From identifying synergies to finding groups that specialize in your industry, it is no easy feat. The traditional methods of connecting with Financial Institutions are not always the most efficient, and in a world where every dollar and minute count, you want to make sure you finding Capital the smart way. The first step is understanding what kind of Corporate Investment type you're looking for : Debt or Equity? Who has access to what? What types of deals do each firm typically close? Who has their ear on the ground at any given time? The list goes on... Let's start with Debt vs Equity: A Company typically looks to sell a piece of itself to raise money. There are two main ways it can do this: Debt or Equity. Debt is borrowed from a Financial Institution that has been granted security over the Company's assets in case the borrower defaults on its payment(s). This type of Investment typically carries interest and must be paid back at specific time periods with set interest rates (commonly known as Loans). Equity, on the other hand, is not paid back and gives the Investor a stake in the business. If we were to compare Managing Directors at these respective groups; those who lead Debt teams generally look for synergies between Companies they lend to, whereas those leading equity teams usually invest into Companies that help their current Corporate Clients (and indirectly boost revenue for their firm).