UnMBA’s Post

This is one of the most successful strategies I've learned in 15 years of pitching to investors. #unmba Transparency with investors isn't just a "nice to have"—it's the foundation of trust. When you're raising capital, especially at the early stages, investors aren't just betting on your idea; they're betting on you. And let's be honest—most early-stage investors (friends, family, seed, angel) won't have the time or resources to do deep due diligence. They'll base their decision on whether they feel they can trust you to navigate uncertainty. So how do you build that trust? 1️⃣ Be upfront about what you know and don't know. Investors understand startups are filled with unknowns. Own them. Clearly lay out the assumptions driving your business, which ones are most critical, and your plan to test and validate those. 2️⃣ Proactively discuss challenges. Don't wait for investors to ask hard questions—get ahead of them. It's a chance to show you're thoughtful, realistic, and action-oriented. 3️⃣ Use transparency as a strength. If you're honest about gaps or risks, you can invite investors to help. The best ones want to contribute beyond just writing a check. Transparency sets the tone for a stronger, more collaborative relationship. The flip side? If you aren't upfront, it will come back to bite you. Either investors will pass because they sense something's off, or worse, your relationship will break down later when they feel you hid something. That's a quick way to derail your company and burn bridges. 🔑 Key takeaway: Trust is your most valuable currency when raising money. Separate yourself from the pack by being transparent, proactive, and collaborative. It's not about looking perfect; it's about being someone investors know they can count on. #Startups #Entrepreneurship #EarlyStageInvestors

Do 💰 investors really know what they’re doing? Having been on both sides of the pond—as a PE/business investor evaluating opportunities and as a founder seeking the right investor partners—I’ve seen the best and worst of both worlds. In the world of startups, the failure rate is notoriously high. With such odds, what truly makes for a sound investment decision? This is where I draw inspiration from greats like Warren Buffett and his timeless wisdom about investing in value, not hype. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed far too many so-called VCs damage startups and ecosystems that are meant to foster entrepreneurship. These ecosystems should empower founders to create massive value for the economy. Yet, time and again, I’ve heard stories that reveal the truth: many of these “smart money” investors are not as smart as they seem. Some chase trends without understanding the fundamentals. Others impose unrealistic demands, stifling the very founders they’re meant to support. The result? Startups fail unnecessarily, and the ecosystem suffers. This is why I’m stepping forward to be a bridge. As an SME business investor and a founder seeking like-minded investor partners, I aim to bring these two worlds together. My mission is to: 1️⃣ Add Value: Help investors understand what truly works in building impactful, long-term businesses. 2️⃣ Share Insights: Bring clarity and wisdom from both sides of the table. 3️⃣ Build Bridges: Connect founders and investors who align on values and vision, creating ventures that drive real impact. Investing isn’t just about money—it’s about building legacies, empowering founders, and shaping the future. To my fellow investors and founders, what has been your experience in bridging these two worlds? Let’s collaborate, share insights, and build something extraordinary together. My name is Alan Mak, founder of AVARY Group. We’re a venture committed to acquiring profitable SMEs from retiring founders to address the global succession crisis. My passion lies in coaching business owners to achieve business freedom so they can spend more valuable time with their loved ones. ♻️ Repost if this resonates with you. 💭 I’d love to hear your thoughts. ➕ Follow for more insights on M&A investments and SME succession planning. #InvestingWisely #Entrepreneurship #MergersAndAcquisitions #SMEs #SmartInvesting #StartupSuccess #BuildingBridges #LegacyMatters

💡 You know what’s worse than a "no" from an investor?   A "no" that turns into "𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭?" six months later. . . . Your pitch shouldn’t beg for investment.  It should make investors 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 why they haven’t invested yet.  𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: - Investors ask for second calls without prompting   - They introduce you to partners unprompted   - Follow-up emails come within hours, not weeks   - Questions shift from "why" to "how" and "when" The right pitch doesn’t end with:  "Would you like to invest?" It ends with investors thinking:    "If we don’t move now, someone else will." 🔑 Remember: The goal isn’t to convince investors you’re worth betting on.   It’s to make them worry about betting against you. When you nail this, you’ll notice: - Meeting dynamics shift   - Due diligence accelerates   - Terms improve naturally   - Competitors start reaching out  Because FOMO isn’t created by metrics alone.   It’s created by the inevitable feeling that you’re onto something big.   And investors 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 missing out on big. #startupfunding #investorpitch #pitchdeck #venturecapital #businessgrowth #investmentstrategy #founderlife #entrepreneurmindset #scalingup #businesssuccess #raisingcapital #investorrelations #startups

Let's do this together.......................... 🚀 Elevate Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Key Steps to Become Investor-Ready 🚀   As the entrepreneurial landscape continues to evolve, it's crucial for aspiring founders to position themselves as irresistible opportunities for investors. Here are some key steps to make your venture investor-ready:   1️⃣   Craft a Captivating Story: Your mission and vision should resonate. 2️⃣   Solid Business Plan: Outline your market strategy and growth plan. 3️⃣   Financial Savvy: Nail your financial projections; transparency is key. 4️⃣   Prove Traction: Showcase market validation – customers, revenue, or partnerships. 5️⃣   Build a Stellar Team: Highlight key team members and their expertise. 6️⃣   Scalability: Illustrate how you plan to scale with investor support. 7️⃣   Risk Mitigation: Address potential challenges; show you're prepared. 8️⃣   Advisor Insights: Seek guidance from experienced mentors for credibility. 9️⃣   Market Fit: Define your target market and demonstrate your solution's value. Effective Communication: Master the pitch and respond promptly to investor inquiries.   Remember, it's a journey! 🌟 Let's empower each other in the entrepreneurial realm! 💪🚀   #InvestorReady #Startups #Entrepreneurship

Don't Pitch Blind: Why Investors Need Full Transparency? In the startup ecosystem, your pitch can make or break your opportunity to attract investment. At Qubit Capital, I've noticed many pitches fall short because they omit crucial details. This has inspired me to discuss how clear and thorough preparation can improve your odds of success. Two primary issues result in weak pitches: Addressing the gap in understanding → Incomplete Information: Often, founders present without including vital details. → Importance of Research: Careful preparation on what investors seek can turn a mediocre pitch into an outstanding one. → Common Oversight: For example, some might focus excessively on product features while ignoring the details of their market entry strategy. Reluctance to discuss potential negatives → Avoiding Difficult Topics: Founders might skip over negatives, fearing it could deter investors. → Advantages of Transparency: Being open about challenges can establish trust and invite useful advice. → Illustration: For instance, a startup that has pivoted after significant funding might worry about a reduced valuation, but being candid about this could stimulate beneficial discussions. Here are my two cents to address this issue. → Value of Openness: Sharing the complete picture of your business's capabilities and challenges fosters trust. → Necessity of Preparation: Understand what investors expect to hear and the reasons behind it. → Benefits of Clear Communication: Direct and truthful conversations can enhance relationships with investors. Ready to upgrade your pitch? Commit to transparency, prepare extensively, and engage confidently. Your ideal investors will value your honesty and thoroughness. Is there anything else you’d like to add to this discussion? Comment below. #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentPitch #StartupSuccess #FounderTips #VentureCapital P.S. At Qubit Capital, we also help founders prepare their perfect pitch deck before they meet their investors.

If you’re an entrepreneur and need someone to review your pitch deck, hit me up! 😊 For a small fee, I’ll help tailor your pitch deck to align with investors’ theses, ensuring it stands out. This includes a deep dive into your financials to highlight key metrics that investors focus on. Having someone like me on your team offers a unique advantage—not only in refining your pitch but also in identifying product-market fit and positioning your business for scalability. Let’s make sure you’re investment-ready! #Entrepreneur #PitchDeck #StartupSuccess #InvestmentReady #VC #Scalability #ProductMarketFit #FinancialAnalysis #InvestorThesis #BusinessGrowth #FundraisingSupport #StartupConsulting #TechStartups #VentureCapital #StartUpAdvisor #EntrepreneurSupport #PitchPerfect #BusinessStrategy #StartupCommunity

In the startup world, building credibility with potential investors is crucial at every stage of your funding journey. From initial contact to post-investment follow-ups, establishing trust is fundamental. Here’s how you can build and maintain credibility before, during, and after investor meetings: *Before the Meeting* - Do Your Homework: Research your potential investors’ interests, past investments, and industry preferences. Tailor your pitch to resonate with their goals and portfolio. - Refine Your Pitch Materials: Ensure your business plan, pitch deck, and financial models are impeccable, accurate, and realistic. Errors or unrealistic projections can be a major turnoff. - Leverage Endorsements: Utilize your network to secure introductions. Endorsements from mutual connections or industry figures can significantly boost your credibility before you even speak. *During the Meeting* - Be Transparent and Honest: Always be honest about your achievements and challenges. Transparency about your business operations, finances, and needs helps build trust. - Show Your Passion and Expertise: Demonstrate your commitment and deep understanding of your industry. Investors are more likely to trust a leader who shows passion and thorough knowledge. - Listen Actively: Show that you value their insights and feedback. Engaging with their suggestions or concerns during the meeting can further solidify your credibility. *After the Meeting* - Follow Up Promptly: Send a thank you note summarizing the key points discussed and next steps. Timely follow-ups keep the communication line open and show professionalism. - Keep Your Promises: Deliver on any follow-up items you committed to during the meeting. Consistency in following through on promises is crucial for maintaining credibility. - Provide Regular Updates: Even if they didn’t invest, keep potential investors informed about your progress and milestones. Regular updates can turn a no into a yes and show your commitment to transparency and long-term relationships. Building investor confidence is a continuous process that requires consistency, honesty, and professionalism. By demonstrating your competence and reliability at every interaction, you position your startup as a worthy investment. 🔗 Interested in connecting with a global network of VCs for your startup? DM me. We at A1 Advisory specialize in deal flow management - bridging the gap between startups and early growth stage businesses looking for funding and investors from around the world. #StartupFunding #InvestorRelations #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #CredibilityBuilding #VentureCapital #StartupLife #InvestmentPitch

Need to raise some money for your startup here are my top 5 lessons from Raising $57 Million. These are things I either didn’t know or would now take more seriously if I was looking for more capital when vetting VCs. 1. Funding and Board Dynamics: Before diving into fundraising, understand the type of investment you need and carefully structure your board. Bringing in independent board members early on before bringing in a VC was a huge win for us and I didn’t even realize it until years after.  They bring unbiased perspectives and a commitment to long-term success. 2. The Investor-Vetting Game: Your investors are more than just a capital injection. Vet them thoroughly – ensure they bring industry knowledge, experience, and align with your vision. A positive working relationship is key, and they should be partners you're eager to work with and learn from.  Ask them how they will help you reach your next milestone.  If they don’t have an answer or you don’t like the answer then walk. 3. Historic Performance Matters: Take a deep dive into potential investors' historic performance and portfolio. If their track record doesn't align with your growth aspirations, then they will be learning with you instead of mentoring you. Make sure your investors can scale with your goals. 4. Investors as True Partners: Investors should be growth partners, not just a paycheck. Actively involve them in your journey. I confess, I didn't do this enough. Investors, the ball is in your court – bring genuine entrepreneurial value to the table.  Unfortunately most won’t have that experience so be careful during the vetting process. 5. Exit Strategy Alignment: Ensure your investors understand and are focused on your exit strategy. They should not only help you stay on track but also actively work on opening doors as the time comes. A well-aligned exit plan is crucial, and your investors should be strategic partners in realizing this shared vision and be committed to long-term goals and not have knee jerk reactions when things get difficult.  Remember, entrepreneurship is a journey of continuous learning. Surrounding yourself with experienced operators will make all the difference.  #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #LessonsLearned #ExitStrategy

🚀 Sequoia Capital Pitch Deck Template - Your Roadmap to a Winning Pitch If you’re a founder looking to impress investors, Sequoia Capital’s Pitch Deck Template can guide you in structuring your pitch effectively. Here’s a rundown of what it includes: Company Purpose - Summarize your business in one powerful sentence. Problem - Identify the customer’s pain points and current solutions. Solution - Outline how your product adds value and use cases. Why Now - Highlight the market evolution and trends making your solution viable. Market Size - Define your Total Addressable Market (TAM), Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM), and Serviceable Obtainable Market (SOM). Competition - List competitors and your competitive edge. Product - Describe your product’s features, form factors, and development roadmap. Business Model - Explain your revenue streams, pricing, sales model, and customer pipeline. Team - Introduce your founding team and advisors. Financials - Provide a snapshot of your financial health (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, cap table). The deck is designed to tell a story that’s concise, compelling, and focused on key details investors care about. #startups #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #investing #finance #crossborder #inovexus #startup #VC #earlystage

🚀 Demystifying the Capital Raising Process for Startups 🚀 Ever wonder how the magic of raising capital actually happens? Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps, making it as easy as pie! 🥧 1. Idea Validation: Before diving into the funding pool, ensure your idea solves a real problem. Feedback is your best friend here! 2. Business Plan & Pitch Deck Creation: Articulate your vision, market, and financial projections in a crisp document and presentation. This is your key to grabbing attention! 🔑 3. Identify the Right Investors: Not all money is the same. Look for investors who align with your vision and can add value beyond just capital. 4. Networking & Pitching: Hit the ground running with networking events, LinkedIn connections, and direct outreach. Remember, it’s not just what you know, but who you know. 🌐 5. Negotiation & Due Diligence: Once an investor bites, it’s time for the nitty-gritty. Be prepared for deep dives into your business and tough negotiations. 6. Closing the Deal: With terms agreed upon, it’s time to sign on the dotted line and toast to your partnership. 🥂 7. Post-Investment Growth: With funds in the bank, it’s all systems go for growth, but remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Your investors are now part of your journey. #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #CapitalRaising #BusinessGrowth #StartupLife #InvestmentTips #Networking #PitchPerfect #StartupJourney