How to Make Your Startup More Appealing to Venture Capitalists

Finding enough funding is often one of the hardest parts of starting your own company. Venture capitalists can be the solution to your small business financing needs, provided you entice the right ones to your enterprise. The Washington Post reported that venture capitalists contributed $26.5 billion to start-up firms in 2019. So how do you attract investors and secure a piece of that funding?

Highlight Your Business’ Unique Selling Points

Venture capitalists – individuals or groups willing to put their own money into new companies – are looking for business that is going to succeed. That means one that offers something unique to its market, one that is hard for other companies to copy and one that has a sustainable market of customers. Can you prove to investors that there are enough people really willing to buy your goods? Is your offering something so one-of-a-kind that it can be patented and protected from duplication? When you present your small business to VCs, make sure they leave feeling like your product or service is going to be “the next best thing.”

Network, Network, Network

In order to attract venture capitalists you really need to know some venture capitalists. Insiders say they invest very little into unknown people and companies. Most of their funds go to companies run by those who have networked into them. The point? Get out there and start making some connections. Try asking your attorney, your investment broker, your banker if they know any VCs who might be interested in your business. Go on social media and search out VC firms. Attend local fundraising events to hobnob with those who have cash to spare. Making some personal contacts is by far the best way to secure VC funding.

With some serious networking and a solid business model to present, you are sure to find financing from venture capitalists that will take your company to the next level.