Investing in startups, what's the best way to present your startup to investors?
In an article published today, Mashable collects the opinions of several investors and entrepreneurs on what an elevator pitch should look like, the presentation of a project to investors, something that, sooner or later, most new companies must face. And if not before investors, it will be before potential partners, clients, and even future employees. The entrepreneur must be sure of his project and dedicate himself to launching it and making it grow, Working on it full time. This is one of the aspects valued by those who can later provide venture capital to your company. If not, you get the feeling of not being completely sure about the business you are undertaking. But let's see four of the conclusions reached by investors and entrepreneurs asked by Mashable in this post:1. Start with the basics. Just because you have 20 minutes doesn't mean you get run over when you present. In fact, organizing ideas and speaking from the beginning everything will go smoothly. Give headlines, summarize, go from the most important to the most detailed. At the beginning, short sentences, illustrative but without metaphors. Concreteness and general ideas. From a overview that covers all aspects of your project and the presentation you're starting with, but keep it short and easy to follow. The first few moments are crucial. If you speak clearly and calmly, you sow confidence in investors.2. Tell them about your passion. Of course, there has to be enthusiasm in your speech. We also have to use illustrations, a certain amount of imagination and storytelling. Here we can highlight non-verbal communication. Be human, entertain, use your voice, body and hands to support your message. Think about how good books, movies, and speakers do it. Save a few words to address the most personal of those who listen to you (knowing how to dose).3. Be honest and thoughtful. Honesty has to be part of your speech, yes or yes. One of the sections that need the most honesty are those referring to the figures of your business and the competition that exists in that sector. Investors will interpret your sincerity in this plot as a sign of open-mindedness. They want to know that you are aware of where you are moving. Don't make up the numbers, don't omit crucial information, don't exaggerate the importance of your partnerships. Shed light on your business before investors are forced to do so because they lack key information.4. Investigate. Investors attend these presentations to analyze and research startups, but try to get ahead of them as much as possible. Try to get to know them, visit articles, interviews, reflections that they have published or expressed about entrepreneurship and business. Get to know the investors you're targeting before reaching out to them. “The best leaders are able to put themselves in the shoes of consumers, investors and employees.”
