High Elm Capital
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Idea Session · By appointment

An investor’s view of your idea, before you commit to it.

A private session with Richard McNally for founders and people with an idea. A considered, candid view of where it stands, the risk that matters most and what to do next, followed by a short written note.

Arrange a session → What the session covers
Length
45 minutes, by video
With
Richard McNally
Afterwards
A written note within two working days
Fee
Confirmed when you book
What the session covers

The questions an investor would ask first.

Every idea that reaches an investment desk gets a fast, honest assessment. The session applies the same discipline to yours, before you spend the time, money or goodwill on it.

  1. 01
    Where it standsA clear view of whether it is worth pursuing as it is, and why.
  2. 02
    The risk that matters mostThe single issue most likely to hold it back, or to stop an investor.
  3. 03
    Three next stepsWhat to do over the coming month, in order.
  4. 04
    A written noteThe essentials, in writing, within two working days.
The written note · An exampleHigh Elm Capital

A booking service for independent physiotherapists

Where it stands
Worth pursuing, provided clinics will pay before anything is built. That is the first thing to prove.
Strongest point
First-hand knowledge of the problem, from working across eight clinics.
The risk that matters most
Larger booking platforms could offer the same feature at no extra cost.
Next three steps
  1. Agree terms in principle with five clinics.
  2. Map what the larger platforms offer, and where they fall short.
  3. Revisit the plan with those results before committing to a build.
Who it’s for

The point before the commitment.

You have an idea and are deciding whether to pursue it.

You have started, but have not yet raised money.

You would value an independent view before committing time or savings.

You are preparing to speak to investors.

Running an established business? Request a conversation about strategic advice instead.

Richard McNally, Founder and Managing Director of High Elm Capital
Who you’ll speak with

Richard McNally

Founder & Managing Director of High Elm Capital. Fourteen years leading research and investment in early-stage venture capital, latterly as Chief Investment Officer and a board member, after a career trading rates, equities and property futures. He has spent most of that time on the investor’s side of the table.

How it works

From booking to written note.

  1. 1Choose a timePick a slot below and confirm the booking.
  2. 2Share a few linesYour idea, where you are, and what you would most like to know. A deck if you have one.
  3. 3The sessionForty-five minutes by video, entirely on your idea.
  4. 4Your written noteWithin two working days, for you to keep.
Arrange a session

Choose a time that suits you.

Fee
Shown before you pay, and paid securely by card.
Changes
Reschedule free of charge up to 24 hours before.
Confidentiality
Nothing you share is passed on without your agreement.
Co-founders
Welcome to join. Add their email when you book.

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Questions
Why is there a fee?
We believe every venture starts with conviction. Backing your own idea is the first commitment a founder makes, long before anyone else is asked to, and the fee is a modest expression of that belief. It also means each session is properly prepared for and followed by a written note.
What if the view is that it isn’t worth pursuing?
You will hear that plainly, with the reasons. Knowing early is worth a great deal.
What should I send beforehand?
A few lines is enough. A deck, plan or numbers help if you have them.
Is this the same as advisory work?
No. It is a single session. If ongoing support would help, Richard will say so, and how High Elm could assist.
Is it confidential?
Yes. Nothing you share is passed on without your agreement.