Understand investor types
venture capitalist
Focus on early-stage, high-risk, high-reward projects
Usually requires a higher shareholding ratio and participation in company decision-making
angel investor
Individual investors, providing seed capital to support start-ups
Typically seeks a smaller equity share but expects a higher rate of return
private equity funds
Focus on investing in companies in growth and maturity stages
Provide large amounts of capital and seek long-term investment returns
strategic investor
Typically large companies investing in startups related to their business
In addition to funding, it can also provide market, technical or resource support.
Prepare investment proposal
Carefully crafted business plan
Clearly describe business model and market positioning
Elaborate on the unique selling points of your product or service
Present market analysis and potential market size
Financial Forecasts and Funding Requirements
Provide detailed financial forecasts including revenue, costs and profits
Clearly state the amount of funds required and their purpose
Team introduction and management skills
Highlight team members’ backgrounds and expertise
Demonstrate team collaboration capabilities and success stories
Build an investor network
Attend industry conferences and events
Establish face-to-face connections with potential investors
Understand industry trends and investor concerns
Join a startup incubator and accelerator
Leverage the resources and networks provided by incubators
Reach investors through incubator referrals
Leverage social media and professional platforms
Build a professional profile on platforms like LinkedIn, AngelList, and more
Publish company news and achievements to attract investors' attention
Develop a communication strategy
Preparing for an Elevator Speech
Introduce companies and projects concisely to attract investor interest
Clearly communicate investment value and potential in a short period of time
Regular updates to investors
Regularly send project progress and results to potential investors
Maintain good communication and relationships with investors
Evaluate and select suitable investors
Research a potential investor’s investment history and preferences
Understand the industries and stages in which investors have invested in the past
Confirm whether the investor’s investment philosophy is consistent with the company’s vision
Consider the added value investors can provide
In addition to funds, can investors provide industry resources, market channels, etc.
Assess investors' potential role in company development
Prepare for investment negotiations
Clarify negotiation goals and bottom line
Determine the minimum investment terms the company is willing to accept
Be prepared to respond to a variety of questions and conditions from investors
Organize a professional team to participate in negotiations
Assemble a negotiating team consisting of lawyers, accountants, and company executives
Ensure team members have sufficient professional knowledge and negotiation skills
Follow up and maintain investor relations
Provide regular company operation reports
Show investors the company's operations and financial health
Maintain transparency and enhance investor confidence
Organize investor day events
Investors are regularly invited to visit the company to learn about the latest progress
Strengthen connections and communication with investors through activities
Legal and Compliance Preparation
Ensure all documents and agreements comply with laws and regulations
Work with professional lawyers to ensure the legality of all investment documents
Avoid legal issues that may affect the investment process and company reputation
Be prepared for due diligence
Collate all necessary financial and operational documents in advance
Facilitate and support investors’ due diligence
Utilize professional advisors and agencies
Consult financial advisors and investment banks
Utilize the experience and resources of professional institutions to improve financing efficiency
Get market information and investor updates through advisors
Seek support from government and non-profit organizations
Understand the entrepreneurship support policies and funds provided by the government
Leverage nonprofit resources and networks to find investors
Innovative financing methods
Crowdfunding and pre-sale products
Leverage crowdfunding platforms to attract small investors and consumers
Test market reaction with pre-sales of product while raising funds
Issue bonds or convertible notes
For mature businesses, consider raising funds through the bond market
Issue convertible notes that provide investors with the option to convert into equity in the future
Continuously optimize and adjust strategies
Adjust business plan based on market feedback
Continuously optimize products and services based on feedback from investors and the market
Adjust business models to better adapt to market changes
Learn and adapt to new financing trends
Pay attention to emerging financing channels and methods, such as cryptocurrency financing
Adapt to market changes and continuously update and improve financing strategies