Raising capital is one of the most exciting and intimidating steps for any founder. Whether you’re still refining your MVP or already seeing traction, getting investors to say “yes” requires more than a great idea, it requires a strategy.

At Velocity Startup, we work with founders every day who ask the same question: “How do I actually raise money for my startup?”

This guide breaks the process down into clear, practical steps designed for 2025’s funding environment.

Raising capital in 2025 can feel like wandering through the startup version of Oz. Everyone’s talking about SAFEs, SPVs, and syndicates, but few explain how they actually fit together. If you’re just starting to figure out how to raise money for your startup, start with our founder’s guide to raising capital - then come back here to learn how to structure it the right way.

Let’s pull back the curtain and walk through what each means, when to use them, and how to combine them the right way.

Y Combinator’s Startup School is a great resource for new founders, but its “raise money overnight” message leaves out the legal side of fundraising. Every SAFE is a securities transaction that requires SEC compliance. Here’s how to stay fast, smart, and compliant.

Not legal advice. Not tax advice. Not an offer to sell or solicit the sale of securities. Educational purposes only.

Fundraising advice online often sounds simple: “Just raise a SAFE,” “Angel investors love convertibles,” or “Do a priced round when you are ready.” But founders quickly discover that the real world is messier. Investors ask for different documents. Allocations get split between syndicates, individuals, and funds. International founders have to deal with cross-border compliance. And most importantly, founders want to raise without giving up control.

This guide breaks down the four structures that actually drive early-stage fundraising. By the end, you’ll know which tool fits your stage, your investors, and your long-term plans.