Raising investment for your software company is a major step. If you've already achieved early success with little or no external capital, you're not alone. Many of the companies we partner with at FPE have done just that. But scaling to the next level requires more than strong revenues and a good product. It demands clarity, focus, and the right kind of investor who understands your stage, your ambition, and your challenges.

At FPE, we specialise in backing software, data, and software services companies at what we call the 'second-stage' of growth. This is the point where a business has proven its model, has a customer base, and sees an opportunity to scale rapidly. If you are asking how to get investors in your software company, the answer lies in understanding what experienced investors are looking for and how to position your business accordingly.

Know Where You Are in Your Growth Journey

Before approaching any investor, be clear on your company’s current position. You do not need to be turning over tens of millions, but you should have evidence of strong product-market fit, revenue traction, and a credible team. Second-stage investors like FPE are not looking for early-stage concepts or startups in their infancy. We invest in businesses that have built something valuable with limited capital and are now ready to accelerate.

Ask yourself: Do I need capital to grow, or do I need a partner who brings more than just money? If you are looking for both, you are likely in the right place to engage a second-stage investor.

Articulate a Clear Growth Thesis

Investors want to see that you have a vision, but more importantly, that you have a plan. Can you explain in concrete terms what you will do with new investment? Will it be used to expand your sales team, build new products, enhance your operations, or enter new markets?

At FPE, we back companies with a clear thesis on how they will win in their sector. That often includes investment in people, product and process, and the ability to scale operations without losing efficiency or culture. The more specific and measurable your plan, the more investible your business becomes.

Build the Right Team Around You

One of the key factors we assess is the quality and cohesion of the leadership team. As your company grows, the demands on your team will change. A founder who was once writing code and managing every deal may need to shift into a more strategic role. You may need to hire functional heads or restructure your leadership group.

A good investor does not expect a perfect team on day one, but they do want to see awareness of what capabilities are missing and a plan to address them. At FPE, we actively support founders in building out their teams, ensuring the company has the strength in depth to execute its growth strategy.

Demonstrate Operational Discipline

No matter how compelling your technology is, investors are looking for sound fundamentals. That means a handle on your financial metrics, customer acquisition costs, churn, lifetime value, and margins. It means understanding what levers drive growth and profitability.

We work with businesses that have a track record of consistent performance, but also those that are honest about where improvement is needed. What matters is that you can show a culture of accountability, an ability to set and meet goals, and the mindset to refine your operations over time.

Be Open About Your Challenges

Too many companies approach investment conversations trying to look perfect. That is a mistake. Investors know that growth is messy, and every company has challenges. Whether it's a legacy product issue, a lack of internal systems, or a difficult customer segment, transparency builds trust.

At FPE, we pride ourselves on taking a grounded, personal approach. We work best with leaders who are clear-eyed about their journey, open about where they need help, and committed to building something enduring. We are not here to take control; we are here to help you unlock potential and deliver results.

Choose Investors Who Understand Your Sector

Software is not like other industries. Growth patterns are different, product development cycles are unique, and customer dynamics are constantly evolving. Generalist investors may not appreciate the nuances. Sector specialists like FPE bring more than capital. We bring decades of experience investing, operating and advising in software.

We also understand what it means to be the first institutional investor in a company. We know how to support founders without overwhelming them. We invest in strong relationships, because those are what drive real, sustainable success.

Prepare for the Process

Securing investment takes time and preparation. Make sure your financials are in order, your legal structure is clear, and your business plan is tight. Expect detailed due diligence and be ready to answer tough questions. A good investor will want to understand every aspect of your company, not to catch you out, but to ensure alignment.

The process should feel like the beginning of a partnership, not a transaction. At FPE, we invest in fewer companies so that we can work closely with each one. We are not just passive shareholders, we are active, committed partners in the next stage of your journey.

At FPE, we are always looking to back great software companies with untapped potential. If you think that’s you, let’s talk.