Investors’ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Investment and Fundraising Path
Q: What if you can’t raise the remaining £815k?
A: The £135k allows us to deliver a defined MVP and pilot, which creates value and positions us strongly for further investment. We’ve built flexibility into our strategy:
* Next round is an agile investment round which we will open for up to 6 months; With an agile round, later investors won’t dilute early investors.
* VC and PE conversations already underway.
* Already in conversations with Strategic Partners who may inject early capital.
* We are considering early M&A optionality in this rapidly consolidating space.
* We will maintain a lean cost structure to maximise runway.
In short: the £135k isn’t the full journey, but it’s enough to build a strong foundation.
Q: Why not pause until you secure a larger round?
A: Speed matters in this market. Getting an MVP and pilot live sooner allows us to secure traction and a higher valuation, rather than waiting and risking being overtaken by competitors.
Q: What if the next round takes longer than 6 months?
A: We’ll adjust the structure if needed, but the agile approach is designed to provide flexibility. The MVP traction should unlock VC/strategic investment within that window.
Q: How confident are you in raising the next £815k?
A: We’re confident. The market momentum is strong, we already have SEIS/EIS clearance, and we’re building VC relationships now. The MVP will be the proof point.”
Options and Unallocated Share Pools
Q: Why set aside options if you’re not hiring now?
A: Because it signals to future talent that there’s a clear incentive pathway. It’s also a standard expectation from VCs (showing we’ve thought ahead about retention and alignment).
Hiring/Contracting
Q: Why contractors instead of employees?
A: It’s about flexibility and capital efficiency. Contractors avoid fixed payroll, pensions, and overheads. This preserves cash while giving us the specialist skills we need.
Q: Will contractors be committed enough?
A: Yes, we’re engaging people with specialist skills who thrive in flexible arrangements. Their deliverables are clear, and equity incentives (via options) provide longer-term alignment.
Q: Why hire a graduate for Administration and Operational Support now?
A: Because compliance and governance are critical. For a very low cost, we secure SEIS/EIS processing, investor reporting, and smooth operations. It also frees the leadership team to focus 100% on fundraising, partnerships, and strategy, and the MVP and Pilot.
Q: Isn’t this Operational Support extra overhead?
A: At £1,100/month, it’s the cheapest way to buy back CEO and COO time and ensure compliance. It actually saves money in the long run by avoiding mistakes or delays.
Financial Forecasting and Budgeting
Q: Does a reduced raise and budget limit growth?
A: It limits speed, but not the outcome. We’re focusing on what matters most: MVP, pilot, traction. Growth will accelerate with the next raise.
Q: What’s the runway on £135k?
A: The forecast shows we can deliver MVP and pilot comfortably. Beyond that, we’ll be raising additional funds via the agile round and top-up raise.
MVP Scope and Strategy
Q: What is an MVP?
A: A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is the most basic version of a new product that includes only the essential features needed to solve a core problem, attract early adopters, and validate the product's core idea through real user feedback. The goal of an MVP is to enable rapid learning about customer needs and market viability with minimal investment of time and resources, which then informs future iterations and the development of the full-featured product.
Q: Does a reduced raise mean the MVP is less ambitious?
A: It’s more focused, not less ambitious. The tighter scope means we can validate faster, then scale once the core works. It’s the disciplined way to build.
Q: What exactly will be included in the MVP?
A: The MVP will focus on UX Design for EV, ICE, Connected Mobility, Option to Park and Charge or just Park, Reserve Micromobility for Connected Travel and other high-value and differentiated features. These are the most critical for testing user adoption and proving value to partners.
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