Case Study: Scaling with Business Funding Advisory Services

Client Overview

Our client is a European technology innovator that turned to Oak Business Consultant for business funding advisory services. They wanted expert guidance to turn their early-stage vision into a scalable business. The company develops hyper-realistic, multilingual AI avatars. Their products include interactive kiosks for high-traffic locations and website-embedded chat systems. Both are designed to automate customer engagement, cut labor costs, and provide around-the-clock multilingual support. These solutions directly serve industries like retail, healthcare, hospitality, and public services across the EU.

Challenges

1. Capital-Intensive Rollout and Cashflow Needs

The rollout of kiosks required heavy upfront costs. This created urgent cash flow needs and pushed the client to look for new financing options such as loan programs and term loans.

2. Investor Reluctance and Exit Strategy

Private investors were hesitant. The business model carried high hardware costs and no clear exit strategy. Without proper financial planning and trusted advisory professionals, it was hard to build investor confidence.

3. Complex Application Process and Regulations

EU grants involved a difficult application process and strict regulatory services. The client was not familiar with how to work with public agencies. Unlike U.S. firms that may access SBA programs or disaster loans, they needed EU-specific funding guidance.

4. Scaling and Business Operations

The target of 7,500–8,000 kiosks was ambitious. It put pressure on daily business operations. To scale, the client needed business funding advisory services, strong risk management, and reliable financial advisory support.

Solutions Provided

Oak Business Consultant stepped in with specialized business funding advisory services to help the client move past financial and operational barriers. The approach was practical, structured, and focused on both funding access and long-term stability.

Funding Identification and Advisory

Our team reviewed multiple EU funding opportunities such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe. We identified the EIC Accelerator as the most suitable program, given its blended financing options and strong support for breakthrough technologies. This process reflected the value of working with trusted financial advisory experts who understand how to match funding sources with client needs.

Business Model Structuring

To build investor confidence and improve eligibility, we restructured the client’s business model. By separating the SaaS platform (software) from the kiosk deployment (hardware), we created financial transparency. This alignment with EU criteria also strengthened the client’s risk management framework and allowed for better financial planning.

Proposal Development and Application Process

We prepared a full proposal that highlighted the client’s innovation, scalability, and market potential. The submission addressed EU priorities such as digital transformation, sustainability, and inclusion. By managing the complex application process, we reduced the burden on the client and ensured compliance with public agencies and regulatory services.

Strategic Positioning and Advisory Professionals Support

Our advisory professionals integrated lifecycle management, recycling compliance, and scalability into the client’s roadmap. This made the case stronger for evaluators while also helping shape a realistic exit strategy and future-proof business operations.

Pitch Deck Creation

We designed a professional pitch deck to complement the written proposal. This visual tool showcased the client’s financial planning, growth potential, and ability to meet cashflow needs through structured loan programs and non-dilutive funding. The deck also supported conversations with investors, lenders, and potential SBA-style programs at the EU level.

Outcome

With Oak’s business funding advisory services, the client developed and submitted a fully compliant, competitive proposal to the EIC Accelerator. They are now well-prepared to pursue up to €3.3 million in blended EU funding. The structured approach improved investor confidence, strengthened risk management, and outlined a clear exit strategy.

By restructuring the model, the client achieved transparency for both public agencies and private stakeholders. This positioned them to scale toward the 7,500–8,000 kiosk target. Most importantly, the client preserved equity ownership by focusing on non-dilutive financing options rather than giving up control to early investors. The outcome equipped the business with investor-ready documentation, immediate opportunities to engage funders, and a sustainable roadmap for growth and long-term operations.

What’s in It for You?

As a small business owner, financial stakeholder, or advisory professional, securing the right funding and managing growth can be overwhelming. Without expert business funding advisory services, your business risks the following:

• Limited access to the right financing options, from loan programs to term loans.
• Investor hesitation due to unclear financial planning and lack of a solid exit strategy.
• Missed opportunities with public agencies and complex application processes.
• Weak risk management, leaving your business operations exposed.
• Inconsistent cashflow that disrupts growth and long-term stability.

How Can You Overcome These Challenges?

By partnering with Oak Business Consultant, you gain structured guidance and tailored solutions:

• Access Diverse Funding Sources: From EU grants and blended finance to Community Development Financial Institution resources.
• Build Investor Confidence: Transparent models, clear roadmaps, and professional pitch decks.
• Navigate Applications with Ease: Full support through regulatory requirements and funding submissions.
• Strengthen Business Operations: Integration of risk management, compliance, and transformation services.
• Plan for Sustainable Growth: Align with policies on digital transformation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.

Ready to Secure the Right Funding?

At Oak Business Consultant, we deliver end-to-end business funding advisory services designed to help you access funding, manage growth, and scale with confidence. Contact us now to explore how our tailored solutions can unlock funding opportunities for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What business funding advisory services did Oak provide to the client?
Oak delivered end-to-end business funding advisory services. This included identifying financing options such as EU grants and blended finance, guiding the application process, and structuring the business model to attract both public agencies and private investors.

How did Oak support the client in financial planning?
We helped the client with detailed financial planning by separating the software SaaS model from the hardware deployment costs. This improved clarity for evaluators, addressed cashflow needs, and built a roadmap aligned with business growth and risk management standards.

Did Oak assist with the application process for EU funding?
Yes. Our team prepared the full application process, including proposal drafting, financial forecasts, and compliance checks. We also developed a compelling pitch deck that supported the client’s case before evaluators, similar to how advisory professionals support SBA programs and loan programs in the U.S.

How did Oak’s financing advisory services reduce investor reluctance?
By providing financing advisory services, Oak restructured the client’s funding approach. We highlighted non-dilutive sources such as EU grants, blended loans, and community development financial institution (CDFI)-style resources. This reduced reliance on equity and improved investor confidence through strong risk management.

What additional business advisory support did Oak provide?
Beyond funding, Oak offered business counseling and transformation services. This included aligning the project with EU policies on sustainability and digital transformation, ensuring regulatory compliance, and integrating data-driven solutions to strengthen long-term business operations.

Conclusion

This case highlights how the right business funding advisory services can transform ambitious ideas into scalable, investor-ready ventures. With Oak Business Consultant’s guidance, the client became fully prepared with investor-ready documentation, a clear financial roadmap, and a compelling pitch deck. They are now equipped with the resources to confidently approach investors and funding agencies while preserving ownership and control.

Your business can achieve the same. Whether you need support with financing options, risk management, or navigating complex application processes, Oak Business Consultant is here to help. Contact us today and let’s design a funding and growth strategy tailored to your business needs.