Anna Leizerovici ( Ekstein )’s Post

Another eye-opening post by Anna Mazarsky! Throughout our work with startup founders, I've witnessed countless instances where founders aren't familiar with their startup's needs, making it challenging to identify the right investors. Definitely worth a read!

I just finished reading this article "How to Attract the Right Shareholders" by Mark DesJardine and Wei Shi from Harvard Business School, and here are the main points that you should know and use to succeed with your #fundraising: Forget the old-school "spray and pray" approach to investor relations. It's time for startups to get strategic. No more casting nets into an ocean of shareholders and hoping for the best. Strategic investors can be game-changers for startups. They're not just bringing cash to the table; they're bringing valuable insights, networks, and expertise that can supercharge your growth. But here's the kicker: not all investors are created equal. You need to target the ones who align with your startup's vision and can add real value. How do you do that? Let's break it down: 1. Shift Your Mindset: Start by shifting your mindset from a passive to an active approach. Instead of waiting for investors to come to you, take the initiative to seek out the right ones. Understand that fundraising is not just about getting money; it's about building strategic partnerships that will drive your startup forward. 2. Understand Your Startup's Needs: Take a deep dive into your startup's needs, goals, and challenges. What are your growth objectives? What resources do you need to achieve them? Understanding your startup inside out will help you identify investors who can offer more than just financial support. Look for investors who have expertise in your industry, connections that can open doors, and a genuine interest in your success. 3. Identify Potential Strategic Investors: Once you have a clear understanding of your startup's needs, start identifying potential strategic investors who align with those needs. Look for investors who have a track record of backing startups similar to yours, who have a deep understanding of your market, and who share your vision for the future. Reach out to them, pitch your startup, and see if there's a mutual fit. I hope that now it's clearer to you, but if you still got questions or don't know how to apply it specifically to you – let's talk! #StartupFunding #FundraisingTips #invest #StartupInvestment #FundraisingSuccess #StartupCoaching #InvestorsWanted

Mastering the Fundraising Process Essential Steps for Startup Success 🔑 Founders, here’s a tough truth: 95% of startup founders fail in the fundraising process – and it’s often because they skip over the basics. As you dive into fundraising, remember that it’s not just about the pitch; it’s about having a clear roadmap and following a strategic process. Here’s a quick roadmap to help you navigate this journey effectively: 1️⃣ Education Stage: Understanding Funding Fundamentals Before diving in, get familiar with venture finance basics. Know which types of funding and investors are right for your stage, and understand the specific terms that come with different types of deals. 2️⃣ Preparation Stage: Making Your Startup Investible Investors expect you to be investor-ready. This means having all essential documentation, financials, and a clear, compelling pitch that highlights mutual benefits. 3️⃣ Action Stage: Connecting and Pitching to Investors Networking is key! Connect with potential investors early, utilize existing networks, and showcase your traction and vision. This is your opportunity to show why your startup is the one to back. 4️⃣ Closing the Deal: Finalizing the Investment After winning investor interest, ensure you have the legal and financial support needed to seal the deal. A well-structured closing process protects both you and your investors, aligning everyone’s expectations. 🚀 Following these steps can give you the edge you need in a competitive fundraising landscape. Remember, success in fundraising is as much about preparation and process as it is about your pitch! #Fundraising #Startups #InvestorRelations #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship Check our full fundraising roadmap here: https://lnkd.in/dtUX2FQ6

Let’s talk about fundraising your startup Hey there, fellow startup founders! If you're on the thrilling journey of fundraising for your business, buckle up because we're about to dive into the exciting world of securing capital for your startup. Let's explore the highs and lows, the wins and challenges of fundraising, and how it can shape the future of your entrepreneurial venture. The Upside of Fundraising Picture this: with external funding, you can scale your business faster, reach a broader audience, and tap into resources that can propel your startup to new heights. It's not just about the cash; it's about the doors that funding can open. From top-level expertise to strategic partnerships, fundraising can bring a wealth of opportunities that might not be accessible through bootstrapping alone. The Flip Side of the Coin Now, let's talk about the other side of the coin. Fundraising isn't all rainbows and unicorns. It comes with its own set of challenges. You might find yourself juggling investor expectations, facing pressure to deliver results, and navigating the complexities of managing external stakeholders. It's a balancing act that requires strategic planning and a clear vision to steer your startup in the right direction. Is Fundraising Right for You? The million-dollar question: Is fundraising the right path for your startup? The answer lies in understanding your business goals, growth trajectory, and risk appetite. If you're eyeing rapid expansion, seeking industry expertise, and ready to embrace the demands of external funding, then fundraising could be your ticket to accelerated success. Let's Start a Conversation Now, it's your turn to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you ventured into the world of fundraising? What were your biggest wins or challenges? Drop your insights in the comments below and let's spark a dialogue on the dynamic world of fundraising for startups. Your story could inspire and guide fellow founders on their fundraising journey. #funding #fundraising #venturecapital #mentorness #mentornessforbusiness

🚫 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 For an early-stage startup, it might seem like there’s no such thing as too many investor meetings, and no bad time to take them. However this isn’t true– although it might seem counterintuitive, there are times when it's wise to 𝘀𝗮𝘆 𝗻𝗼 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀. Here’s why: 📈 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗬𝗲𝘁: If you haven’t reached significant milestones or demonstrated clear traction, it might be better to wait. Investors want to see appropriate progress for your stage to get excited. 🛠 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: Holding off on meetings can give you more time to focus on building your company. Investor meetings can be a huge drag on your time and distract you from focusing on performance. Don’t get overly excited when junior VCs reach out to you requesting a meeting—it’s their job to source deals. 🤝 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁: Instead of rushing into new meetings, take the opportunity to nurture existing connections. Building rapport now can lead to more meaningful discussions and introductions down the line when you really need them. 🔍 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Research whether the VC is actively deploying capital. If they're not, holding off can save you precious time that can otherwise be spent on better-fit VCs. 📉 𝗙𝗢𝗠𝗢 𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹: While FOMO can push founders to seek meetings prematurely, it’s crucial to prioritize investor readiness over pressure. Being fully prepared will lead to more fruitful conversations. 💡 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆: When it comes to fundraising, being prepared is everything. You typically only get one shot– make sure you choose your timing wisely and invest in prepping yourself for the occasion so you can put your best foot forward. Sometimes patience pays off! #Fundraising #Startups #VentureCapital #StartupFunding

“The Challenge of Funding vs Traction: Navigating the Startup Tightrope” Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is akin to walking a tightrope. This post stems from heartfelt conversations with a number of founders this week who, like many of you, grapple with the delicate dance of balancing fundraising and driving business traction. **The Funding Conundrum:** Fundraising is a vital lifeline for startups, providing the fuel needed to scale operations, hire talent, and innovate. However, it's a delicate dance. While securing investment is crucial, it shouldn't overshadow the core focus — building a sustainable and impactful business. **The Traction Imperative:** On the other end of the spectrum lies the relentless pursuit of traction. Founders are driven by the desire to validate their ideas, gain customers, and establish a solid market presence. But the need for immediate results often clashes with the lengthy fundraising process. **Walking the Tightrope:** What struck me in these conversations is how this challenge can impair focus, making it hard to discern what's most important or see the wood from the trees. It's a precarious balance that demands strategic finesse. **Tips for the Balancing Act:** - **Prioritize Strategically:** Identify key milestones that necessitate funding and prioritize those efforts. A clear roadmap helps in channeling energy where it matters most. Sometimes someone outside can help in bringing clarity to a hazy picture, use your advisors at this time to help you identify where your time can be best utilised and bring the most value. - **Efficient Fundraising:** Streamline the fundraising process without losing focus. Efficiently communicate the vision and value proposition to potential investors. There are many brokers out there that have Angel Investor Networks or can do the hard job of reaching out to potential investors for you. This can help with freeing up your time to focus on key milestones. A typical fee would be 5%. Just be careful on selection, do your homework. **Join the Conversation:** Founders, how do you navigate this tightrope? Share your experiences, challenges, and strategies. Let's foster a community where insights empower each other to conquer the delicate balance of fundraising and business growth. #FoundersDilemma #Entrepreneurship #Fundraising #BusinessTraction #Startups

Tackle Challenges One Step at a Time! ✔ To begin with, it can be difficult to define revenue streams and financial terms. Here's the thing, though: spend some time truly analyzing your financial situation. Experiment and determine what is most effective for your company. Hey, don't forget to record your expenses as well! ▶ Next, let's form an outstanding team. Finding the proper individuals who can complement your vision and bring a variety of abilities to the table is crucial. Determine the culture you want to have in your business before hiring people who share that vision. ▶ When it comes to KPIs, consider what is most important to your company. Is it the quantity of business you're receiving? Or perhaps it has to do with your income? Establish some precise objectives and monitor your advancement as you go. ▶ Let's discuss about investors lastly. I understand that beginning a new venture can be intimidating, and investors want to be certain they aren't wasting their money. The point is, though, if you can convince them that you've done your homework, have a good plan, and are prepared to work hard, they'll be more willing to give you a chance. Did you find this post helpful? Comment below and let us know your thoughts! Follow Impactful Pitch for information on startups! At Impactful Pitch®, we are the launchpad for startup dreams, offering mentorship and crafting impactful pitch decks that turn visions into investment realities. Let’s take your fundraising journey to new heights. 🤝 Connect with us Impactful Pitch® or our founder Mr. Nikhil Parmar to learn more about our fundraising services! Email: [email protected] Contact Us: +91 8433609236 DM: Impactful Pitch® Website: https://lnkd.in/dXw8T_GS #impactful  #startup  #india  #startups  #investments #funding #fundraising #venturecapitalist #venturecapital #impact #global #pitchdeck #business #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #scalingbusinesses #impactfulpitch #angelinvestors #angelinvesting #fund #founders #mentorship #foundersjourney #seedstage #growth 

Navigating the Funding Journey: A Founder's Perspective As a founder on the exhilarating journey of building a startup, the question of where to seek funding often weighs heavily on our minds. Angel investors, venture capitalists (VCs), or other prominent figures in the industry – each avenue presents its own unique opportunities and challenges. For me, this decision became a deeply personal introspection, a soul-searching endeavor to align my startup's vision with the right type of investor. It's about more than just securing capital; it's about finding a partner who shares your passion, values your mission, and believes in your potential to change the game. In my quest for funding, I found myself torn between the allure of angel investors, offering hands-on guidance and mentorship, and the allure of VCs, with their deep pockets and strategic insights. Each offered something valuable, yet I knew I had to prioritize based on my startup's immediate needs and long-term aspirations. Amidst the uncertainty and complexity of the fundraising landscape, I turned to self-reflection and sought advice from seasoned entrepreneurs who had walked this path before. I asked myself tough questions: What are my startup's core values? What stage of growth are we in? What do we hope to achieve with this funding? Through this process of introspection, I gained clarity on my startup's unique value proposition and identified the type of investor who would best complement our journey. It wasn't easy, and there were moments of doubt along the way, but ultimately, I trusted my instincts and forged ahead with confidence. Now, as I look back on my fundraising journey, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the connections made. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, I encourage you to embrace the introspective journey of fundraising. Trust in yourself, seek guidance when needed, and stay true to your vision. The right investors are out there, waiting to join you on your startup adventure! #FoundersJourney #FundingPerspective #SelfReflection #EntrepreneurialInsights

POST 17 - 💡💼 🆃🅷🅴 🆁🅴🅰🅻 🅼🅴🅰🆂🆄🆁🅴 🅾🅵 🆂🆃🅰🆁🆃🆄🅿 🆂🆄🅲🅲🅴🆂🆂💼 In a recent Shark Tank session, the topic of startup valuation sparked a lively discussion. It's fascinating how entrepreneurs often fixate on valuation as the ultimate gauge of success when raising funds. While valuation is important—it signifies how much of your company you're selling to investors—it's crucial to remember that it's not the be-all and end-all. 👉 Your startup's valuation, much like a stock price, reflects the perceived value of your company at a specific moment in time. It fluctuates based on market conditions, industry trends, and investor sentiment. What truly matters is ensuring you secure the right amount of funding to propel your idea forward and achieve key milestones. 👉 Rather than obsessing over valuation, focus on securing enough capital to bring your vision to life. Identify the major milestones you need to reach to prove your concept's viability and scalability. Calculate the funding required to surpass these critical points, allowing room for unforeseen challenges. 👉 Equally important is finding investors who align with your vision and are committed to supporting your journey. Look beyond valuation to seek partners who prioritize long-term success over short-term gains. 👉 Consider also the impact of valuation on your employees. A higher valuation may result in a higher option strike price, potentially diminishing their returns upon liquidity events. Balancing valuation with employee equity ensures everyone shares in the company's success. 👉 Remember, the goal isn't just to own a larger percentage of the pie—it's to maximize the impact of your idea. A smaller ownership stake in a billion-dollar company can yield greater rewards than a larger stake in a modestly valued one. 👍 Ultimately, success in the startup world is about more than just valuation. It's about building a sustainable business, fostering a supportive ecosystem, and creating value for all stakeholders. So, as you navigate the fundraising journey, prioritize long-term partnerships and impactful outcomes over short-sighted valuations. 🖐 What strategies do you prioritize when raising funds for your startup? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! #StartupSuccess #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #FundingJourney #InvestmentStrategy #VisionaryLeadership 🚀🌟

POST 17 - 💡💼 🆃🅷🅴 🆁🅴🅰🅻 🅼🅴🅰🆂🆄🆁🅴 🅾🅵 🆂🆃🅰🆁🆃🆄🅿 🆂🆄🅲🅲🅴🆂🆂💼 In a recent Shark Tank session, the topic of startup valuation sparked a lively discussion. It's fascinating how entrepreneurs often fixate on valuation as the ultimate gauge of success when raising funds. While valuation is important—it signifies how much of your company you're selling to investors—it's crucial to remember that it's not the be-all and end-all. 👉 Your startup's valuation, much like a stock price, reflects the perceived value of your company at a specific moment in time. It fluctuates based on market conditions, industry trends, and investor sentiment. What truly matters is ensuring you secure the right amount of funding to propel your idea forward and achieve key milestones. 👉 Rather than obsessing over valuation, focus on securing enough capital to bring your vision to life. Identify the major milestones you need to reach to prove your concept's viability and scalability. Calculate the funding required to surpass these critical points, allowing room for unforeseen challenges. 👉 Equally important is finding investors who align with your vision and are committed to supporting your journey. Look beyond valuation to seek partners who prioritize long-term success over short-term gains. 👉 Consider also the impact of valuation on your employees. A higher valuation may result in a higher option strike price, potentially diminishing their returns upon liquidity events. Balancing valuation with employee equity ensures everyone shares in the company's success. 👉 Remember, the goal isn't just to own a larger percentage of the pie—it's to maximize the impact of your idea. A smaller ownership stake in a billion-dollar company can yield greater rewards than a larger stake in a modestly valued one. 👍 Ultimately, success in the startup world is about more than just valuation. It's about building a sustainable business, fostering a supportive ecosystem, and creating value for all stakeholders. So, as you navigate the fundraising journey, prioritize long-term partnerships and impactful outcomes over short-sighted valuations. 🖐 What strategies do you prioritize when raising funds for your startup? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! #StartupSuccess #VentureCapital #Entrepreneurship #FundingJourney #InvestmentStrategy #VisionaryLeadership 🚀🌟