First thing’s first. Before you dive right in, you should define exactly what kind of startup investors you’re looking for. Ask yourself, what type of funding would suit your company and what should an investor be able to offer you?
Do you want venture capital funding, for example? Maybe angel money would work best for you, or corporate investment? If you’re unsure about the various options, check out our guide to the different kinds of startup investors out there.
Secondly, you should consider what kind of support you want from your investor. Of course, you will be looking to secure financial backing, but what else? You might want to consider investors that have good industry connections, can mentor you in a specific area, or who have previous experience with your product category.
So, now that you have a broad idea of what you’re looking for, let’s run through our tips for how to find investors and get their attention.
Get well connected
Meet as many relevant people as you can and prioritise growing your network. Admittedly, it can be trickier to network, given the circumstances of COVID-19. However, you can use platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with people or attend virtual events and meetups.
Startup incubators and accelerators are another great option as they generally have extensive industry networks that you’ll get access to by taking part in their programme. Be prepared to share opportunities and expertise with others – and you might be surprised to see how many are willing to return the favour. Finally, don’t forget to have your elevator pitch ready, for when those moments come!
