Introduction

Your funding ask is not a random number.
It is a signal, a negotiation anchor, and the first test of your financial intelligence.

Founders often choose their ask based on gut feeling, peer behavior, or optimism.
Investors evaluate it based on runway, dilution logic, milestones, and risk.

A poorly structured ask instantly lowers credibility,
A well structured ask elevates you above 90 percent of founders.

Here is how to structure your ask the way investors expect.

1. Define Your Milestones Before You Define Your Ask

Investors fund milestones, not months of survival.

Examples of real milestones:

• MVP launch

• 100 paying users

• Key hires

• Achieving product market fit

• Reaching revenue thresholds

Your ask should always tie directly to what the capital helps you achieve.

If you cannot define milestones, your ask is not ready.

2. Calculate Runway Backwards

Runway is not random.
Investors want to see a clear, justified path to:

• 15 to 18 months of execution

• Key hires

• Reasonable ramp up of operations

Runway that is too short signals desperation,
Runway that is too long signals over ask.

3. Dilution Logic

Founders should target reasonable founder ownership after the next round.

Typical dilution expectations:

• Pre seed: 8 to 15 percent

• Seed: 10 to 20 percent

• Series A: 15 to 25 percent

If the ask requires unreasonable dilution,
Investors assume you have not worked through the math.

4. Valuation Alignment

Your ask must align with valuation and vice versa.

For example:
If you ask for 3 crore at a 15 crore valuation, you are selling 20 percent.

If you ask for the same 3 crore at a 40 crore valuation,
Investors will assume overvaluation unless you defend it.

Your ask must match:

• Traction

• Model strength

• Market dynamics

• Comparable valuations

5. The Capital Efficiency Test

Investors want to see responsible use of capital.

Your funding ask should pass the test,
"Can you do more with less?"

If your ask seems inflated, confidence drops.
If your ask seems efficient, trust increases.

Final Message

Your funding ask is a reflection of your thinking.
Smart founders anchor correctly, defend logically, and raise with confidence.
Your ask is not just a number, it is your first impression.