Master Wealth Building: Leveraging Other People’s Money for Success

Shekhar Singh
5 min readSep 1, 2024

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Whether you are a serial entrepreneur or considering launching your first firm, the process of building and expanding a lucrative business is difficult for everyone.

You must cope with finance, competition, rules, and growing pains, not to mention unanticipated problems like an international epidemic. It’s no surprise, therefore, that approximately 45% of enterprises fail within the first five years, and just 25% of new company endeavors survive beyond 15 years. This is according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

using so much at stake, is it feasible to develop riches using other people’s money? Is there a way to build a great business without jeopardizing your personal money or family? Here are some possibilities that each business owner should examine.

Fund Your Business: The Best Startup Financing Options for Growing Businesses

Many firms start with sweat equity and personal investments from the founders. However, if you understand how to utilize your network and your company’s sustainability, you can expand through OPM: Other People’s Money.

The “secret” of huge firms and their CEOs is that they understand how to effectively apply leverage.

In summary, leverage enables organizations to accelerate their growth and market position. Leverage is borrowed funds that are utilized to invest and expand the business. When it comes to growing a business and creating wealth, leverage may be used to start new projects or product lines, fund inventory purchases, recruit key personnel, or expand operations.

As a result, the issue arises: how can you acquire funds from others in order to expand your business and accumulate wealth?

1: Private Money

Private finance is a potential alternative for small business owners that need cash rapidly. One of the primary advantages of private investment is that you are not required to give away a stake in your firm.

Consider the following sorts of private money that do not need you to relinquish any ownership:

  • Personal investments using your own savings
  • Cash from relatives and friends that believe in your business.
  • Individual investments made through crowdfunding portals

Of course, you may also receive funding from a private investor (more on that later), but this usually entails providing a stake in your company. The advantage of an accredited investor, however, is that you can obtain advice and mentorship from someone who has previously achieved success.

Obtaining finance can be the difference between a firm that stalls and one that succeeds.

2: Angel Investors

Angel investors are accredited investors (those with a net worth of at least $1 million and an annual income of $200,000) seeking to invest in new or small businesses. Because they have excess cash, they are seeking for larger rates of return than typical investments. They often expect a return of 25 to 60 percent or more.

The main advantage of angel investments is that they are less risky than loan funding. If the firm fails, the investment capital is not required to be repaid. However, in exchange for the financial risk, angel investors frequently request stock in your firm. This means that you will no longer have entire control, as the angel investor has become a part owner. He or she will have a voice in how the firm is handled and managed.

Some important things to understand about angel investors:

Angel investing is particularly hazardous because the investor might lose their whole investment if the firm fails. As a result, angel investors often only invest in firms with exclusive technology, high growth potential, or people in whom they have complete faith and belief.

According to Forbes, the average angel investment into a firm is between $25,000 and $100,000. Entrepreneur, on the other hand, claims that the average investment is roughly $600,000, however this figure is likely distorted by a few large investments.

Most angel investors want to receive 10 to 50% of your company’s stock, so be prepared to give up some. The benefit, however, is that you do not need to go into debt to fund your firm. Just make sure you understand how much equity you are willing to part with.

Ultimately, an angel investment should be mutually beneficial. You should be able to profit from an investor’s funds and direction, while the angel may get a better rate of return on their investment.

3. Getting a Loan

Taking out a business loan is one of the more classic ways to become wealthy by borrowing money from others. Bank loans for businesses offer low interest rates, making them an attractive option. Banks, on the other hand, need proof of a company’s performance, stability, and longevity before lending money.

If you are unable to obtain a loan through your local bank or credit union, we recommend contacting the Small Business Administration. They provide a loan guarantee service for businesses of all sizes. Loans under $50,000 are available through the micro-lending program, while bigger enterprises can borrow up to $2 million.

The key advantage of loans is that, unlike investors, the bank will not own any part of your business. You just repay the loan on their conditions.

4: Venture Capital Investments

The key distinction between angel investors and venture capital investments is the type of money utilized to invest. Angel investors are accredited investors who invest their own money in enterprises they believe in. Venture capital, on the other hand, is money pooled by investment firms, huge enterprises, or pension funds. In other words, the money used by a venture capitalist to invest is usually not his or her own, but rather someone else’s.

Another distinction is that angel investors typically invest early in a firm. They do this in exchange for a share in the firm and a vote in its future direction and growth.

Venture capitalists typically invest when a company has grown to maturity. They do this to avoid the risks associated with startups. However, because the firm is more established, venture capitalists are more willing to invest significantly more money, frequently in the millions of dollars.

Are you taking the right steps to expand your business?

To generate wealth using other people’s money, you must demonstrate that your firm has a strategy and a vision for the future. Whether you’re looking for funding from relatives, investors, or a bank, they’ll want to know that their money is being used carefully and properly.

With that said, it is critical to ensure that your business processes are as efficient as possible.

  • Have you streamlined your workflow?
  • Is your marketing plan both efficient and effective?
  • Are your internal procedures intended to scale?

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Shekhar Singh
Shekhar Singh

Written by Shekhar Singh

Entrepreneur and Leadership Expert | Driving Success through Vision and Empowerment.

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