What is the best way to start up a new business?

3 main factors:

1) clear definition of the need for this solution; which will lead to the best requirement analysis

2) consider the user experience in every step you take; which include profiling your segments, and choosing what is the best platform to use.

3) passion and belief in the idea, you can get that by communicating the right mentors and specialists.

once you have those three, raising money will never be easier

Have you ever heard of Crowdfunding? It`s a way entrepenours raise money for their ideais based in a exchange of future services to those who invest in. But for that you shall present your ideia, Business Case, really good.

Hi Adrian, the question is quite ambiguous, it is not clear if you want know how raise capital, or what is the first step to make new business. Just to be clear I will answer both:

1. Start New Business: I mean, you have an idea and then you want proceed to develop this idea let it become a business. So, make an awesome business plan. If BP is well done, IT HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND IF YOUR IDEA COULD grow or fail. 
2. Now that you have BP and it "say" yes you could win, you must find:
   1. eventually (if you don't already have) a co-founder (cause many investor do not accept single person, due that single person is a weak point, -not enough resource able to make -
   2. find-out business angels, venture capitalist, crowdfunding, entrepreneurs, and partners which can invest money.

Moreover, let me point out on few issues about rising money 

1. Ventur Capitalist - are a bit difficult to approach and require really brilliant BP demonstration
2. Business Angels - less difficult and if business is quite interesting (not need to be the best) they can help with few money
3. crowfunding - Diffuse and could work for small business (generally speaking),  them seem the holy grail... But pay attention who manage this website (Make money with their PR :-) ) Moreover, if your idea is the best one and you don't have a PATENT or any other IP protection! Take care. 
4. entrepreneurs/partners - many look around for new ideas that help them to improve their business stay on the top edge of tech. Usually they can listen your proposal ... but sign an NDA don't forget. 
5. Moreover, some big company around the world have in their website a dedicated sections for new ideas. Don't forget you must have a Patent or sign NDA :-) 

Last suggestion. 

If You have a good BP & any quite working sample of your business that, of course, will improve the probabilities to get listen and maybe financed. 

If I might help with some other feedback, please contact me. 

Raf