Securing a meeting with potential investors is a difficult task, as they often say no to 99% of startups. However, once you have the opportunity to meet with investors, you must make a strong first impression. Investors typically make up their minds about a startup before they even sit down, so it is crucial to start the meeting with a compelling story that engages and impresses them.
Investors often base their decision to invest in a company on the CEO and the story they tell. To ensure the CEO shines in the meeting, it is best for them to present alone, without other team members present. The CEO must learn how to tell a good story that creates emotional engagement and makes investors want to be a part of the company’s journey.
Some key tips for a successful fundraising meeting include arriving on time, setting up the stage for the presentation, maintaining eye contact with investors, and avoiding overcrowded slides. Keeping the presentation concise, delivering the most important information early on, and standing up while presenting can also help capture investors’ attention and keep them engaged throughout the meeting.
The order of the slide deck is important, with the strongest point in the story presented first, followed by why the company is doing what it does, the uniqueness of the product or service, the amount of funding needed, and the strongest point at the end. The ‘thank you’ slide should also deliver a lasting message that reinforces the key points of the presentation.
It is essential to practice telling the story of the presentation without relying on slides, as this allows the focus to be on the investors and their reactions. Positive indicators to look for during the meeting include interest from investors, more questions about the deal, and recommendations on improving the slide deck. Negative indicators include investors arguing, not asking questions, or being distracted during the presentation.
Overall, fundraising is a challenging process that requires preparation and attention to detail. By following these tips and focusing on creating a compelling story and engaging presentation, startups can increase their chances of securing investment from potential investors.
