When it comes to raising capital, many founders think of it as a linear process: prepare, launch, promote, and (hopefully) close. But the reality is, the most successful raises don’t follow a straight line—they build momentum in a cycle.
That cycle is what we call the fundraising flywheel.
Just like a flywheel in engineering, the more energy you put into it, the faster and smoother it spins. Once it’s moving, it sustains itself and creates compounding results.
Here are the top five actions founders can take to build momentum for their raise:
1. Engage Your Inner Circle
The first push is often the hardest. Start by engaging your closest supporters—friends, family, early customers, and champions of the business.
When those first commitments come in, it signals to others that people already believe in your vision.
2. Showcase Early Credibility
Momentum builds as credibility grows. Share your progress openly so prospective investors can see traction on your campaign page. That social proof makes them more comfortable taking the leap.
Example: When Winglore Spirits highlighted their first wave of investor commitments, it created a ripple effect—new investors felt reassured knowing others were already on board.
3. Celebrate Investor Milestones
As the investor base grows, so does the story. Every new commitment is a chance to highlight progress and remind your community that momentum is building.
Founders who celebrate milestones (like “We just hit 100 investors!”) keep the energy high and make their community feel part of the journey.
4. Leverage Traction to Earn Visibility
Momentum is magnetic. Use your traction to unlock opportunities like press coverage, podcast interviews, and event invitations.
Example: Several Netcapital issuers have been featured in industry publications mid-raise. The coverage didn’t just bring in new eyes—it validated their credibility and progress.
5. Turn Visibility Into New Opportunities
The more visible your raise becomes, the more doors open. Beyond investors, you may attract advisors, strategic partners, or even new customers.
Awareness drives capital, capital drives traction, traction drives visibility, and visibility feeds right back into awareness.
How To Keep the Flywheel Turning