The three routes
Venture / PEEquity
Priced round from Venture Capital (VC) or Private Equity (PE). Significant capital, strategic partner, board seat — at the cost of dilution and a valuation conversation. Typical close 3–6 months.
SAFE NotesConvertible
SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity). Fast, no immediate valuation, converts at the next priced round. Best as bridge capital ahead of a planned Series. Typical close 2–4 weeks.
Venture DebtNon-dilutive
Term loan or credit facility from a venture debt lender or bank. Non-dilutive but requires revenue predictability, servicing capacity, and often existing equity investors. Typical close 4–8 weeks.
Part 1 · Engagement Context
Company & engagement
Known preferences & concerns — pick up to 3
0 of 3 selected
Part 2 · Diagnostic · 15 questions across 7 categories
Complete all 15 questions to unlock the recommendation.
On-screen Results
SALAMANDER ADVISORY
Funding Options Recommendation
Funding Options Recommendation
A diagnostic-driven recommendation on the optimal capital structure (Venture / PE · SAFE · Venture Debt · Blended) — used with the founder, CEO or CFO.
Engagement Context
As declared at the start of the session.
Route Scorecard
How each route scores across the diagnostic
Category detail · scores, drivers, session notes
Decision Rationale
Why the recommended route won — drivers for and against, specific factors, and session notes.
Alternative Routes
How the other routes scored and what would make them the right choice instead.
Benchmarks for the Recommended Route
Market norms the company should be aware of when executing the recommended route.
Recommended Salamander Engagement Pathway
Salamander's capital-raise execution framework, mapped to the recommended route.
Appendix — Full Q&A log
All 15 questions with selected option, route scoring weights, priority flag, and session notes.
Disclaimer. This diagnostic is a structured discussion framework used by Salamander associates with founders, CEOs and CFOs evaluating funding options. The recommendation is indicative and reflects qualitative judgement expressed in-session; it does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. Individual deals, market conditions, and investor preferences vary.
Associate Commentary