What do you do if potential investors aren't sold on your mobile app pitch?

It’s important to recognize that early-stage investors often focus more on the team and leadership rather than just the product itself. They want to know if this team, under this leader, has the capability and determination to see the project through to the end. It’s not just about knowing your goals; you must also know how to achieve them. If your pitch didn’t resonate, it might be time to refine your approach. Sometimes, presentations can become overly grandiose, missing the core message. Investors need to see a realistic plan, not just a vision. By adjusting your presentation and emphasizing the strength of your team and your strategy for success, you can better convey the true potential of your project.

Take a step back and analyze your pitch. Focus on making it more compelling by highlighting the app's unique value proposition, solving real problems, and showing a clear path to profitability. Tailor your message to resonate with the specific interests of the investors.

Listen carefully to the feedback and concerns raised by investors. Address these directly, demonstrating your ability to adapt and respond to challenges. This not only improves your pitch but also shows your resilience and commitment to the project.

It’s important to always clearly understand investor concerns, but keep in mind that investors are often not the potential users of your app, so they may struggle to fully grasp your vision. This can be a risk. To bridge this gap, try to think from their perspective and present your ideas in terms that are familiar to them. For example, instead of talking about "economy class," frame your pitch in terms of "business class"—something they can relate to more easily. By doing so, you can make your presentation more accessible and persuasive to the investors.

Listen carefully to the feedback you receive. Investors may have concerns about your market assumptions, business model, or scalability. Address these concerns directly by providing data, customer testimonials, or prototypes that demonstrate your app's viability. Understanding their reservations will help you refine your product and pitch. My Thoughts: It’s crucial to view criticism as a gift. By understanding where investors see risks or shortcomings, you can turn those weaknesses into strengths and present a stronger case in future pitches.

Think of investor criticism as a way to strengthen your pitch. With each round of feedback, your presentation will become more compelling, making you and your product more attractive to potential investors. A well-polished product can often speak louder than words, and could be the key to winning over even the most skeptical investors.

Use the feedback to refine your app, whether it’s improving features, user experience, or market fit. A better product can often be the key to winning over hesitant investors, showing them that you're continuously working to meet market needs.

If investors aren’t convinced, it could be a sign that your product needs further development. Use the feedback to identify areas where your app can be improved. This could mean adding features, improving user experience, or even pivoting to a new approach that better aligns with market demand. My Thoughts: Product enhancement is an ongoing process. Every bit of feedback should be seen as an opportunity to create a better app. Constant iteration based on user and investor feedback will keep your app competitive and investor-ready.

Broaden your network to find investors who align more closely with your vision and the stage of your project. Sometimes, it’s a matter of finding the right fit—investors who see the potential in what you’re building.

Sometimes, it’s not what you know but who you know. Expanding your network can open doors to new investors who may be more aligned with your vision. Attend industry events, join startup incubators, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential investors. My Thoughts: Networking is an art. It’s about building genuine relationships, not just selling your idea. The right connection can be the key to finding an investor who believes in your app as much as you do.

Strengthen your pitch with hard data—user metrics, market research, and projections. Concrete evidence of growth potential can be persuasive, showing that your app is not just an idea but a viable business opportunity.

Investors love data. If your pitch wasn’t convincing, consider gathering more data to support your claims. This could include user metrics, market research, or financial projections. The more data you can provide, the more credible your pitch will become. My Thoughts: Data-driven pitches are powerful because they replace speculation with facts. Show investors that your app isn’t just an idea—it’s backed by solid evidence of its potential.

Thinking differently and being willing to change your strategy is what sets entrepreneurs apart! Sometimes, instead of sticking to a traditional presentation, it can be more effective to create a quick wireframe in Figma to visually demonstrate what your idea will look like. This approach not only shows flexibility but also makes your concept more tangible and easier for investors to grasp. Being adaptable and ready to pivot when necessary is key to staying aligned with market realities while still pursuing your vision.

Working for a start up app company I’ve found that one of the most important factors is app stability. Does it work well and is the UX seamless from launching the app to payment.

If your app isn’t gaining traction with investors, it might be time to pivot. This could mean targeting a different market segment, altering your business model, or even rebranding your app. A well-timed pivot can turn a struggling concept into a successful one. My Thoughts: Pivoting is not a sign of failure; it’s a strategic move to align your app with market demands. Be open to change and agile in your approach. Sometimes, a small shift in strategy can lead to big success.

If your pitch isn’t resonating, it might be time to reassess your strategy. Consider pivoting your approach, whether that means targeting a different market segment, revising your business model, or even adjusting the app's core features.