Clever Disruption’s Post

🚀 How to Stay One Step Ahead of VCs at Every Fundraising Stage Fundraising is more than just pitching—it's about staying ahead of VCs at each stage. Here's how: 🌱 Pre-Seed to Seed: Prove Early Potential Refine Your Vision: Know your market and problem clearly. Show early signs of product-market fit. Validate with Data: Use customer feedback, surveys, or tests to prove demand. 💡 Seed to Series A: Show Traction and Metrics Track Key Metrics: Focus on growth metrics like MRR, CAC, and LTV. Understand your numbers better than anyone. Prepare to Scale: Show a clear plan for scaling operations and your go-to-market strategy. 🚀 Series A to Series B: Prove Scalability Optimize Growth Strategy: Experiment with new acquisition channels. Improve unit economics. Operational Efficiency: Show you can scale what’s working with solid processes. 📈 Series B to C: Focus on Market Leadership Dominate Your Niche: Prove you can lead your market before expanding. Think International: Be ready to scale globally, with a plan for new markets. 🏆 Series C and Beyond: Prepare for Exit Plan Your Exit: Whether IPO or acquisition, have a clear endgame strategy. Keep Growing: Maintain aggressive growth targets to maximize value. Staying ahead of VCs is about preparation. Show you’re ready for the next stage before they ask. What’s your next move? Share below! #startups #fundraising #venturecapital #VC #scaling #leadership #growth

One #feedback founders often hear during rejection is "This is not a fit for us," or "We don't think this fits the VC case we are after." Well, what do they mean? It signals that your business doesn't align with the high-growth, high-return profile VCs typically seek. 0 - 100Mn in Rev in 7 - 10 years (the top quartile companies do it in 4 years 🤯). 1️⃣ Scalability 🌍: VCs are usually looking for businesses that can #scale rapidly and achieve significant growth - 2 to 3x YOY.   2️⃣ Market Size and Growth 📈: VCs often target companies that address large markets that are growing fast because a big market offers more potential for a company to grow and deliver high returns. (points 1 & 2 go hand in hand).   3️⃣ High Return Potential 💰: VCs seek investments that can provide a substantial return, often aiming for a 10x or higher return on investment.   4️⃣ Nimble Business Model: Check whether your business model offers high margins, easy to scale, asset-light, high LTV, repeatability and predictability. (That being said, there are investors that look for deep tech and hardware innovations - who might look for different things).   5️⃣ Exit Potential 🏁: VCs invest with the expectation of an exit strategy, such as an acquisition or IPO, that allows them to cash out their investment. If the business doesn't have a clear path to an exit that would generate substantial returns, it might not be a VC case.   Final Note: Not every business is a VC case—and that's okay! Consider alternative funding sources that align with your growth appetite and vision.     #Startups #VentureCapital #Founders #rejection #PITCHING

"If you don't worry, you need to worry. And if you worry, you don't need to worry." This quote from Ray Dalio stuck with me. It's the essence of the 'Day One' mentality top CEOs swear by. Here's the breakdown: • Stay vigilant about blind spots • Embrace a healthy paranoia • Treat every day like you're starting fresh Even Blackstone, managing over $1 trillion, keeps this startup spirit. It's not about size. It's about mindset. #BusinessStrategy #LeadershipLessons

📊 Founders, sharpen your pitches with these expert tips! Healy Jones' infographic is packed with advice on navigating VC pitches, especially during tough times. From realistic valuations to business fundamentals, it’s all here. See the link to top pitch decks in Healy Jones’ original post! #StartupFunding

Only 2 out of 10 founders that pitch to me get a second meeting because this is what they do in their pitch👇 As a VC who's invested in 80+ startups and heard countless pitches, I can tell you that the only thing that makes me want to schedule a second meeting is if founders make me say "wow", that’s it. So if you’re a founder looking to “wow” a VC, here’s what you need to know: 📌First 10 mins are crucial: Don't dive straight into your product. Instead, try painting a picture of the problem you're solving. Make us feel its urgency. If we don't say "wow" a few times in the first 30 minutes, chances are low that we are impressed. Bring the problem to life – use stories, data, or demos that make the pain point impossible to ignore. 📌Show us the exact solution: VCs want to see a laser-focused solution, not a vague "app" Too many founders think making an app is the first step. Instead, show us how you're tackling a specific, burning problem. Apps emerge from solving distinct issues exceptionally well, not the other way around. 📌Demonstrate your ambition: I speak for all the VCs when I say that we're looking for founders who want to build big businesses, not just sell in a few years. If your exit strategy is quick, we're misaligned. 90% of the VCs are interested in the long term. So show us that you're thinking big – really big. 📌Execution: Ideas are worthless if not executed. What sets you apart is your ability to execute. It's important for you to show VCs early traction, a clear roadmap, and why your team is uniquely positioned to win. 📌Know your numbers: Nothing kills credibility faster than fumbling basic metrics. Be prepared to dive deep into your financials, market size, and key performance indicators. Remember, our goal isn't just to invest and make money out of it – it's also to partner with visionaries. If you can make us believe you're one of them, you'll not only get that second meeting but potentially a long-term partner to build something truly transformative. To my fellow VCs, what other things are important for founders to get a  second meeting with you? #VC #Investments #Startups

🎯 The VC funding journey isn't just about the pitch deck and financial projections. 🚨 Here's what many founders miss: While chasing that crucial funding round, your talent strategy can make or break investor confidence. Recently, we've noticed too many startups scrambling to fill critical roles AFTER securing funding – a costly mistake. 💡 Three key questions every founder should answer before approaching VCs: 1. 🔍 Have you mapped out the essential skills your scaling journey demands? 2. 🌉 Where are your current talent gaps, and what's your plan to bridge them? 3. 📊 Can you demonstrate a clear link between your hiring roadmap and growth projections? 💪 Remember: VCs aren't just investing in your idea – they're investing in your team's ability to execute. ⭐ Pro tip: Include a detailed human capital strategy in your pitch. Show investors you've thought beyond the funding and understand what (and who) it takes to deliver on your promises. Feel free to cat with us Equate Advisory about this aspect of your VC pitch; we’re here to serve 🙏 #StartupStrategy #VentureCapital #TalentAcquisition #ScaleUp #FutureOfWork

🚀 Mastering Your VC Pitch - Solid Tips for Founders! As someone who’s advised startups that have raised over a billion in VC funding, I know the importance of a sharp, concise pitch. 🔪 YC and Guy Kawasaki suggest 10 slides, but I believe you should deliver your pitch in 15 minutes or less—and if pressed, in 5 minutes. That’s short. Why? Most VC meetings are 30 minutes, but... ✔ Assume your VC is 5 minutes late (they'll claim a portfolio company emergency, but it could be a coffee mishap ☕). ✔ They’ll spend a few minutes on what makes their fund unique. ✔ Then, expect to answer at least 5 minutes of questions if your pitch isn’t resonating, or up to 10 minutes if they’re engaged. ➕ Plus, you need a polished 5-minute pitch in case a key partner joins late or misses the first 20 minutes. In this infographic, I’ll show some tips on how to pitch effectively, especially during a downturn. (Ok, so maybe it's not exactly a downturn right now, but it kind of feels like one.) Key areas include realistic valuations, showcasing your business fundamentals, and positioning your startup as a unique opportunity. Scroll through for more insights! 💡 And check out the link in the 1st comment to the top pitch decks publicly available on the internet!

💡 Founders, mastering your pitch is critical, especially now! Healy Jones shares insightful tips on delivering a concise pitch in his latest post. From realistic valuations to showcasing fundamentals, this infographic is a must-see. Find the link to top pitch decks in Healy Jones’ original post! #StartupFunding