Building Leadership Teams that Secure Investor Funding: 3 Strategies to Swipe Right Now

Rita’s debut on the On Work and Revolution podcast went down in history as the number 1 downloaded episode of Season 2, so… Rita Ferrandino is back in the guest chair! (If you missed it, you can catch it here.) And yet again, she brings wealth of knowledge, experience and wisdom, specifically, for founders who are looking to secure funding in EdTech!

Because look, securing funding for your EdTech startup is never a small feat. However, with the right approach to building remarkable leadership teams, founders can significantly increase their chances of attracting investor interest and support. Rita outlined 3 key strategies that can help you not only attract investor interest but also shore up the funding you need to fuel growth.

1. Prioritize Adaptability and Skill Over Prestige:

In today's landscape, investors are increasingly looking beyond prestigious backgrounds and Ivy League credentials. Rita and I agree that what truly matters is the adaptability and skill of the team members above all else. As Rita wisely puts it, "I personally don't care that the company stacks their team with name-brand university people. I care that they have the knowledge and skills to achieve what they need to."

2. Conduct Thorough Due Diligence on Team Credentials:

Investors place immense value on the quality of a startup's leadership team. That's why it's crucial to conduct thorough due diligence when evaluating team credentials. As Rita emphasizes, spotting red flags like arrogance or resistance to coaching early on can save both time and resources in the long run. And Rita knows how to spot red flags - she's been doing this work for over 20 years!

3. Leverage Fractional Leadership for Strategic Advantage:

As Rita put it, "The advantage of everyone becoming a lot more cost conscious is they're recognizing that there are many ways to populate your leadership team." Founders are watching their cash flow these days so fractional leadership roles offer a strategic advantage, especially for early stage companies. By tapping into a roster of proven fractional executives, startups can optimize resources and access top-tier talent without breaking the bank.?

So, if you're a founder looking to attract investors and take your EdTech startup to the next level, remember that your talent bench is a key part of your value proposition,? whether it’s full-time, fractional, and/or advisory roles.?

And then leverage experts to do the hiring and save you the time and money that you don’t have to squander. Because as Rita says “The amount of time and effort it takes to identify what you need, find the best candidates, interview them, check their references. All of that is just time you're not spending investing and selling in your business or building your product."

?? To tune in to the episode, or read the show notes, head on over to my website.