8 Unspoken Things Investors Look for in Entrepreneurs + Tips

What Separates Fundable Founders from the Rest?

Every entrepreneur dreams of securing funding, but have you ever wondered what truly makes an investor say "yes" beyond financials and growth promise? Even if your numbers are great and the market loves your product investors are quick to say NO to founders who do not have many of these qualities. ??

It’s not just about having a great idea. Investors look beyond the pitch deck to assess the founder behind the business. After years of investing, advising, and building companies, I’ve identified eight key traits that can make or break an entrepreneur’s ability to raise capital and build a thriving company plus some tips that could help you along the way to lock in that investment.

?? Do you have these qualities as a founder? Let's dive in.

1. Attitude – The Unshakable Mindset ??

Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster. Rejections, pivots, and unexpected challenges are inevitable. Investors look for resilient founders who can handle setbacks without losing momentum. A positive, solution-oriented attitude is a game-changer. Are you driven by emotions, facts, or analytical forecasts? How do you process defeat, rejections, obstacles, and, most importantly, challenges? All these factors determine your attitude and investors want to know what kind of attitude you have.

?? Tip: Next time you face rejection, ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" Instead of dwelling on "no," focus on how to turn it into a "yes." Always let your experience do the talking when revealing your attitude to investors.

2. Passion – The Fuel That Drives Success ??

Passion is contagious. If you’re not genuinely excited about your business, investors will sense it. The most successful founders live and breathe their vision and it shows in how they talk about their company. Investors want you to be passionate about your company because they know there are many tough obstacles you will face while building a business. If you are passionate about your business, those obstacles will only motivate you. Those who lack passion give up at the first sight of an obstacle.

?? Tip: Share your “why” when pitching. Investors don’t just invest in companies they invest in people who are obsessed with solving a problem.

3. Innovation – The Ability to Think Differently ??

In a crowded market, differentiation is everything. Are you solving a problem in a way no one else is? Investors love founders who challenge the status quo and bring fresh, scalable solutions to old problems. Show you have an active imagination that is constantly innovating. Investors want to know how innovative you are compared to your competitors. Beyond your USP, what is it about you and your business that customers will find value in over a long period of time?

?? Tip: Even if your industry is competitive, find your unique angle. What makes your approach 10x better? Show investors you realize competition is right around the corner and how you are ready by sharing your growth and innovative strategy.

4. Networking – The Power of Relationships ??

Success in business isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you know. Investors often say, “We don’t just invest in companies; we invest in communities.” Your ability to build strategic partnerships, attract talent, and leverage connections is crucial. Your network is your net worth. This is so true. Network as much as you can to build a solid group of potential customers, partners and mentors. Investors know the more strategic people you have in your circle the more likely you are to succeed.

?? Tip: Build relationships before you need them. Engage with investors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs early and often. Prove you have a great network of mentors, partners, and associates. This always helps investors know that your circle will do all they can to help you succeed.

5. Knowledge – Understanding Your Industry ??

Investors don’t expect you to have all the answers, but they do expect you to deeply understand your market, customers, and competition. A well-informed founder is an investor’s dream. How frequently you get and use information and knowledge to grow your business is very important to investors.

?? Tip: Be obsessed with learning. Read industry reports, follow trends, go to conferences, and talk to customers regularly to refine your insights.

6. Humility – The Strength to Learn and Adapt ??

Some of the best founders are coachable. Investors don’t expect perfection, but they do expect self-awareness and a willingness to listen to feedback. Founders who think they know everything limit their own growth.

?? Tip: Surround yourself with people smarter than you. Be open to criticism, and adapt quickly. Listen when spoken to, respect all opinions even if you don’t agree with them. Respond with humility and a good grasp of your knowledge, experience, and insights to counter any information given to you.

7. Understanding – The Ability to “Get It” ??

How capable are you of understanding different perspectives, views, and situations that may occur as you build a business. Investors are looking for founders who understand business is not predictable. From staff issues to product issues. How you keep your calm and react is critical to your success. Investors pay attention to how well you understand what you control.

?? Tip: Can you pitch your business in one sentence? If not, refine your messaging until it's clear, concise, and compelling. Show you are understanding by providing examples to investors of scenarios that were our of your control and how your calmly figured things out and still kept the business running.

8. Generosity – The Habit of Giving Before Receiving ??

The best entrepreneurs pay it forward. Investors notice and respect founders who actively help others, share knowledge, and build communities. Investors know of the law of generosity and want founders to experience that law. However it must come from the ??so it's not something investors push founders to do. Generosity creates goodwill, attracts strong teams, and fosters long-term success. But I can tell you this, helping your community helps you stay in business for a long time.

?? Tip: Be a value-giver. Help fellow entrepreneurs, mentor new founders, and share your expertise. The more you give, the more opportunities will come your way. Bring up what you do for the community. Show you have a generous side and understand the laws of generosity and giving back.

So Are You an Investor-Ready Entrepreneur?

These 8 traits aren’t just for impressing investors—they’re the foundation for long-term success in business. If you’re serious about growth, assess where you stand in each of these areas and start sharpening your skills. I call it A PING HUG = Attitude, Passion, Innovation, Networking, Knowledge, Humility, Understanding, Generosity.

?? Which of these traits do you think is most important for founders? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

?? Bookmark this newsletter and share it with aspiring entrepreneurs who need to see this!

?? If you enjoyed this, make sure to follow me for more insights on entrepreneurship, fundraising, and startup growth!

?? Let’s connect and build great businesses together!

#Entrepreneurship #Startups #InvestorMindset #BusinessGrowth #Fundraising #Leadership #Networking #Innovation #FounderLife #VentureCapital #EntrepreneurMindset