21 Questions from Investors you should be prepared to answer.

You have most definitely heard Benjamin Franklin's famous quote.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail".

Before meeting investors you should have the answers to their potential questions prepared and rehearsed in your head. Any hesitation or poor communication could be a deal-breaker.

Here are 21 questions that you should be fully prepared to answer in English when speaking with investors:

1. What is the difference between you and your primary competitors?
2. When will you break even?
3. How much is revenue forecast to be this year, and next year?
4. How will you use the money?
5. What risk factors does your business face?
6. What round of funding is this for your startup?
7. What terms are you seeking?
8. Who is the management team, and what is their expertise?
9. What is your burn rate?
10. Why did you start it?
11. How long have you been working on this startup?
12. How does the business model work?
13. Do you have wider expansion plans; where and when?
14. Do you hold any patents or proprietary technology?
15. Why makes you think you can excel in this space?
16. Who are your other investors?
17. How are existing investors involved?
18. Are existing investors involved in this funding round?
19. What's the exit strategy?
20. When do you expect an exit?
21. How much money has been raised so far?

Don't expect only to answer these questions. Be prepared not only to answer the questions, but to master answering them.

This is especially important when speaking in a second language.

Let me know of any other questions you think should be on the list.

Will