Book titled 'The Money Train' by David Pattison with a city train station cover image, displayed on a stone surface alongside The Business Book Awards logo.

The Money Train

"Once you decide to bring other people's money into your business, you have to get it right. That's why I have written it down."

The Money Train by David Pattison is an honest, experience-driven guide to the realities of raising investment. Drawing on years as a multi-exit founder, CEO, investor, and adviser, Pattison strips away the hype to reveal what really happens when founders take outside money. From the promises and pitfalls of venture funding to the fine print that can cost you control, culture, or direction.  This is a practical, plain-speaking roadmap for any founder who wants to grow their business without losing their way, and approach fundraising as a journey to be planned,  not a gamble to be survived.
10 essential lessons for founders before taking investment.
Real-world experience from a seasoned investor and mentor.
Reveals how standard funding models can put founders at risk.
Available at Amazon

Three Questions...

Why is there a need for this book?
Raising investment is one of the hardest, least understood parts of building a young company. Founders face a confusing mix of experiences and advice, often negotiating with far more experienced investors at their most vulnerable stage. This book helps make sense of that chaos. Offering clarity, perspective, and practical guidance for getting it right the first time.
What does the investment market look like?
The investment world is full of opportunity and complexity. Since traditional markets have struggled to deliver returns, more money than ever has flowed into startups and alternative assets. With incentives like the UK’s SEIS and EIS schemes, investors are keen, but navigating this crowded, nuanced market requires insight and caution.
Are you ready to start the investment journey?
Raising money can seem like an exciting next step. Proof of progress, validation, and momentum. But it’s also a cycle that can move faster than expected, with constant pressure for growth and new funding rounds. Before boarding the “money train,” founders need to be clear on why they’re doing it, what it will mean, and whether they’re truly ready.
Read Sample

Praise for The Money Train

“This is a brilliantly practical, well-structured book written by someone who has the experience and wisdom to share his knowledge. It doesn’t preach or lecture but has golden insights into the pitfalls and opportunities young businesses face from someone who has witnessed first-hand huge highs and some lows. Every young business and entrepreneur should make this their handbook”
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Dame Carolyn McCall
CEO, ITV plc
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“An excellent read, with an easy layout and flow. This book is refreshingly honest and practical for an up and coming entrepreneur or someone raising money. I wish it had been around when we first started our fund-raising processes! David’s experience is clearly demonstrated throughout, highlighting so many of the potential wins and pitfalls, needle moving details and levers that are critical in making a fundraise a success. Highly recommend”
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Dominic Joseph
Founder, Captify
“Forget theory, this is entrepreneurship told as real-world life experience - one that every entrepreneur, myself included, can instantly recognise. With this book, David has mapped your uncharted territory for you. Take it on your journey”
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Mark Eaves
Founder, Gravity Road
“The Money Train is the roadmap to a goldmine; David Pattison spills the secrets that are normally kept to exclusive networks or charged for six-figure fees. Set to be the essential guide for entrepreneurs who want to take their business to the next level”
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Bruce Daisley
Author of The No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller – 30 Ways to Fix Your Work Culture and Fall in Love with Your Job Again
“Spending time with David is always time well spent and this book is no exception. What I appreciate the most about David is his razor-sharp questions and practical insights. Reading this book was the same as every conversation I’ve had with David, he’s supportive but there’s no sugar-coating, and for any business considering investment this is a must-read”
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Sarah Ellis
Author of The No.1 Sunday Times Business Bestseller The Squiggly Career; Co-Founder, Amazing If
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“The Money Train is an incredibly insightful, yet easy read which I’d recommend to anyone going through or thinking about raising investment. The tone is spot on. There are points in the book which I could relate to my short journey so far, but it also highlighted aspects I had not yet considered and could potentially trip me up in the future. The structure of the book makes it simple to read up on quick, actionable advice, whilst the chapter segmentation is perfect for revisiting which I will undoubtedly do during any future raise. The Money Train is effectively your own investment advisor in a book”
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Tom Jelliffe
Founder, Tzuka
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“I’ve been hugely fortunate to have had David as my mentor and Chairman and in that time his knowledge and guidance have been invaluable with regards to fundraising and investor relations. This book is the next best thing if you’re not so fortunate and will provide you with plenty of good actionable advice that you will and should keep going back to”
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Prash Naidu
Founder, Rezonence
“I really enjoyed the read. Lots of good advice in there brought to life with useful anecdotes, quotes and real-world examples”
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Hugh Campbell
Partner, GP Bullhound
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“I have been a business founder and an investor. I have built businesses from scratch and inherited large organisations. I have worked alone and in partnerships. I have used my own capital as well as having investors both private and institutional. This book takes me back to the early days of being a founder. It made me smile at the memories of some of the situations David describes. His insights and advice are spot on and will help any young business founder to navigate the shark infested waters of the investment world. He charts the positives and pitfalls of taking outside investment. Either way The Money Train is essential reading for any young entrepreneur”
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Steve Parish
Chairman, Crystal Palace Football Club; Business founder and investor
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“The Money Train is not only a great read, but also a fantastic reference book for founders, when it comes to fundraising. It provides reassurance on the things you're doing right, as well as guidance on areas that need improvement. I can say this first-hand, as it's exactly how I use it”
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Paul Grundy
Founder, Baggl
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“I know I will come back to this book time and again for reference in the future, and I expect other founders to use it in the same way. The Money Train is a great analogy because that’s exactly what it feels like”
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Sam Peters
Founder, Vyde
“A great idea will never succeed without proper finance. But where to start? The Money Train is an expert guide to raising capital. A brilliantly written book by someone who's lived every high and low of building businesses. David knows exactly what he's talking about and after reading his book, so will you”
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David Mansfield
Author of The Monday Revolution
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Wingman, Chairman, Mentor, Investor and author of The Money Train.
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