Talking to Investors
December 2014
Dalton Caldwell - Michael Seibel - Qasar Younis
What we will discuss:
-‐ Before the meeting (Michael)
-‐ During the meeting (Dalton)
-‐ After the meeting (Qasar)
-‐ Q&A
Overview
1. 30 second pitch
2. 2 minute pitch
3. When to fundraise
4. How to setup investor meetings
0/4How to Pitch
30 second pitch1How to Pitch
What does your company do?
How big is the market?
How much traction do you have?
1/4
2 minute pitch
• Clear 30 second pitch
• Unique insight
• How you make money
• Team
• The Big Ask ($$$)
How to Pitch
2/4
When to FundraiseHow to Pitch
Growth
Real World :(
Ideal World :)
3/4
How to Setup Investor MeetingsHow to Pitch
Think Parallel
$
1 Team Member
$
Warm Intros
$
4/4
What we will discuss:
-‐ Before the meeting (Michael)
-‐ During the meeting (Dalton)
-‐ After the meeting (Qasar)
-‐ Q&A
Mock pitch sessions
-‐ The goal is to highlight good and bad behavior (not mimic a real conversation)
-‐ Focused on seed stage capital, first time founders
-‐ Dalton = Investor, Qasar = Founder
-‐ 2 sessions: weak pitch and a good pitch
Avoid common mistakes
Introduction: Make sure the listener understands what you’re working on.
Progress: Know your numbers!
Market size: Ideally build bottom up analysis
Insights: You should understand something that is counter intuitive
Team: Your team should be uniquely suited for this business
Asking for money: Drive the conversation to a conclusion
Hallmarks of a good pitch
-‐ Capture interest, told an interesting story, engage with the listener
-‐ Demonstrate insights and command of the market, passionate not dismissive
-‐ Collaborative meeting more than an interrogation
-‐ Actually ask for money
What we will discuss:
-‐ Before the meeting (Michael)
-‐ During the meeting (Dalton)
-‐ After the meeting (Qasar)
-‐ Q&A
After the meeting
-‐ Follow up (anything by a check is a “No”)
-‐ Work on creating deal heat (supply / demand)
-‐ Do diligence on the investors
-‐ Know when to stop (addicted to fundraising)
-‐ Build your company! (fundraising is not the goal)
What we will discuss:
-‐ Before the meeting (Michael)
-‐ During the meeting (Dalton)
-‐ After the meeting (Qasar)
-‐ Q&A
Thank you.