16 jul How to Interview an Investor
Entrepreneurs often concentrate on how they can prepare for a meeting. They get their business plan organized and ensure that all financial documents are in place and practice the main points of their pitch deck. An interview with an investor is a two-way process. The questions you ask an investor will reveal a lot about their approach and expectations when working with startups.
Standard Investor Questions
Investors want to know how well you know the fundamentals of your business model and what you see as your company’s market opportunity. Investors will also want to understand how you plan to grow, what metrics are most important to you and how you plan to create value for your investment. Answering these questions will enable you build a solid foundation for a deeper discussion in the interview.
Process and firm-specific questions
Doing your research on the investors and their investment procedures before you meet them is essential. You can customize your approach so that it meets their needs, and increase the probability that they will invest in your startup. Knowing what investors look for in terms of returns as well as the typical timelines for deals can help you align with their objectives. You can also gain a better understanding of the approach they take to founders by learning how they’ve faced turbulence in their portfolio companies.