How can you set realistic investor expectations during a fundraising campaign?

To ensure that your investor & your startup’s goals are aligned - go through their investment thesis, previous investments and identify synergies with their portcos. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and get clarity on important topics like avg cheque size, reporting etc. Reach out to the investor’s portco founders and get an objective feedback about them.

Research as much as you can ahead of a meeting, but remember, it's okay to ask an investor questions too! Getting clarity on important information like average check size, areas of focus, or whether the fund is actively deploying at this time can all help you better prioritize the prospective investors you're meeting and better forecast your own fundraising pipeline.

One of the most important areas where it helps to be honest is timing - many investors can sense if you're trying to force a close or inventing a deadline! Raise well before you need the money so you can afford to pace yourself with timing, but then try to build clear alignment between when you'd like to close your round and when you want to start to put cash to work (new hires, engaging engineering resources, down payment for an order, etc.). Though it takes a lot of time and effort, you're better off being nearly 100% on fundraising for a short period of time than letting it drag on for months with no end in sight.

Crystal clear direction: No room for ambiguity. No investor wants a roadmap that says "somewhere awesome eventually." SMART goals point to exactly what you'll achieve, leaving no room for confusion. Trackable progress: Hitting milestones feels good, and showing investors proof of progress feels even better. SMART goals break down your journey into bite-sized wins, showing your investors you're not just talking, you're doing. Realistic ambition: SMART goals strike a balance: ambitious enough to excite, realistic enough to believe in. Investor confidence booster: Showcasing well-defined SMART goals tells investors you're not just winging it. It demonstrates clear thinking, strategic planning, and a focus on results.

Measuring up, not just dreaming up: Don't get lost in nebulas of vague dreams. Set clear, measurable milestones – those baby steps on your galactic adventure. Think quarterly goals, key performance indicators (KPIs) that light your way, and metrics that make that moon feel within reach. Real talk, not rocket fuel: Be honest about your timeline. Space travel takes time, even with a billionaire's backing. Factor in risks and roadblocks, because nobody likes a surprise asteroid field. Communication is key, even in space: Keep your investors in the loop, even when things get bumpy. Regular updates, transparent reporting, and celebrating those milestones (like landing on Mars!) show you're a captain they can trust.

Don’t overuse adjectives and hyperbole. Humor has its place as does professionalism. Tell stories. Ask questions. Employ, “looks like.”

Don’t overuse adjectives and hyperbole. Humor has its place as does professionalism. Tell stories. Ask questions. Employ, “looks like.”

Don’t overuse adjectives and hyperbole. Humor has its place as does professionalism. Tell stories. Ask questions. Employ, “looks like.”