Finding investors, whether you are a budding startup or a scaling business, can seem a daunting task. But if you are prepared and know where to look, you are destined to succeed. (Image Credit: Tumisu/Pixabay)
So, before setting foot on ground it is crucial that you are prepared. You need to prepare a solid pitch that proves your product or service is ready for the market. Moreover, a good idea is to prepare a list of all the investors that you could target.
When listing investors, make sure that they are from the same industry as that of your own business. A good investor would be someone that would not only agree on an investment plan that is good for the both of you but also someone that could provide valuable insight for growth.
Here are some of the best ways find the perfect investors for your business:
Incubator
If you are a startup, your best bet of finding investors is at an incubator or an accelerator. The great thing about incubators is that not only are they a great source of finding investors; they also provide office space and workshops that help boost your startup towards success.
Mentors
All great businessmen had mentors that led them towards great heights. If you do not have a mentor, you should consider finding one.
Mentors are people that are themselves great businessmen, influencers, or investors. These people have been in the industry for a long time and have great wisdom that you can use for your benefit.
Mentors can also be helpful when you are looking for investors. They can tell you what an investor might want and how to create a pitch that would be able to attract the right investors.
Angel Networks
Angel investor networks tend to be member-based communities. Angel Network can be a great source of finding an investor that will also provide mentorship and their network of contacts.
Here are some websites that can be great when starting out:
- Angel Capital Association
- Angel Investment Network
Crowdfunding Sites
Crowdfunding sites can also be helpful in finding investment, especially if you are a social entrepreneur. These sites give you access to investment from general public that want to be a part of a successful business or something they believe in.
You can also find philanthropists looking to invest in something that could create a positive change in society. Also, accredited investors are also looking for world-changing ideas to fund.
One such site is “Our Crowd”.
Family & Friends
Seeking investment in your own social circle can be quite easy because these are people that know and trust you. Therefore, you won’t have a hard time selling your idea.
However, when opting for friends or family, make sure you keep your business and personal relationship apart. Mixing the two can prove disastrous to your relationships.
A great way to do it is to make sure they clearly understand the risks associated with the investment.
Lastly, if you are looking for a place to set up your office, the best place is a cowork office space. Coworking, is a relatively new concept and it is quite productive. So, if your business is situated in Beverly Hills, you can find a suitable Studio at Beverly Hills among a wide variety of cowork space in Beverly Hills.
