The #1 Rule For Getting Funded
Of course, the most frequent question angels hear from entrepreneurs is: what’s the one key thing investors look for in the funding process? The answer is below, but don’t cheat. You have to read #3 and #2 first.
These days, a million dollars goes a very long way in startup world. So long a way, in fact, that you’ll be expected to show very concrete results with it, proof that the business is really on its way. So Rule #3 is: know what you’ll have that will prove that point once a million dollars is spent. This metric doesn’t have to be a sales or revenue figure, of course (although those are my personal favorites); but it does have to be something solid that shows you’ve got something people want. It might be a rapidly growing audience; a bevy of third party developers who have adopted your platform; ever increasing average engagement; whatever. But you must be able to articulate, from the start, a very clear and compelling benchmark for success once a million has gone out the door… and, ideally, intermediate goals for each few hundred thousand spent along the way.
Rule #2 is: demonstrate not just your wonderful idea, but that you understand the concept of product-market fit. This is a core concept in the “ultra-light” school of startups, but is important for nearly all early stage development philosophies. Nobody ever knows in advance exactly which feature set will be the magic formula for broad adoption, even when you’re introducing the most amazing concept of all time. Generally, you’ve got to get out with the basic version at the lowest cost possible, test it, and rapidly iterate until you see the formula’s really working. That’s when to plow ahead and up the spend. Angels want to know that you get this.
And Rule #1 is: act like a great entrepreneur in your pitch, over drinks, and in the back of the cab. Most angels and VCs are after “people pattern recognition”: they tend to invest in entrepreneurs who are like those they’ve made money with in the past. Even Rules 2 and 3 take a back seat to this factor, and this is certainly the one most likely to attract a follow up meeting from a brief interaction. And what defines those people? I’d say they’re passionate, realistic, and up for the fight ahead.
Gust Launch can set your startup right so its investment ready.
This article is intended for informational purposes only, and doesn't constitute tax, accounting, or legal advice. Everyone's situation is different! For advice in light of your unique circumstances, consult a tax advisor, accountant, or lawyer.