Startup Professionals Musings

JULY 9, 2021

Here is my outline of key deliverables that could convince me that you are a cut above the “average” entrepreneur that approaches me with nothing but a dream and a prayer: Personal video introduction with elevator pitch. Investors will expect it for due diligence.

Elevator Pitch 390

Elevator Pitch Entrepreneur Due Diligence Angel Investor 390

ReadWriteStart

JUNE 1, 2020

The primary source of your funds should be your paying customers, i.e., your business should generate enough revenues and profits to fund the growth and expansion. Any custom manufactured IoT device would require software development as well as hardware customization. Both of which are expensive and time-consuming.

Startup 150

Startup Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Seed Stage 150

Steve Blank

NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Chasing funding versus chasing customers and a repeatable and scalable business model, is one reason startups fail. Chasing funding versus chasing customers and a repeatable and scalable business model, is one reason startups fail. Are there customers for what you are building? How many are there? Can it scale?”

Customer Development 266

Customer Development Developer Customer Silicon Valley 266

Startup Professionals Musings

NOVEMBER 4, 2011

are eliminated during due diligence. Remember to aim the content of both of these at investors, not customers. They must amplify your “elevator pitch” to investors, as well as key points from the business plan and the financial model. Close at least one initial customer. Free trials don’t count.

Intellectual Property 249

Intellectual Property Angel Investor Technical Review Elevator Pitch 249

Up and Running

APRIL 11, 2012

He defines the elevator pitch, video pitch, executive summary, PowerPoint presentation, and business plan as different forms. Investors who wish to pursue investment will ask for a copy of your business plan and enter a stage called “due diligence,” spending lots of time with you validating the investment opportunity.

Business Plan 85

Business Plan Elevator Pitch Technical Review Due Diligence 85

Startup Professionals Musings

SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

are eliminated during due diligence. Remember to aim the content of both of these at investors, not customers. They must amplify your “elevator pitch” to investors, as well as key points from the business plan and the financial model. Close at least one initial customer. Free trials don’t count.

Angel Investor 224

Angel Investor Intellectual Property Technical Review Elevator Pitch 224

Up and Running

MARCH 14, 2018

Your revenue or business model. Customer acquisition: Marketing and sales strategy. This is usually one of the most skipped sections of an investor pitch and a full business plan. How will you reach your customers? Your financials should easily allow you to calculate your customer acquisition costs.

Hockey Stick 164

Hockey Stick Exit Strategy Technical Review Angel Investor 164