovation Centre for an expert-led funding event designed to help ambitious businesses understand their finance options and build a strategy for future growth.
Raising finance has never been more complex, or more important. With a growing range of funding options available, from angel investment and debt finance to alternative funding routes, understanding which opportunities are right for your business can be challenging.
This expert panel discussion brings together experienced funding specialists who work with businesses every day to secure investment, access growth capital and prepare for scale. Whether you’re exploring funding for the first time or planning your next fundraising journey, this event will provide valuable insights into today’s funding market and the practical steps needed to secure finance successfully.
Meet the Panel
📈  Simon Chuter, ScaleUp Sussex – Discover the support, programmes and growth opportunities available to ambitious businesses looking to scale and access funding.
💼 James Farrands – Debt Funding & Alternative Finance Specialist | Gain expert insights into growth leans, asset finance, revenue-based finance, alternative lending solutions and how debt funding can support growth giving away equity.
During this panel discussion, our speakers will explore the funding landscape in 2026 and the options available to growing businesses. Topics will include angel investment, debt funding, alternative finance, investment readiness, and what investors and lenders are looking for in today’s market. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions during a live Q&A session.
Who Should Attend? This event is designed for start-ups, founders, entrepreneurs, SME business owners and scale-ups looking to better understand their funding options. It will be particularly useful for businesses planning growth or considering fundraising within the next 12 to 24 months.
Why Attend? This event will help you gain a clearer understanding of the funding routes available to your business and how they can support your growth ambitions. You’ll hear directly from experienced funding experts, learn practical tips to improve your investment readiness, and leave with greater confidence about your next funding journey.
Whether you’re seeking your first investment, considering debt finance or planning your next stage of growth, this event will provide the practical insights and expert guidance you need to make informed funding decisions.
Places are free but limited, so advanced booking is recommended.
