Know what business you are in!  (Research and Development, Manufacturing, Distribution, Sales or Service)  Attempting to do all five areas is extremely expensive and risky.  Each area is a business of all its own and has its own financial dynamics.  Be focused on what you do best and out-source the rest.

→ HealthBiotics Startup Success Story

Have a well-rehearsed and polished presentation. Remember that you are a "Salesman"  for your business first and a "Techie" last.

You are selling the investor on the wisdom of his investing with you and you must answer the key investor questions. You should not spend the bulk of your time describing your product or service. Spend time on the market, management and financials.

 		 

Venturepreneur

Venture Marketer

Venture Planning Checklist

Customer Assessment

Venture Model

Financial Assessment

Overall Venture Evaluation and Reality Check

Dealing with Banks

 		 

 

 
 

Develop a list of private investors, venture capital firms, or possible joint venture companies.   This is a research process whereby you invest appropriate targets for raising capital.  During this phase, you will receive lots of feedback about your business, its market and the possibilities for raising capital.  Incorporate the good ideas and modify you business plan, but remember that you cannot please everyone.  Stick to your guns.  Get more tightly focused and persist.

→ AmThe Startup Success Story

Most Seed Capital will come from close friends and associates. Startup Capital comes from Private Investors or "Angels", and the big bucks will come from Venture Capital companies after you have survived the first two stages.

 

About VC

VC Basics

Venture Funding Stages

VC Language

Business Angels: Pros and Cons

Best Advice to Entrepreneurs

INNOBALL

Achieve Beyond Aspirations

 		 

 

 
 

Do not rush the investor!  Be patient and do not expect much positive response for as long as 3 - 6 months in some cases.  If possible, locate a minimum of three potential investment groups to work with simultaneously.  This will allow you options and leverage against "low ball" offers.  If you work only one at a time, and your best source turns you down, then you may have wasted 3 - 6 months and be back at the beginning again.  In fact you may have missed the window of opportunity altogether.

Keep your eye on the goal of lowering perceived risks to the investors.  Most professional investors will accept Moderate Risks with commensurate High Reward Potential. Private investors and venture capital companies are not gamblers.

  

VC Investor Pitch

6Ws

Spotless

How To Deliver

Example: IG Air

Venture Map to Financing

Venture Planning

Business Planning

 		 

 

 
 

Do not puff, exaggerate or over-sell. 

Invest your time in entrepreneurial simulation games and perfecting and improving your sales prospects, decreasing future costs, and decreasing potential risks. 

A project that has pre-sales is much easier to fund than one with no future income stream other than projections.

→ Making the Best of the Venture Capital Obtained

 		 

Successful Startup

7 Characteristics

11 Keys

Lean Startup

First Steps

Forecasting

 		 

 

 

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Smart & Fast

Innovative Entrepreneur