During the last couple or more years we’ve been doing this, we have spoken to over 100 investors in the region. One of the questions we always ask them is how do you really want to be pitched to? Do you prefer a professional concise pitch or would you like to see a raw, excitable and passionate pitch?
The answers have been varied, but there are some commonalities amongst the most investors. Pitching a product or business idea to investors is nerve-racking and requires a lot of courage and self-belief. It does not happen overnight and to get to the stage where you can pitch requires time and effort. However, getting there means nothing if you botch the actual pitch, so we thought it might be good to list down some of the things that investors are looking for in a good pitch.
Think of the investor as a customer
Create a great experience for an investor. Treat them like a customer where you want it to become interactive and engaging throughout. Questions and shared dialogue during a pitch is actually a very encouraging sign, so try to create a memorable time for your investor.
Create an emotional connection
No one likes a wordy and dull presentation. Use images to showcase statistics and demographic trends if you can.
Showcase your team and their experience with images or show your product or service in a real life situation. The more visual and engaging it is, the more likely an investor will pay attention and be in the moment.
We explore what a perfect pitch deck looks like
Short is always better
Regardless of the time you have for your presentation or meeting, it is best to make sure it is concise without sacrificing on quality. Do not feel the need to fill in the time with ‘fillers’ or something that you know will not add value.
While investors rarely have much spare time, they do not want you to rush through a great opportunity nor do they want you to spend hours on end on a single, not-so-important, issue.
Welcome questions and feedback
Nothing shows confidence and a good solid entrepreneur mindset than someone open to questions and feedback. Be prepared for them and do not share away from the hard ones.
Know your own story as well as your business’s
Investors want to know about the entrepreneur as much as they want to know about the business, so be ready to share about your experience as well. Do not go into a presentation with a polished business pitch and stammer and pause when it comes to describing your journey.