Barbara Fischer
Startup coach and fundraising advisor in Zurich, Switzerland
Problem
Startup funding is not a game of chance
Target audience
The handbook helps all startup founders who need clarity
With or without fundraising experience: you are in the right place.
For the curious
You have a business idea and are wondering if and how you can finance it.
For go-getters
You have a startup and need a clear roadmap for your fundraising in the DACH region and in Europe.
For restarters
You have already tried fundraising on your own and want to approach the next round more professionally.
Timetable
Your structured path to the first round
This book takes away your uncertainty. It guides you through the entire fundraising process – from initial thought to signed contract.
Insight

Phase 1: Understanding
How do startup investments work? How do investors think? What types of investors are there, and which ones are the right fit for your startup?
Phase 2: Preparation
What requirements must be met? Topics include mindset and expectations, capacities, vision and professional appearance, capital requirements, company valuation, types of financing, validation, formalities, and legal counsel.
Phase 3: Documentation
What documents do you need for professional fundraising? These notably include a pitch deck, a convertible loan agreement or term sheet, and a due diligence room.
Phase 4: Moving forward
How does preparation turn into an active financing round? The focus is on the schedule, organization, target list, approaching investors, networking and pitch events, as well as maintaining momentum.
Phase 5: Closing the deal
How does the process develop from the first meeting with investors to the contract? How do you handle multiple interested parties at the same time and how do you bring the round to a clean close?
Voices from readers
What readers are saying about the book
Excerpts from reviews on Thalia.de.

FAQ
Do you still have questions?
Does this book fit my current startup phase?
Yes, especially if you are facing your first funding round or are in the pre-seed or seed phase. The book is aimed at founders and founding teams who want to structure their path to financing clearly from the very beginning.
Will the book help me with my first financing round?
Yes. It guides you step-by-step through the process – from preparation and selecting suitable investors to discussions, negotiations, and closing. This way, you always know what's next and which fundamentals need to be in place.
What do I know after reading that I didn't know before?
You will understand how a financing round actually works, what investors expect, and how to convincingly prepare your startup. The central phases covered are: understanding, preparing, creating documents, conducting discussions, and successfully closing the round.
How practical is the book – and why not just research online for free?
The book bundles scattered information into a clear roadmap and translates it into concrete next steps. Instead of individual tips, you get the big picture: Which questions to clarify, which documents to prepare, and which decisions to make in what order.
Why should I trust Barbara Fischer – and why is the DACH focus relevant?
Barbara Fischer is a startup coach and fundraising advisor in Zurich. Having founded a company herself, she has spent many years guiding teams through financing rounds. The focus on the DACH region and Europe is relevant because investor networks, expectations, and processes here do not always align with those from US examples.
What can I expect, what not – and where can I buy the book?
You will receive a clear, practical guide for your first round – not individual legal, tax, or investment advice, and no guarantee of funding. You can purchase the book directly using the buy-book buttons on this page.
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