"As 2026 approaches, the landscape for entrepreneurs is shifting fast, defined by AI disruption, rising costs, cautious investors and more demanding customers. Yet for British entrepreneur and investor Matt Haycox, the fundamentals of building a strong business remain the same: clarity, cash flow and character. 'Trends change every year,' he says. 'Principles don't. If you can manage money, manage people and keep promises, you'll still win, whether it's 2006 or 2026.'"
"Haycox, best known for his straight-talking investment advice and hands-on mentoring, has spent more than two decades building, backing and turning around businesses across the UK. Through his finance lending platform Funding Guru and portfolio ventures within The Matt Haycox Group, he has helped raise and arrange over £1 billion for small and medium-sized companies. He's also one of the few investors who openly admits that failure, not hustle, taught him the most."
"Entrepreneurs heading into 2026 face a funding market defined by selectivity rather than scarcity. According to Crunchbase's Global Venture Funding Report (Q3 2025), global VC investment reached $97 billion, up 15% year-on-year, but the number of deals dropped by nearly 30%. The money is still there, Haycox says, it's just harder to earn. 'Investors haven't vanished. They're just doing more homework,' he explains. 'If you can show real traction, cash discipline and a credible plan, capital will still find you.'"
Entrepreneurs face AI disruption, rising costs, cautious investors and more demanding customers as 2026 approaches. Building a strong business requires clarity, cash flow and character. Managing money, leading people and keeping promises remain fundamental to long-term success. Investors are more selective: global VC funding rose to $97 billion in Q3 2025 but deal counts fell nearly 30%, and UK deal volumes declined even as average cheque sizes increased. Capital is available for businesses that demonstrate real traction, cash discipline and credible plans. Failure provides perspective and practical lessons that can inform stronger future ventures.
Read at Business Matters
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