First-time founders often spend their pitch time selling their product.

This fails as it doesn’t focus on the other elements of the business the investor needs to know, such as the team, the market, the competition, and more.

It treats the investor as a customer. 

They are not buying the product; they’re buying a part of the company

Instead of selling, try treating the investor as a partner.

This approach positions the investor as a collaborator.

Start by telling the investor your story.

Engage the investor by showing where you are with the business.

Show why this business matters and is making a difference.

Highlight your progress with customers.

Talk about the challenges with the competition.

Invite them to join the effort.

It’s important to build a connection with the investor.

Selling is transactional.

Partnering is collaborative. 

Treat the investor as if they were already a partner in the business.

 

Thank you for joining us for the Startup Funding Espresso where we help startups and investors connect for funding.

Let’s go startup something today.
________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for joining your host Hall T. Martin with the Startup Funding Espresso — your daily shot of startup funding and investing.
For more episodes from Investor Connect, please visit the site at: http://investorconnect.org
Check out our other podcasts here: https://investorconnect.org/
For Investors check out: https://tencapital.group/investor-landing/
For Startups check out: https://tencapital.group/company-landing/
For eGuides check out: https://tencapital.group/education/
For upcoming Events, check out https://tencapital.group/events/
For Feedback please contact info@tencapital.group
Please follow, share, and leave a review.
Music courtesy of Bensound.

Copyright (c) 2025, Hall Martin and investorconnect.org. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer:
Hall T Martin is the director of Investor Connect, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the education of investors for early-stage funding. All opinions expressed by Hall and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of Investor Connect. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for the basis of investment decisions.