Tips from an investor

I run a multimillion-dollar tech firm and have personally invested in numerous exceptional and innovative startups. The first rule when meeting an investor is to build a relationship. In fact, before I even meet with a startup founder or team, I already know nearly everything about them—from their educational background and employment history to whether they’ve had any previous businesses. So the first thing I observe is whether they are focused solely on securing funding or if they are genuinely passionate about their business. Therefore, your first impression should be centered on building a meaningful connection and fostering a strong relationship. The second rule is to embrace advice and knowledge. While securing funding from investors is not always guaranteed, the advice and insights we provide can significantly contribute to the growth of your business, even without external investment. In my experience, I’ve witnessed many startups fail simply because they were more focused on obtaining money than on learning and taking valuable advice. Building a relationship with an investor is always beneficial, not just financially, but in many other ways. At times, we partner with startups to offer guidance and introduce them to other entrepreneurs who can help them scale their business and successfully market their products or services. Remember, investing in knowledge can often be more valuable than a financial investment.