Fundraising - A Test for VCs than Founders
Many Investors these days are loosing money in the startup world than in the past. Some of them are fortunate enough to encash their stake holdings in the recent IPO buzz in the bull market. The unfortunate ones are quite stressed at this point about the latest stock market scenario and possible negative market reaction to the IPO if they proceed for listing .
So, if you are considering investment in a startup either as a VC / HNI, Please do consider the below;
In the long run what drives the business success is not the ability to tell stories but the underlying business fundamentals like Scalability, sustainability and Profitability. Look for these in these in the proposal. How the idea if executed rightly can perform on these key metrics over the next 2,5 and 10 years tenure and map them with probable potential risk factors or threats. This gives enormous information whether that is the idea you want to fund or stay away. Mere story telling skills of the founders might attract initial buzz and like minded investors but the end is already scripted for such investments. So, If you are a VC, think through on these metrics carefully before making the investment decision. While clarity on the proposed business is imperative, ability to drive right metrics helps the success.
2. Team along with Founders than Founders over Team
Very critical consideration to assess the potential investment opportunity by considering the team behind the startup and not just founders. No doubt Founders are critical, but the success at the end depends on the whole team not just few individuals. Collectively they are deliver better than any individual.
3. Ability to influence the Founders for Course correction
Many times it happens the path becomes commercially unreliable and not viable for various reasons. It is this time, the Investors must have the ability to convince the founders to do course correction. Many founders will be reluctant to do course correction and then believe investors know less than them about their business. If this turns out to be egoistic feature, then the startup is expected to collapse. We recently saw some of the startups in the Edtech and other segments driven by such behavior.
4. Networking is good but do independent review of the investment opportunity
Currently many investors deciding on the investments based on the references from their network. While one can consider them and nothing wrong in it, one need to review all investment proposals without any bias just because something came from reference or known circles. This saves from lot of pain later.
5. Place in house Analyst
Always means always, decide to place your own analyst at the startup location and this analyst must report only to you-the investor. This helps you to have the first hand information on whats happening there. You will realise this is critical if you review lot of recent business collapses.
Venture Capital & Private Equity 富达 Blume Ventures A91 Partners #founders #startups #investing