Decidere di incontrare un investitore senza prepararsi è una pessima idea. In questa presentazione illustro alcuni step da fare prima di sedersi a trattare con un investitore. Per saperne di più sul tema visita il mio blog: www.raffaelegaito.com

1. 10 Things You Should Do
Before Mee6ng An Investor
Brace yourself, breathe and make a plan!
Raffaele Gaito

2. About me
Raffaele Gaito
Digital Entrepreneur
Growth Hacker
Startup Mentor
Blogger
@duplikey
raffaelegaito.com
info@raffaelegaito.com

3. A brief introduc6on

4. A brief introduc6on
• Each startup has a different story and background
• No rules, only sugges6ons and best prac6ces
• Prac6cal 6ps from personal experience

5. 1. Pick the right one

6. 1. Pick the right one
• Several types of investors
(e.g. FFF, Angel Investors, VC)
• It’s related to the company stage
• It’s related to the amount of money

7. 2. Build a rela6onship

8. 2. Build a rela6onship
• Having an introduc6on is beWer
• Ask for a mee6ng only if there is a rela6onship
(e.g. email, call, events)
• A “no” is not necessary final
• Keep your investor updated

9. 3. Timing is key

10. 3. Timing is key
• Don’t ask for money too early
(you won’t get it)
• Don’t ask for money too late
(you won’t have nego6a6on power)
• Remember, it’s a long process

11. 4. Perform your own due diligence

12. 4. Perform your own due diligence
• Check the investor’s por^olio
• Look for “exits”
• Look for “write-offs”
• Check the markets
• Check the fund
(where the money come from)

13. 5. Communicate with other startups

14. 5. Communicate with other startups
• Very useful in late nego6a6on stage
• Ask for prac6cal informa6on
(e.g. support, rela6onship, board)
• Try to iden6fy pros and cons in advance

15. 6. Always look for “smart money”

16. 6. Always look for “smart money”
• Investors are not only a pile of money
• Try to understand the added value
• Check investor’s partners
• Check investor’s network
• It’s a long-term rela6onship

17. 7. A great pitch is crucial

18. 7. A great pitch is crucial
• Max 10-12 slides
• Max 7-10 minutes
• Content 6ps: problem/solu6on; value proposi6on;
market; go-to-market; metrics; financials; team;
call-to-ac6on; revenue model; exit strategy; etc.

19. 8. Show strong metrics

20. 8. Show strong metrics
• No vanity metrics
• Let your numbers speak for you
• Know your market and your compe6tors
• Always include forecasts
• Your forecasts should be op6mis6c, but not too much

21. 9. Ask the right amount of money

22. 9. Ask the right amount of money
• Not too much
(you will lose equity)
• Not too liWle
(you won’t reach your goals)
• Tip: iden6fy your break-even point
• Pro Tip: add 40% to your ini6al idea :)

23. 10. Plan how you want to spend
the money

24. 10. Plan how you want to spend the money
• Why do you need an investment?
• How are you going to spend the money?
• What about your monthly burn rate?
• Do you need more investment rounds?
• Be pessimist with those answers :)

25. Conclusions & Takeaways

26. Conclusions & Takeaways
• No silver bullets, no tricks
• Be prepared, make a plan
• Be pa6ent
• Genng an investment is like a marriage

27. Ques6ons?
Raffaele Gaito
Digital Entrepreneur
Growth Hacker
Startup Mentor
Blogger
@duplikey
raffaelegaito.com
info@raffaelegaito.com