What investors look at

Hi Entrepreneur,

"Success is not just about having good ideas; it's about having the right people to bring them to life." – Steve Jobs

What Investors Really Look for in a Startup

Investing in startups is a high-risk, high-reward game, and investors are keenly aware of this. While each investor may have their unique criteria, certain fundamentals are universally sought after. Here’s an honest breakdown:

1. Strong Founding Team

Investors bet on people as much as on ideas. They look for a founding team with complementary skills, a solid track record, and the resilience to navigate the ups and downs of startup life. A team’s passion, vision, and ability to execute are critical.

2. Clear Market Need

A startup must address a real, pressing problem. Investors want to see evidence of a market need, whether through market research, customer feedback, or early sales. The bigger and more urgent the problem, the better.

3. Unique Value Proposition

Standing out in a crowded market is crucial. Startups must offer a unique value proposition that differentiates them from competitors. This could be an innovative product, a disruptive business model, or proprietary technology.

4. Scalable Business Model

Scalability is non-negotiable. Investors seek startups with a business model that can grow rapidly and sustainably. They look for clear paths to scalability, often through technology, network effects, or efficient operational processes.

5. Traction and Momentum

Early signs of traction are powerful indicators of future success. This could be user growth, revenue, partnerships, or other key metrics that demonstrate the startup’s momentum. Investors want to see that the startup is on an upward trajectory.

6. Financial Health and Projections

While early-stage startups might not be profitable, investors still scrutinise financial health. They want transparent, realistic financial projections, a clear understanding of costs, and a sensible plan for achieving profitability.

7. Market Size and Opportunity

The potential market size matters. Investors look for startups operating in large or rapidly growing markets. They want to ensure the startup can capture significant market share and has room to expand.

8. Competitive Landscape

Understanding the competition is vital. Investors expect startups to know their competitors well and have a strategy to compete effectively. This includes identifying direct and indirect competitors and articulating why the startup’s offering is superior.

9. Exit Potential

Ultimately, investors are looking for a return on their investment. They assess the startup’s exit potential, whether through acquisition, IPO, or another route. A clear exit strategy reassures investors of their potential to realise gains.

10. Alignment with Investor’s Interests

Investors often have specific interests or expertise. They seek startups that align with their investment thesis, industry knowledge, and network. Alignment increases the likelihood of a successful partnership.

Upcoming Events

We heard you and decided to organise industry-specific events. These are smaller, more intimate gatherings where each startup gets to engage directly with investors in their sector. Not only that, but we also share your pitch deck with all attendees, increasing your company's chances of success.

Our first two events are in June:

Here’s why you should attend:

  1. Targeted Networking: Meet investors who are specifically interested in your industry.

  2. Intimate Setting: Smaller groups mean more meaningful conversations.

  3. Pitch Deck Sharing: Your pitch deck will be shared with all investors attending the event.

  4. Complementary Drinks: Enjoy complimentary drinks while you network and discuss potential partnerships.

Don't miss out on these opportunities to propel your startup to new heights. Book your ticket now, as spaces are limited and selling out fast!

If you’re an investor in these verticals or a startup, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] 

Partner Highlights

We are proud to collaborate with RCK Partners, experts in helping startups with R&D Tax Credits, providing valuable financial benefits to support your innovation and growth.

Additionally, we recommend Odev.Tech, our preferred software development partner, offering top-tier development services tailored to the unique needs of startups.

Stay Updated

Keep up with our latest activities and announcements by joining our WhatsApp group here.

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Podcast Guest of the Week:


In this week's episode of the Innovation Conversation podcast, Ricardo interviews Laura Iriarte, Head of PR and Communications at Zero 100 Conferences. Laura, a multi-cultural professional with over 12 years of experience in Communications, PR, and Sustainability, shares her journey from working in sustainability to joining the venture capital industry.

They dive into the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and impact investing in venture capital, discussing the challenges of fundraising and the role of family offices. Laura offers insights into the startup ecosystems in Europe and Latin America, highlighting the significance of ESG reporting and the obstacles companies face in gathering and delivering data.

The conversation also touches on diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the need for more flexible policies to support working parents. Tune in to learn how ESG and impact investing can create a more balanced and sustainable world, and gain valuable insights from Laura’s extensive experience in strategic communications and sustainability. Don’t miss this engaging discussion with Laura Iriarte on the Innovation Conversation podcast.

Join our community and network on our platform, it’s a space where you can share your startup has a story and inspire others as well as exchange tips and experiences. You can be a part of our Vibrant Startup Community by applying here. 🤝

To get important announcements and stay updated about our upcoming community activities, join our Whatsapp chat group here.

Warm regards,

The Startup Events Team 🌐

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