Preparing to Raise Beyond Friends & Family

After raising funds from friends and family, the next step in your entrepreneurial journey involves expanding your fundraising efforts to a broader investor base.?

This phase typically involves seeking funding from Angel and Seed investors. Crafting a compelling pitch deck and mastering the art of pitching are crucial skills at this stage, as they will determine your ability to secure larger investments and partnerships.

Creating a well-structured pitch deck is essential for effectively conveying your business idea, market opportunity, competitive advantage, and growth strategy. Here are 15 key questions you must answer before crafting your pitch decks:

1. What makes you and your team uniquely qualified to execute this business idea?
2. What is the current market opportunity or timing that makes your product/service relevant and necessary?
3. Who is your target audience and what is the market size?
4. What problem does your product/service solve?
5. How does your product/service work, and what are its main features?
6. Who are your main competitors, and what sets you apart from them?
7. What is your unique selling proposition (USP)?
8. What is your go-to-market strategy?
9. What is your traction or current progress? (e.g., customer testimonials, user metrics, partnerships)?
10. What is your business model and revenue generation strategy?
11. What is your financial plan and projected financials (e.g., revenue projections, expenses, funding needs)?
12. What do you measure and why?
13. What are the potential risks and challenges your business might face, and how do you plan to address them?
14. How much are you raising and how do you plan to use the funding you are seeking?
15. What is your long-term vision for the company and exit opportunity?

Once you answer these questions and polish your pitch deck, the art of pitching comes into play.?

When pitching to investors, it's essential to be concise, engaging, and confident. Tailor your pitch to your audience and highlight the aspects that resonate most with them.

Practicing your pitch in front of friends, mentors, or advisors can help you refine your delivery and anticipate potential questions.

Remember that building relationships with potential investors is crucial. Networking events, industry conferences, and startup incubators can provide opportunities to connect with investors who align with your business goals. Receiving feedback from investors who decide not to invest can also provide valuable insights for refining your pitch and strategy.

In conclusion, transitioning from friends and family funding to raising capital from a broader investor base requires a well-crafted pitch deck and effective pitching skills. By showcasing your company's potential and addressing investors' concerns, you'll increase your chances of securing the necessary funds to propel your startup to the next level.

Unleash your pitch potential?

Want more? Check out my offerings for entrepreneurs

For assistance crafting your pitch

Looking for a DIY-approach to craft your perfect pitch? My online, self-paced course combines all the necessary elements of creating an email, in-person, and 1-page pitch into a personalizable template. For only $50, you will work-through the 15 fundamental questions investors want to know about your business. Check it out here.

For assistance practicing your pitch

Do you already have a pitch but need someone objective to practice it in front of before the big day? After years spent working with startups and helping them secure funding, I know what investors look for and can provide constructive feedback. Schedule your pitch practice to hone your message and build your confidence here.

Go deeper with one-on-one founder coaching?

Looking for something more intensive? Whether you're seeking funding or expansion, my one-on-one founder coaching is designed to get you to the next level. Together, we will identify what success looks like and the strategy to get there. Schedule your consultation here.??

About me

A visionary connector enthusiastic about change, I believe in using available resources to lead healthier and more resilient lives. I provide strategic guidance to early-stage founders in CPG, cannabis and technology along with quality due diligence for investors to determine a company’s readiness.

I have been intricately involved in new approaches of connecting culture and strategy in business since the start of my career. From founding my own businesses, consulting startups from local to nationwide success and lucrative exit strategies, to mentoring entrepreneurs. I understand how every detail fits into the bigger picture.?

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