Loading...
Answers
MenuFintech startup help
Do I need a lot of money to start fintech business?
How can I get funding using syndication crowdfunding?
Answers
Building a robust data backup and disaster recovery strategy for a fintech startup on Google Cloud is crucial due to the sensitive nature of financial data and the need for high availability. Here are detailed steps and considerations tailored for a fintech startup:
### 1. **Assessment and Planning**
- **Identify Critical Systems and Data**: Catalog all systems and data, identifying those crucial for operations, such as databases, transaction logs, user data, and compliance records.
- **Define RPO and RTO**: Establish your Recovery Point Objective (RPO) and Recovery Time Objective (RTO) for different data types and systems.
### 2. **Storage Solutions**
- **Google Cloud Storage**: Use different storage classes depending on data access patterns:
- **Standard Storage**: For frequently accessed data.
- **Nearline/Coldline Storage**: For less frequently accessed data.
- **Archive Storage**: For long-term retention and compliance requirements.
- **Persistent Disk Snapshots**: Regularly back up VM instances running critical applications using Google Compute Engine snapshots.
### 3. **Database Backup**
- **Cloud SQL**: For relational databases, use Cloud SQL with automated backups enabled. Set up point-in-time recovery to ensure minimal data loss.
- **Firestore and Bigtable**: Use built-in export and backup features to periodically back up NoSQL databases.
- **Third-Party Databases**: If using other databases like MongoDB or PostgreSQL on Compute Engine, use their native backup tools and automate the process with scripts and cron jobs.
### 4. **Data Replication and Redundancy**
- **Multi-Region Replication**: Store backups in multiple regions to protect against regional failures. Use Google Cloud Storage’s multi-region or dual-region options.
- **High Availability**: For databases, configure high availability setups with failover replicas in different zones or regions.
### 5. **Disaster Recovery Strategy**
- **DR Sites**: Set up disaster recovery environments in different regions. Use templates and automation tools like Terraform or Deployment Manager to quickly spin up infrastructure.
- **Cloud Load Balancing**: Implement Google Cloud Load Balancing to manage traffic and ensure high availability across multiple regions.
- **Failover and Failback Procedures**: Document and automate the failover process to DR sites, and establish clear steps for failback once the primary site is restored.
### 6. **Security and Compliance**
- **Encryption**: Use encryption at rest and in transit. Utilize Google Cloud Key Management Service (KMS) for managing encryption keys.
- **IAM Policies**: Implement strict Identity and Access Management (IAM) policies to control who can access and manage backups.
- **Compliance**: Ensure backup and recovery processes comply with financial regulations like PCI DSS, GDPR, and others relevant to your region and operations.
### 7. **Automation and Monitoring**
- **Automated Backups**: Schedule backups using Google Cloud’s built-in tools and third-party services.
- **Monitoring and Alerts**: Use Google Cloud Monitoring and Logging to track backup processes and resource statuses. Set up alerts for backup failures, unusual activities, and DR site status.
### 8. **Regular Testing and Validation**
- **Backup Restoration Testing**: Regularly test the restoration of backups to ensure data integrity and availability.
- **Disaster Recovery Drills**: Conduct periodic disaster recovery drills to validate your DR plan’s effectiveness and make necessary adjustments.
- **Simulated Failures**: Perform simulated failure scenarios to ensure your team is prepared and your systems respond as expected.
### Tools and Services
- **Google Cloud Storage**: For scalable and durable object storage.
- **Google Compute Engine Snapshots**: For VM disk backups.
- **Cloud SQL**: Managed relational database service with automated backups.
- **Cloud Spanner**: Globally distributed database with built-in backup options.
- **Google Cloud Key Management Service (KMS)**: For managing encryption keys.
- **Google Cloud Monitoring and Logging**: For tracking and alerting on system health.
- **Terraform/Deployment Manager**: For infrastructure as code and automation.
### Additional Considerations
- **Data Anonymization and Masking**: For non-production environments, ensure sensitive data is anonymized or masked to prevent accidental exposure.
- **Service-Level Agreements (SLAs)**: Establish clear SLAs with your cloud provider to ensure they meet your backup and recovery requirements.
- **Vendor Solutions**: Consider using specialized backup and recovery solutions from Google Cloud Marketplace for additional features and support.
By following these guidelines, your fintech startup can establish a comprehensive data backup and disaster recovery strategy that ensures business continuity, protects sensitive data, and meets regulatory requirements.
Starting a fintech business can be capital-intensive, but the amount of money required depends on the specific type of fintech business, its scope, and its initial scale. I will provide
some few considerations and strategies to help you understand the financial requirements and ways to secure funding, including through syndication crowdfunding:
**Financial Requirements for Starting a Fintech Business**
- Type of Fintech Business: There are different fintech niches (e.g., payments, lending, wealth management, insurance) and they have varying levels of regulatory requirements, technological needs, and market dynamics, impacting the startup costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Fintech businesses often face strict regulatory requirements. The costs associated with obtaining licenses, legal counsel, and compliance can be huge.
- Technology and Development: This is the most important part, as developing a robust and secure platform is crucial. Initial costs include hiring skilled developers, investing in cybersecurity, and purchasing or leasing software and hardware.
- Marketing and Customer Acquisition: Marketing and Sales is the lifeblood of any business, so attracting and retaining customers requires a well-planned marketing strategy, which can be costly.
- Operational Costs: You will need to put into consideration office space, employee salaries, and other operational expenses add to the financial requirements.
**Funding Through Syndication Crowdfunding**
Syndication crowdfunding allows multiple investors to pool their resources to fund a startup. This is what you can do to leverage this approach:
- Choose the Right Platform: There are platforms like Seedrs, Crowdcube, and AngelList, which allow startups to raise funds through syndication crowdfunding. Each platform has its own set of rules and investor networks.
- Prepare a Strong Pitch: Create a compelling pitch that clearly outlines your business model, market potential, and financial projections. Highlight the unique value proposition of your fintech startup.
- Set Realistic Funding Goals: You will need to determine how much capital you need to raise and set realistic goals. This includes minimum and maximum funding targets.
- Engage with Investors: Actively engage with potential investors by participating in forums, webinars, and other networking events. Building relationships with investors is crucial.
- Leverage Lead Investors: Having a lead investor who is reputable and experienced can attract more investors. Lead investors often provide validation and confidence to other potential backers. This can help you raise more funds.
- Marketing Your Campaign: Promote your crowdfunding campaign through various channels, including social media, email marketing, and PR efforts. The more visibility your campaign gets, the higher the chances of reaching your funding goal.
- Offer Attractive Incentives: Consider offering equity, rewards, or other incentives to attract investors. Clearly communicate the benefits and potential returns on their investment.
**Steps to Get Started**
You can get started by following these steps:
- Market Research and Planning: Conduct thorough market research to validate your idea and create a detailed business plan.
- Build a Prototype or MVP: Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to demonstrate your concept to potential investors.
- Legal and Compliance Setup: Ensure that your business meets all regulatory requirements and obtain necessary licenses.
- Launch Your Crowdfunding Campaign: Choose a syndication crowdfunding platform and launch your campaign with a well-prepared pitch.
I am more than happy to jump on a call with you if you need more clarity on this topic.
Related Questions
-
Business partner I want to bring on will invest more money than me, but will be less involved in operations, how do I split the company?
Cash money should be treated separately than sweat equity. There are practical reasons for this namely that sweat equity should always be granted in conjunction with a vesting agreement (standard in tech is 4 year but in other sectors, 3 is often the standard) but that cash money should not be subjected to vesting. Typically, if you're at the idea stage, the valuation of the actual cash going in (again for software) is anywhere between $300,000 and $1m (pre-money). If you're operating in any other type of industry, valuations would be much lower at the earliest stage. The best way to calculate sweat equity (in my experience) is to use this calculator as a guide: http://foundrs.com/. If you message me privately (via Clarity) with some more info on what the business is, I can tell you whether I would be helpful to you in a call.Tom WilliamsTW
-
Is fundable.com a successful tool to help raise an equity seed round for a pre-launch startup?
We have used Fundable.com successfully for two rounds of financing both oversubscribed. Here is what I can tell you. Basic info: Fundable.com's platform connects accredited investors to startups seeking investment capital. Startups have a public facing profile that includes general information about the companies product, team, press accolade, etc. If you are raising funds claiming SEC Reg D 506(b) the public profile has no information about your securities offering. If an interested investor wants to view more information about your startup and or your offering, he/she would request access to your full profile. The investor must self accredit on the Fundable site before they are allowed to view your non-public profile. The startup is notified and you have the opportunity to conduct some due diligence on the investor (LinkedIn) and elect to invite them into your deal. Your private page includes the offering (terms). All communication from this point is done outside of the platform, meaning you have the investors email address ( a good thing to have). Fundable charges startups a flat monthly fee to post a profile on the site. In addition you can opt for additional services (help) with your campaign. For a flat fee, Fundable will assign resources to help build your profile, consult with you on your raise, and assist with PR or Marketing. This includes a blast to their investor base of over 40K if my memory serves me correctly. I am sure it is higher today. Our experience: For our first round on Fundable, we elected to use the premium service. Fundable did a great job in helping with our profile. We received 50+ views per day (quite often 100+) and on days we were included in their newsletter we received 200+ views. 10 - 20% of views requested access to our full profile. and 10-20% of those responded to my request for a call. Our close rate was very high. Both of our rounds were oversubscribed in less than 4 months taking averaging $50K per investor. These are high quality investors that have not created additional work (outside of normal investor updates). Many of our investors regularly share news and information about our industry. Several have re-invested in subsequent rounds. Disclaimer: Our startup is in the consumer hardware space which I believe tends to attract high net worth individuals. Obviously results may vary, thus I cannot speak to how well a SaaS play would do crowdfunding in general. Fundable.com's premium services offering may have changed since our campaign. I am not affiliated with Fundable.com. In fact we have been successful on other crowdfunding sites as well. In Closing: I am a proponent of crowdfunding in general. It is disrupting angel investing, providing investors with greater deal flow and exposing startups to an exponentially larger audience, increasing their chances to get in front of investors who understand and appreciate that company's solution and opportunity. Most importantly it is moving capital and driving innovation! Keep in mind, securities laws have changed and continue to change due to the Jobs act of 2012. Before you offer any securities to local investors or choose to try crowdfunding, you should consult with an attorney, and take the time to learn and understand what regulations apply to your circumstances.Utz BaldwinUB
-
What is a better title for a startup head....Founder or CEO? Are there any pros/cons to certain titles?
The previous answers given here are great, but I've copied a trick from legendary investor Monish Pabrai that I've used in previous startups that seems to work wonders -- especially if your company does direct B2B sales. Many Founders/ CEOs are hung up on having the Founder/ CEO/ President title. As others have mentioned, those titles have become somewhat devalued in today's world -- especially if you are in a sales meeting with a large organization. Many purchasing agents at large organizations are bombarded by Founders/ CEOs/ Presidents visiting them all day. This conveys the image that a) your company is relatively small (the CEO of GM never personally sells you a car) and b) you are probably the most knowledgeable person in the organization about your product, but once you land the account the client company will mostly be dealing with newly hired second level staff. Monish recommends that Founder/ CEOs hand out a business card that has the title "Head of Sales" or "VP of Sales". By working in the Head of Sales role, and by your ability to speak knowledgeably about the product, you will convey the message that a) every person in the organization is very knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the product (even the sales guys) and b) you will personally be available to answer the client's questions over the long run. I've used this effectively many times myself.Vijay Rao, CFA, FRMVR
-
VCs: What are some pitch deck pet peeves?
Avoid buzzwords: - every founder thinks their idea is disruptive/revolutionary - every founder says their financial projections are conservative Instead: - explain your validation & customer traction - explain the assumptions underlying your projections Avoid: - focusing extensively on the product/technology rather than on the business - misunderstanding the purpose of financial projections; they exist in a pitch deck to: a) validate the founders understanding of running a business b) provide a sense of magnitude of the opportunity versus the amount of capital requested c) confirm the go-to-market strategy (nothing undermines a pitch faster than financial projections disconnected from the declared go-to-market approach) d) generally discredit you as someone who understands how to build a company; for instance we'll capture 10% of our market, 1% of China, etc. Top down financial projections get big laughs from investors after you leave the room. bonus) don't show 90% profit margins. Ever. Even if you'll actually have them. Ever. Instead: - avoid false precision by rounding all projections to nearest thousands ($000) - include # units / # subscribers / # customers above revenue line; this goes hand-in-hand with building a bottom up revenue model and implicitly reveals assumptions. Investors will determine if you are realistic, conservative, or out of your mind based largely on the customer acquisition numbers and your explanation of how they will be achieved. - highlight your assumptions & milestones on first customers, cash flow break even, and other customer acquisition and expense metrics that are relevant Avoid: - thinking about investor money as your money - approaching the pitch from your mindset (I need money); investors have to be skeptics, so understand their perspective. - bad investors; it's tempting to think that any money is good money. You can't get an investor to leave once they are in without Herculean efforts and costs (and if you're asking for money, you can't afford it). If you're not on the same page with an investor on how to run/grow the business, you'll regret every waking hour. Instead: - it's their money; tell them how you are going to utilize their money to make them more money - you're a founder, a true believer. Your mantra should be "de-risk, de-risk, de-risk". Perception of risk is the #1 reason an investor says no. Many are legitimate, but often enough it's simply a perception that could have been addressed. - beyond the pitch, make the conversation 2-way. Ask questions of the investor (you might learn awesome things or uncover problems) and talk to at least two other founders they invested in more than 6 months ago.Jason PlimlJP
-
What is a good/average conversion rate % for an e-commerce (marketplace model) for customers who add to cart through to purchase order.
There is quite a bit of information available online about eCommerce conversions rates. According to a ton of sources, average visitor-to-sale conversion rates vary from 1-3%. This does not mean the Furniture conversions will be the same. The bigger problem is that visitor-to-sale conversions are not a good data point to use to measure or tune your eCommerce business. All business have some unique friction factors that will affect your final conversion rate. It's very important to understand each of these factors and how to overcome them. The best way to measure and optimize is to take a conversion funnel approach. Once you have defined your funnel you can optimize each conversion rate to better the total effect. For example: Top of the funnel: - All web site visitors, 100,000 / month First conversion: View a product page, 50% of all visitors Second Conversion: Add to Cart, 10% of people who view products Final Conversion: Complete Checkout, 80% of people who put items in a cart In this example we see that only 10% of people who actually view products put them in to a cart, but 80% of those people purchase. If you can figure out why visitors are not adding items to their cart and fix the issue to increase the conversion rate, revenue should increase significantly because of the high checkout rate. You can use free tools like Google Analytics to give you a wealth of information about your site visitor and their behavior or there are some great paid tools as well.Dan MartellDM
the startups.com platform
Copyright © 2025 Startups.com. All rights reserved.
