What investors look for
When selecting and approaching a potential investor, you should be
well-researched, and well-prepared. To help you get started, consider the
following:
✔ Sector experience: Check the industry sectors the
investment firm specialises in and ensure it matches the sector your
business operates in.
✔ Investment stages: Different types of private capital
firms invest in businesses at various stages of their lifecycle.
✔ Transaction size: Most investors have a preferred
transaction size.
✔ Geographical location: Check the locations the investors
operate in.
Once you have a short list of potential investors, it is often a good idea
to contact the private capital firm and request more
information about the industry sectors they are focussed on, and their
specific investment processes.
Additionally, you should research the additional value
that the investor can bring to your organisation. These skills may include
industry knowledge, fundraising, financial and strategic planning,
recruitment of key personnel, mergers and acquisitions, and access to
international markets and technology.
✔ Prepare your business plan. Here is a guide to
preparing a business plan.
✔ Prepare your pitch. Here is a
guide from serial entrepreneur Dr. Tom McKaskill on developing a comprehensive,
informative and appropriate investor presentation.