With a 42% drop in funding between 2022 and 2023 (source: The Deal 2023, Beauhurst), the importance of fostering strong investor relationships is a HOT topic right now. We were fortunate enough to be part of the discussion at a recent dinner hosted by The Bessemer Society; this was our value-add message to the entrepreneurs there (and sharing here): Humanise your investors. (i.e. don't hate them!). This means accept, forgive and empathise with their motivations. This isn't about niceness. As leaders, you perform better when you do this. You're less likely to be patronising, avoid questions, be defensive or long-winded. You get focussed, trusting, concise and impactful. => They feel trust and respect. They listen and value you in return. => They GIVE YOU THE MONEY. (Easy as that LOL). Thank you for having us The Bessemer Society. #horizon37 #leadership #InvestorRelations
Feel the pain.. What happens when 'rogue' investors take you out, and how can you protect yourself (be more risk aware) was the topic of our recent London dinner... Keynote speakers were Steve Bennington, CEO of Q5D Ltd, Steve Lindsey, former CEO of Lontra Ltd, while representing legal counsel to tie it all up was Rory Wilson, partner at Peachey & Co LLP. Supporting speakers included: Daniel Kaute, Director of Evoralis, Leon Marsh, CEO of Bodytrak®, Mike Karim, CEO of Oxford Endovascular Ltd., Steve Turley, former CEO of Perpetuum (sold to Hitachi Rail), Keith Errey, CEO of Isansys Lifecare, and Jonathan Watkins, CEO of Impression Technologies Ltd. How to build rapport and understanding with a board was delivered to us by Katy Tuncer, founder of the executive training firm, Horizon37
