What does Series A,B,C funding mean

Startups go through series of funding from venture capital firms. Capital is raised in multiple rounds of financing as valuation of a company may increase when the start up demonstrates:

Increased probability of success
Proof of concept
Growth in customer base, etc.

In each round of financing, valuation is done independently. Investors who invest in early rounds prefer to invest in subsequent rounds too to maintain their share in the company over time.

What is Seed and Angel Funding

If you are in an early stage/Idea Stage in your business Plan and have utilized your saving and built a product which is already selling.., you may expect some Angel Investors to be really interested in your startup, or if you have an excellent idea and a really good team then investors may be willing to help you build the product too. Read more About Angel Investors

What is Series A Round of Funding

Series A round of financing is the first round of financing that a startup receives from a venture capital firm i.e. the first time when company ownership is offered to external investors. This is generally done by allotting preferred stock.

Valuation of the startup in this round is done on the basis of:

proof of concept
progress made with seed capital
quality of the executive team
market size
risk involved

Goal of Series A round of financing is:

To cover up salaries of people involved
Additional market research
Finalization of product / service to be introduced into the market

Series A round of financing is generally done when company is generating some revenue, though it might not be net profit. The risk involved is at the highest in this round of funding.

What is Series B Round of Funding

At this stage, the product/ service is already being sold in the market. Series B round of funding is required by the company to scale up, to face competitors and have a market share. Goal of this round of funding is not only to break even but to also have net profit. At this stage, investment risk is lower and amount of funding is more than Series A round of funding.

Valuation of company is done on basis of:

Performance of company in comparison to the industry
Revenue forecasts
Assets like Intellectual Property, etc.

What is Series C Round of Funding

A venture capital firm goes for this round of funding when the company has proved its mettle and is a success in the market. The company goes for Series C round of funding when it looks for greater market share, acquisitions, or to develop more products and services. Series C round of funding can also take place to prepare the company for an acquisition. It is the last stage in company’s growth cycle before an Initial Public offer (IPO). Valuation of company at this juncture is done on the basis of hard data points. This round of funding is more of an exit strategy of the venture capital firm.