7 Proven Ways to Finance Your SaaS Startup - Emil Wargelius (EP58)

How I funded my SaaS startup – without chasing VCs? 💸
In this episode, Emil Vargelius shares 7 proven ways to finance your SaaS startup.

From bootstrapping and customer funding to government grants, debt financing, and freelancing – we break down real-world strategies that work in 2025’s startup landscape.

You’ll learn how to keep control of your company, when to use soft money, and why you should start building investor relationships before you need them.

🚀Whether you're a first-time founder or looking to launch your second SaaS, this conversation is packed with funding wisdom.

#StartupFunding #Bootstrapping #SaaSFinance #StartupStrategy #AngelInvestors

🔗 Mentioned Resources: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emil-wargelius
https://www.revelate.app/

We are online:
➧ Website - https://masterful.info (get a marketing checklist at no cost)
➧ Podcast - https://podcast.masterful.info/
➧ LinkedIn of Will (Host) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilhelmlaubach  
➧ LinkedIn of Chris (Host) https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruehringer/
➧ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/masterful.info 
➧ Email - wl.interwebs@gmail.com

Notes:
🔹 Bootstrapping – Self-funding and revenue reinvestment.
🔹 Customer Funding (direct) – Early customer payments and validation.
🔹 Customer Funding (industry support) – Industry partnerships that fund development.
🔹 Soft Funding – Grants or support from governments, universities, etc.
🔹 Debt Financing – Loans with or without government support.
🔹 Freelancing/Side Gigs – Using external income to support startup.
🔹 Equity Investment – Business angels, accelerators, venture capitalists.