Yusuf Usman

About Yusuf Usman

Most startups don\'t fail because of bad ideas. They fail because they can\'t tell their story to the right people with money.I\'ve seen it happen too many times, a brilliant founder with a game-changing vision, stopped cold because their pitch deck didn\'t land, their financials didn\'t inspire confidence, or their grant proposal missed the mark.That\'s exactly why I founded Uplift Consultancy.I\'m Yusuf Usman, a Funding Strategist and Storyteller who partners with founders, startups, and non-profits to build the investor-ready documents that turn visions into funded realities. To date, my work has helped clients raise over $60M+ across pitch rounds, grants, and investment deals.What I do:I craft pitch decks that make investors lean forward. I build financial models that lenders and VCs trust. I write grant proposals that win competitive funding. And I develop business plans that chart a clear, credible path to growth.My track record speaks clearly-$60M+ raised for startups, SMEs, and non-profits- 50+ pitch decks delivered — successful rounds closed-$5M+ secured in grants across tech, health, and social impact sectors- Clients winning contracts, loans, and investments using my financial projectionsI\'ve reviewed pitches for TechCrunch, Techcabal, and Crunchbase — so I know exactly what investors are looking for, and I build your materials to meet that standard from the first page.Whether you\'re chasing VC funding, applying for a competitive grant, or bidding for a high-value contract, I bring the strategy and the storytelling to make your funding case impossible to ignore.Ready to raise your next round?Send me a message. Let\'s build something fundable.

Experience

1. Founder and CEO

   Uplift Consultancy

   Nov 2014 — Present · US

   VivaVentures: Created pitch materials and financial models for 8 portfolio companies raising Series A/B rounds- TechBump: Developed SaaS growth strategy, go-to-market plan and Series A pitch deck to raise $12M- Grobio: Wrote grant proposals and business plans to secure $1.3M in government funding for agricultural biotech R&D- SmartFresh: Created Grocery delivery service business plan and financial projections for market expansion to 6 new cities- Applicate: Developed product launch plan, pitch deck and propose for new fitness/wellness mobile app- Zythly: Created game studio investor pitch and $5M seed round financial model for entertainment startup- EcoPower Solutions: Wrote business plan and proposals for renewable energy startup launching residential solar leasing program- CapSource Financial: Developed detailed credit analysis, financial models, and investor memo for new FinTech lending product- GenePath Diagnostics: Created investor marketing materials and grant proposal to fund $2M genetic cancer testing research program- Luksura: Provided e-commerce growth plan and Series A pitch materials for sustainable fashion brand\'s $8M capital raise.TripGo: Delivered business plan and financial model for travel accommodation platform market expansion across Europe.

Education

• Columbia Business School

  Master of Business Administration - MBA

• Ahmadu Bello University

  Bachelor's degree, Business/Managerial Economics