Alexandru Dragan’s Post

𝗣𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 Mastering the art of pitching is essential for securing seed-stage funding. Here are 6 key insights from Pitching at Seed Stage to help you win over investors: 1️⃣ Target the Right Investors: Focus on VCs and firms that understand the risks of early-stage investments. Research their portfolios and look for those with a history of seed investments in your sector. 2️⃣ Prepare Thoroughly: Have your pitch deck, backup slides, due diligence references, and financials ready. Anticipate questions about your business model, market, and growth potential. 3️⃣ Rehearse Relentlessly: Practice your pitch in the same format you’ll present it—whether in person or on Zoom. Seek feedback from advisors, fellow entrepreneurs, and early investors. 4️⃣ Leverage Warm Introductions: A strong referral significantly increases your chances of securing a meeting. Build your network and prepare a list of contacts who can make effective introductions. 5️⃣ Track and Iterate: Treat fundraising like a sales process. Record feedback, update your pitch based on consistent themes, and follow up promptly to maintain momentum. 6️⃣ Persistence Pays Off: Most startups pitch dozens of firms before getting a “yes.” Focus on building relationships and refining your story—it only takes one investor to propel you forward. Key Takeaway: Pitching is a process that requires preparation, persistence, and adaptability. Nail your narrative, connect with the right people, and stay resilient in the face of rejection. ----- Follow All Chance to learn from more innovative insights.

Let's assume that you have your pitch deck ready, you have your traction sorted out, and you've figured out how much you need to raise and what you want to do with the fund. Next, its time to meet the investors! But how do you find one? If you're like me, starting a business with almost zero connections to VCs or investors, my advice is to approach it like a sales funnel. The more people you meet, the better your chances. It took me over a year to secure VC funding. During that time, I faced rejection after rejection. But each rejection taught me something. I'd go back to my pitch deck and business, and incorporate the feedback. It's a super tiring process, especially when you're new to it and unsure which advice to follow. My tip? Talk to experienced business founders, especially those in your industry. They can offer valuable insights into what investors in your space are looking for, helping you refine your pitch and business. I used to think, 'Why would other founders help me when I'm their competitor?' However, trust me, you will be surprised to find the amount of kindness in humanity among founders. Because they've been there before, most of them are willing to share tips. Ask for referrals to VCs or investors they know. Warm introductions are still the best way to connect with investors. Once you're connected, keep them updated on your progress. Building investor trust is like gaining clients - it takes nurturing. Send regular updates via email or social media. It's tough, but commit to it. If they don't invest now, they might in the future. Persistence is key. I pitched to more than 100 investors before finding the right one. Expect rejection, but each 'no' brings you closer to a yes.

PITCHING POWER: WHY EGO-FREE PRESENTATIONS WIN INVESTORS 🚀 Struggling to make your pitch stand out? 😕 Ever wonder why your calls aren't leading to those coveted follow-ups? 📞 Well, here's a question for you: Could it be that your pitch is more about stroking your ego than addressing investor needs? 🤔 Well, let's talk about pitching investors and why leaving the ego at the door can be your ticket to success. 🎟️ 🚫 First off, it's time to bid farewell to the ego-driven spiel. Trust me, investors aren't swayed by boasts about conquering the world or having the "best" everything. 🌍 They're interested in substance, not fluff. 👋 Instead, focus on making a lasting impression as a capable founder with a vision. 💡Show investors that you've done your homework and that your startup aligns with their investment thesis. 📚 💰 Don't forget to check if your startup fits into their fund size mathematically. Investors want to see that you're mindful of their parameters. 🧮 🕒 Keep your pitch concise – aim for a 5-minute overview that hits the key points. 🎯 Leave plenty of room for meaningful discussion and concrete questions. 🤔 🛑 Save the ego strokes for due diligence. That's the time for showcasing your strengths and addressing any weaknesses head-on. 💪 By prioritizing substance over ego, you're setting the stage for a more fruitful relationship with potential investors. 🌱 So, let's put our best foot forward and pitch with purpose! 💼 What are your thoughts on leaving the ego behind in pitch meetings? Share your experiences below! 👇 #PitchingDilemma #InvestorInsights #EgoCheck #StartupSuccess 🌱

Your pitch deck is there to titillate and tempt investors into knowing more. Not give them every last twist and turn. Pitch decks that try to say too much end up long-winded, and unread. Keep the information clear and concise, making investors want to lean in to a longer discussion. In reality, investors want the answers to these key questions: - What's the problem you have found? - Does anyone else think it is a problem? - What is the solution you propose? - How does the solution solve the problem? - How does that solution generate revenue? - What is the potential market share you are looking for? - How does their investment help you generate that revenue and their return? Answer these and most investors will appreciate the brevity. You know the saying, it takes ten seconds to create a good impression? Remember that when you are creating the pitch deck. You are telling the beginning of a story and seeing if they want to know more. It takes a knowledgeable founder to say something simply. ____________________________________ 💡 I'm Lee, business strategist, and I want to work with startups and scaleups who are ready to take their business to the next level. To understand more about working with me and what I can do for your business, send me a DM and let's get you moving!

Let's assume that you have your pitch deck ready, you have your traction sorted out, and you've figured out how much you need to raise and what you want to do with the fund. Next, its time to meet the investors! But how do you find one? If you're like me, starting a business with almost zero connections to VCs or investors, my advice is to approach it like a sales funnel. The more people you meet, the better your chances. It took me over a year to secure VC funding. During that time, I faced rejection after rejection. But each rejection taught me something. I'd go back to my pitch deck and business, and incorporate the feedback. It's a super tiring process, especially when you're new to it and unsure which advice to follow. My tip? Talk to experienced business founders, especially those in your industry. They can offer valuable insights into what investors in your space are looking for, helping you refine your pitch and business. I used to think, 'Why would other founders help me when I'm their competitor?' However, trust me, you will be surprised to find the amount of kindness in humanity among founders. Because they've been there before, most of them are willing to share tips. Ask for referrals to VCs or investors they know. Warm introductions are still the best way to connect with investors. Once you're connected, keep them updated on your progress. Building investor trust is like gaining clients - it takes nurturing. Send regular updates via email or social media. It's tough, but commit to it. If they don't invest now, they might in the future. Persistence is key. I pitched to more than 100 investors before finding the right one. Expect rejection. Each 'no' will bring you closer to a 'yes'.

⚠️ A Message to First-Time Founders Your startup deserves better than "any investor with a checkbook." The uncomfortable truth I wish someone had told me.... Not all money is good money. Signs you're talking to the right investor: - They ask about your vision - They share your values - They understand your industry - They respect your boundaries - They bring more than just capital Here is my free playbook so that you can avoid bad investors: https://lnkd.in/d5WrtqKZ Your future self will thank you for being selective. _____________________________________ ♻️ Repost if you find this helpful ❤️ if you agree with this 🔔 Follow to see more of my content

What Questions Are Important to Ask an Investor During a Pitch? Part 2 Questions About the Founder and Team  • How does my team compare to the teams you’ve invested in?  • What strengths and weaknesses do you see in the team I’ve built?  • Who would you recommend adding to the team?  • Based on our meeting, do I come across as a founder capable of successfully growing this project? What competencies am I lacking?  • What focus areas would have the greatest positive impact on our business development? Questions About Partnerships and Investments  • Which companies could our startup partner with now or in the near future?  • I plan to attract several angel investors and advisors in this round. Who might you suggest as an advisor? (We’re not asking for a recommendation of our project specifically.)  • Who else, besides your company, do you think could be an ideal investor for this type of business?  • I understand the chances of receiving investment from your fund might be slim. Who else would you recommend I speak to?  • When evaluating companies like mine, whose opinion carries weight with you and your partners? Use these questions in your next meeting with potential investors, and don’t forget to share the results with us!

When is a Pitch a Great One? For me, the answer is simple. It's great when you get that second meeting. The second meeting is often the primary goal of your pitch. You'll receive a lot of opinions on your pitch from investors, coaches, colleagues, and friends. My advice? Listen to all feedback, but if your pitch is securing those second meetings, why change it? I've seen too many startups alter their pitch after each feedback session, leading to messy and impersonal presentations that don't get a second meeting. Also - You're not there to create new pitches constantly. When your pitch is getting those second meetings, focus on what truly matters—building your business. 🚀

How do you make sure that critical first pitch meeting with an investor is successful? By nailing not only the meeting itself but also before and after. In her new blog post, Mary Grove shares some key advice to make sure that first meeting is a success. One of my favorite recommendations: "a couple of days before the meeting, send a confirmation email for your meeting. In this note, reattach the background info that you’ve previously sent so it’s at the top of the investor’s inbox, and include a bullet or two of any progress or momentum you’ve made since you first set the meeting." #startupadvice #venturecapital #investors https://lnkd.in/g5X23JxD

During fundraising, you'll encounter a wide range of questions from simple to complex. While many questions can be answered off the cuff, tough ones require well-thought-out responses. This is where creating an internal investor Q&A document can be a golden resource during startup fundraising. Go through your pitch deck and materials, and list potential questions you hope investors won’t ask. These might include questions about competitors, market challenges, or your team's experience. Then prepare thoughtful responses. Draft bullet-point answers for each tough question. These don't need to be complete essays but should outline your key points. As you engage with investors, update your Q&A document with new questions and refine your answers based on feedback. This will help tighten your pitch and ability to respond to thorny questions. The goal isn't to have perfect answers but to show that you've thought through various issues. Good investors appreciate a founder who can handle tough questions thoughtfully and honestly. And you can leverage this internal investor Q&A doc as a tool to prepare your co-founder(s), too. #StartupFundraising #VentureCapital #AngelInvesting #StartupFundraisingTips