Founder Storytelling

In episode four of Founder Loveline, we host Nela Lukic , Angel Investor & co-founder Ajla Consulting, working with global startups to help craft their storytelling and communications. We discussed how to develop your brand as a founder, develop your story, build from your idea and vision and create a compelling narrative for fundraising.

Crafting Your Story as a Founder:

• Start building your brand from day one.
• Personal branding is crucial; tell your narrative even before your idea becomes a product.
• Develop a three-minute pitch, focusing on a big vision and key messages.
• Investors want to believe in the big picture, not just the product. Convince them of your vision's possibility.
• Founders should talk to each other; seek feedback from the community. Use your network; share ideas and refine your story.

Fundraising and Pitching:

• Fundraising story begins with a personal narrative.
• Founders must structure their communication; no winging it.
• Identify your type: too passive or overly aggressive doesn't work. Find the Goldilocks zone.
• Know your audience: focus on your game but understand the landscape. Prepare your pitch for the type of investor that you are pitching.
• The founder is the biggest value proposition; convince investors you can execute the idea.

Narrative Evolution and Adaptability:

• Practice and structure are key to storytelling.
• Founders evolve; don't stick to one narrative.?
• Feedback is essential, but choose what resonates with your conviction so you feel the most confident.?
• Don’t be afraid if you aren’t the most charismatic in the room; confidence comes from knowing what you want to say.?

Brand Building:

• Strong brands survive storms; invest in brand building.
• Allocate a percentage of your investment for brand building.
• Diversify beyond your echo chamber; leverage PR, mainstream media, and thought leadership.
• Stakeholders, including investors, are people; they read, listen, and engage. Be present beyond your pitch deck.

Understanding Your Audience:

• Tailor your story to align with the vision of the region or investment fund.
• Chess analogy: focus on your game but understand the landscape.
• Three-step process: Understand your vision, have key messages ready, and know your audiences.

Ultimately, crafting your story comes down to a simple three-step process.?

• Understand your vision
• Have your key messages ready
• Know your audience.

Crafting your founder story is an art, but using this template will get you started on the right path. Remember, your story is dynamic; it evolves with you. Stay confident, seek feedback, and invest in building not just your product but also your personal brand.?

Join us on December 15 for another insightful episode with Tim Wenzel , the first recruiter at PayPal, where we'll explore creative hiring tactics for early stage founders.