If you got a mentor in the beginning, you're safe. Otherwise, you need to constantly share results and a clear vision. Showcase your track record of solving problems, building value, and delivering on commitments in previous roles or ventures. Highlight any measurable success or impact achieved. Networking is essential—it helps you understand who can be of help, who respects you, and who values your contributions. You can't perform or collaborate with any entrepreneur or workforce in the market who doesn’t clearly understand your startup's foundations. Make sure you keep meeting people, assess their value, and avoid going back to those who diminish your or your company’s dignity. P.S. Quietly keep working - don't show off your cards.

Gaining credibility with investors with a non-traditional background is all about showing your value. -Highlight how your unique experiences give you a fresh take on solving problems. -Focus on real results, like growing your customer base, increasing revenue, or securing partnerships. -Surround yourself with a strong team that complements your skills. -Be open about your journey and show that you deeply understand your market. -Finally, get support from experts in the industry to back you up. By proving your worth through results and teamwork, you can build trust with investors.

I’ve found that the key is demonstrating both passion and tangible results. You can focus on how our unconventional experience gives us a fresh take on solving problems and identifying market opportunities that others might overlook. Even if it’s outside the traditional business world, you can emphasize your past achievements and measurable results. Plus, make it a point to show that we seek guidance from mentors and continually evolve our strategies. Finally, have a solid grasp of your business metrics and market potential. Presenting hard data, no matter your background, shows you’re serious.

Establishing trust with investors is a cornerstone of successful entrepreneurship, particularly in an era where transparency and authenticity are paramount. Building this trust begins with clear communication, demonstrating integrity through every interaction, and delivering on promises consistently. Sharing not only successes but also challenges and lessons learned fosters a sense of partnership and mutual respect. By prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term gains, entrepreneurs can create a foundation of trust that not only attracts investors but also inspires confidence and loyalty in the broader business community.

Investors are smart folks. They probably know a good thing when they see it. They may not even have preconceived notions about whether a founder has a "non traditional" entrepreneurial background. Smart investors would evaluate founders on the merit of the value proposition, the scalability, and the focus, discipline and confidence of the founder. Which is why those are things / aspects that entrepreneurs need to highlight. That being done well, their background may not really matter much!