Case Study

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Letwise

Jon Chapman, founder of Letwise took part in the Funding Accelerator with Focused for Business, part-funded by Dorset LEP. His aim was to provide his business with support to navigate the investor landscape and the programme helped Jon make the decision to focus on acquiring customers and building sales before launching his funding campaign.

Jon created an AI platform to help letting agents navigate complex rental legislation. ​ After moving from London to Dorset in 2024, Jon developed Letwise as his next venture in the prop-tech space. ​ Initial funding from Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole (BCP) enabled him to create a proof of concept, validate market potential, and secure early paid subscribers. ​ However, to scale the business, Jon aimed to raise
£250,000 in additional funding. ​

Facing a challenging investment climate, Jon joined the Funding Accelerator programme for which Dorset LEP covered two-thirds of the course cost. ​ The programme provided a structured framework for equity fundraising, focusing on investment readiness. ​ Over an intense four-week sprint Jon developed a five-year financial forecast, pitch deck, business valuation and investor outreach materials. ​Tools like the Investability Assessment and Mark to Market database helped streamline the process and identify suitable investors. ​

Jon also benefited from mentorship and peer support, gaining valuable insights from experienced entrepreneurs. ​ Weekly feedback sessions helped refine his approach and prepare him for investor interactions. ​ The programme highlighted the importance of building customer traction before launching a funding campaign, shifting Jon’s focus to sales and relationship-building with potential investors. ​

Letwise’s journey demonstrates the value of structured support in navigating today’s investor landscape. ​ With a clear strategy and strong foundations, Jon is well-positioned to secure funding and drive Letwise’s growth in the rental legislation market.


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