Investor Expectations: roadmap to secure funding

What Investors Expect from a Product and Team

Product Expectations

1. Market Fit: Your product needs to be the hero Gotham deserves and needs—solving real problems for real people in a sizable market.
2. Innovation: Make your product the unicorn in a herd of horses. Stand out with a unique, irresistible twist.
3. Scalability: Think of your product as the next viral cat video—easy to spread and grow without breaking a sweat.
4. Revenue Model: Show the money! Clearly demonstrate how your product will rake in the dough, and fast.
5. Traction: Bring the numbers game strong. User growth, revenue, CAC, LTV—hit them with a data avalanche.

Team Expectations

1. Expertise: Assemble a team of Jedi masters, each with a unique set of skills and experience that scream “we got this.”
2. Passion and Vision: Show that your team is on a mission to change the world and isn’t just in it for the free snacks.
3. Execution Ability: Ideas are like belly buttons—everyone has one. Execution is where the magic happens.
4. Cohesion: Be the Avengers, not a dysfunctional reality TV family. Show harmony and teamwork.
5. Adaptability: Demonstrate that your team can pivot faster than a salsa dancer in stilettos when the market demands it.

The Pitch: What’s Required

Preparation

1. Research: Know your audience like Sherlock knows Watson. Tailor your pitch to their interests and pain points.
2. Data: Arm yourself with data that would make even a spreadsheet blush. Numbers don’t lie.

Presentation

1. Compelling Story: Open with a story that hooks them like the latest Netflix series. Problem, solution, why it matters.
2. Clear Slides: Keep your slides cleaner than a minimalist’s living room. Key points only, with visuals that pop.
3. Demo: If you can, show them the goods. Live demos beat death by PowerPoint any day.

Content

1. Problem and Solution: Paint the problem in dramatic hues, then reveal your product as the knight in shining armor.
2. Market Opportunity: Lay out the vast kingdom your product will conquer. Size, growth, and the treasures within.
3. Business Model: Explain how you’ll turn your treasure map into gold coins. Pricing, revenue streams, profitability.
4. Traction: Flaunt your progress like a peacock. User stats, revenue, partnerships—dazzle them with proof.
5. Financials: Present financials that would make Scrooge McDuck dive into his money bin. Projections, funding needs, usage.
6. Team: Highlight your team’s superpowers. Why are they the dream team for this mission?
7. Roadmap: Chart out your journey to the stars. Milestones, timelines, and the rocket fuel you need to get there.

Delivery

1. Confidence: Present with the swagger of a rock star at a sold-out concert. Believe in your vision.
2. Q&A: Be ready for a grilling. Anticipate tough questions and have smart, concise answers.
3. Follow-Up: Have a crystal-clear follow-up plan. Know the next steps and communicate them with precision.

The Witty Pitch Checklist

1. The Hook: Start with a bang—grab their attention with a surprising fact or a killer story.
2. The Problem: Describe the problem with a touch of drama. Make it relatable and pressing.
3. The Solution: Introduce your product as the superhero ready to save the day.
4. The Market: Illustrate the vast kingdom your product will conquer, highlighting the treasure within.
5. The Revenue Model: Show how your treasure chest will fill up. Clear, sustainable revenue streams.
6. The Traction: Flaunt your progress. Numbers, growth, and success stories.
7. The Team: Introduce your dream team, each a superhero in their own right.
8. The Ask: Clearly state what you need and what they’ll get in return. Make it a win-win.
9. The Close: End with a memorable statement or a call to action that leaves them wanting more.

Remember, investors want to see a product that stands out, a team that’s top-notch, and a pitch that’s clear, compelling, and confident. Show them you’ve got what it takes, and you’re on the path to success!