Stabilising an AI-based startup with a Financial Model by Venture Care
An AI-based startup stabilised with the financial model by Venture Care.

The Context

The Client
The CEO of a startup based in Johannesburg, South Africa, faced numerous difficulties. Funding had proven difficult, and the country’s limited market made expansion challenging.

The Challenge
The startup transforming HR recruiting through AI needed to venture outside the country to secure funding and expand. Despite the potential of their innovative AI tool, which modernises long-standing recruitment techniques, they struggled to manage their financial model and raise capital effectively.

Our Impact
We provided a comprehensive financial model, helped refine their business strategy, and facilitated investor outreach, stabilising the startup and positioning them for future success.
What We Achieved
Comprehensive Financial Model
Developed to support capital raising.
Improved Business Strategy
Enhanced with expert feedback.
Numerous Investor Meetings
Secured with a refined pitch deck.
Increased Investor Confidence
Achieved through a validated financial model.
What We Achieved
- 14 Days: To create a compelling business model and pitch deck.
- Dozens of Investor Meetings: Secured with a new deck within 7 days.
- $2 Billion: Raised in funding.
- Strong Investor Partnerships: Formed for ongoing collaboration and support.
Our Process
- Initial Consultation: Discussed the business model and identified key improvements.
- Investor Network Engagement: Contacted our network of investors to gauge interest.
- Document Preparation: Collaborated with the client on document collation and investor meeting planning.
- Pitch Deck Creation: Developed a visually appealing and compelling pitch deck.
- Investor Outreach: Reached out to investors with the finalised business plan and pitch deck.
Key Problems Identified
- The initial financial model contained errors and produced incorrect results.
- The CEO had to manage the business while adjusting every aspect of the financial model, which was time-consuming.
- Previous consultants failed to produce desired results.
Venture Care's Approach
1. Craft a Cohesive, Impactful Investment Story
We revamped the financial model and pitch deck, honing in on key investment principles to craft a compelling narrative.
2. Lead with Market Opportunity
We captivated investors early on by emphasising market size and industry momentum right from the start.
3. Showcase Strong Performance
Highlighted the startup’s execution prowess, from achieving top-line growth to fostering customer loyalty and expanding distribution networks.
4. Highlight Team Expertise
Streamlined the team slide to underscore relevant experience and notable accomplishments, proving the founders’ capability and vision.
5. Refine Market and Brand Positioning
Conducted a deep dive into specific market segments, sizes, and growth trends, presenting insights on consumer behaviour and key industry trends.
6. Develop a Clear Strategic Plan
We formulated a comprehensive strategy encompassing distribution, product offerings, geographical expansion, partnerships, and key channels.
7. Adopt a Minimalist Design
Embraced a minimalist design aesthetic to accentuate the unique product range and reinforce the investment narrative effectively.
Results and Future Plans
The AI-based startup stabilised its financial model and improved its business strategy, positioning it well for future funding rounds. Here’s the summary of the results and their plans:
Stabilised Financial Model:
- Corrected errors in the financial forecast, ensuring accurate and reliable economic data.
- Developed a comprehensive financial model that supports future capital-raising efforts.
- Provided a robust framework for financial planning and decision-making.
Improved Business Strategy:
- Refined the overall business strategy to align with current market trends and opportunities.
- Enhanced strategic planning to include detailed action plans for growth and expansion.
- Incorporated feedback from industry experts to strengthen the business plan.
Positioned for Future Funding Rounds:
- Successfully positioned the startup for upcoming funding rounds, increasing investor confidence.
- Established a clear roadmap for securing additional investment to fuel growth.
- Demonstrated the company’s readiness and capability to scale.
Next Round of Funding Objectives:
- Our clients aim to raise additional funds to develop and enhance the AI capabilities of the platform further.
- They plan to utilise the new funding to improve various aspects of the HR process, including:
- Resume Screening: Advanced AI algorithms to more effectively filter and evaluate resumes.
- Application Forms: Enhanced AI tools for better analysis and assessment of application forms.
- Interview Processes: AI-driven solutions to streamline interview scheduling and execution.
- Candidate Matching: Improved AI capabilities to match candidates to job openings more precisely.
HR Procedure Enhancements:
- They will integrate advanced AI features to identify emotional tone and language in applications.
- Optimise the platform to support HR teams in making quicker and more informed hiring decisions.
- Develop AI tools to create tailored interview questions and assess candidates’ suitability accurately.
Broader Impact:
- Positioned the startup as a leader in the AI-driven HR tech market.
- Expanded market presence by leveraging enhanced AI capabilities.
- Strengthened relationships with investors through continuous innovation and improvement.
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