Many founders are exceptional at launching a business. They spot an opportunity, move quickly, and generate early revenue. But scaling a business is an entirely different challenge. What works in the start-up phase often isn’t enough to take a firm to the next level. Growth demands structure, expertise, and the right team. If you’re a founder struggling to grow your business, you’re not alone—but there are strategic solutions that can make all the difference.

The very qualities that make a great founder—vision, adaptability, and relentless drive—don’t always translate into long-term business growth. Scaling requires different skill sets, including structured financial management, strategic hiring, fundraising expertise, and governance. Many founders find themselves working harder than ever but seeing diminishing returns. The business is stable but not scaling, and the next step feels elusive.

A key reason for this is that growth requires specialist experience. What worked in the early days—whether aggressive sales, product-market fit, or sheer hard work—won’t necessarily sustain the business as it matures. Recognising when to bring in external expertise is often what separates companies that plateau from those that break through.

Bringing in the right external talent at the right time can be a game-changer. Many successful businesses reach a point where their founder needs support in fundraising, operations, or governance. There are several ways to introduce experienced professionals into the business, often in a cost-effective way.

Hiring a professional manager can help founders transition from an operational focus to a strategic one. A strong manager brings industry experience, the ability to implement systems, and the know-how to develop a team that can drive sustainable growth. Founders who remain too deeply involved in the day-to-day often find their ability to lead strategically is diminished.

Engaging a non-executive director (NED) offers guidance without the financial commitment of a full-time hire. An experienced NED brings an external perspective, helping to challenge thinking, provide governance, and identify blind spots that could be slowing growth. Many VC-backed firms use NEDs to help sharpen their strategy and prepare for investment rounds.

Working with an ex-VC or PE partner can be particularly valuable for businesses looking to scale aggressively. These individuals have first-hand experience in funding strategies, investor expectations, and high-growth scaling methods. They understand how businesses transition from start-up to high-value enterprise and can accelerate fundraising efforts while strengthening governance.

One of the biggest challenges founders face when scaling is securing the right funding. Many early-stage businesses are built on bootstrapping, personal networks, and initial customer revenue. However, long-term growth often requires additional capital, and developing a funding strategy isn’t a skill every founder naturally has.

An experienced adviser can provide insight into investment readiness, valuation realism, and funding structure. Founders sometimes approach fundraising with an unrealistic sense of what investors are looking for, which can slow down or even prevent funding success. Having a professional who understands the language of investors, term sheets, and strategic positioning can significantly improve the chances of securing the right funding at the right time.

Hiring experienced advisers doesn’t have to be an expensive commitment. Founders can bring in expertise in several flexible ways, depending on the firm’s needs and budget. Paying per day or per project allows for targeted support, whether it’s refining a funding strategy, improving governance, or stress-testing a business model.

A small salary or fractional role can introduce expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. Many experienced professionals are open to working with growing firms on a part-time basis, especially if they see long-term potential.

Using sweat equity is another option. Bringing in an adviser with equity incentives aligns their interests with the business’s success, ensuring a hands-on approach to driving growth. Many high-calibre professionals, particularly those from VC or PE backgrounds, will consider sweat equity if they see a strong business with scalable potential.

A good adviser isn’t a cost—it’s an investment. Whether through better governance, faster fundraising, or improved operational efficiency, the right expertise can unlock growth, reduce costly mistakes, and attract the right investors or talent.

If you’re struggling to grow your business, bringing in external support could be the catalyst you need. A small, well-placed investment in expertise can mean the difference between stagnation and significant expansion.

The best founders know when to adapt and when to bring in the right people. If your business has reached a point where growth feels stuck, the answer isn’t working harder—it’s working smarter. The right expertise, at the right time, will help take your firm to the next level.