Latest Episodes

KISS in the startup world stands for Keep It Simple Security. It’s similar to a convertible note. Here are the differences between a KISS and a convertible note: The KISS gives the holder the right to participate in future funding rounds. Convertible notes only convert the current debt into equity....

In fundraising, the startup founder should underpromise and overdeliver to the investor. Here are some key areas to apply this: Forecasting.   Most founders overpromise and underdeliver on their sales forecast. Instead of over-promising on the revenue results, forecast a lower number and then show how you exceeded the forecast. Planning....

In pitching investors, framing can be used to position the startup as a successful business. Framing is how you structure your message to shape how your audience perceives it. It can be used to generate credibility and overcome objections. Start with a problem statement and a compelling solution. Position the...

Biotech investing differs from tech investing. There’s often no revenue traction to assess. The startup must navigate the FDA path while dealing with cutting-edge devices and therapeutics. Here are some myths of biotech investing: Myth 1-Biotech startups are building companies. In many cases, the biotech startup will sell during the...

Strategic investors are large companies that use startup investments to further their business objectives. They rarely invest to make a financial return. They fund startups to stay abreast of new technologies and markets. They often invest in advance of buying the startup. To close a strategic investor funding, consider the...

In raising funding, investor follow-up is the critical work of the campaign. Timeliness is a key factor. Each day that passes without the follow-up degrades the value of the interaction. Here are some tips on how to follow up with investors: After a pitch, set up a follow-up schedule starting...

In raising a microVC fund, consider the following: It takes 12 to 18 months to raise an initial fund. Most funds start off in the $10M to $25M range. With a successful funding record, one can move up to the $35M to $50M range. Limited partners will be family offices...

Most first-time startups pitch their product to the investor rather than their business. They often spend a great deal of time on how the product works. Investors want to know how the business will be successful, not how the product works. Shift the focus on the product from how it...

Limited Partners investing in venture capital funds are similar to startups raising funds from venture capitalists. In pitching LPs to invest in a fund, include the following: They need to know the basic context of the fund. Show the sector, stage, investment thesis, and the target fund amount. Summarize this...

Startup founders raising funding should ask as many questions of the investor as the investor asks the founder. Here are some key points in the founders’ diligence on a prospective investor: Before engaging investors, research them online regarding their portfolio, investment thesis, and investment team. The more one knows about...