Startup fundraising typically happens in stages, each supporting growth milestones and attracting different types of investors. It begins with the pre-seed stage, where founders use personal savings or help from friends and family to validate an idea or build an MVP (minimum viable product). Next comes the seed stage, where early investors or angel investors provide capital to refine the product, hire key team members, and test the market. The Series A round follows, usually led by venture capital (VC) firms, focusing on scaling operations, user acquisition, and establishing a strong business model. Series B and Series C rounds fund further expansion, product diversification, and international growth. Finally, some startups move toward late-stage funding or an IPO (Initial Public Offering) to access public capital. Each stage reflects increasing validation, risk reduction, and valuation growth as the company matures from idea to sustainable business.