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What does an investor look for in your business?

by Rajesh Nair

For someone who has started a business, this question is the ‘holy grail’.  There is some very intelligent literature available on this subject and each of them gives you perspectives of experts. When you get advice on sprucing up your product explanation, business plan, getting the right resources in your organisation et.al, they are all sound erudite nuggets that one needs to take seriously.  But, what is the common thread? What makes the Venture Capital guy chose Jane over John? The secret sauce of the pudding is – YOU! Yes, none else, nothing more!

The core element of the entire message you are is YOU and the tryst to get the investor trust you. It could be the elevator pitch, the hundred slide deck or the trying video conference.  But it is at the end, your ability to get the investor trust you with their money. There is no panacea for this and neither is there an all cure snake oil. But here are some interesting snippets, I heard in this journey

Vision:Your product or service may not suddenly change the world but what is the larger picture. You need to be able to articulate that and build the blocks together.

Passion:It is not just that complete faith you have in your product or service , but the intent and verve and the ability to convey that enthusiasm

Integrity: Be truthful on the strengths and weaknesses of the product. Don’t lie – It never works the long haul and you will have to have super memory to piece all those wise replies you gave if they were not true!

Learn: At times, some of the questions you get disappoint you, make you lose confidence and perhaps even cut your concept into shreds. Use to learn, adapt and make your pitch stronger in the future.

All these ingredients need to have a pinch of earnestness and the intent to take feedback and be mentored through personal experiences and the feedback of others!