UnMBA’s Post

This is one of the most successful strategies I've learned in 15 years of pitching to investors. #unmba Transparency with investors isn't just a "nice to have"—it's the foundation of trust. When you're raising capital, especially at the early stages, investors aren't just betting on your idea; they're betting on you. And let's be honest—most early-stage investors (friends, family, seed, angel) won't have the time or resources to do deep due diligence. They'll base their decision on whether they feel they can trust you to navigate uncertainty. So how do you build that trust? 1️⃣ Be upfront about what you know and don't know. Investors understand startups are filled with unknowns. Own them. Clearly lay out the assumptions driving your business, which ones are most critical, and your plan to test and validate those. 2️⃣ Proactively discuss challenges. Don't wait for investors to ask hard questions—get ahead of them. It's a chance to show you're thoughtful, realistic, and action-oriented. 3️⃣ Use transparency as a strength. If you're honest about gaps or risks, you can invite investors to help. The best ones want to contribute beyond just writing a check. Transparency sets the tone for a stronger, more collaborative relationship. The flip side? If you aren't upfront, it will come back to bite you. Either investors will pass because they sense something's off, or worse, your relationship will break down later when they feel you hid something. That's a quick way to derail your company and burn bridges. 🔑 Key takeaway: Trust is your most valuable currency when raising money. Separate yourself from the pack by being transparent, proactive, and collaborative. It's not about looking perfect; it's about being someone investors know they can count on. #Startups #Entrepreneurship #EarlyStageInvestors

"Would You Compromise Your Principles for Funding?" Recently, I had an insightful conversation with friends and mentors about pitching to venture capitalists. One of the questions posed really struck a chord: "If a VC offered you funding but asked you to compromise your principles, would you do it?" It’s a tough one, isn’t it? Funding can feel like the lifeblood of a venture, and the pressure to succeed can sometimes blur the lines of what feels non-negotiable. But here’s where I stand: Call me rigid, but I don’t think I could. Principles aren’t just ideals—they’re the foundation of trust, authenticity, and long-term success. Compromising them might secure a short-term win, but it risks eroding the core of what you stand for. I believe that alignment—whether it’s with investors, collaborators, or your team—matters as much as the vision you’re chasing. To anyone navigating similar challenges, I’d love to hear: How do you handle situations where values and opportunity seem to collide? Let’s spark a conversation—because sometimes, standing firm in your principles is the boldest move you can make. #Leadership #PrinciplesOverProfit #VCFunding #Entrepreneurship #Integrity

Do 💰 investors really know what they’re doing? Having been on both sides of the pond—as a PE/business investor evaluating opportunities and as a founder seeking the right investor partners—I’ve seen the best and worst of both worlds. In the world of startups, the failure rate is notoriously high. With such odds, what truly makes for a sound investment decision? This is where I draw inspiration from greats like Warren Buffett and his timeless wisdom about investing in value, not hype. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed far too many so-called VCs damage startups and ecosystems that are meant to foster entrepreneurship. These ecosystems should empower founders to create massive value for the economy. Yet, time and again, I’ve heard stories that reveal the truth: many of these “smart money” investors are not as smart as they seem. Some chase trends without understanding the fundamentals. Others impose unrealistic demands, stifling the very founders they’re meant to support. The result? Startups fail unnecessarily, and the ecosystem suffers. This is why I’m stepping forward to be a bridge. As an SME business investor and a founder seeking like-minded investor partners, I aim to bring these two worlds together. My mission is to: 1️⃣ Add Value: Help investors understand what truly works in building impactful, long-term businesses. 2️⃣ Share Insights: Bring clarity and wisdom from both sides of the table. 3️⃣ Build Bridges: Connect founders and investors who align on values and vision, creating ventures that drive real impact. Investing isn’t just about money—it’s about building legacies, empowering founders, and shaping the future. To my fellow investors and founders, what has been your experience in bridging these two worlds? Let’s collaborate, share insights, and build something extraordinary together. My name is Alan Mak, founder of AVARY Group. We’re a venture committed to acquiring profitable SMEs from retiring founders to address the global succession crisis. My passion lies in coaching business owners to achieve business freedom so they can spend more valuable time with their loved ones. ♻️ Repost if this resonates with you. 💭 I’d love to hear your thoughts. ➕ Follow for more insights on M&A investments and SME succession planning. #InvestingWisely #Entrepreneurship #MergersAndAcquisitions #SMEs #SmartInvesting #StartupSuccess #BuildingBridges #LegacyMatters

💡 You know what’s worse than a "no" from an investor?   A "no" that turns into "𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭?" six months later. . . . Your pitch shouldn’t beg for investment.  It should make investors 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 why they haven’t invested yet.  𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: - Investors ask for second calls without prompting   - They introduce you to partners unprompted   - Follow-up emails come within hours, not weeks   - Questions shift from "why" to "how" and "when" The right pitch doesn’t end with:  "Would you like to invest?" It ends with investors thinking:    "If we don’t move now, someone else will." 🔑 Remember: The goal isn’t to convince investors you’re worth betting on.   It’s to make them worry about betting against you. When you nail this, you’ll notice: - Meeting dynamics shift   - Due diligence accelerates   - Terms improve naturally   - Competitors start reaching out  Because FOMO isn’t created by metrics alone.   It’s created by the inevitable feeling that you’re onto something big.   And investors 𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞 missing out on big. #startupfunding #investorpitch #pitchdeck #venturecapital #businessgrowth #investmentstrategy #founderlife #entrepreneurmindset #scalingup #businesssuccess #raisingcapital #investorrelations #startups

Don't Pitch Blind: Why Investors Need Full Transparency? In the startup ecosystem, your pitch can make or break your opportunity to attract investment. At Qubit Capital, I've noticed many pitches fall short because they omit crucial details. This has inspired me to discuss how clear and thorough preparation can improve your odds of success. Two primary issues result in weak pitches: Addressing the gap in understanding → Incomplete Information: Often, founders present without including vital details. → Importance of Research: Careful preparation on what investors seek can turn a mediocre pitch into an outstanding one. → Common Oversight: For example, some might focus excessively on product features while ignoring the details of their market entry strategy. Reluctance to discuss potential negatives → Avoiding Difficult Topics: Founders might skip over negatives, fearing it could deter investors. → Advantages of Transparency: Being open about challenges can establish trust and invite useful advice. → Illustration: For instance, a startup that has pivoted after significant funding might worry about a reduced valuation, but being candid about this could stimulate beneficial discussions. Here are my two cents to address this issue. → Value of Openness: Sharing the complete picture of your business's capabilities and challenges fosters trust. → Necessity of Preparation: Understand what investors expect to hear and the reasons behind it. → Benefits of Clear Communication: Direct and truthful conversations can enhance relationships with investors. Ready to upgrade your pitch? Commit to transparency, prepare extensively, and engage confidently. Your ideal investors will value your honesty and thoroughness. Is there anything else you’d like to add to this discussion? Comment below. #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #InvestmentPitch #StartupSuccess #FounderTips #VentureCapital P.S. At Qubit Capital, we also help founders prepare their perfect pitch deck before they meet their investors.

In the startup world, building credibility with potential investors is crucial at every stage of your funding journey. From initial contact to post-investment follow-ups, establishing trust is fundamental. Here’s how you can build and maintain credibility before, during, and after investor meetings: *Before the Meeting* - Do Your Homework: Research your potential investors’ interests, past investments, and industry preferences. Tailor your pitch to resonate with their goals and portfolio. - Refine Your Pitch Materials: Ensure your business plan, pitch deck, and financial models are impeccable, accurate, and realistic. Errors or unrealistic projections can be a major turnoff. - Leverage Endorsements: Utilize your network to secure introductions. Endorsements from mutual connections or industry figures can significantly boost your credibility before you even speak. *During the Meeting* - Be Transparent and Honest: Always be honest about your achievements and challenges. Transparency about your business operations, finances, and needs helps build trust. - Show Your Passion and Expertise: Demonstrate your commitment and deep understanding of your industry. Investors are more likely to trust a leader who shows passion and thorough knowledge. - Listen Actively: Show that you value their insights and feedback. Engaging with their suggestions or concerns during the meeting can further solidify your credibility. *After the Meeting* - Follow Up Promptly: Send a thank you note summarizing the key points discussed and next steps. Timely follow-ups keep the communication line open and show professionalism. - Keep Your Promises: Deliver on any follow-up items you committed to during the meeting. Consistency in following through on promises is crucial for maintaining credibility. - Provide Regular Updates: Even if they didn’t invest, keep potential investors informed about your progress and milestones. Regular updates can turn a no into a yes and show your commitment to transparency and long-term relationships. Building investor confidence is a continuous process that requires consistency, honesty, and professionalism. By demonstrating your competence and reliability at every interaction, you position your startup as a worthy investment. 🔗 Interested in connecting with a global network of VCs for your startup? DM me. We at A1 Advisory specialize in deal flow management - bridging the gap between startups and early growth stage businesses looking for funding and investors from around the world. #StartupFunding #InvestorRelations #Entrepreneurship #BusinessStrategy #CredibilityBuilding #VentureCapital #StartupLife #InvestmentPitch

🚀 Demystifying the Capital Raising Process for Startups 🚀 Ever wonder how the magic of raising capital actually happens? Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps, making it as easy as pie! 🥧 1. Idea Validation: Before diving into the funding pool, ensure your idea solves a real problem. Feedback is your best friend here! 2. Business Plan & Pitch Deck Creation: Articulate your vision, market, and financial projections in a crisp document and presentation. This is your key to grabbing attention! 🔑 3. Identify the Right Investors: Not all money is the same. Look for investors who align with your vision and can add value beyond just capital. 4. Networking & Pitching: Hit the ground running with networking events, LinkedIn connections, and direct outreach. Remember, it’s not just what you know, but who you know. 🌐 5. Negotiation & Due Diligence: Once an investor bites, it’s time for the nitty-gritty. Be prepared for deep dives into your business and tough negotiations. 6. Closing the Deal: With terms agreed upon, it’s time to sign on the dotted line and toast to your partnership. 🥂 7. Post-Investment Growth: With funds in the bank, it’s all systems go for growth, but remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Your investors are now part of your journey. #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #CapitalRaising #BusinessGrowth #StartupLife #InvestmentTips #Networking #PitchPerfect #StartupJourney

Navigating the Investor Pitch: Paul Graham’s 9-Step Guide to Success Securing funding is one of the most critical—and challenging—phases for any startup. As founders, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to impress. But Paul Graham’s 9-step guide simplifies the process, focusing on authenticity, preparation, and clear communication. Key Takeaways: 1️⃣ Be Formidable: Confidence matters. Show that you can tackle challenges head-on. 2️⃣ Be Authentic: Investors value sincerity over a polished façade. Authenticity builds trust. 3️⃣ Stick to the Truth: Honesty about your startup’s value is your greatest asset. 4️⃣ Build Domain Expertise: Be the go-to expert in your industry. Knowledge convinces. 5️⃣ Wait for the Right Time: Fundraise when you’re ready to present a strong, thought-out case. 6️⃣ Demonstrate Market Potential: Highlight specific trends that showcase your relevance and scalability. 7️⃣ Handle Rejection Gracefully: Every “no” is a learning opportunity. Use feedback to improve. 8️⃣ Pitch with Clarity: Simplicity wins. Speak plainly and avoid unnecessary jargon. 9️⃣ Follow the Recipe: Understand deeply why your business is worth investing in—and convey that understanding effectively. These steps remind us that raising funds isn’t just about dazzling investors; it’s about building trust, demonstrating expertise, and crafting a clear, compelling story. How are you approaching your next pitch? Let’s discuss in the comments! #StartupFunding #InvestorRelations #PaulGraham #Entrepreneurship #PitchDeck

🚀 Demystifying the Capital Raising Process for Startups 🚀 Ever wonder how the magic of raising capital actually happens? Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps, making it as easy as pie! 🥧 1. Idea Validation: Before diving into the funding pool, ensure your idea solves a real problem. Feedback is your best friend here! 2. Business Plan & Pitch Deck Creation: Articulate your vision, market, and financial projections in a crisp document and presentation. This is your key to grabbing attention! 🔑 3. Identify the Right Investors: Not all money is the same. Look for investors who align with your vision and can add value beyond just capital. 4. Networking & Pitching: Hit the ground running with networking events, LinkedIn connections, and direct outreach. Remember, it’s not just what you know, but who you know. 🌐 5. Negotiation & Due Diligence: Once an investor bites, it’s time for the nitty-gritty. Be prepared for deep dives into your business and tough negotiations. 6. Closing the Deal: With terms agreed upon, it’s time to sign on the dotted line and toast to your partnership. 🥂 7. Post-Investment Growth: With funds in the bank, it’s all systems go for growth, but remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Your investors are now part of your journey. #StartupFunding #Entrepreneurship #CapitalRaising #BusinessGrowth #StartupLife #InvestmentTips #Networking #PitchPerfect #StartupJourney

Makes much sense. Thought of taking it a step further with startup hits and misses 👉 Speed and scale, but give up on independence Hit: Uber's fast expansion, largely through capital influx in quick succession post Benchmark's first round Miss: Dunzo with the influx of capital during Covid that moved too fast to 'show' growth at the expense of business fundamentals 👉 Speed and independence, but give up on scale Hit: Zerodha that hasn't taken investor money, and is second to Groww in market share but more profitable Miss: Hopscotch lost out to Firstcry in the market though it started around the same time largely in the same market 👉 Scale and independence, but know it won't come with speed Hit: DMart - Avenue Supermarts Ltd in its early years focussed on dominating the Western region, going neighborhood by neighbourhood. The rest is history. Miss: Snapchat, perhaps, that thwarted many attempts at being bought out by the big guys and is now fighting for relevance with its inability to evolve Sure, there's no right answer. Each strategy is different but special because it's yours